Saturday, July 6, 2013

Allergy Drops Provide Freedom


Are you chained to your weekly allergy shot treatments? Typically shots need to be given once a week and require not only time but money as well. Allergy drops which have been used in Europe for some time are now being offered here in the United States. These drops are given at home and therefore can reduce the cost of doctor office visits even if you only have a copayment.

Allergy shots and allergy drops are both immunotherapy treatments allergists use for their patients. The "new" sublingual allergy drops(not to be confused with eye drop treatments) have the same goal of slowly making the sufferer immune to whatever allergen is causing their problems. This is sometimes referred to as desensitization.

Disadvantages of Allergy Shots

1. Allergy shots can be inconvenient because they require a weekly trip to the doctor's office. Typically, shots consist of diluted versions of the allergen to which the patient reacts. The patient then has to wait approximately 30 minutes after the injections to make sure there is no adverse reaction before leaving the allergist's office.

2. Allergy shots can be costly. Even if you don't count the time lost out of work or school there is usually a cost associated with the office visit itself. Even if the shots are covered by your medical insurance typically there is a copayment with each visit. I know my copayment for an office visit is $15. If you have to go every week that adds up to a whopping $780 per year out of your pocket.

Advantages of Allergy Drops


  • Save time - the patient visits the doctor only two or three times a year versus as many as 52

  • Save Money - reduced patient visits equals reduced copayments

  • Much More Convenient - patient received the prescription at the office and places the drops under his or her tongue at home

Some patients have experienced adverse reactions to sublingual allergy drops. The risk is similar to that of taking allergy shots but you can see that most people would think that the advantages far outweigh the risk of having to deal with a reaction on their own. Typically you would seek medical treatment immediately.

Many allergists will begin a patient's treatment using both shots and allergy drops and if the drops show a reduction in symptoms similar or better than the shots the allergist will most likely suggest that the patient move to just the drops. Given the convenience of this course of treatment it has been shown that more people will take the drops on a regular basis in comparison to the injections.

Treatments get better every day, rumor has it that allergy pills are around the corner that will treat more than the symptoms of allergies but will act as replacements for the allergy drops and allergy shots that exist for immunotherapy therapy treatments that exist today. Though immunotherapy does not work for everyone if it does the effects can seem miraculous.

Basic Information About Tiger Balm


Introduction To Tiger Balm

Tiger Balm is basically an ointment that was discovered in Burma and has been used for centuries in Burma and China as a pain relief medicine. This medicine was discovered by Aw Chu Kin, a chemist from Burma after receiving several requests from his neighbors to create a medicine that would be capable of relieving pain instantly without side effects. During those times, painkillers were not available and people living in the hilly regions had very few options to treat muscle pain after walking throughout the day on hilly terrain. After receiving requests from his neighbors, Aw Chu Kin started researching with several natural products that were known to relieve pain and accidentally he created a solution that could heat up muscles and act as a muscle relaxant. He named his product as Tiger Balm.

Tiger Balm Ingredients

It basically contains some natural ingredients along with salicyclic acid that has the capability to increase pain threshold and also relax muscles. The beauty of this product lies in the fact that it does not alter chemical balances inside the body to treat pain, but it basically reduces the sensation of pain by acting as a local anesthetic and also relaxes the muscles so that condition gets treated from inside. It became so popular in Burma that many companies started manufacturing it on a large scale and gradually the product entered China and through China reached the rest of the world.

Tiger Balm Varieties

There are different varieties of Tiger Balm available in the market and all of them have specific applications against specific pain conditions. Let us take a look at the different type of balms available and their uses:


  • Red type: This is the original Tiger Balm that was developed by Aw Chu Kin and can be applied over the whole body to treat all kinds of muscle pain. However, this can be used to treat chronic muscle pain and also does not have a very good effect on being associated with bone injury.

  • Liniment type: The composition of this one is exactly the same as the red type, except that it is available in the form of oil, rather than an ointment. This is useful for covering a big skin surface.

  • White type: this one is a bit different from the red one because it contains camphor and clove bud oil that produces a soothing sensation on the skin while heating up the muscles from inside. This variety of Tiger Balm is beneficial for those people who cannot stand heat on the skin or have very sensitive skin.

  • Muscle rub type: This variety of Tiger Balm contains some additional organic ingredients that have long-lasting effect and can keep an area pain free throughout the day after one-time application.

Caution: The Balm is an excellent product if you are worried only about muscle pain; but, it would fail to produce results if you have some internal injury or have pain associated with low blood flow to particular areas of the body. Almost all the ingredients are organic and not usually produce skin allergies, but if you are allergic to salicyclic acid or any of its derivatives, you should consult a doctor before using the Balm.

How to Determine If You Have Allergies


During certain times of the year it is very common to hear talk about allergies. The symptoms can be confusing, however. If you battle a dry throat, chest congestion and a stuffy nose, is it allergies or just a cold?

The following symptoms can be signs of having allergies. If you have two or more of these symptoms for more than one or two weeks out of the year, you may have an allergy and should talk with your doctor.

1. Nasal congestion
2. Runny nose
3. Itchy eyes or nose
4. Red eyes
5. Sneezing

Allergies affect about 50 million adults and children in the United States alone. And allergies are the 5th leading cause of chronic disease, after illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor if you are diagnosed with allergies:

1. What is causing my allergy symptoms? What kind of allergies do I have?
2. What are my treatment options? What lifestyle changes can I make?
3. Will allergy shots work for me? How often will I need to get them?
4. Will I need to take allergy medications in addition to my shots?

Having allergies can be aggravating at the very least, and can lead to a more serious illness if not brought under control. Allergies can cause you to snore, which in itself is not serious, but snoring can be disruptive and cause a lack of refreshing sleep. This means you may be tired during the day, which will have a negative impact on your everyday life. If you think you may have allergies, see a doctor to get the treatment that is best for you.

How Sinus Surgery Can Give You Lasting Comfort


Do you often suffer from allergies? The incidence of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis is high in areas of high pollution and smog. Sinusitis results in constant headache, facial pain, nose drips, and inflammation. Between 24 and 31 million Americans suffer from sinusitis every year. Acute sinusitis requires medication and sometimes nasal spray. Acute conditions may be a result of fungal infection or as a result of poor immune systems caused by viral infections. Medication for chronic sinusitis may include allergy shots, antibiotics, nasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamines or even surgery. Over-the-counter treatments like nasal decongestant sprays may work initially, but over longer period of usage may actually worsen the condition and should not be taken without proper medical advice. The way to counter such condition is to undergo a sinus surgery.

If you are allergic to pollen that triggers allergic rhinitis you know how the attack can weaken you and ruin your schedule. Antihistamines are commonly used to ease the condition. Some medication for rhinitis makes you drowsy. Sometimes vasomotor rhinitis contributes to chronic sinusitis. Deviated septum is another factor for aggravating chronic conditions. If the sinus cavities are abnormally small they do not facilitate drainage from the cavities causing their inflammation. If the patient is sensitive to allergens regular bouts of sinusitis may cause the patient to develop even more serious conditions like abscess, bone infection, meningitis, and skin infection around the eyes. Chronic conditions are accompanied by heavy thick nasal discharge. The nasal discharge may be greenish and have pus or blood in it. The patient will experience localized headache that may increase if the patient lies down or bends over and sometimes a toothache accompanies a dull headache. The patient might also experience some fever and halitosis.

Diagnosis of sinusitis is done usually by an ENT specialist using a nasal endoscopy (rhinoscopy) device. The doctor may use other methods including viewing the nose for polyps and using CT scan or MRI. Presence of polyps or having other structural defects like a deviated nasal septum may make a patient prone to chronic rhinitis or sinusitis. After assessing the condition of the patient, the ENT specialist might advise sinus surgery. When optimal medication fails to improve the condition of the patient, surgery may be advised. Recent methods of surgery like Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and balloon sinuplasty are useful for alleviating symptoms. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specialize in performing sinus surgery. Such delicate procedures should always be performed by experienced professionals specializing in the field.

Do You Have A Dog Allergy?


Runny nose, watery eyes? Sneezing all the time? Do you have a dog allergy? Maybe your best friend is what's got your allergies going. After all there really is no dog breed that is truly non allergenic because they all produced dander, urine, and saliva.

Some dogs are less likely to cause allergies because they have less dander. There is a misconception that it is the fur that causes the allergies so the heavier the dog sheds the more likely you are to suffer. This is not the case. It is all about the dander. That is what actually causes the dog allergy.

Urine is generally more of a problem with cats than dogs because dogs go outside. And all dogs salivate. The pet hair becomes a problem when it collects other common allergens such as dust, pollen, dander causing a dog allergy.

The problem goes even deeper than what you are allergic to. You see people with allergies have an immune system that is super sensitive so it reacts to things that are harmless like pet dander. A dog allergy can cause wheezing, fatigue, coughing, headache, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and in some cases asthma attacks. It can happen as quickly as five minute or be a delayed reaction occurring much later. And some people are allergic to only certain breeds.

There are also skin care products that you can use on your dog to reduce the amount of dander your dog produces. And there are some breeds that just by nature produce less dander so they can be a good choice for anyone with a dog allergy.

There are several things you can do to help reduce your dog allergy. For starters you can choose a natural product to help boost your immune system. You might also consider doing a detox to remove toxins from the body. Over the years our bodies build up large amounts of toxins which affect our immune system and can play a role in it short circuiting.

A dog allergy is just one of the allergies you might be suffering with that are environmental. Keep the dog dander to a minimal in your home. Run a HEPA filter in each room and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least once a day and don't forget to vacuum in the vents where hair, dander, and dust gather. Also vacuum the furniture. HEPA filters make a huge difference.
Keep the dogs out of the bedroom. If you don't want to close the door then install a baby gate to keep them out. Consider removing carpets and installing flooring. It reduces all kinds of allergies and is a known asthma reducer in children.

