Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Hives Treatment - Why Your Urticaria Treatment Will Fail


Why The Best Urticaria Treatment Is a Simple Natural Method

Every day, people visit their doctors with complaints relating to urticaria--or hives. They're in hot pursuit of a hives treatment plan that will provide them with relief from the itching and pain of the associated bumps and welts.

Dealing With Acute Hives Is Easy

In many cases, getting rid of the hives is quite easy. Those with an acute case of urticaria generally respond quite well to antihistamines and/or steroids as a form of hives treatment. Their issues are short-lived and the allergens that spurred them may never be identified. Hives of this sort are just a normal part of life for many, in fact it is thought that most people will at some time in their life experience acute hives.

Little or No Relief For Chronic Hive Sufferers

However In other cases, hives don't disappear without a great deal of effort. In chronic cases, they can last for six weeks or more and keep coming back, some people suffer with the condition for years. Chronic urticaria sufferers experience frequent, recurrent outbreaks and conventional urticaria treatment methods often fail.

Why does the standard hives treatment often fail? There are a few reasons.

#1: First, the normal approach--bombarding the situation with antihistamines and steroids--assumes that the hives stem from interaction with an outside allergen. This treatment regimen acts as though "a hive is a hive" when that's not really the case. Chronic urticaria sufferers often have hyperactive immune systems that respond disproportionately to allergens and toxins. The problem is related more to the immune system than the allergen and treating the symptoms--the hives themselves--does nothing to solve that problem.

#2: Second, traditional hives treatment involves frequent use of medications. That makes sense as way of resolving the symptoms quickly, but it has an unintended side effect. Those medications invite toxins into the system, some of which can build up after years of dealing with chronic hives. As we've established, part of the underlying force that generates those hives is an immune system disorder that will overreact to the build up of toxins. In these cases, the medication itself can actually lead to additional outbreaks. It's a situation in which the solution actually encourages the frequency of urticaria outbreaks.

A Natural Treatment For Chronic Hives Which Heals From The Inside Out

Those flaws in the standard hives treatment system have led many sufferers to seek out natural means of addressing the problem, especially those suffering with chronic urticaria. These solutions, which aren't based on popping pills, using creams or taking shots, have shown great promise in the permanent and effective treatment of chronic urticaria because they address the underlying issues.

Chronic hives can be a serious problem. They're painful, itchy, unattractive and a constant source of distraction. If you're dealing with regular hives outbreaks and aren't experiencing success with the standard treatment regimen, you may want to consider a natural response to the problem

The Answer For Many Chronic Urticaria Sufferers - Try This When Nothing Else Works:

Childrens Allergies and Dogs


Children and dogs can be great companions, but what if your child itches and sneezes whenever he comes in contact with a dog? You can still own a dog in spite of your child's allergy, but you just need to be more selective on what breed to choose.

The cause of your children's allergy is usually the dog's saliva, hair or dander. Dander is the skin flakes and scurf that's constantly shed from a dog's skin. Symptoms of an allergy to dogs include red and itchy eyes, a runny congested nose, sneezing and wheezing.

Fortunately, there are number of "hypoallergenic" dog breeds (also called low-allergy dogs or allergy-friendly dogs) available so your child can enjoy the companionship of a dog without any added health problems.

Allergy friendly breed choices include:

The Hairless Breeds

The Mexican Hairless Dog and the Chinese Crested Dog are unusual looking and because they have very little hair, if any, they can be good companions for children with allergies. However, they are not 100% allergy free, as they still shed dander, which can cause an allergic reaction in your child.

Maltese

Maltese are adorable, fluffy little dogs that love babies, children and even cats. That out-going attitude is part of their natural fearlessness. They shed very little, but their soft, silky coat does require regular grooming to preventing matting. Keep in mind that toy varieties can be too fragile for children, so choose a Maltese larger than seven pounds.

Poodle

Surprisingly, the dog breed famous for its abundant hair is actually low-allergy. The toy Poodle may be the best known, but poodles come in several sizes, ranging from toy (less than 11 inches) to standard (over 15 inches). These curious, acrobatic dogs are very intelligent and make great playmates. They require lots of interactive play and obedience training or they'll invariably get into mischief. They don't like to roughhouse, though, so children should be taught to play gently with them, and they need regular clipping and grooming.

Puli

If you're looking for a larger dog with an unusual look, the Hungarian Puli might just be for you. Highly intelligent, agile, and protective, these dogs are ideal both as watchdogs and companions for active children. Just remember that they were bred as working dogs, so they need obedience training and plenty of daily exercise to prevent boredom and behavior problems. Also, although their coat is low-allergy, it does require considerable care.

