An allergy is an unusual reaction of the immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances that does not bother most other people. We must also know that most people who have allergies may be allergic not only to a single substance, most of the time they are sensitive to more than one thing. Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To identify the specific substance that triggers your allergies, an allergy testing should be done.
An allergy testing is a very important factor for early diagnosis and prevention of allergy attack. The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is done to screen for an allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to a specific substance or substances when a patient presents with acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms. Allergy tests are intended to obtain the most definite information possible so your doctor can determine what you are allergic to and provide the best treatment.
A skin test, or sometimes blood test, and the use of commonly troublesome allergens are included in an allergy test.
- Prick test technique - Skin prick testing (SPT) is a cheap, rapid and accurate way of identifying the causative allergens in the atopic individual. Atopy is characterised by an overactive immune response to environmental factors and has a strong genetic component. It usually manifests clinically as one or more of the characteristic disorders of asthma, eczema, or hay fever (rhinitis). Other conditions that may sometimes benefit from skin prick testing include acute urticaria and angioedema, and bee and wasp stings, especially if immunotherapy is being considered.
- Patch test - this test is probably the best test to determine the specific allergen that causes contact dermatitis. The suspected allergens are applied to the patient's back under dressings and allowed to remain in contact with the skin for 48 hours. The area is then examined for evidence of delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
- Challenge test - For the challenge test, you swallow a very small amount of the suspected allergen, usually in a capsule. If there is no reaction, your allergist gradually gives you more until a reaction is noted. Because of the risk of a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, challenge tests are done in a clinical setting and are only performed when absolutely necessary.
- Blood (RAST) test - A RAST test makes use of an extracted blood of the client, detects the amount of IgE that reacts specifically with suspected or known allergens. It is worth noting that a person who has outgrown an allergy may still have positive IgE years after exposure.
- Intradermal - another method of skin testing to help determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. It involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin with a syringe. After about 20 minutes the area is examined for a reaction at the site. A typical reaction looks like a small hive with swelling and redness. This form of testing is more sensitive than the prick skin test method.
An allergy is an unusual reaction of the immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances that does not bother most other people. We must also know that most people who have allergies may be allergic not only to a single substance, most of the time they are sensitive to more than one thing. Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To identify the specific substance that triggers your allergies, an allergy testing should be done.
An allergy testing is a very important factor for early diagnosis and prevention of allergy attack. The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is done to screen for an allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to a specific substance or substances when a patient presents with acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms. Allergy tests are intended to obtain the most definite information possible so your doctor can determine what you are allergic to and provide the best treatment.
A skin test, or sometimes blood test, and the use of commonly troublesome allergens are included in an allergy test.
- Prick test technique - Skin prick testing (SPT) is a cheap, rapid and accurate way of identifying the causative allergens in the atopic individual. Atopy is characterised by an overactive immune response to environmental factors and has a strong genetic component. It usually manifests clinically as one or more of the characteristic disorders of asthma, eczema, or hay fever (rhinitis). Other conditions that may sometimes benefit from skin prick testing include acute urticaria and angioedema, and bee and wasp stings, especially if immunotherapy is being considered.
- Patch test - this test is probably the best test to determine the specific allergen that causes contact dermatitis. The suspected allergens are applied to the patient's back under dressings and allowed to remain in contact with the skin for 48 hours. The area is then examined for evidence of delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
- Challenge test - For the challenge test, you swallow a very small amount of the suspected allergen, usually in a capsule. If there is no reaction, your allergist gradually gives you more until a reaction is noted. Because of the risk of a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, challenge tests are done in a clinical setting and are only performed when absolutely necessary.
- Blood (RAST) test - A RAST test makes use of an extracted blood of the client, detects the amount of IgE that reacts specifically with suspected or known allergens. It is worth noting that a person who has outgrown an allergy may still have positive IgE years after exposure.
- Intradermal - another method of skin testing to help determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. It involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin with a syringe. After about 20 minutes the area is examined for a reaction at the site. A typical reaction looks like a small hive with swelling and redness. This form of testing is more sensitive than the prick skin test method.