Bathe your dog at least once a week and wash dogging bedding and toys once a week. Spray areas where the dogs spend time with an anti allergen spray which helps deactivate allergens. Keep dust to a minimal.

You can also receive immunotherapy allergy shots if testing showed a pet allergy to begin with although it's not as effective as they would like to see it. You can also use over the counter medications to reduce symptoms and of course there are some excellent natural products that are worth trying if you have a dog allergy.

A dog allergy can develop out of nowhere. Or it can be something you have lived with for years that got worse over the years. Whatever the reason you now suffer with a dog allergy you can reduce the effects of that allergy using natural products and these tips.

Sinus Allergies - The Basics


One of the first things an ENT specialist should check for in persons having chronic sinusitis is whether or not the patient has sinus allergies.

A diagnosis for sinus allergies can now be done by a blood test, which is much easier than the skin tests that were required in the past. In my case I had weak allergies to several things including dust, dust mites, and certain molds. Although my sinus allergies were not strong, my ENT specialist recommended that I start a series of injections to counter the above allergens (an allergen is an allergy causing substance, for example, dust or dust mites in my case). The doctor said that although he could not be sure if the shots would help much, we should proceed with them because we ought to try everything within our power to overcome my sinus allergies and sinusitis

I thus received shots weekly for about two years. For the second year it became inconvenient for me to go to the doctor's office every week for a shot, so I was taught how to give myself the injections. Thereafter I only had to personally go to the doctor's office about once a quarter to pick up a new batch of serum. At first the thought of giving myself shots seemed a bit revolting, but it really was quite easy to do after one gets the hang of it. I stopped taking the shots after about two years, and I can't say for certain that they helped. I don't think they did any harm, however, and I don't think that sinus allergies are a big factor in my particular situation at present.

The mechanism for triggering allergies has to do with an over-reaction of a person's immune system. Certain allergens, which cause no reaction whatsoever in some people, can trigger an overly aggressive immune system response in others. This exaggerated response of the immune system can cause inflammation and result in the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body leading to the creation of excess mucus in the nasal system, then possible blockage and infection.

Common allergens causing sinus allergies include pollen from trees, grass and weeds, animal dander, feathers, dust, dust mites, molds, mildew, smoke, perfumes, cockroaches, industrial chemicals, insect stings and certain foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and chocolate, among others.

The best solution to avoid triggering sinus allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual. As can be seen from the above list, however, that is often impossible. In addition to the injections discussed previously, one can also use nasal irrigation to clean out the nasal passages, and this will provide some help, even if it might be limited. Several articles on the subject of pulsating nasal irrigation can be found at the http://www.postnasaldrip.net web site.

Since 70-80% of people who suffer from sinusitis have allergies, it is important that sinus sufferers get treatment for their sinus allergies. If not, the constant inflammations and soreness can lead to permanent problems, in particular cilia damage, which will only make one's sinusitis worse in the long run. Sinus allergies can often be treated successfully and improve conditions, even if they don't eliminate one's sinus problems entirely, as in my case.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Reactions and Allergies


The word allergy comes from two Greek words: "allos" meaning other and "ergon" meaning work. Allergic reactions are abnormal over-reactions by the immune system to harmless, protein substances called allergens, which are contacted through the skin, inhaled or injected. An allergen is a substance that causes an allergy.

Common Allergens:


  • Animal dander. This is material shed from the body such as feathers, dried skin, hair and feathers)

  • Bee stings

  • Foods, especially nuts, fish, shellfish

  • Insect bites

  • Medications

  • Plants

  • Pollen.


Causes:

Allergic reactions can be caused by two main factors: host factors or environmental factors.

Host factors:


  • Hereditary; the likelihood of developing an allergy is inherited but the specific allergen to which you are allergic is not inherited.

  • Sex: boys are at a higher risk of sensitivity than girls (except in the case of asthma).

  • Race, although this may be as much to do with to environmental factors as race itself.

  • Age: younger children are at greater risk of sensitivity.


Environmental factors:


  • Exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood

  • Pollution

  • Allergen levels

  • Dietary changes


Symptoms:


  • Skin:


    • Redness

    • Itching

    • Inflammation

    • Blistering

    • Weeping

    • Crusting

    • Rash

    • Eruptions

    • Hives (which are itchy bumps or welts)

  • Lungs:

    • Wheezing

    • Tightness

    • Chest discomfort

    • Difficulty breathing

    • Difficulty swallowing

    • Coughing

    • Shortness of breath


  • Head:

    • Swelling of face, eyelids, tongue, lips and throat

    • Redness

    • Headaches

    • Dizziness or light-headedness

    • Weakness

    • Anxiety, apprehension or fear

  • Nose:

    • Blocked or stuffy nose

    • Nasal congestion

    • Runny nose

    • Sneezing

  • Eyes:

    • Red and bloodshot

    • Itchy

    • Swollen

    • Watery

  • Stomach:

    • Pain

    • Cramps

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

    • Diarrhoea

    • Bloody Diarrhoea

  • Severe reactions:

    • Unconsciousness

    • Anaphylaxis

    • Shock

In severe cases anaphylaxis can occur and this requires immediate medical attention. It is a combination of other allergic symptoms that appear rapidly and are potentially life-threatening. It can induce shock; one sign of shock is that organs don't get enough blood, and therefore oxygen and nutrients, due to very low blood pressure. The person may appear red or pale, sweaty or dry, confused, anxious or they may be unconscious. The person also has difficulty breathing. Anaphylactic shock is caused by sudden dilation or widening of many, or several large, blood vessels brought on by the action of chemical mediators. A sudden drop in blood pressure can lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest or death.

At the moment there is a theory called the hygiene hypothesis which has been "extensively investigated by immunologists and epidemiologists". It involves the idea that people who live in too sterile environments are not exposed to enough pathogens to keep their immune system busy so it over-reacts to normally harmless substances. There is some evidence to show that allergic diseases are more common in industrialised countries or urban areas rather than more traditional agricultural countries or rural areas. Also, using antibiotics to treat babies under 1 year old has been linked to an increase in asthma and other allergies, as has the use of antibacterial cleaning products.

The Immune Response:

In an allergic reaction the immune system recognises the particles (such as dust or pollen) as foreign and initiates a two-phase immune response. The first phase is called the acute response and occurs immediately after exposure to the allergen. T-lymphocyte cells, which are white blood cells involved in immune response, recognise the allergen as foreign and produce cytokines (these are similar to hormones and are involved in cellular communication). Cytokines stimulate another type of white blood cell, called B-lymphocytes, to produce specific antibodies (antibodies are proteins with a variable region that has a complementary shape to a specific antigen). In allergic reactions the specific antibody is called immunoglobulin E or IgE. IgE binds to special IgE receptors on mast cells and basophiles. Mast cells are found in connective tissues while basophiles circulate in the blood; both are involved in inflammatory responses. This first stage is known as sensitisation because the body is now sensitive to a particular, normally harmless, particle. Therefore when the body encounters the substance again, the allergen (substance) binds to the IgE which is on the surface of mast cells and basophiles. This activates the mast cells and basophiles to release histamine, from stores known as granules, into surrounding tissues. Histamine causes:


  • Blood vessels to dilate so blood pressure drops.

  • Stimulates glands in the nose and respiratory passages to produce mucous, also known as phlegm.

  • Mucous membranes, which line the nose and respiratory passages, to swell because fluid leaks out of the blood vessels.

  • It stimulates nerves.

  • Smooth muscle contraction. (In asthma the muscles surrounding the windpipe contract narrowing the airways and increasing the resistance to air flow so breathing is difficult.)

The second phase in the immune response is called the late-phase response. This normally occurs 2-24 hours after the acute response, once the chemical mediators such as the cytokines, have subsided. The chemicals released earlier by the mast cells attract other types of inflammatory immune cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, to the site. These produce chemicals and other, generally toxic, substances that irritate the body. Neutrophils also release chemicals and enzymes which break down proteins causing further tissue damage.

Treatment:

For mild cases:

First aid can be administered before further medical help arrives. This includes:

- Calming and reassuring the person: anxiety can often worsen symptoms.
- Identifying the allergen and if possible removing it and avoiding further contact.
- Applying calamine lotion, a cool compress or cortisone cream to rashes.

Oral antihistamines can be taken but these have adverse side effects including making you drowsy and affecting your concentration so you aren't allowed to drive or operate machinery if you are on them. They should only be taken for a few days. For rashes anti-inflammatory steroid cream or cold wet cloths can be applied to cool the area.

For severe cases:

Emergency medical help should be sought, don't wait to see if the symptoms worsen, because they can worsen very rapidly so it is better to get medical attention as quickly as possible. Again first aid can be administered while you wait for further help to arrive:

- If they are unconscious use DR. ABC. This stands for danger, response, airways, breathing, and circulation.
- Danger: First check that you aren't endangering yourself or the other person. Remove any dangerous objects that may be around.
- Response: Call their name and introduce yourself (even if the person knows you well) watch for any response either verbal or movement.
- Airways: Check that their airway is clear, removing any objects that may be obstructing the airways (such as chewing gum), tilt the head back slightly to open the airways.
- Breathing: Check that the person is breathing by placing your head close to their mouth and nose, listening and feeling for breath or moisture. If they aren't breathing then you should begin mouth to mouth resuscitation by pinching their nose and placing you own mouth over theirs creating a seal, then breathe hard into their mouth.
- Circulation: To check that the person's heart is still beating, find the pulse in their neck which should be just to the side of the windpipe. If there is no pulse begin Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by doing chest compressions to try to pump the heart. (If they aren't breathing either include breaths as well)
- If the person is awake calm them and reassure them.
- Identify and remove the allergen where possible.
- Administer emergency medication if the person has it, for example an auto-injector with a pre-measured dose of the drug epinephrine (Epipen)
- To treat shock lie them flat (unless it causes discomfort or makes breathing difficult) and raise the person's feet, keep them warm.