If an allergy specialist has diagnosed you or your child with a dog allergy, it doesn't mean you have to give up your pet. You can discuss the possibility of allergy shots or medication with your doctor, but there are also ways to reduce the allergens in your dog and your home so that you can continue to live happily with your dog. There are medications such as antihistamines that can treat your children's allergy to dogs. If the allergy is particularly severe, you can have desensitising injections made which can stop your child reacting to the allergen.

A little extra work can also cut down on dog allergy symptoms. Vacuum the floor and furniture daily to pick up hair and dander using a machine with a HEPA (High-Efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Regularly clean walls with water to further reduce exposure to allergens and dust. Use washable blinds or shades, cotton-covered furniture, and limit the number of rugs, upholstered furniture, and drapes in the home. Opt for hardwood floors or tile rathe than wall-to-wall carpeting.

Regularly wash your dog's bedding to make sure no hair builds up. Groom your dog as required for the breed. Be aware, though, that over-bathing can cause dry skin, which leads to more dander and more allergic reactions, so only wash as needed.

Look for symptoms of dermatitis in your dog, which often leads to accelerated skin sloughing and fur shedding. Always wash your hands after touching your dog and do not touch your eyes or other areas of your face before your hands are washed.

For most children, allergy problems don't have to mean a childhood without pets. Choose a low-allergy dog like a Maltese, Poodle or one of the many other allergy-friendly dog breeds and your kids can have a puppy playmate to love without any sniffles or watery eyes.

Overcoming Allergies to Pets


These days, so many people are trying to live allergies and pets...Dealing with the constant congestion, itching and wheezing, the splitting headaches and other discomforts of allergies, and loving the furry source of all this misery is a tough spot to be in. But it's exactly where an estimated ten million American pet owners find themselves right now.

Beyond the wonderful companionship and unconditional love, dogs and cats have some remarkable physical effects on the body.

Caring and cuddling these little (and sometimes not so little) critters can reduce anxiety and actually lower our blood pressure. What an enjoyable, simple and totally natural way to do something good for your health.

Allergy symptoms that are caused by pets bring on the discomforts we're all familiar with - those itchy, watery eyes, blotchy hives, constant sneezing, awful congestion - sometimes even asthma.

Experts believe that you can develop a dog allergy some months or even years after making the pet a part of your life. If this happens to you, your best bet is to get tested to be sure your symptoms are a result of man's best friend - and not other allergens like pollen, dust or mold - that can also be culprits.

In rare instances people outgrow allergies, including those to pets.

One of the best ways to comfortably co-exist with your beloved furry friend is to identify your allergy and undergo a series of shots to desensitize your system. Over the counter or prescription medications are also available to treat the symptoms, though the best remedy is to remove the pet from the home.

If you're a pet lover with identified allergies, you may have heard of hypoallergenic breeds, like those being considered by President-elect Barak Obama's family. The problem is, according to experts, there really is no such thing as hypoallergenic breeds.

Research has shown that allergies aren't caused by the hair, allergens are produced by the animal's saliva, dander and urine - so even a hairless dog, or one of the breeds often identified as hypoallergenic such as bichon frises, poodles and Malteses willproduce allergens that are brought into the environment.

There really isn't any research that points to whether certain breeds are more allergy-friendly than others, though the main dog allergen that people often react to isn't present in all dogs. The most important factors related to pet allergies are the size of the animal and the volume of hair it has. Of course an outdoor animal can bring pollens, mold spores and other allergens into the home that may also trigger an allergy attack.

Before you commit to a new pet, consider a trial period so you can see how the person who has the allergies manages.

If you just fall in love with a four legged friend, yet someone at home has pet allergies, here are some tips you can try to keep everyone happy. You can...

- Keep the bedrooms pet free zones, no exceptions.

- Wash bedding weekly, including the pet's bed.

- Have as little carpeting in the main living area as you can.

- Vacuum any carpeting daily.

- Use a HEPA air filter in the bedroom to trap and remove allergens from the air.

- Wash the dog once or twice each week.

- Wash your own hands after interacting with the animal.

By following these few steps you can help yourself cope with the awful symptoms allergies to pets cause and still live with the pet you love.

Natural Male Enhancements Not Just for ED Anymore


Are you ready to really up the levels of your sex life and take sex to a different world? Perhaps things have become monotonous and drab or pedantic in the bedroom for you and for your lover? Well if you really want to try bring some spice and flame back to the bedroom, make sure that you don't overlook the affordable and effective power of the natural male enhancements that are out there today.

Of course, it's only natural to wonder how these male natural enhancement products and pills work, and what they have to offer, and why so many couples are swearing by them for better sex every single time. You will find in the following lines, the reasons why more and more men prefer to use these products from natural ingredients and about the advantages they offer to the user.

