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Allergies
Allergies
are the inflammations that result from the sensitivity to certain
objects, called allergens. The inflammations occur when the immune
system reacts to that particular object. People all over the world
suffer from allergies. There are many types of allergies. The most
common are seasonal allergies that are the result of certain trees,
plants, or pollens in the air at certain times of the year. Other
people experience allergies to particular foods or animals.
Symptoms
of
allergies vary by person. They are classified by degree of severity,
including mild, moderate, and severe allergic reactions. While there is
no cure for allergies, they can be treated. Most people experience only
mild symptoms. They may include watery eyes, itchy skin, a runny nose,
coughing, and hives. This type of allergy can be controlled by using an
antihistamine. There are several over the counter available, as well as
those you can only get with a prescription. You can help reduce the
affects by remaining indoors during that time of year. You may also
want to consider getting an allergy shot.
For
others,
the allergic reaction is moderate. Often, the reaction has spread to
other parts of the body. They may find it difficult to breath. A severe
allergic reaction can be life threatening. This may be the reaction to
various molds. Antihistemines, steroids, and immunotherapy can all held
remedy the effects.
While
very rare,
they are a serious matter. Generally these are the result of food
allergies. Peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most common. Symptoms
include swelling of the face, abdominal pain, cramps, hives, and
angioedema which are hives inside the throat. It is important to seek
immediate medical attention for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Often a shot can help offset the reaction. The hives and rashes take
longer to go away. They can be reduced by using a cortisone cream.
Pet
allergies are
very difficult to control. It may take up to 2 years exposure to an
animal to develop and allergic reaction. In addition, it can take
months after you have stopped being around that animal or their dander
for the symptoms to stop. This makes it hard to pinpoint the animal as
they allergen because you can be fine for years, then it develops. Most
people think as soon as you are away from the animal it should stop.
When it doesn’t they believe it must be something else
causing
the allergy, so they go back to their routine of interacting with that
animal.
An
interesting
allergy is to latex. The material is often used in gloves many people
use to clean their homes. The skin often turns red and itchy. For
people with asthma, a latex allergy can be life threatening because it
can block the airways.
Some
people have a
severe allergy to insects, especially those with stingers. They may
require medical attention to receive a shot of epinephrine.
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Food Allergies
Food
allergies are among the most dangerous types of allergies out there. It
is the result of the immune system not reacting properly to certain
foods, or certain ingredients in foods. The most common food allergies
are nuts, milk, and eggs. Some people just feel ill when they consume
something they are allergic to. Others experience swelling in the face,
and swelling in the body, closing air paths. Hives and rashes are also
very common.
Peanut
allergies are said to be the worst. Not only do they cause the most
severe symptoms, peanut oil is used in so many foods that the number of
items that the person has to avoid can be very long. Last year, a
teenage girl died. She had gone to the library to study with friends.
Her boyfriend had eaten a peanut butter sandwich after school before
joining them. He gave her a goodbye kiss at the library, and the
reaction from the peanut oil swelled her throat shut. While it sounds
extremely, sadly such occurrences do take place.
Very
young children can have food allergies. It is recommended that you
attach a list of any food allergies securely to the diaper bag. This
will be a constant reminder to friends, family, and childcare
providers. It is important children with food allergies are aware of
the reasons why they can’t have certain foods. This will
remind
them to make the right food choices at school. It is important that
your child’s principal and teachers know about the allergies
as
well. Often there are class parties, and if your child is tempted to
eat food they are allergic to, the teacher can remind them.
The
internet is a wonderful place to find out about food allergies. The
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network has an excellent website
full of
information. The organization was formed in 1991. It has over 30,000
members including families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school
administrators, teachers, government staff, and members of the food and
drug administration. This diverse group works together to educate about
food allergies by providing accurate information and heightening
awareness. They carefully monitor TV, newspapers, and the news channels
to be sure accurate information is being released to the public. They
also lobby for further research to be done in the area of food
allergies.
While
there is no cure for food allergies that we know of, properly learning
about such food allergies and working with a qualified doctor can help
you find ways to control them. It is important if you or a family
member has a food allergy that you make it know to those you are
frequently in contact with. This includes co-workers, family, friends,
neighbors, and daycare providers. This will help them learn about the
issue as well as be able to get medical attention to you if the
situation arises. The fact that they are able to let medical
professionals know you have such food allergies can make all the
difference in h how fast they are able to administer treatment.
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Skin
Allergies
Skin
allergies are the result of many different factors. It may be a pet, a
particular food, or a reaction to medications. Skin allergies can be
embarrassing as well as itchy and painful. While they can’t
be
eliminated, they can be treated. There are several types of skin
allergies.
Dermatis
is the
inflammation of skin. It is generally a rash resulting from contact
with metals, chemicals, rubber, plants, and pets. Symptoms of dermatis
are redness, swelling, burning, stinging, itching, and blisters. These
symptoms generally appear on the face and hands.