Medical treatment for severe allergic reactions may include providing oxygen support or even artificial ventilation. Also fluids may be injected in to veins (intravenously-IV) to help raise the blood pressure.

For more long-term treatments antihistamines can be prescribed such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin). Nasal corticosteroids can be prescribed for persistent nasal symptoms; these include fluticasone (flonase), mometasone (Nasonex) and triamcinolone (Nasacort). For more severe cases Epinephrine can be injected as this acts as a bronchodilator (it widens the bronchus and bronchioles which are part of the windpipe). Epinephrine also constricts blood vessels so blood pressure increases. Inhalers can also be prescribed and antihistamines can be given intravenously or intra-muscularly to counter the histamine that the body has produced. Corticosteroids can be given intravenously for a rapid reversal of the effects of the chemical mediators produced by the body.

For people with persistent or disruptive allergy symptoms immunotherapy can be given. Immunotherapy reduces the severity of the reaction or eliminates hypersensitivity altogether. There are several different methods of immunotherapy:


  1. Allergy shots. These alter the immune response which prevents future reactions. They are administered as a series of shots containing increasing amounts of the specific antigen to which the person is allergic. The person should then become desensitised.

  2. Another method is to progressively distort the production of another antibody called Immunoglobulin G which blocks the excessive Immunoglobulin E production. This means that the person builds up increasing immunity to increasing amounts of the allergen.

  3. Intravenous injections can be given, containing monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies against one specific antigen produced by a cloned hybridoma cell. (Hybridoma cells are B lymphocyte cells fused with myeloma cells) These monoclonal anti-IgE antibodies bind to free and B-lymphocyte-associated IgE, which signals their destruction. They don't bind to IgE that is already on mast cells as this would stimulate an allergic reaction.

  4. Sublingual immunotherapy. This can be administered orally and it takes advantage of oral immune tolerance to non-pathogenic antigens such as food and bacteria. In other words the immune system doesn't attack these antigens.


Prevention:

One of the best ways to prevent allergic reactions is to identify what triggers them and then avoid or remove the triggers as much as possible.

Tests:

Skin tests: These tests are more sensitive, simpler and cheaper than blood testing. It involves exposing the skin to small amounts of various substances, or suspected allergens and assesses the presence of IgE antibodies. The substance can be injected intradermally (into the skin). If you are allergic to that substance then a visible inflammatory reaction occurs within 30 minutes. There is a scale of severity where +/- means borderline reactivity and +4 means a large reaction. These tests are usually carried out on the forearm or the back.

Blood tests:
Blood tests measure the total IgE level by estimating the amount of IgE in the serum.

Allergic Reactions due to body piercings:

People can get allergic reactions from body piercings for two reasons: they are allergic to the metal or they are allergic to a product used as part of aftercare treatment.

Metal allergy due to inferior jewellery:
Symptoms include:


  • Redness

  • Itchy

  • Burning

  • Tender

  • Highly inflamed around the piercing

  • Localised dermatitis

  • Granulation tissue where visible

  • Opening of the piercing appears significantly larger then the jewellery

  • The tissue around the piercing appears to retreat from the piercing.

This can be treated by using biocompatible jewellery such as Titanium or a low-porosity plastic like Tygon or PTFE.

Often the jewellery can cause problems because it is poor quality or you are sensitive to it and have allergic reactions. If you catch an infection then you must eliminate the reservoir which is often the jewellery. Cheap nickel or brass commonly triggers allergic reactions and in some cases antibiotics may be needed. Alloys of gold, copper, silver and trace metals can also be irritating and prevent complete healing, therefore it may be better opting for more expensive but good quality jewellery such as titanium which is inert and used in internal surgery although it must be highly polished to reduce its porosity. Implant grade stainless steel is good as well because it is least likely to produce an allergic reaction or an infection. The implant grade stainless steel must be approved by ASTM and meet standard 316L and 316LM.

The American Society for Testing Materials or ASTM was originally set up 100years ago by engineers to standardise steel used in railways. Now it is used for standardising many other things as well. A standard is a document which is developed and established within consensus principles of an organisation which meets the requirements of ASTM procedures and regulations. It is usually developed by the people who have a stake in the standard's development or use. The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is the European equivalent of ASTM. "Isos" is also the Greek word for equal which is also why it is called ISO as the actual words translate differently in different languages. Standards ensure desirable characteristics of products and services such as quality, environmental friendliness, safety, reliability and efficiency. It is recommended that titanium used in jewellery should meet ASTM standard F67, F136 or better, whereas steel should meet ASTM F138, F1537 or better and it should only be worn temporarily and only in healed piercings. 24 karat gold and platinum alloyed with Iridium or Ruthenium are biologically inert but they are heavy, soft and easily scratched and damaged. 18 Karat gold (75% gold) can be used in new piercings and 14 karat gold in healed ones, but gold-filled or plated jewellery should be avoided as the metal is thin and wears away or is chipped easily. Silver is bad as it tarnishes and can be deposited so that it permanently darkens and stains the skin. However, sterling silver is OK in most piercings but not in places where the skin is moist such as the mouth or genitals.

Product allergy:

Symptoms:


  • Delayed healing

  • Localised irritation

  • Redness

  • Localised dermatitis

  • Seeping

  • Expansion of piercing channel

To treat this you should stop using the aftercare or your current care regime and use a milder product with less aftercare.

How to Ease Your Allergies: Quick Relief for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers!


You may be one of the masses who don't even realize that you have allergies! According to studies, there are about 17 out of every 100 Americans that are allergic, or hypersensitive, to some substances which are known to cause unusual reactions.

What are allergies? According to Wikipedia, "an allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity to a substance (an allergen) considered harmless to most people." Hmmm, most people? In fact, 50 million Americans are estimated to have allergies.

There is no clear apparent medical reason why people contract allergies, but one thing remains clear: the condition is indiscriminate in its coverage and may affect us regardless of age, gender, or race. Commonly, however, the allergy manifests in our infancy or childhood, although some symptoms may appear at any age or may reappear after any period of apparent inactivity.

Most allergies are largely insignificant and may be dealt with by simple lifestyle choices; however, there is a possibility of them either adversely affecting our daily life, or perhaps life-threatening conditions.

As of this writing, if you run a Google search on the word "allergy" you will receive over 32 million results. Sure, some of those are duplicates but that's a pretty substantial number. And that doesn't include other simple search terms.

The bottom line here is that those 50 million Americans already know they have an allergy. That doesn't include all the people who are under the misconception that their suffering is not just a simple cold!

How would you know if you have an allergy?

Below are the most common types of allergies.

- Food Allergies - ignited by certain food types

- Anaphylaxis - triggered by drugs, food, or insect stings

- Respiratory Allergies - triggered by allergens which are airborn

- Contact Allergies - triggered by skin-affecting allergens

- Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by insect venom

Mild Symptoms:

- Tingling, itching, or swelling of your mouth, tongue, lips, or throat

- Tightness feeling in your throat

- Difficulty speaking or swallowing

- Nausea

- Indigestion and abdominal cramps

- Vomiting and diarrhea

- Skin rashes

- Coughing, congestion, wheezing, or sneezing

- Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose

Severe Symptoms:

- Breathing difficulties

- Sweating, dizziness, and faintness

- Rapid or sudden heart rate increase

- Sudden inability or hoarseness to speak

- Extreme and sudden facial itching and swelling

- Anaphylaxis

What Causes Allergies?

The immune system of a person with an allergy tries to combat allergens. It looks upon the small driftwood of everyday life - house dust, pollen, animal dander, and mold - as outsiders that are sure to do some dreadful damage.

In order to recognize and capture these strangers, it is important that people know who the culprits are. They should try to educate themselves on how allergies work and what causes them because these are the only means to find the solution to the problem.

Basically, allergies are agitated reactions of the immune system to certain foreign substances to the human body. These stuffs are known as "allergens."

Allergens are then classified into four categories based on where they have come from. By knowing these four classifications of allergens, an individual could identify where he is allergic.

Normally, if a person is having persistent allergic symptoms, but he cannot isolate the allergen, it is a good idea to see an allergist, get tested, and find out what the allergens are. In this way, people can easily find out what causes their allergy and resolve the problem.

Who is at risk for allergies?

Among all known diseases, allergies are placed among the most universally manifesting diseases among humans. It does not discriminate among the individuals to be infected. People of all ages, gender, culture, nationality and skin color have equal chances of developing them.

Through the study of allergies and allergic attacks, it is apparent that some individuals have a higher probability of acquiring an allergic condition compared to other individuals exposed to the same particle.

Each age level is particularly prone to a certain allergen. This fact should provide you with an idea on how you can at least minimize, if not perfectly avoid, the attack of allergy.
Research shows that 7 to 8 out of 10 newly born infants have a large predisposition in acquiring hypersensitivity to anything in their surroundings. Moreover, 1 out of 7 American adults suffer from at least one type of allergic condition.

Some even develop allergic reactions among substances used in clothing such as color dyes and bleaching chemical agent (contact dermatitis) and other forms of medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics (drug hypersensitivity).

Some young adults who have experienced lesser attacks or were not put into any allergic state earlier in their life are apt to develop such condition should adequate trigger attacks (allergen particles) are present.

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are one type of allergic rhinitis. If you recall our chapter on allergic rhinitis you know that it is a type of allergy where breathing in an allergen becomes the source of an inflammatory reaction in the membranes of the nose. With this seasonal allergy, inflammation happens only during a particular period. This is most likely caused by molds, pollens, or other substances that are in the air during specific seasons.

What treatments are available for different types of allergies?
Allergies affect almost everyone since almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction. These reactions are caused by the immune system over-reacting to an allergen or the substance that causes the allergy. These reactions range from violent sneezing to itchy hives or in a more serious form, breathing difficulties.