Male Natural Enhancement Treat Erectile Dysfunction

The number one reason why men swear by a penile enhancement product during the present day is to treat instances of erectile dysfunction, and to prevent them from reoccurring or occurring in the first place. When compared to drugs for treating erectile dysfunction, natural male enhancements generally work faster and are effective for a longer period of time, and more so they are affordable and nonprescription as well. Hence it makes it easy for a man to walk across the store and get these natural alternatives just across the counter!

Natural Penile Enhancement Products Cure Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is estimated to affect around one third of all sexually active adult males in the United States today. That's millions of men that are dealing with not being able to last longer in the bed. However, with male natural enhancement, they incorporate potent sexual nutrients known as prosexuals that enable a man to last longer in the sack than ever before when having sexual intercourse.

Natural Male Enhancements Increase Pleasure & Arousal

Want more pleasure, better climaxes and more powerful releases when in bed? That's one of the top reasons why men are keen on adding natural male enhancements to the mixture before sex. The medical grade and herbal ingredients supercharges the male libido. The ultimate results are undeniable: amazing climaxes, powerful arousals and one of a kind sexual release that is truly second to none. This of course, is the ultimate dream of every man who wants to be at his best during his time in the sack.

Male Natural Enhancement Turbo-charge Seminal Volume Output

Some men want to shoot more, shoot harder and really shoot a lot. Much like they see in their favorite adult films. That's another top reason why more men are using natural male enhancements before sex. The powerful ingredients actually improve seminal volume output, and in dramatic proportions. If you desire to ejaculate larger loads, then penile enhancement products with natural ingredients may be the answer for you.

Natural Penile Enhancement Products Work as Testosterone Boosters

Some men suffer from a hormonal deficiency called low testosterone. It's where the male hormone is not being produced enough by the body. This can deplete sex drive and libido, and even sexual energy and eventually can lead to problems like erectile dysfunction. There is always the allopathic way of doing things like visiting a medic and availing the available treatment options.

There are prescription meds for treating it, but they are costly and invasive, and usually require many tests and shots to work and most certainly not to mention the side effects. This is easily, one of the top reasons men use male natural enhancement pills and products as testosterone boosters.

Making Cosmetics - Starting Your Own Homemade Cosmetics Business is Easy & High Profit


Can you sell homemade cosmetics to the general public and retail outlets? This is one of the most common questions asked of me during my 25-plus years of making cosmetics. The answer, in almost all countries, is: Yes. There certainly seems to be a lot of confusion regarding this issue - fueled in part, I am sure, by the desire of the global conglomerates to keep control of this multi-billion dollar industry.

Many countries take their lead from the US FDA, so let's take a look at what the FDA has to say about the issue of making homemade cosmetics for retail sale. Homemade cosmetics are not required to be tested by the FDA - or any other authorities, for that matter. However, there are a few rules which must be observed.

1. The cosmetic product must be correctly labelled, and follow the labeling regulations. Essentially, this means stating the ingredients in descending order of use, the quantity of product contained within the packaging and any known safety precautions.

2. The cosmetic product must not contain any prohibited ingredients. If you are using professional formulations for making cosmetics, this will not represent any problem.

3. The cosmetic product must be free of pathogens. Again, if you are using professional formulations, you will not have any difficulties complying with this regulation.

The benefits of making cosmetics which have been professionally formulated, is that you will be able to produce top quality products of a calibre equal to, or even better than, the leading cosmetic manufacturers. How can your homemade cosmetics be better than the leading brands?

While it's true that top quality cosmetic products usually include high grade, effective ingredients, cosmetic manufacturing companies operate on extremely high profit levels - 1000% or even much higher. Because the most effective ingredients are also the most expensive, in order to maximize their profits, leading cosmetic making companies usually use these substances in the lowest proportion possible.

Making your own homemade cosmetics allows you to use the same ingredients - but in much higher proportion. This means you can produce products of much higher quality and effectiveness. If you have your own business making cosmetics, you can make color cosmetics, skin and hair care, body and bath products, and toiletries, which will quickly develop a loyal clientele. And you will be able to make the same profits as the big cosmetic manufacturing companies.

You can even start a business making cosmetics for other retailers - hair and beauty salons, spas, etc - and package the products especially for them, with their own label. Private label manufacturing is becoming increasingly popular.

Making homemade cosmetics for retail sale is a high profit and easy business to operate, and there are many ways to sell the products and develop markets. Because the big conglomerates concentrate on the large, mainstream retailers, there are literally thousands of smaller, untapped, hungry markets - a few contracts to supply these outlets can easily bring you a six-figure income.

To summarize, the FDA does not review or approve cosmetic products or cosmetic ingredients before they are sold to the public. The agency acts only against cosmetic products found to cause harm after they have been released on the market.