Prickly
heat can
result in a rash that appears for no apparent reason. It can be itchy,
and generally goes a way in a few days. Some people do not even feel
it, but other notice it. This is common in small children who take
medication for seasonal allergies. Often, the back is the only area to
break out.
Uritcaria
settles
in the middle of the skin. It is caused by eating a food you are
allergic to or a side effect of taking a medication. The area often
looks burned because it is light red on the outer edges, and very red
in the middle.
Eczema
is an
inflammation of the skin. The skin becomes dry, itchy, and flaky. A red
rash and blisters often appear. It affects the face, arms, elbows, and
the back of the knees. Eczema may be hereditary, but it is not known.
The symptoms generally begin in childhood. People with eczema often
experience hay fever and asthma as well. Eczema is the hardest skin
allergy to treat.
Hives
are red and
itchy blotches. There are 2 types of hives. Acute hives last up to 6
weeks. They are caused by food allergies, medications, bug bites, and
signs of diseases. Chronic hives are not very common. The last
indefinitely, on and off over long periods of time. The cause is not
known. Some doctors believe them to be stress related.
Skin
allergies can
be embarrassing and painful. They are time consuming to treat. It is
recommended that you see a dermatologist for any skin discomfort. They
can treat it with over the counter products such as Benedryl, cortisone
creams, and allergy shots.
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Dog
Allergies
Allergies
affect
millions of people each year. An allergy to pet dander is one of the
most common types. They can cause you to feel very uncomfortable.
Symptoms include watery eyes, dry mouth, and itchy skin. More severe
symptoms include hives, asthma attacks, and difficulty
breathing.
Ironically, a person can have a dog for a length of time without any
symptoms. Then suddenly, they begin. It never crosses their mind that
the dog is the allergen.
If you
want to keep
your dog, but reduce the effects it has on you, a HEPA filter might be
beneficial. It removes particles from the air. This will reduce the
amount of dander around your home. Vacuum your carpet daily and your
curtains monthly. This will reduce the dander in your home as well.
Some people believe washing their dog daily will fight dander. That is
not true. In fact, the more you bathe your dog, the more dander will
appear. You should only wash your dog about once a month. If these
things don’t reduce your symptoms enough to make you
comfortable,
consult your doctor about allergy shots or medications.
If you
already
suffer from allergies, but want to get a dog, consider a breed that
sheds their skin slowly including poodles and schnauzers. The breeds
that shed their skin the fastest and should be avoided include cocker
spaniels and basket hounds. You might also consider getting an outdoor
dog. This will reduce the symptoms you feel while in your home.
If you
have to give
your dog to a good home because your allergies are out of control,
thoroughly vacuum and shampoo carpets. Wash your curtains and walls.
Remove any toys and bedding the dog had contact with. Your allergy
symptoms may continue for up to 3 months after this has all been done.
Allergies
from your
dog can be a nuisance, but they can be controlled by following these
simple tips to make your home more agreeable with your allergies.
Feeding your dog quality dog food can also reduce dander particles
because it keeps their coat shiny and healthy.
*********************************************************************************************************
Cat Allergies
Cats
are one of the
most beloved pets in the world. For some who enjoy the company of a
cat, the allergic reaction they get from them is too much to handle.
They symptoms of such allergies include itchy skin, red and dry eyes,
nasal congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. However, if your
allergies didn’t arise until after you had your cat for
awhile,
it can be very difficult to have to give it away.
There
are several
things you can do to make your allergy symptoms lessen so you will be
able to keep your cat. The allergen is the dander from the cat that
compiles around your house in the bedding, curtains, and on the
furniture. Since most of us spend at least 6 hours per night in our
bed, it only makes sense to stop letting your cat on your bed. This
will eliminate pet dander while you are resting. It is also recommended
that you shower before bed to remove any pet dander that may be on you
before getting into bed. You may want to take it a step further, to not
allow your cat in your bedroom at all. This will offer you a safe
retreat when your allergy symptoms are flaring up.
If you
have cat
allergies, change your bedding weekly. Vacuum your carpets daily, and
wash your curtains at least once a month. These things will all greatly
remove the amount of dander in your home. Your vacuum should have a
HEPA filter for best results.
It is
always
recommended to wash your hands after handling any pet. It is even more
important if you have allergies. Simply touching your cat, then your
face can leave you with an uncomfortable evening ahead. Use a micro
fiber cloth to stroke your cat. This will eliminate more dander than a
bath, and it is easier. If you still have trouble controlling your
symptoms, seclude your cats to one area of the house.
Keeping
yourself
healthy is the important thing, but hanging on to your cat is also
important. Following the basic steps listed here as well as talking to
your doctor about allergy shots and medications should allow you to
feel good and keep that beloved feline.
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