To address these reactions, the first line of defense is avoiding allergens that cause these allergic symptoms. Minimizing your exposure to allergens will translate less episodes of sneezing, coughing and itching.

But since avoidance isn't possible at all times, your doctor can prescribe allergy medications and treatments, the correct kind and combination of which depends on the kind of symptoms you exhibit. Allergy medications come in pill, liquid, spray, eye drop and topical forms. Some can be bought over-the-counter while others require prescriptions.

Always remember though that in taking medications whether OTC (over-the-counter) doctor-prescribed, consult with your doctor and inform him/her of your medical history before starting any allergy treatments.

Antihistamines

Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system as part of the reaction to an allergen. This substance is responsible for the inflammation or swelling of nasal passage, the skin or any other part affected by an allergy. As the name suggests, antihistamines prevent histamines to cause such reactions reducing redness, swelling, hives and watery eyes. They are prescribed in the form of liquids, sprays, pills and drops.
Corticosteroids

With the exception of some OTC creams, corticosteroids require a doctor's prescription. Forms of corticosteroids include:

- Eye drops relieve symptomatic itching and redness of the eyes due to hay fever. Contra-indications include eye infections, glaucoma, and pregnancy. So if any of these apply to you, avoid using corticosteroid eye drops. Contact lens users are also more susceptible to eye infections when using these eye drops.

-Nasal sprays

Since it is administered directly to the affected area, nasal sprays are the preferred treatment for hay fever or allergic rhinitis to relieve stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing. However, relief may take time to set in and in some cases, only after regular use. Some of the side effects are an unpleasant taste, irritation that may cause nose bleeding especially during the winter months.

- Creams that come in varying strengths of dosages are good for itching and scaling skin. However, be cautious of continued use as they can sometimes cause skin irritation.

- Oral corticosteroids are prescribed for short periods to address more acute forms of allergic symptoms. But the long-term use of such has been known to cause side effects like cataracts and osteoporosis so prescription is regulated.
Leukotriene modifiers

These medicines work similarly to antihistamines in that they block the substances released by your immune system to aggravate allergic reactions. Leukotriene modifiers have been proven to treating allergic asthma and rhinitis.

Injectible epinephrine

Anaphylactic shock is a violent allergic reaction that affects key body functions such as the respiratory and cardiovascular system. This kind of reaction is similar to throwing a monkey wrench into a machine that puts the system in jeopardy. The danger of that kind of reaction is therefore very high.

Immunotherapy

If your condition doesn't see improvement in spite of medications or if taking them will incur adverse side effects, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, which is the process of training your immune system not to react to substances that used to cause allergies for you. This can take as long as three to five years to finish. It is done by introducing extracts of the allergen into your body through a series of regulated injections. The goal is to make your body desensitized to the substance, which will eliminating or decrease your need to take medicines.

This method is especially effective for people allergic to substances that are found everywhere and cannot be avoided (such as dust and pollen). The procedure is also helpful in arresting the development of asthma in children.

Natural Remedies

A lot of people nowadays turn to a holistic health lifestyle and rally for natural remedies like homeopathy or herbs to recover from certain illnesses. Natural remedies or alternative medicine encompasses a number of non-traditional ways for a healthier lifestyle.

Some of these natural remedies are:

1. Apitherapy

Apitherapy is one of the natural remedies which makes use of bee products to help someone recover from a certain illness or condition. There are about 500 diseases that Apitherapy can heal.

2. Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology can pinpoint body dysfunctions by identifying weak muscles.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the science of using essential plant oils for the betterment of one's well-being.

The most common carrier oils are: sweet almond, olive, avocado, borage, apricot kernel, cocoa butter, sunflower, evening primrose, peanut, grape seed, hazelnut, sesame, jojoba, kukui, macadamia nut, pecan, rose hip, and shea butter.

4. Ayurveda

Considered the oldest health care system in the world that originated from India, Ayurveda stems from three biological principles: Vata which is the regulation of movement, Pitta for regulation of metabolism and Kapha for structure.

5. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is one of the natural remedies that use the body's signals for the improvement of health.

6. Bodywork

Bodywork employs deep tissue massage, balance of energy and movement awareness to improve one's health. It does not necessarily involve body touch but it takes care of the body's healing response.

7. Buteyko

One of the natural remedies to watch out for is buteyko which involves breathing exercises to help asthmatic people.

8. Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine has always been known as one of the most popular natural remedies. Chinese Medicine is rooted from the Taoist belief - the law of Yin and Yang. The person will experience less illness if the Yin and Yang is well-balanced.
Chinese medicine is famous for its herbs like the Ren Shen, Dang Gui, Dan Shen, Mu Li, Du Huo and Fang Feng.
One cannot talk about Chinese medicine without mentioning acupuncture. Acupuncture is able to diagnose the illness by the flow of Qi (energy).

9. Color Therapy

Color Therapy uses the spectrum to enhance the energy center or Chakra of the body and also improve the body's healing process.

10. Flower Essences

Dr. Edward Bach discovered in 1930 that flowers contain energy that can put human discord to an equilibrium.

11. Gemstone Therapy

There is such a thing as a healing gemstone that can alleviate ill body conditions. A gemologist must be consulted as "synthetic gems" are useless.

12. Herbology

Natural remedies are immediately associated with herbs. Herbs are classified into aromatic, astringent, bitter, mucilaginous and nutritive. Proven to improve health, herbs are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A can be found in alfalfa, saw palmetto and dock, whereas bee pollen, juniper berry and peppermint are rich in Vitamin C. For one's calcium fix, there's aloe vera and fennel seed.

13. Homeopathy

Homeopathy involves the use of active ingredients in small doses together with natural substances for a healthier balance.

15. Iridology

Iridology is diagnosing through the irises, as they are human parts that show signs of physical and mental illnesses.

16. Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is achieving over-all wellness by changing one's lifestyle, diet and attitude. It comes from the words macro which means great, and bios which means life.

17. Meditation

What can be more natural than just looking for a quiet spot and muse deeply on series of subjects that will eventually lead to enlightenment? Stress is dramatically reduced and the body is recharged by deeply meditating.

18. Music Therapy

Music is language of the soul, so it is not surprising that there is such a thing as music therapy. So far, music therapy has incurred differences and benefits to people who practiced it. This is a fortified healthcare profession that is designed to do the following: promote well-being, express emotions, manage and combat stress, improve memory and alleviate aches and pains.

19. Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine's principles are based on the belief that natural balances make up for a well-balanced internal chemistry.
With those effective natural remedies, it is no wonder a lot of people have started employing each one of them in times of sickness. Most go for natural remedies just to maintain their healthy bodies.

Avoiding Allergic Reactions

Most allergens attack and trigger allergic reaction if they find themselves on the skin or inside the eye. Allergic reactions can happen through inhalation, ingestion or injectionand, as discussed previously, allergies can be seasonal as with the case of the hay fever or it can be drug or dust-induced and food-related.

The production of an antibody called immunoglobulin happens upon the first exposure to an allergen. This immunoglobulin or (IgE) attaches itself to basophiles, a type of white blood cell and mast cells. The initial exposure may have a person extrasensitive to allergen but the symptoms may not be there. Subsequent exposures can eventually lead to more reactions and tissue irritations. Reactions can be mild or severe.
Avoiding an allergy simply translates to one commonsense fact: avoid the allergen. This means the person has to discontinue using a drug, have the dust removed, put the pet outdoors, install effective air filters and simply avoid eating a particular food. If the allergy is severe, the person may consider moving out and finding a place that does not contain the allergen.

Here are more ways to prevent an allergic reaction:

1. Ask the doctor for an allergy kit.

An allergy kit is used for severe allergic reactions, also called anaphylaxis. The kit must have the following: how-to's on using the kit, sterilized cotton swabs for cleansing the skin before and after the injection, Epinephrine which comes in a syringe and some Antihistamine tablets.

Remember that the medications inside an allergy kit may lose their efficacy if exposed to direct sunlight or high temperature. The patient must watch out for the color of Epinephrine. It must be clear. Once it turns pinkish brown, it must be thrown away.

2. You must wear a medical ID tag if you are susceptible to serious reaction so other people are alerted your allergy.

3. There must be a thorough discussion on allergy shots or immunotherapy with the doctor.

Allergy shots can reduce or totally ward off one's sensitivity to an allergen. These shots are for the following allergies:

1. Pollen (trees, grasses and even ragweed)

2. Dust motes and cockroaches.

3. Dander from dogs and cats

4. Fungus

5. Insect venom (from bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants)

6. Medications

As children are more susceptible to allergic reactions, the parent must exert extra effort to keep any allergic reaction at bay. Schools are often considered breeding ground for allergens so the parent and school administrators must work hand in hand. The home must also be allergen-proof so the children can go about freely.

Allergic reactions are dangerous and fatal, if left untreated or if the person is more susceptible than usual. It is mandatory that preventive measures must be carried out to avoid the severe symptoms. For more information on allergic reactions, one must ask the family doctor.

Properly diagnosed and treated, allergies need not affect your life in any significant manner.

A General Look At Cat Allergy Shots


There are lots of people who love cats but the problem is they're allergic to them. The mere presence of cats is enough for them to have runny nose, watery eyes, and even sneezing so much more when they want to play with felines. The great news is medical technology created cat allergy shots to help individuals with this problem and enjoy their cats.

There are two types of shots for cat allergy but the approach of immunotherapy is the way to go if you want to stop experiencing cat allergy symptoms again. The first thing that will come into mind in thinking of these shots is their ability to treat these symptoms but immunotherapy shots will subject the body to allergens and help them prevent the symptoms in the long run.

Cat allergens are caused by serum produced by their bodies and thus irritating the human body either on the pulmonary system or skin. The shots will have this serum so the body will get it. Upon being presented with these allergens, the body will produce allergens which will fight it back. These cat allergy shots will be injected several times until the body develops the antibodies and until it's familiar with the allergen. With the allergen immediately being a familiar component, the body will not present allergy symptoms anymore. By this time, the patient needs not get new sessions of shots.