If you are using untested recipes from your kitchen, this could present a problem if a customer suffered an allergy. Also, cosmetic products without preservatives can easily grow bacteria and molds, and cause skin reactions

In the US, you do not need approval from the FDA to start a business making cosmetics. In most other countries, this is also the case. If you are interested to join the high profit and prestigious world of making cosmetics, my best advice is to purchase top quality formulations and make them in accordance with the manufacturing directions. This way you can be sure they will be in compliance with FDA regulations.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Can You Treat Trichotillomania With Holistic Medicine?


Trichotillomania is an impulse control or brain disease similar to OCD or addiction where the person pulls out their own hair. The hair can be located anywhere. Trichotillamania may be caused by trauma, rape, physical violence, torture, child abuse, and very severe emotional abuse. It may be minor and easily managed or severe. This disease can overwhelm the person. It is very important for the person with this disease to eliminate or minimize exposure to any severely negative people in their life that are abusive or exploitative. It is an emotional disorder that usually needs several therapies in order to be managed successfully. There are many alternative therapies which are untried for this illness, but these may successful due to the large emotional component of the illness. Trichotillomania seems similar to addiction, OCD, and a bad habit. Quieting the mind should be one of the goals of any therapy. Alternative therapies that quiet the mind include Yoga, scalp acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique(EFT), botanical extracts, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS),and orthomolecular medicine.

This person must be evaluated by a medical professional. A full physical and diagnostic testing of hormones and neurotransmitters must occur. This patient must be evaluated for AIDS and a brain tumor. There are several diseases that are severe enough to result in very irregular symptoms. It is extremely important to be very aggressive in treating this disease. Amino acids therapy for this may be useful and could include 5-HTP, theanine, GABA, and phenylalanine. Chinese herbal patent formulas may be considered along with Chinese liquid herbal extracts. Scalp acupuncture may be very successful in treating this type of illness. It should be done with larger needles for this type of disease. Scalp acupuncture treatments last about thirty minutes to one hour. It may take nine treatments in order to see results. Laser therapy using a cold medical grade laser may work well on this patient. You may need several sessions of cold medical grade laser therapy before you see a significant change.

It is important for this person to sleep well and eat a well balanced diet without nitrates, amines, and food dyes. This person should avoid genetically modified foods, food additives, MSG, tumeric, and drink plenty of pure water to stay fully hydrated. The diet should allow Swiss method decaffeinated coffee or organic coffee and tea. This person should consider trying the Rotation Diet where each food may be eaten once during a four-day period. It is also a good idea to identify and reduce exposure to all allergens. You may want to consider some form of allergy treatment. Convention allergy treatments with shots is one alternative. NAET is a non-painful alternative that incorporates chiropractic and acupuncture with a special diet to treat allergens. This person needs consider a form of regular exercise like the walking, gym, biking, Bikram yoga, hiking, and dancing.

穢Dr R Stone, MD-India

What Exactly Is an ENT Doctor?


What exactly is an ENT doctor, and what do they treat? An Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor (ENT) is a medical and surgical subspecialty focusing in the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the head and neck region, and they are actually one of the oldest medical specialties. All in all, they can help diagnose or treat a number of different diseases and medical issues.

When it comes to accurately classifying them in the canon of medical specialists, they are actually known by their more formal name of "Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon," even though many people refer to them as Ear, Nose and Throat doctors.

To make it simple, they can be thought of as medical experts with advanced surgical training in everything contained in the human head and/or neck except the eyeball and central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). After thinking about this for a couple of seconds, one realizes that these doctors are responsible for knowing about and caring for a lot of different problems that may arise in the head and neck region. This makes them experts in a variety of different medical issues and diseases, and more importantly, determining the best way to treat them.

The problems treated by ENT doctors can vary greatly, from recurrent ear infections, allergy, chronic tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, dizziness, hearing loss, thyroid disease, parathyroid disease, head and neck cancer, skin cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, to traumatic and cosmetic defects of the face and neck. But that is not it, this list of problems and treatments can really go on and on. Sometimes the treatment for these medical diagnoses is "medical", having to use medicines and tools like immunotherapy (allergy shots) to adequately treat a disease process, but sometimes it can also be "surgical".

Some of the common surgeries that an ENT doctor might perform are ear tube placement, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, endoscopic sinus surgery, balloon sinuplasty (Acclarent 穢), thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, skin cancer removal and reconstruction, rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction.

Another peculiarity that most ENT doctors love about their medical specialty is all the different age groups they get to treat. Medical problems of the ear, nose, and throat affect all age groups - from little babies to the elderly. ENTs often have the privilege of treating a whole family's ear, nose, and throat issues - Baby's ear infections, Brother's tonsillitis, Dad's allergy, Grandma's hearing loss. Their expertise covers a wide variety of different areas.