Author : amber
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-To-Prevent-That-Sudden-Allergy-Attack/1050091
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Allergy Symptoms: Natural Ways to Reduce Asthma and Allergy Symptoms
American television programs of the 1950s taught simple axioms such as Clear Fences Make Good Neighbors and If You Don't Have Anything Nice To Say, Don't Say Anything At All. In that simple golden era, severe allergies were extremely rare among the population, so something like a potentially lethal bee sting provided more than enough material for a thirty-minute comedic episode.
Since then, television has become less wholesome, ethics and plotlines more complex, and severe allergies more common. In fact, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 60 million Americans suffer from allergies, and the CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases both report that the number of Americans with allergies has been on the rise for the last ten years.
Various aspects of the modern lifestyle could be to blame. Some say climate change due to global warming has elongated blooming seasons, creating especially intense periods when different species' pollen release periods overlap. A Harvard University study suggests that trees may also be releasing more pollen in response to increased levels of carbon dioxide. Increased indoor and outdoor pollution, stress, and diets high in processed foods and low in fiber may contribute to higher incidence of allergies. Finally, some follow the “hygiene hypothesis," that our increased use of anti-bacterial products has worked all too well: everything in our homes and offices is so free of germs nowadays that our bodies are effectively defenseless against newer, nastier bacteria.
Whatever the cause, as the number of allergy sufferers rises, more and more are opting for naturopathic treatments, and turning away from the quick fixes promised by allergy pills or shots. Some choose naturopathy to avoid irritating side effects. Others have found that homeopathic approaches treat symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their allergies. Scientists aren't yet sure why naturopathic methods can often achieve similar, if not better results, than traditional western medicine, but it may have something to do with the breadth of the naturopathic approach, which considers emotional, mental, and whole-body health, rather than limiting treatment to isolated symptoms.
Unfortunately, without enlisting a professional, it's not always easy to find naturopathic treatments for specific allergies. To help our readers, we've compiled the following treatment information for various allergies.
POLLENS
Whether you know your special pollen allergen or simply explain your rasping cough and red eyes as “hay fever," homeopathic methods can help. Many naturopathic experts recommend increasing your fish intake because omega-3 fatty oils have been shown to reduce allergy symptoms. Walnuts, flax seeds, and dark leafy greens are alternative sources of omega-3; a daily supplements are also an option. Try naturopathic eyedrops to naturally soothe itchy, red eyes. Many turn to acupuncture and/or herbs, including nettle and green tea, to knock out their allergies. Flushing the nasal passages regularly with a mixture of warm water and a pinch each of baking soda and sea salt is also a common treatment. Use a spray bottle, nose dropper, or neti pot for application. For a special treat, add a drop of soothing eucalyptus or invigorating tea tree essential oil. Finally, a few precautionary steps, such as regularly cleaning and showering after pollen exposure, could reduce your symptoms.
More Homeopathic Remedies: Arsen Alb, Euphrasia, and Pulsatilla. Essential oils and other applications for each may be found online or at natural food stores.
Molds, Dust Mites and Animal Dander
If you suffer from allergies, your home can be your worst enemy. After all, outside pollens and molds are reduced during cold winter months, but indoor allergens can thrive year-round, an especially nasty prospect given that molds, dust mites, and animal dander are the trigger for many symptoms of asthma. Before you medicate, create a clean, dry environment—without skin dander or moisture, allergens can't survive long. Aim to eliminate as many breeding grounds—such as unnecessary rugs, pillows, and cloth window treatments—as possible. Commit to washing your bedding and remaining rugs in very hot water once a week, along with stuffed animals. Also consider keeping pets out of the bedroom, so that their allergy-inducing dander can't become embedded where you spend half of your life. Last, mattress covers, sometimes called mattress protectors or mattress encasements, are an impenetrable line of defense against allergens, as they effectively block allergens from reaching you and their food supply (your dead skin). These same encasements can be purchased to protect your pillows and crib mattresses as well.
More Homeopathic Remedies: Homeopaths often recommend Arsen Alb, Sabadilla, American Stinging Nettles or Perilla to relieve symptoms associated with dust mite allergies. If, after a clean environment is created in and around your bed, allergies still seem to persist at home, consider asking your doctor or naturopathic expert about taking these supplements.