If you need to take these shots, the first sessions will be given approximately two times per week. This is the time when they will subject the body to a good amount of allergen serum and get used to them. The sessions may last for about six months or more depending on the body's reaction on these shots. This reaction would mean how fast the body will be familiarized with the allergen. The following year, they just need to get the shot once a week and then once a month for the next year. By this time, the body may have already been familiar with the allergen and does not show any symptoms even with the presence of cats.

So if you love cats but hindered to play or have them as pets because of allergic reactions, it's a good move for you to get cat allergy shots to free you from these allergic reactions. You can ask your physician or an allergist to help you get the best services and be assessed for this session.

Interfering Factors In Allergy Treatment


In the 8 years or so that I have been working with allergy patients, I have discovered that the most common reason why allergy treatment fails, either conventional allergy shots, or "energy medicine" techniques like I use, is heavy metal toxicity. As a matter of fact, of those patients who have consulted with me who had at one time or another been treated with allergy shots that did not work, ALL of them tested positive for one or more heavy metal toxicities.

It appears that heavy metals cause confusion in the body's immune system, and predispose the body to developing allergies. I have observed that the patients who show up as having heavy metal toxicity also are usually reactive to many more allergens that those patients who are free of heavy metals. By far the most common heavy metals that are problematic are mercury and lead, but cadmium, thallium, and a host of other metals can show up as well.

Mercury toxicity appears to most commonly be related to amalgam dental fillings, exposure to thimersol (a preserving agent used in vaccines and various liquid solutions used in medicine), and industrial mercury exposure. Although there has been much concern in recent years regarding mercury contamination of seafood, I have not found seafood consumption to be related to mercury toxicity in my patients. It is my belief that the majority of people probably do not consume an amount of mercury contaminated seafood for it to create a toxicity concern.

In my experience, amalgam dental fillings are probably the most common source by far of mercury toxicity. Even so, I usually do not recommend replacement of amalgam fillings unless there is an indication of major leakage of mercury into the body, because the removal process can release such large doses of mercury into the blood and it is usually safer to leave the fillings in place and simply de-tox the mercury accumulation from time to time.

Lead toxicity is most commonly seen in people who were exposed to lead-based paint (and possibly ingested lead paint flakes during childhood). Lead toxicity can also be acquired from occupational sources, such as in electricians who can get it from stripping wiring insulation with their teeth (the insulation often contains lead). Another occupational source of lead exposure is seen in military personnel and police officers who, during training, handled large amounts of lead slugs (I have heard that a common "punishment" in such training is for recruits to have to go gather up lead slugs from the firing range to collect a pre-determined large amount of lead).

No matter what type of heavy metal is producing the toxic effects, there are a variety of ways to test for heavy metals, as well as a variety of ways to treat the toxicity. Testing can be done by conventional blood and tissue tox-screens, by hair analysis, and by muscle reflex testing ("applied kinesiology"). Of the three, I prefer muscle reflex testing even though it is a bit esoteric, because it is simple to do, inexpensive, and if there are multiple heavy metals present it tells me which metal is causing the biggest problem (allowing me to prioritize treatment).

Chelation therapy is the conventional medical treatment of choice for heavy metal toxicity. Chelation therapy injects various binding agents into the bloodstream to pull the heavy metals out of solution so they can be eliminated from the body by the liver and kidneys. Similarly, chlorella (a type of algae) and/or cilantro extract can be used to bind heavy metals making them easier to eliminate from the body. Another method, that is still somewhat controversial even among "alternative" practitioners is the use of special foot baths that utilize a very low-level electrical current to draw out heavy metals and other toxins through the skin of the feet.

The method of detoxification that I prefer is the use of metal-specific homeopathic remedies to assist the body in eliminating the particular metal that is causing the problem. If a patient presents with multiple toxicities, I will usually begin with the chlorella and cilantro approach to start the process and then eventually use homoepathics to eliminate the specific metals. The homeopathic de-tox approach usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to sufficiently reduce the toxicity so that allergy desensitization can be effective.

Once the patient has de-toxed the heavy metal sufficiently, allergy desensitization can be performed effectively. If using conventional allergy shots, the desensitization will take place over a period of months to a few years. If using "energy medicine" techniques, it has been my experience that most people can have the majority of their allergic sensitivities eliminated within a few weeks. Because of the remarkable efficiency of the energy medicine techniques, I favor them over conventional allergy treatment, but to be fair the techniques I use are quite strange to most people and they can be a bit hard to believe. Many people simply cannot believe that these strange methods of treatment work, so they will stick with conventional allergy treatment, which is quite effective in the long-run once any interfering heavy metal toxicities have been handled.

Achoos Away!


It's the time of the year again, where May showers certainly bring May flowers. But along with those come what most people try to avoid: allergies! The red eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and a nose that drips more than a leaky faucet. Luckily, there are many options to help tame the sniffles so you can relax and breathe a little better.

Antihistamines

How do they work? People who have sensitivities to allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal dander, kickstarts the body's immune system. Specific cells in the body called mast cells release chemical irritants called histamine when they are exposed to allergens. Histamine attaches to blood vessels and other receptors in the body, and this causes actions such as itchy red eyes, fluid secretion changes and the runny nose, redness, and possibly muscle spasm that may cause throat tightening. Antihistamine medications act by preventing histamines from attaching themselves to the body's cells so itchiness, watering, and swelling is reduced.

What should you know? Antihistamines come is forms of pills, gel tabs, liquid, eye drops, and nasal sprays, depending on a person's individual needs.

Visine-A has the active ingredient Pheniramine to help relieve itchy, red, watery eyes. It's safe to use for a few days, but quit use if you feel any pressure on the eyes and consult a doctor.

Diphenhydramine is an active ingredient in Benadryl, Aler-Tab, Chlor-Trimeton It is used to help relieve minor coughs, sneezing, airway irritation, and nasal drains from allergies. The main side effect is drowsiness, so don't drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery if taking diphenhydramine. You may want to ask about non-sedating anti-histamines to avoid drowsiness.

Claritin's active ingredient is Loratidine, and also helps with allergy symptoms, but virtually doesn't cause drowsiness. Watch out for side effects such as headache, dry mouth, and upset stomach. Also note that certain drugs and supplements may have interactions with Claritin. St. John's Wart, for example, decreases it's effectiveness so discuss any drugs or supplements with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.

Decongestants

How do they work? When histamines make their way in the bloodstream and attach to blood vessels, nasal tissues, and mucous membranes, they cause the blood vessels to swell. This causes feelings of congestion, stuffiness, and excess drainage. Decongestants act to decrease swelling by causing vessels to vasoconstrict (shrink), so that passageways are opened.

What should you know? Decongestants are usually used along with antihistamines because they work together synergistically. Decongestants also come in nasal sprays, liquid, and pill form. Note however, that nasal sprays should only be used short-term for a few days because long-term use can worsen symptoms.

Sudafed's active ingredient is Pseudophedrine and acts to vasoconstrict vessels in the lungs, mucus membranes, even the heart. Therefore, some people may feel their heart beat faster than normal when they take this medication. Elevations in blood pressure may also occur, due to its effects on blood vessels. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other drugs such as MAO Inhitbitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors, usually found in anti-depressants), since interactions with these drugs may cause serious effects. Watch out for side effects such as headache, dizziness, and difficulty urinating.

Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D includes a decongestant along with an anti-histamine.

Afrin contains Oxymetazoline and is a nasal spray decongestant that acts to shrink swollen, irritated blood vessels. It works almost immediately since it goes straight to the source. People may experience a slight stinging, but because it doesn't travel through the bloodtream, people experience fewer adverse reactions. But it's important to know that it can only be used for up to three days, because it will end up irritating the nasal lining and cause rebound congestion from closure of the passages.

OTC Products

Sometimes simple solutions offer better results, and don't cause side effects because they don't contain any medications. Normal Saline, found in products such as Sinucleanse and Ocean, is a simple salt water solution that relieves allergy symptoms by loosening up dried mucus particles and encrustation. It can be used up to two weeks, since it may irritate the nasal passages. Artificial tears contain no medications and are used to lubricate dry, red, irritated eyes.

Allergy Shots

Also known as Immunotherapy, allergy shots work by gradually exposing the body to increasing levels of an allergen to help build tolerance. Each shot contains tiny amounts of allergic substance(s) that stimulate the immune system, but not enough to trigger a full-blown allergic reaction. Allergen doses are increased gradually over time so that the body becomes desensitized to it, and eventually allergic symptoms diminish.

With your allergies under control, go ahead and brave the outdoors! Take that walk in the park, bask in the sunshine, and smell the beautiful roses without fear of sniffling, sneezing, and stuffy nose.

Reference:
Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 10th Ed.

Restylane Use During Pregnancy - Can I Have Restylane Injections If I Am Pregnant?


Restylane injections are safe and it has been widely used since the year 1996. Restylane use in the USA has declared that it's safe. The safety profile of the injections is highly favorable and it is fully biocompatible as well.

With Restylane the usual need for allergy testing before it's used is not required. Side effects are common with all medical procedures and Restylane has them too. However, the side effects with its use are very minimal. The patient may experience temporary swelling, bruising and redness at the site where it was injected. All of these side effects will typically resolve and disappear in less than a week.

It's use in the USA listed several precautions that need to be followed to ensure the safety of the product when it is used. So far, the safety of this product when used during pregnancy has not been determined yet or even established. That goes the same with breastfeeding females and patients who are under 18 years of age.

With this precaution statement regarding the use of the product during pregnancy, it is not recommended and may not be allowed. This is because there is no proof yet that will establish the safety of the product on pregnant women.

Pregnant women should avoid use to make sure that there will be no complications during her pregnancy and after she gives birth. Because there are no extensive explanation why it's use is off limits to pregnant women, it is best to just keep away from it.