ENT doctors spend a long time learning to perfect their life craft. It takes five additional years of medical residency after four years of medical school to be eligible for board certification. Once an individual has completed their residency, he or she must then take and pass a formal written exam and oral examination to be considered "board-certified". ENTs are accredited or "certified" by the American Board of Otolaryngology. In the United States, they are also part a large and powerful medical society known as the American Society of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery or AAO-HNS.

Essential Oils - Fighting Hay Fever With the Oils From Down Under


It's spring time which means many hay fever sufferers are turning to lots of over-the-counter antihistamines and other harmful drugs. It is a well known fact that drugs whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter cause side effects which may actually be worse than the presenting symptoms. Hay fever is a seasonal illness marked by sneezing, sniffling, runny nose and itchy watery eyes. It is a result of a hypersensitivity reaction involving the mucous membranes of the nose and upper air passages. Often, sinusitis develops. The body sets up an antigen-antibody reaction to the offending pollen which results in the release of histamine.

The traditional treatment of allergies and hay fever consists of antihistamines and other drugs to provide temporary relief of symptoms. Some even opt for regular inoculation or exposure to the trigger-allergy shots. These methods are by no means a cure and over the long term, may even weaken the body. A more holistic approach involves:


  • Avoidance or reducing exposure to the various triggers

  • Rebuilding the mucosa and reducing the inflammatory response

  • Strengthening the immune system's susceptibility to allergic reactions and symptomatic treatment


How Can Essential oils Help with the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis (Allergy Nose)?

Let's look specifically at a few oils from down-under-Australia. There are other anti-inflammatory oils which may be helpful like German Chamomile but that is for another article.

Eucalyptus globulus commonly called Blue Gum is the strongest and the most common form of medicinal eucalyptus available. The oil is in the leaves-not the bark. The aborigines used to roll the leaves and smoke them to treat respiratory ailments. This oil is a good expectorant, helps to break up mucus, is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal antiviral and anti-aging.

Eucalyptus radiata commonly called Black Peppermint. It is traditionally used like globulus and is extensively used for respiratory infections and particularly sinus infections and viral infections. Its main effect is expectorant and antiviral.

Melaleuca cajuputi-Cajuput. It may also go by the Latin name Melaleuca leucadendra. It is used for many purposes including respiratory congestion, asthma, coughs, hay fever, toothaches, bursitis, psoriasis, insect bites and sore muscles. Its main action is in fighting viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Melaleuca quinquenervia-Niaouli. This is a very safe and gently oil that can be applied liberally and undiluted to the whole body. It possesses hormonal properties and is noted for its hormonal balancing properties. The pollen of niaouli trees is actually a powerful allergen and is considered responsible for the great increase in allergic conditions in Florida since many of these trees were transplanted in the everglades area. However niaouli is one of the most powerful anti-allergenics in aromatherapy acting in a homeopathic fashion-like cures like. It's main effect is expectorant.

Melaleuca ericifolia-Rosalina. This oil is high in linalool content making it very relaxing and therefore should be used in the evening before going to bed. It is an excellent choice for children's infections especially infections of the ear, nose and throat.

Healing From Within - Healing Allergies


"We are responsible for everything in our lives, including how the chemistry in our bodies works or doesn't work." Wayne Dyer's words hit me like a bolt of lightening as I listened to his taped book, You'll See It When You Believe It.

Throughout the years, I had suffered tremendously with bouts of allergies and asthma; it wasn't until that moment that I had a confirmation I could eliminate my allergy problems. The asthma attacks had been under control since leaving the mid west where I was born and raised. This move eliminated contact with cattle hair and grain dust and other pollens indigenous to the area, which I had extreme allergic reactions with.

I often spoke, to anyone who would listen, about how the mind heals the body or allows the body to become ill. This knowledge was based on my thoughts, reading and research. As I spoke about my 'belief/knowledge' my bouts with allergies hung heavy in my mind. In all of my reading, nothing clicked as a solution until that moment in September 1989. I was 47 years old. As I had learned while studying transactional analysis, Dr. Dyer, also, held the premise: "We are responsible for everything in our lives." "OK, Wayne," I said, "I agree. Now what? How can I take responsibility for the chemistry in my body when my immune system is damaged? My immune system contains chemicals," I reminded myself. "I am responsible for those chemicals doing their job. What am I doing or not doing that is responsible for the chemicals not doing their job?" I asked myself fervently.