Author : Ben Anton
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Allergy-Symptoms-Natural-Ways-to-Reduce-Asthma-and-Allergy-Symptoms/1005579
Since then, television has become less wholesome, ethics and plotlines more complex, and severe allergies more common. In fact, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 60 million Americans suffer from allergies, and the CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases both report that the number of Americans with allergies has been on the rise for the last ten years.
Various aspects of the modern lifestyle could be to blame. Some say climate change due to global warming has elongated blooming seasons, creating especially intense periods when different species' pollen release periods overlap. A Harvard University study suggests that trees may also be releasing more pollen in response to increased levels of carbon dioxide. Increased indoor and outdoor pollution, stress, and diets high in processed foods and low in fiber may contribute to higher incidence of allergies. Finally, some follow the “hygiene hypothesis," that our increased use of anti-bacterial products has worked all too well: everything in our homes and offices is so free of germs nowadays that our bodies are effectively defenseless against newer, nastier bacteria.
Whatever the cause, as the number of allergy sufferers rises, more and more are opting for naturopathic treatments, and turning away from the quick fixes promised by allergy pills or shots. Some choose naturopathy to avoid irritating side effects. Others have found that homeopathic approaches treat symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their allergies. Scientists aren't yet sure why naturopathic methods can often achieve similar, if not better results, than traditional western medicine, but it may have something to do with the breadth of the naturopathic approach, which considers emotional, mental, and whole-body health, rather than limiting treatment to isolated symptoms.
Unfortunately, without enlisting a professional, it's not always easy to find naturopathic treatments for specific allergies. To help our readers, we've compiled the following treatment information for various allergies.
POLLENS
Whether you know your special pollen allergen or simply explain your rasping cough and red eyes as “hay fever," homeopathic methods can help. Many naturopathic experts recommend increasing your fish intake because omega-3 fatty oils have been shown to reduce allergy symptoms. Walnuts, flax seeds, and dark leafy greens are alternative sources of omega-3; a daily supplements are also an option. Try naturopathic eyedrops to naturally soothe itchy, red eyes. Many turn to acupuncture and/or herbs, including nettle and green tea, to knock out their allergies. Flushing the nasal passages regularly with a mixture of warm water and a pinch each of baking soda and sea salt is also a common treatment. Use a spray bottle, nose dropper, or neti pot for application. For a special treat, add a drop of soothing eucalyptus or invigorating tea tree essential oil. Finally, a few precautionary steps, such as regularly cleaning and showering after pollen exposure, could reduce your symptoms.
More Homeopathic Remedies: Arsen Alb, Euphrasia, and Pulsatilla. Essential oils and other applications for each may be found online or at natural food stores.
Molds, Dust Mites and Animal Dander
If you suffer from allergies, your home can be your worst enemy. After all, outside pollens and molds are reduced during cold winter months, but indoor allergens can thrive year-round, an especially nasty prospect given that molds, dust mites, and animal dander are the trigger for many symptoms of asthma. Before you medicate, create a clean, dry environment—without skin dander or moisture, allergens can't survive long. Aim to eliminate as many breeding grounds—such as unnecessary rugs, pillows, and cloth window treatments—as possible. Commit to washing your bedding and remaining rugs in very hot water once a week, along with stuffed animals. Also consider keeping pets out of the bedroom, so that their allergy-inducing dander can't become embedded where you spend half of your life. Last, mattress covers, sometimes called mattress protectors or mattress encasements, are an impenetrable line of defense against allergens, as they effectively block allergens from reaching you and their food supply (your dead skin). These same encasements can be purchased to protect your pillows and crib mattresses as well.
More Homeopathic Remedies: Homeopaths often recommend Arsen Alb, Sabadilla, American Stinging Nettles or Perilla to relieve symptoms associated with dust mite allergies. If, after a clean environment is created in and around your bed, allergies still seem to persist at home, consider asking your doctor or naturopathic expert about taking these supplements.
Author : Ben Anton
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Allergy-Symptoms-Natural-Ways-to-Reduce-Asthma-and-Allergy-Symptoms/1005579
Infant Allergies - Breast Feeding Can Exacerbate Allergic Reactions
Infant allergy symptoms are often difficult to diagnose. They can be exacerbated foods, inhalants and the environment. When a baby has an allergy to milk, the results can be tough for the parent and for your child. Here is a guide that will help you recognize some of the basic causes of infant allergies.