Treatments may be the safest cosmetic and medical procedure available in the market today, but this does not mean that anybody can just use the product. It may not also be received by other patients with certain medical condition not only those who are pregnant.

If you are really into Restylane treatments and being pregnant would not stop you from acquiring it, it is best to ask your doctor. No medical professional will perform the procedure on pregnant women if the doctor knows that it can pose great risk on your health.

It is important that you are aware about all the details concerning your planned cosmetic treatment. To know things in advance will give you more time to think about the next appropriate step that you should take. Cosmetic procedures should be taken seriously. It can cause a lot of changes in your life.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Pollen Allergies - Will an Air Purifier Help?


The Misery Of Allergies

As a young boy I was one of the kids who had to stay indoors to avoid the misery that came with sneezing, sniffling and asthma which came from pollen, grass and leaves. Weekly shots at the allergist and medications were a weekly routine. And even though I was only age 11 (1969) I began to experiment with air purifiers and air cleaners of all kinds. When you can't breathe you'll do anything for relief.

Here are the primary types of air purification, with a quick rundown on their effectiveness for pollen allergies.

Ionizers
My first was an air ionizer, negative ion generator to be more precise. Good for some forms of mildew, pollution, and odor, but not very good for pollen or dust since there is nothing to collect the pollen in the air. RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

Ozone Machines
Ozone generators were my next experiment. Good for odor, mold, and mildew, but again not good for gathering pollen and dust. Too much ozone will irritate the lungs, especially in asthmatics. Ozone machines did little for allergies. Today's primary Ozone brand is Ecoquest (formerly Alpine). RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

Electrostatic Plates or "Truman Cells"
My next was an electrostatic machine with positive and negatively charged plates. Oreck calls it a "Truman Cell" ( for Harry Truman during WWII is all we can figure) but they're all over the market and often called "ionic" or "electrostatic". Good for pollution since carbon from car exhaust is charged, and they're washeable. Since most pollen and dust carries little charge however they are not effective for pollen or dust RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

Carbon and/or Zeolite
These type of air purifiers are primarily for smoke, chemicals, odors and fumes since these organic minerals absorb and trap gases. But they do not trap dust and pollen. RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

HEPA
HEPA is the first choice for pollen allergies because it traps and holds pollen and dust. Doctors and Allergists recommend it most. The downside is you have to replace it every year or so. So make sure you find affordable replacement filters as some companies can soak you after you own their Hepa air purifier. I would avoid the expensive ($500-800) air purifiers like IQAIR and Austin Air which are primarily HEPA. They're just too over-priced for a HEPA filter, and even though they are well made you can find a comparable ones for under $300. RATING FOR ALLERGIES: EXCELLENT

WAIT BEFORE YOU BUY A HEPA AIR PURIFIER
So while HEPA is the primary method of air purification for pollen allergies and asthma today you can find affordable air purifiers that use multiple technologies including HEPA. The reason you want more than HEPA is that pollution, mold, mildew and other contaminants (besides pollen and dust) all burden your immune system and can make pollen allergies worse. Little-known brands like AliveAir and Airpodcleaner use a large HEPA filter plus 8 other technologies including Electrostatic, Carbon, UV (to kill mold and mildew) protecting your body and making cleaner, purer air. Some of these models also use advanced pollen and dust sensors which detect pollen and dust levels and adjust the purification accordingly.

For Video Reviews and More Allergy Cures See The Link To My Website Below

5 Pollutants Responsible For 95% of Toddler Allergies


Respiratory symptoms from a pollutant in the home environment is one of the most common causes of indoor related toddler allergies and may affect millions of children throughout the United States and abroad. It is paramount to understand these five airborne pollutants and their effect on allergies, asthma and other indoor related illnesses.

Mold (fungi). Allergic reactions to mold particles are one of the most common causes of indoor related illnesses in the home. Mold can grow on hundreds of surfaces in the home that has organic matter present. The time that it takes for a mold spore to grow is according to the relative humidity levels in the home. Homes which have a fungi problem will have both alive and dead mold spores present in the indoor environment. Unfortunately, the body can not detect whether a spore is alive or dead and respiratory illness symptoms can result from the exposure to both.

Dust mites. These microscopic creatures can wreak havoc on the health and well-being of children and adults who have an allergic sensitivity to them. Dust mites may be found in bedding, carpeting and furniture where there is a build up of human skin cells, animal dander and house dust. When these mites are allowed to multiple to large populations they can cause serious respiratory illness even when allergies are not present.

Insect parts and droppings. Another common organic pollutant found in the home are droppings and body parts from pests. Many humans with or without allergies have an allergy to the protein found in body parts and droppings from insect pests. When an insect dies in the home, their body will start to decay and turn to dust within 3-4 weeks only to eventually become airborne for the occupants to breathe in.

Bacteria. Bacteria is the fastest growing organism on earth and can multiple by thousands every few hour given the right conditions. The most common source of bacteria growth in the home is the vacuum cleaner bag. Millions of bacteria particles can grow between uses only to become airborne as the vacuum is operated. Bacteria particles are also found commonly in bathrooms and kitchens where the conditions are ideal for them to populate.

Pollen. Each time a door or window is opened allows pollen to enter the indoor environment. If a central air system is running during the opening of a door, then pollen may be sucked into the indoors. Over time, an enormous amount of pollen can build up indoors and can actually be a greater concentration than the outdoors.

A child will breathe in thousands of cubic feet of particles every hour. Particles which are below 10 microns in size will stay in the lungs for the body to have to process. When the body breathes in many indoor microscopic particles then a child may start to exhibit respiratory illnesses such as allergies or asthma. It is important to understand the methods available to control or eliminate these airborne pollutants in the home and make the home environment a haven for a child which suffers from allergy or asthma.

Dealing With Seasonal Allergies: Natural Approaches to Heal and Reduce Symptoms


It's that time of year when those prone to seasonal allergies are once again tormented by itchy, watery, and burning eyes; congestion; dry throats; sneezing; coughing; loss of sleep, and just feeling blah. Although I don't suffer myself, I am writing this on behalf of all of the people that I know and love who have suffered more than enough with seasonal allergies.

There are many natural ways to reduce allergies. I'm not talking about taking antihistamines here. Antihistamines only suppress the symptoms and do nothing to heal the physical problem. Although those with allergies may need to take an antihistamine, there are also some things that can be done to aid the body in fighting off allergens.

What can be done to strengthen the immunity, reduce inflammation, and lesson the negative reaction to environmental irritants for those who suffer from seasonal allergies?

• Reduce or eliminate refined sugars. I don't think there is one single human discomfort that can't be reduced or eliminated by reducing or eliminating processed sugars and white flour (simple, fast acting carbs). Sugar causes inflammation and also creates a mineral imbalance in our bodies. Both the inflammation and the imbalance compromise our immunity, which in turn makes it much more difficult for the body to deal with any type of allergic reaction. You need a strong immunity to combat allergies, and sugar compromises that ability. Consuming sugar may also cause allergies to develop because of inflammation, compromised immunity, and mineral imbalances.

When I recently did a two-week sugar fast-no sweeteners of any kind including maple syrup and honey, no bananas or dates, no dried fruit, no white rice, white flour or potatoes-I was very surprised to find that the congestion I normally have first thing in the morning was gone during that fast. It came back with the reintroduction of sugar and fast acting carbs.

• Use a netti pot. Using a netti pot clears out the sinus cavities of any impurities, including pollen and environmental irritants. I love using my netti pot! I'm not plagued with allergies, but I know that a netti pot reduces my nasal congestion when I have a cold. I use mine just to clear out those passages, even when congestion is not an issue. I frequently use a netti pot as part of my morning routine: brush my teeth, use my tongue scraper, and use my netti pot. It feels great!

I bought a little plastic netti pot many years ago, and it does the trick. I will eventually replace it with a ceramic one, as I try and eliminate my exposure to plastics. However, for the time being, I'll continue to use the one that I have.

Use distilled water. Tap water, filtered or unfiltered, should always be boiled for at least five minutes, then permitted to cool to a comfortable temperature. It may be more convenient to boil a larger amount, and to keep it in a container to be used once or twice a day.

If using bottled spring water, boil it first.

Do not use unboiled tap water. I cannot stress this enough. Tap water can introduce pathogens and toxins into your nasal passages, and can create more of a problem than you already have. If distilled water is not available, pre-boil the tap water for several minutes, and allow to cool down. If boiling water is also not a possibility, then just don't use a netti pot.

Some people prefer room temperature, and others prefer it a little heated. This takes only a minute, as you don't want the water to be too hot. Add 翹 teaspoon of salt and mix it until it dissolves (I use a heaping 翹 teaspoon). Some people also like to add a 翹 teaspoon of baking soda, to sooth the drying properties of the salt. I don't do this, but if the salt feels too drying, baking soda can be added.

Do not use iodized salt or salt with anticaking agents. Read the ingredients. There should only be one thing listed there: "Salt." It can be any kind of salt, but make sure that nothing else is listed. You can also purchase packets already made up for use with a netti pot. I prefer to make my own, as I like to use high quality natural sea salt. If you find that the solution burns your sinuses, either reduce or increase the amount of salt slightly. If it isn't the correct balance of saline to match the saline in your body, it will irritate. Try adjusting the amount.

Put the spout of the netti pot into one nostril, and tip it so that the water drains out of the other nostril. You'll want to lean your head forward slightly and to the side of the nostril that is draining. (Stand over a sink.) Keep your mouth open and breathe while using it. Experiment with the correct angle to hold your head. Now, change nostrils and do the same thing on the other side. It may take some practice, but you'll get used to it. When you're finished, gently move your head in a circle to help drain any water that is left in your nostrils, and gently blow your nose.