A few days later I began, in earnest, to be a detective. I revisited myself as an infant in the crib. With much satisfaction and pride, my father has told the story that he knew how to quiet a howling infant. With his hand, big and muscular from working as a cattle rancher, he 'patted my back with three or four hard, quick pats, 'You,' he proudly announced, 'stopped howling. You seemed to like it,' he concluded, 'because you always stopped howling.'

My father was physically abused as a child, and he carried the legacy into his parenting. He did not consider the 'hard quick pats' on my tiny back as abusive, nor would anyone necessarily consider either of us as abused at the time of our upbringings; some people would not consider it abuse today. In the days of my father's childhood, and those of my own, this type of behavior with a child was viewed as stringent discipline for a child obviously needing corrective action. However, with certainty, my abuse began when I was an infant in the bassinet. As I revisited my infancy and childhood, no new memories came forth. This was frustrating. I had not found any new clues. "Chemicals. I am responsible for my chemicals. How can I take responsibility for those chemicals?" The answer seemed elusive, but I was determined. "Chemicals? What mechanism triggers the release of my chemicals?"

"Ye gads! The brain. The brain sends messages to all systems in the body. The portion of the brain that controls the chemicals is often called 'the old brain': it is the 'fight-flight' mechanism that instantaneously (no need for conscious command) sends chemicals so the system can 'fight or flee.'
"So what has that got to do with allergies?" I asked myself. "Allergies, allergies, allergy attack, allergy attack--am I getting somewhere? I am being attacked by pollen--so? What is the link between allergy attacks and being an abused child? Allergy attack--allergy attack." Days and weeks passed. I repeatedly mulled the thought, "Allergy attack, child abuse, allergy attack, child abuse: there is a link. I know there is a link. What is the link?"

When the human system is attacked by something, the immune system instantaneously sends chemicals to fight the invasion. "My system is damaged since being frightened as an infant," I lamented. "What can I do now? I am responsible for the chemicals in my body," I reminded myself. "How do I make a system work that has been damaged? If my brain controls the chemicals and my thoughts control my brain, I can control those chemicals. Nevertheless,
how can I control the chemicals? The link-where is the link?"

I began thinking about the incidents of physical abuse. I saw my father's menacing figure coming at me--his face red, hand raised, swearing and shouting. Whack, his large hand hit the side of my head. ATTACK! My father attached me verbally and physically. There is the link! Allergy attack's verbal/physical attack--the two had emerged in my psyche as the same.

To understand the physiological and psychological construct, one needs to accept the reality that the physical body and psyche are intertwined. One is not separate from the other. To understand the emergence of allergy attacks with verbal or physical attacks in my psyche, we need to discern my experience as an infant in the bassinet. The five senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch are an infant's only means of understanding their world and communicating. Three of the five senses are activated by the technique such as my father's to quiet a howling infant: The infant hears the father's footsteps and, in the first instance, assumes that someone is coming to comfort her. The father says, 'Be quiet [shut up];' in a loud voice; simultaneously the impact of a hard, quick pat is registered (touch). The shock of the loud voice (hearing) and hard pat (touch) is reacted to by a restriction in crying (breathing)--breathing and smell are synonymous.

The shock of the loud voice and physical impact has knocked the breath from the infant. When the infant's autonomic system reactivates breathing, the infant breathes in the smell of cattle hair and grain odor, which permeates the father's clothes. In many instances, the mother responds to the crying infant; however, the infant is unable to distinguish when the mother or father will respond. Therefore, the infant soon recognizes the footsteps of the father, but has no way to escape. Her fight and flight mechanism is triggered, and chemicals surge through her body requiring additional oxygen as her heart rate and breathing increase. As she attempts to bring in oxygen, she simultaneously constricts her crying; the two conflict with each other. This causes swelling in the bronchial system, which is how asthma is manifested--restricted bronchial passage.

Not withstanding, humans have evolved with immunities to the elements that are common to the environment. With rare exceptions, the human immune system, as a chemically functioning system, is adequate to protect the organism. In an experience such as mine, the infant's psyche is being imprinted through three of the five senses. This leaves a powerful impact. As in my case, cattle hair and grain odors are associated with fear and not being able to breathe. Thus, my asthma/allergies became a physical reaction to fear, distress and the sensation associated with any strong smells. I remember experiencing asthma attacks when I was anticipating a stressful situation involving my father or if he verbally attacked me.

Through listening to my past feelings and watching my reactions, I accepted the reality that my immune system had been damaged. The doctors also told me my immune system was ineffective, but they blamed it on a fact of genetics fluke, something I had to accept. I dutifully accepted my fate; after all, doctors know the human body and are healers-they know best. The next step, I began observing my physical reactions whenever I started having allergic reactions. "What did I tell myself-what did I tell my brain?