Since babies cannot calm itchiness caused by an allergic reaction, uncontrollable crying could possibly be among the chief infant allergy symptoms you will perceive. Depending on the age and mobility of the infant, they may also roll and struggle attempting to scratch the offending area. Dry skin may be visible behind the ears and on the scalp and may seem to be cradle cap. If it shows up behind the ears it may look as though the child is not being washed thoroughly, but it will not wash off.
Puffiness may also materialize in the face or lips and if swelling is found, the infant's breathing must be monitored. As with most infant allergies the throat may also swell. This could lead to anaphylactic shock and even death. Some infant allergies may create breathing problems or a drippy nose and be treated for colds. They may also display sinus problems and develop a cough due to nasal drainage into the throat while sleeping.
Is Breast Feeding Causing Baby Allergies?
Many health professional advise nursing mothers to restrict foods known for causing allergic reactions such as nuts and wheat, among others. If the child's allergies are caused by something in breast milk, your baby may suffer from a distended stomach or persistent gas. They may vomit often or cry constantly. Many physicians will misidentify infant allergies as colic and tell parents to wait for the child to outgrow it, normally about six months. In most cases with allergies, if your baby has an allergy to milk, eliminating dairy products from the mother's diet will almost always ease the symptoms.
If you believe the allergies are being caused by sources other than food, there are a few other products you can try to rule out. Try using laundry detergent and fabric softeners without perfumes or dyes. Do not spray chemicals in the child's bedroom, such as furniture polish or air fresheners and keep the room as free of dust as possible to reduce the likelihood of an allergy to dust mites.
Until the sources of your infant allergies are diagnosed, do not allow pets into your child's room and, when possible, change your baby's clothing at nap time and bed time, and always give the infant their bath at bedtime. Try to keep a journal of the infant allergy symptoms your child is displaying, and if you think your baby has an allergy to milk, try substituting with a suitable replacement. Check all ingredients on packages, and write down what you eat if you are breastfeeding. If you do not see any improvement in the rashes or other suspected signs of infant allergies, or if your infant just cannot stop crying, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Author : Ron King
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Infant-Allergies-Breast-Feeding-Can-Exacerbate-Allergic-Reactions/985754
Since babies cannot calm itchiness caused by an allergic reaction, uncontrollable crying could possibly be among the chief infant allergy symptoms you will perceive. Depending on the age and mobility of the infant, they may also roll and struggle attempting to scratch the offending area. Dry skin may be visible behind the ears and on the scalp and may seem to be cradle cap. If it shows up behind the ears it may look as though the child is not being washed thoroughly, but it will not wash off.
Puffiness may also materialize in the face or lips and if swelling is found, the infant's breathing must be monitored. As with most infant allergies the throat may also swell. This could lead to anaphylactic shock and even death. Some infant allergies may create breathing problems or a drippy nose and be treated for colds. They may also display sinus problems and develop a cough due to nasal drainage into the throat while sleeping.
Is Breast Feeding Causing Baby Allergies?
Many health professional advise nursing mothers to restrict foods known for causing allergic reactions such as nuts and wheat, among others. If the child's allergies are caused by something in breast milk, your baby may suffer from a distended stomach or persistent gas. They may vomit often or cry constantly. Many physicians will misidentify infant allergies as colic and tell parents to wait for the child to outgrow it, normally about six months. In most cases with allergies, if your baby has an allergy to milk, eliminating dairy products from the mother's diet will almost always ease the symptoms.
If you believe the allergies are being caused by sources other than food, there are a few other products you can try to rule out. Try using laundry detergent and fabric softeners without perfumes or dyes. Do not spray chemicals in the child's bedroom, such as furniture polish or air fresheners and keep the room as free of dust as possible to reduce the likelihood of an allergy to dust mites.
Until the sources of your infant allergies are diagnosed, do not allow pets into your child's room and, when possible, change your baby's clothing at nap time and bed time, and always give the infant their bath at bedtime. Try to keep a journal of the infant allergy symptoms your child is displaying, and if you think your baby has an allergy to milk, try substituting with a suitable replacement. Check all ingredients on packages, and write down what you eat if you are breastfeeding. If you do not see any improvement in the rashes or other suspected signs of infant allergies, or if your infant just cannot stop crying, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Author : Ron King
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Infant-Allergies-Breast-Feeding-Can-Exacerbate-Allergic-Reactions/985754
Tomato Allergy: The Symptoms
Tomato allergy does exist and, for people that suffers because of it, it can be quite obnoxious and the outcome really bad. Such people feel certain symptoms of tomato allergy when they come in contact with food containing tomato, like a sandwich or a slice of pizza. Among the symptoms, feeling the lips tingle or the chest constricting are well known.