Some people simply cannot use the netti pot because they hate how it feels, or they can't get it to drain properly from their nostrils. For those who don't like or can't use the netti pot, try using a nasal bulb syringe that is used for babies when they are congested.

• Eat raw local honey. Eat raw local honey to introduce small amounts of the pollen from local flowers. (Bees carry minute amounts of nectar and pollen from flower to flower while making honey.) This works in much the same way as getting allergy shots. Raw local honey will introduce the pollen in amounts small enough for your body to handle. Over time, it will help your body to build up a resistance to these allergens. It is recommended that you consume a couple of tablespoons, daily, of local raw honey. It is best to start doing this before allergy season kicks in, but I imagine that it's never too late to derive some small benefit, even if started later in the season. If this is the first time you've eaten raw local honey, begin with small amounts, as there have been some allergy sufferers who have had a severe reactions to the pollen present in honey. This is not common, but you should be aware of the possibility and start out slowly if it's something new that you're just introducing to your body.

• Increase fermented foods and probiotics. The majority of your immune system is in your gut. Eating cultured or fermented foods helps to increase the friendly bacteria that build up our immunity.

• Consider any food allergies that may be contributing to the body's weakened immune response. If you suspect that you have an allergy or sensitivity to any food, remove the food for two weeks. On day 15, reintroduce the food and see how your body responds. Common food sensitivities include gluten, dairy, peanuts, soy, and eggs, but allergies can come from virtually any food. Food allergies are more than just a pain in the neck. They compromise your health by compromising your immunity.

• Reduce stress. Stress also compromises our immunity. I could write volumes about how the body responds to stress, and how it takes a toll on human health-physically, mentally, and emotionally. Most of us are aware of the dangers of unresolved stress in our lives, or of stress that we don't learn how to manage. This stress causes our immunities to be greatly compromised. For those with allergies, a compromised immunity will cause the immune response to be weakened. Focus on ways to reduce stress in your life. Pray, meditate, practice yoga, take walks, workout in a gym (if you can't be outdoors), take time for self-care, keep a journal, and/or embrace a higher power to help you to relax and manage stress.

• Up your intake of Omega 3 fatty-acids, known to reduce inflammation. Omega 3 fatty-acids can be found in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, oily fish (salmon, herring, trout, and sardines), chia seeds, and walnuts. Animals that are grass fed are also a good source of omega 3 fatty-acids.

• Eat more food with vitamin C and take a good vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C helps to build a strong immunity.

• Consider taking the herb, stinging nettle. It has known anti-inflammatory properties and is used, in holistic medicine, to treat allergies.

• Eat a diet high in foods that reduce inflammation. Ginger, onions, garlic, turmeric, foods high in omega 3 fatty-acids, pineapple, walnuts, fish (salmon is wonderful for reducing inflammation), berries, and healthy fats (coconut oil and olive oil), along with all fruits and veggies, will help to reduce inflammation.

• Avoid or reduce the foods that cause inflammation. Sugar, processed foods, table salt, alcohol, refined grains, farm factory animals, and unhealthy oils (polyunsaturated and trans fats) all cause inflammation in the body. If you are sensitive to dairy, it can also cause inflammation.

These are some of the things that you can do to build up your immunity and reduce inflammation, which can help to alleviate seasonal allergies. Remember that natural healing takes time. Begin making some positive dietary and lifestyle changes today, and you can look forward to seeing improvement as time goes by. Some changes will be more immediate, but others will increase your immune response over a period of time.

Ignoring the Potential of Asthma Can Prove Disastrous


Ever feel short of breath from little physical activity, despite being in decent shape? Does your child suffer from coughing episodes without any perceivable trigger? You or your loved one may be developing asthma, and should seek asthma testing and consultation for this difficult, but manageable respiratory disease.

For a rudimentary understanding of what asthma is, the classic definition is a chronic inflammatory disease that obstructs airflow due to a variety of triggers and causes. Though prognosis is generally positive, asthma can have debilitating consequences and create serious complications when compounded with other illnesses.

If you do not have asthma, there is a simple exercise to get the feel for what it may be like to struggle with a respiratory disease. Try breathing through a straw for a length of time. The restriction of airflow to your lungs is similar to the constriction of airflow caused by an asthma attack. For the asthmatic, an attack can happen at anytime due to one of several common triggers.

While asthma can be genetic, certain environmental factors or irritants can cause asthma attacks. The most common of these triggers are allergies and air quality. Allergic reactions are immune system response to normally harmless substances, usually through the symptoms shortness of breath and inflammation. Environmental factors include presence of allergens, or the quality of air in regards to irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollen. The combination of all of these factors contributes to the prevalence and severity of asthma and asthma attacks.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be asthmatic, scheduling an asthma testing should be the immediate first step in treating the disease. With very simple procedures, today's asthma doctors can run tests that will effectively isolate the allergens that can trigger your respiratory problems in under an hour. Treatments are varied and can include anything from steroidal inhalants that halt inflammation, to injections that weaken allergic reactions that induce asthma attacks.

Being proactive and seeking a consultation is the first step to health and wellness. As stated before, asthma isn't a death sentence; but ignoring asthma can lead to serious health complications. Statistics show that nearly a quarter of emergency room visits are asthma related, and asthma has a hand in over 10,000 deaths every year in the United States. Protect yourself and your family by consulting an asthma doctor about allergy and asthma testing, while it's still manageable.

Allergic Reaction to Allergy Shots


Although there is no cure for allergies, many people have found immunotherapy (more commonly known as allergy shots) to be an extremely effective way to manage irritating symptoms. Allergy shots are usually discussed as an option for people who have not been able to control their allergies with other methods, people who are not able to avoid the cause of their allergies, and people who have experienced unpleasant side effects from other types of allergy medication.

During an allergic reaction, the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance. Allergy shots work by exposing the system to small amounts of the problem allergen until the body can effectively build up natural defenses against it. They are administered over a given period of time. The number of injections will depend on the severity and type of the allergy. Immunotherapy is usually very effective and can help to drastically reduce allergy symptoms. Normally, allergy shots are very safe. Exposure to the allergen is minimal, and should not be enough to trigger a problem. However, it is possible for them to cause an allergic reaction. They should only be administered by trained medical professionals in a safe environment to avoid any possible complications.

What to expect from an allergy shot

It is fairly common for patients to experience a small amount of swelling or discomfort at or near the injection site. This may occur immediately after the shot, or may not appear until a few hours later. This is usually a harmless reaction that should go away within 24 hours.

Occasionally, the shots will trigger the very sorts of allergic reactions that they are meant to get rid of. Exposure to a known allergen is always risky, and it may be necessary to adjust the dosage if reactions occur. These reactions will have the same types of symptoms as a regular reaction to the allergen. For example, someone who is taking the shots to manage an allergy to dogs may experience the same symptoms that they normally would after coming into contact with pet dander. These are usually minor reactions, and may include:


  • Sneezing, difficulty breathing, a runny nose, or an itchy rash (especially at the injection site)

These symptoms will usually disappear fairly quickly. However, most allergists agree that it is a good idea to monitor patients for up to 30 minutes after an allergy shot just to make sure.

In very rare cases, allergy shots can trigger a serious reaction called anaphylaxis.

Serious Allergic Reactions to Immunotherapy

During anaphylaxis, the respiratory system will show signs of great distress. Some signs of anaphylaxis are a serious constriction of the airways, swelling and tightening of the throat, serious difficulty breathing, or a rapid pulse. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition, so it is essential to seek emergency medical attention right away at the first sign of any of these symptoms.

Take the Right Precautions

It is never safe to risk exposure to a known allergen without proper precautions. Since there is a slight risk of an allergic reaction to immunotherapy, it is important that these shots are only administered by a trained medical professional in a safe environment. Do not leave the doctor's office until all symptoms, even minor ones, have faded.

Understanding the Common Symptoms of a Latex Allergy


Latex allergies are something that was once a big problem with health care professionals. Now that they have other types of gloves the problem isn't as problematic. There are still groups of people who have allergic reactions to latex and for these people avoiding latex products is important. It is the rubbery substance that gloves are made out of that causes the allergy sufferers an outbreak, not latex based paints. Allergic reactions can have a delayed or an immediate reaction.

Immediate reactions have the potential to be fatal. Direct contact with latex can trigger allergic reactions. Within a short time, usually only minutes, of exposure the allergy sufferer begins to break out in hives. Shortly thereafter tightness in the throat starts, wheezing and breathing difficulties can quickly move to anaphylaxis and then death. For most people with serious reactions, it requires actual physical contact with latex, for some people their allergies are so serious and they are so sensitive that just taking a pill that was in a bottle having a latex stopper in it can cause a serious, immediate allergic reaction.

A delayed latex allergy can cause itchy reddened and mildly swollen skin in the area that the latex contacted about 12 to 24 hours after the contact. This is an annoying reaction but is generally harmless. This type of reaction is from the chemicals used in the process of making latex.

An allergy specialist can do a patch test by putting components of latex on the skin and reading the results in 48 to 96 hours to diagnose a delayed reaction. Immediate reactions are difficult to test for with skin tests due to a lack of latex extract instead RAST is used. Allergy tests should only be done by a licensed doctor who is experienced in allergy diagnosis.

There a few food allergies that often cause symptoms that are similar to those found in people who have latex allergies. These include avocado, banana, chestnuts, kiwi, and melons.

The best way to treat this type of allergy is to prevent exposure to latex. If you have already been exposed to latex the treating the symptoms to find relief is your next course of action. Latex balloons, condoms, and gloves used in cleaning as well as those used in medical practices should be avoided. This is only the beginning; there are latex pacifiers, latex nipples for baby bottles, erasers toys, rubber bands and more. Reading the labels on products before handling them if you are sensitive is of utmost importance.

If you are going to have surgery the hospital and the physician need to know of your allergy and they need to clean the rooms thoroughly and make sure to use only non-latex gloves and instruments that have not been in contact with latex products.