My brain has the power to send chemicals to my immune system. Why weren't my chemicals there when I needed them?" I observed and observed. One day I noticed a very subtle body sensation, so subtle that I hardly noticed its presence. The body sensation was so faint and so far away. I barely captured it. "What was the origin of this faint sensation? Listen carefully, listen, observe, listen. Yes, yes, there it is: Shut down, shutdown, do not move, do not think, do not feel, do not react, you cannot do anything, shutdown.'" My heartbeat seemed so still. It was very faint. I took my pulse and had a hard time finding it. "How is that connected to my chemicals? How is that connected to my immune chemicals not being sent?" I continued to listen and observe my body's reaction to smells.

Ye gads! The thought came into my mind. My fight-flight command was not being activated. Instead, I was telling my fight-flight system to shut down. WHAT? The fight-flight mechanism is fundamental to the survival of the system. I was telling mine to shut down. My mind then wandered back to the incident when my father attempted to chase me with the horse. I realized that was the time I shut my fight-flight system down more than it had ever been shut down. "Do not move, do not move, do not think, do not feel, do not react, you cannot do anything, shut down." My heart stood still as the horse jolted to a stop in front of me, his hot breath blowing in my face. From that point on, I remember not feeling the pain when my father hit me. I was completely shut down.

As the days passed, I continued to listen to and observe my breathing. As I observed, I became aware that I became passive when a sneeze was an allergic sneeze. The thought was, "There is nothing you can do, the pollen attacks and you are in a lot of pain and feel sick and can hardly function, but it only lasts a short time. Withstand the pain--keep going--it will pass." As a child, I could not fight or flee. Emotionally, to survive the verbal and physical attacks, I became passive by telling myself, "The best course of action is to do nothing." This thought process subconsciously blocked the transference of survival chemicals to protect my system from danger. When the chemicals were sent, I could feel the bone-chilling pain before and after the assault. I did not like this chilling pain and, therefore, instructed myself to shut down.

Eureka, the final link! I had trained my brain to stop sending the fundamental fight-flight chemicals used to protect the system. No wonder the doctor gave me adrenaline shots when my natural chemicals did not work. Adrenaline is the major chemical the immune system sends to fight or flee. The next step was to monitor the messages I gave myself when I sneezed. The pattern was consistent-I became very passive, I could feel my senses shut down. All my muscles relaxed, no outward emotion. Nothing! I listened, observed and listened. After many years of telling my brain to shut down, learning to fight back was not easy. It was so natural to shut down. Nevertheless, I listened and every time I felt myself shut down, I gave a command to fight back. I visualized the chemicals rushing into the blood stream and throughout my body. I practiced and practiced. Gradually, I noticed a difference in the severity and the duration of allergy attacks. Spring 1990 arrived (a usually difficult season, as I was allergic to tree and grass pollens): no sneezing, no watery eyes, no coughing. Eureka! I did it. I did it! This was and remains a physical and psychological victory with extensive implications. I wanted to shout from the rooftops. I wanted to tell everyone--Metaphysical healing works!!

With each passing pollen season, I have been increasingly allergy-free. For three years, it was necessary that I consciously made the effort to 'remind' myself to fight back. I do not need to have total concentration anymore. In addition, if I have allergic reactions to manufactured elements, I do not hold myself responsible for generating the immune system to fight back. This is due to the fact that the immune system protects the system from natural elements; if I held myself responsible for eliminating all allergic reactions, I could set up unrealistic demands and constitute an unrealistic psychological failure as well.

A note of caution for anyone who may think I have described this process as simple and easy: it was very difficult and required concentration, commitment and dedication. During the beginning stage of recovery, any distractions resulted in reduction in concentration as well as reduction in effectiveness. This was discouraging at times and I heard myself saying, "See you cannot really change this damage, you are not as good as you think you are." This was an example of all the negating and demoralizing things my father said to me. It occurred to me, I was allowing other people's words to control what I could or could not accomplish today, and I became even more determined.

Your Child's School Can Receive $400 For Each ADHD Diagnosis


Your school will receive $400 if your child is diagnosed with ADHD. In 1991 federal rules were adopted granting US schools $400 for each child diagnosed with ADHD. It is unknown whether this program extends to all US school districts or if there is additional state aid included.

The US Dept. of Education in 1991 also issued a formal recognition of ADHD as a debilitating condition and ordered state education departments to screen students and give ADHD cases special services.

Not surprising, the number of children diagnosed with ADHD increased dramatically. There has never been a diagnostic test which locates a chemical or biological root cause for ADHD. Thus, there is no proof that ADHD as a distinct clinical dysfunction exists.

This phenomenon was quite apparent as my psychologist colleagues began 'specializing' in treating children with ADHD-with anger management and programs designed to teach children to focus-i.e. behavior modification. Their practices soon had waiting lists and a never ending stream of clients.