There are two different types of reactions to food that may be considered too similar to differentiate: food intolerance and food allergy. The first can lead to the appearance of certain symptoms, but it is not life threatening and, even if the symptoms are hard to bear, they are not as bad as in an allergy. Real tomato allergy causes a histamine reaction to a substance existing in the skin or the juice of the vegetable.
A thing that you can do is to write down under which circumstances you feel the symptoms for the first times. Usually, tomato allergy appears immediately after the food containing tomato is eaten. You can provide your physician a lot of information, so they can identify if you suffer from a real allergy or just food intolerance.
Among the symptoms determined by tomato allergy are a swollen mouth, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficult breathing and skin rash. You should know that you can experience these symptoms not only when you eat tomatoes, but even when your skin gets into contact with the raw fruit. On the other hand, other people with tomato allergy can even eat ketchup or tomato juice, if the product is processed.
Tomato allergy usually does not come only by itself. As the tomato is part of the Deadly Nightshade family, as well as the potato, the eggplant and the tobacco, it is to be expected that you can develop bad reactions to these plants, too.
In order to discover whether you really have a tomato allergy or not, you can ask for an appointment with an allergist, so you can run some tests. The doctor will ask for a blood test and an allergen test. The later consists of some food proteins to be injected into your back, so the doctor can see very fast whether your skin develops particular symptoms in that area. The result of the blood test will show if you experience an increase of IgE allergy antibody in your blood.
The best way to counterattack the symptoms of tomato allergies is to stay away from them, if you notice that you develop some reactions immediately after you eat tomatoes, or foods containing traces of tomatoes. You should know that allergies worsen after each ingestion of the food causing them, so it is best to take action right away.
Also, at the first signs of allergy, like difficulty in breathing or a swollen neck, you should call for the doctor, to avoid getting into anaphylactic shock.
Author : Pearle Tsuji
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Tomato-Allergy-The-Symptoms/1060978
There are two different types of reactions to food that may be considered too similar to differentiate: food intolerance and food allergy. The first can lead to the appearance of certain symptoms, but it is not life threatening and, even if the symptoms are hard to bear, they are not as bad as in an allergy. Real tomato allergy causes a histamine reaction to a substance existing in the skin or the juice of the vegetable.
A thing that you can do is to write down under which circumstances you feel the symptoms for the first times. Usually, tomato allergy appears immediately after the food containing tomato is eaten. You can provide your physician a lot of information, so they can identify if you suffer from a real allergy or just food intolerance.
Among the symptoms determined by tomato allergy are a swollen mouth, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficult breathing and skin rash. You should know that you can experience these symptoms not only when you eat tomatoes, but even when your skin gets into contact with the raw fruit. On the other hand, other people with tomato allergy can even eat ketchup or tomato juice, if the product is processed.
Tomato allergy usually does not come only by itself. As the tomato is part of the Deadly Nightshade family, as well as the potato, the eggplant and the tobacco, it is to be expected that you can develop bad reactions to these plants, too.
In order to discover whether you really have a tomato allergy or not, you can ask for an appointment with an allergist, so you can run some tests. The doctor will ask for a blood test and an allergen test. The later consists of some food proteins to be injected into your back, so the doctor can see very fast whether your skin develops particular symptoms in that area. The result of the blood test will show if you experience an increase of IgE allergy antibody in your blood.
The best way to counterattack the symptoms of tomato allergies is to stay away from them, if you notice that you develop some reactions immediately after you eat tomatoes, or foods containing traces of tomatoes. You should know that allergies worsen after each ingestion of the food causing them, so it is best to take action right away.
Also, at the first signs of allergy, like difficulty in breathing or a swollen neck, you should call for the doctor, to avoid getting into anaphylactic shock.
Author : Pearle Tsuji
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Tomato-Allergy-The-Symptoms/1060978
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