Allergy attacks should be treated by a physician immediately if there are any breathing difficulties. There are shots that can be given to help prevent allergic reactions. An epinephrine shot may be needed if the allergy attack is severe. Most people with severe latex allergies carry an EpiPen to treat immediate reactions.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Treatment Options For Eczema Sufferers


If you suffer from eczema you are not alone. Eczema is a skin condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The intensity of eczema cases is varied form the mild and inobvious, to the extreme and dibilitating. Therefore, eczema treatment options cover a wide range of intensities and variations also. They range from simply modifying hygiene practices to the last resort use of ultraviolet light treatment. Eczema treatment options are available for all types of sufferers.

It is vital to learn the different eczema treatment options on the market today in order to make an appropriate selection. Medical research regarding eczema treatment is an ongoing process with advancements in research and technology coming forward every day. Currently eczema is not curable, but can be controlled through eczema treatment techniques, and often held in a state of remission.

A first line of defense against eczema is to modify and step up your hygiene routine. People with eczema are highly susceptible to harsh, drying soaps. Pay special care to the use of 'bargain' laundry detergents, as your clothing being saturated with irratants can aggrevate the condition. Soaps can reduce the amount of moisture in your skin, moisturizers can help replace it. Skin moisture is crucial and with dry skin comes an eczema flare-up. Hot water can also dry out your skin, so opt for a cool bath. In short, the less exposure to hot water the better.

Make heavy moisturizers a part of your daily routine. Apply moisture cream or
ointments immediately and liberally after taking your shower or bath. This is the best time to retain moisture in your skin. You can also apply hydrocortisone cream to eczema areas. This home eczema treatment routine will benefit and help keep mild cases of eczema under control.

If you have tried home eczema treatment, but your eczema flare-ups continue to be
bothersome, head to your Dermatologist. They can prescribe more potent moisturizers, creams, and ointments to apply to your skin. They can ascertain the cause of your eczema and prescribe anti-inflammatory and allergy medicines as well.

Check to see if a food allergy could be the cause of your eczema. You can then modify your intake and eliminate that food from your diet. If skin irritants are to blame for your eczema then you can remove the irritants from your environment or wear protective clothing. Sometimes experimentation is the only way to identify them. Allergy shots are also a possible eczema treatment option. It is critical to remove the source of your eczema for effective eczema treatment.

The previous eczema treatment options do not work for a minority of eczema cases.

These chronic, extreme eczema sufferers can turn to ultraviolet light eczema treatment. This type of eczema treatment is a last resort and should be discussed with a physician.

Eczema treatment options are available and will help any eczema sufferer manage their condition. Consult with your family doctor or Dermatologist for more information. They can make a diagnosis and recommend an eczema treatment plan specifically geared towards your case.

What Is An Allergy?


Fresh on the heels of the Dallas Morning News making my point for this article, I can breathe a sigh of relief. You see, I had been struggling with several very interesting topics as potential articles but this front page news item "sealed the deal". Now, some if not most of what I'm about you'll have seen on these pages already, but with a looming allergy season that portends to be nasty, I felt this deserving of discussion.

I guess the best way to describe the forthcoming allergic events would be to call it a "perfect storm" of sorts. The News summarized it well: a combination of a dry, warm winter with strong winds out of seemingly everywhere is leading to likely misery for a lot of us in North Texas. But if any good can come of this is the fact that there's ample time to do something about it- that "it" means treatment, of course, but, even better, prevention.

There is absolutely no need for anyone with seasonal allergies to endure the suffering. With the availability of so many preventive treatment options out there, it's frankly surprising to me when my colleagues and I see the inevitable tide of patients, sniffling and sneezing unnecessarily. I will again stipulate for the record that doctors' offices are not fun and no one looks forward to visiting them. That said, when compared to the relentless, daily assault a lot of us go through, it's a small price to pay for relief.

When it comes down to it, "allergies" are just a series of events triggered by an overeager immune system whose end product results in your misery. What your doctor can do to help you is to thwart the response your body has to pollen/dander, etc. by the administration of medicines designed to affect the immune cascade - BEFORE you "feel" your allergies. This can be done by anti-histamines (Allergra and others), inhaled steroids (Flonase, for example), or leukotriene inhibitors (Singulair). One or all can be used/combined to blunt the allergic reaction. Allergy shots, i.e. immunotherapy, are usually reserved for severe cases or those patients that have tried all of the above and failed to achieve good therapeutic response. What works best really depends on you and your doctor working together and finding the best combination. In other words, what works for YOU may not work for you.

Regardless of methodology, treatment isn't really optional - there's pretty good evidence out there that relegates allergies to a not so- benign status. Studies have demonstrated that severe allergies can lead to the development of asthma- that's right, asthma. That includes folks who've never been had symptoms of asthma before! This is based on the similarities that allergies and asthma share in terms of how they develop and how, when "mature", they affect your respiratory tract. Asthma, however, is a whole different ballgame - it can kill. Morbid, yes, but very true.

The moral- don't wait. Take the fight to the allergies. And, no, not everyone needs to be "tested." Empiric treatment is the norm. If you eventually need injections as part of your treatment, then testing is mandatory to find the best course of treatment. Whatever said treatment is, it all starts with "the team"- you and your doctor. You know how miserable you can feel. Do you honestly want that, especially knowing how easy it is to avoid? Well, then, why aren't you picking up the phone for an appointment? Rhetorical question, folks

Over the Counter Treatment of Seasonal Allergies


According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology seasonal allergies (aka hay fever) affect over 35 million Americans and results in 16 million visits yearly to the doctor. Symptoms often appear at about the same time every year and can include runny nose, sneezing, congestion and itching in the ears, eyes, nose and throat. Seasonal allergies are usually triggered by airborne pollen from trees grass and weeds and from mold spores.

Allergy

An allergic reaction is the bodies over-reaction to substances in the environment. These substances are often called allergens because they cause the allergic reaction. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are very similar to that of a cold but a cold will usually resolve in 7 to 10 days while an allergic reaction can last for weeks or even months. Also the nasal discharge during a cold is often thick and yellow but in an allergic reaction it is thin and clear.

Treatments

Treatment for allergies can be as simple as using over the counter products or it can include visits to the allergist for allergy skin tests and immunotherapy (allergy shots). This article focuses on over the counter therapy. If you do not find relief from these suggestions you should seek further assistance from your doctor.

Histamine

When exposed to an allergen, the body responds in several ways, including producing extra histamine. Histamine causes inflammation, swelling, a runny nose, sneezing and itching. Histamine also narrows airways in the lungs (constricts bronchi) and increases stomach acid secretion.

Antihistamines

This class of medications is a good starting point for treatment of seasonal allergies. There are several over the counter antihistamines available, many of which were once only available by prescription. They work by blocking the action of histamine in the body.

Antihistamines are generally separated into first and second generation agents. The first generation antihistamines are considered to be sedating while the second generation agents are commonly known as non-sedating. In reality, all antihistamines have the potential to cause drowsiness.

Some of the more popular first generation antihistamines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist) and doxylamine (Unisom). Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are so sedating they are commonly marketed as sleep aids. Clemastine is less sedating than these and chlorpheniramine is less sedating than clemastine. A benefit to these antihistamines is their ability to decrease mucus production in the nose due to their strong anticholinergic effects.

The second generation antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin). They are much less sedating than first generation antihistamines and are dosed once daily. They also have fewer side effects but as a result they are less likely to dry up a runny nose.

Check with your doctor before using antihistamines if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, emphysema, bronchitis or you are taking sedatives.

Decongestants

Since congestion is one of the symptoms of allergies, it makes sense to use this class of medication to get some relief. There are only two oral decongestants available over the counter. They are phenylephrine (Sudafed) and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed PE). They work by constricting blood vessels. This in turn results in shrinking of the nasal mucosa (the mucus membranes) allowing more air to pass, improving drainage and a less stuffy feeling.

Decongestants can also be found in nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (Afrin). They can provide more immediate relief oral decongestants but the nasal sprays should not be used for more than 2 to 3 days due to worsening of congestion after stopping. This is known as rebound congestion.

Talk to your doctor before using decongestants if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disease or diabetes.

Combination Antihistamine Decongestants

There are many combination products on the market. There may be a benefit to taking a combination product because the two classes of medications work together to improve symptoms. Have your pharmacist help you select a combination product that is right for you. As an alternative, you could buy a decongestant and an antihistamine separately and take both together. An advantage to doing it this way is you can selectively take one or the other or both together depending on your symptoms.

Nasal Irrigation

This is a good alternative therapy for seasonal allergies. It is an ancient technique of using a salt solution to bathe or wash the nasal passages. The theory is by washing away the allergens and mucus you improve normal function and decrease inflammation. 

Cromolyn Nasal Spray

Cromolyn nasal spray (Nasalcrom) is a less commonly used medication. It can be used in combination with other treatments. Cromolyn helps stabilize mast cells. These are the cells that over react to pollen or other allergens causing the allergy problems. Buy stabilizing these cells, they release less inflammatory chemicals such as histamine. In order for cromolyn nasal spray to be effective it must be used several times a day. Symptoms may take 1 to 2 weeks before they improve. Do not use to treat sinus infections, asthma or cold symptoms.

Local Honey

An alternative therapy for allergies involves eating 1 to 2 teaspoons a day of local honey. Local honey is defined as honey made within 30 to 300 miles (depending on who you talk to) from where you live. Bees make honey from plant pollen (often the same ones causing allergies). The theory is that continuous daily exposure to the pollen in the honey decreases the chance you will react to it when exposed in the air. Some people swear by this but the studies that have been performed do not support it.

Conclusion

There are lots of treatments available for seasonal allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, start your treatment a few weeks before your symptoms usually start and continue through the allergy season. If the above treatments do not provide relief you will need to seek the advice of a doctor.

Here are a couple of good resources

Check out your local pollen counts www.pollen.com 

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