There is no government program that awards bonuses for each student who passes standardized tests with A's. Yet, the government will pay the school $400 for every child diagnosed with ADHD. Does this seem like a bribe, an incentive or both?

Many reasons for misdiagnoses highlighted at the congressional hearing included an inability to read, problems at home and schools cutting out recess. Until the federal Child Medication Safety Act of 2003, a bill designed to protect children and their parents from being forced into administrating psychotropic medication to attend school, there were various reports of teachers and other school staff pushing the diagnoses of ADHD in students.

Many parents will counter that their child definitely has a problem-unable to sit still, wanders around, talks out of turn, difficulty concentrating, does not listen or respond as expected. But does this mean ADHD exists?

Children naturally go through maturation stages-such as: unable to sit still, walking around, excitement about giving an answer or impatient to wait their turn, difficulty concentrating, selective listening-do these natural maturation stages constitute ADHD, or any label?

There are other possible factors that can cause children to have the symptoms labeled ADHD:

o Chemicals and dyes in food
o Food sensitivities and allergies
o Excess sugar intake
o Poor nutrition-junk and fast food as standard food plan
o Vaccines
o Prescription drugs-antibiotics, allergy/asthma medication, flu shots, etc.
o Heavy metals
o Poor teaching-chaotic class room, child bored with redundancy
o Head injuries
o Parents are seldom home or too busy to pay attention
o Unsafe school
o Unsafe home environment
o Domestic violence in the home
o Corporal punishment at home
o Corporal punishment at school-even though your child has not been subjected to corporal punishment the fact your child knows it exists creates anxiousness
o Talking with a friend/student, who has been subjected to corporal punishment at school-the shame, humiliation, anger and fear is automatically felt

At best the diagnosis of ADHD is sloppy and subjective. If the government is willing to award schools with money for such diagnoses, the money machine will continue to churn. And your child is a pawn. Traditional Western Medicine (TWM) is unconcerned about the root cause of any physical dysfunction. TWM has become a lucrative cash cow, which was easy to set up. The government established standards and you the consumer/pawn feed money into the front end. The government, pharmaceutical companies, doctors and school administration all make money at yours and your child's expense.

Ritalin-a cheap form of speed, gives the appearance of focusing the users attention-is the drug of choice to treat ADHD.

Check the side effects of Ritalin. Do you want your child to suffer these side effects?

o Reduced appetite - Dangerous for developing children
o Rebound: Some children are given short acting methylphenidate or amphetamine experience irritability or depression for an hour as the stimulant wears off
o Headache
o Jittery feeling
o Gastrointestinal upset
o Sleep difficulty - a sleep inducing drug is usually prescribed
o Irritability
o Depression - tricyclic antidepressants, bupropion (Wellbutrin) and atomoxetine (Strattera) and prozac are prescribed
o Anxiety
o Blood glucose changes
o Increased blood pressure - meds to counteract the increase in blood pressure is prescribed
o Tics and stereotyped (repetitive) movements
o Psychosis or paranoia - antipsychotic drugs are prescribed
o Seizures
o Sudden Death - although rare sudden death is a side effect

In looking at the issues/symptoms, which are inherent in children, who are diagnosed with ADHD, there are obvious remedies-better diet, non-violence at home and school, etc. Why then does the medical profession resort to such drastic measures? Using drugs for ADHD is analagus to killing a fly with an elephant gun. Remember-TWM is an official sanctioned cash machine, therein lies your answer.

Source: Tom De Weese NewsWithViews.com
Source: http://www.adhdfraud.org/ritalin_is_poison.htm
Source: http://www.ncpamd.com/Stimulant_Side_Effects.htm

Giving Your Dog Medicine - 5 Tips For Making Your Dog Think Medicine Time is Fun


If you have a dog that needs medication weekly, monthly, or even daily for acute health issues, it can often be an anxiety producing time for both you and your dog. Part of reducing the anxiety for both of you is to develop a routine for giving medicine. Here are 5 tips for making your dog think medicine time is fun.

Put on a coat of delicious.-If your dog has a chronic condition that needs you to give medicine frequently this is the best situation for setting a routine and sticking to it so your dog knows exactly what to expect. Get out the pills and coat them with a small bit of something delicious-peanut butter, butter, macaroni and cheese or whatever dog safe people food you have on hand. Place the pills in the middle of whatever you've chosen for the day and serve on a small cracker. Pretty soon your dog will remind you when it's time for pills.

Where did it go? If your dog is good about not separating the pills out of food, dried or can food makes a perfect hiding place for the pills. You might want to add a little bit of a crunchy food such as broccoli florets or fresh chopped organic green beans to add texture so the pills are not as easily distinguished (and spit out).

Please may I have some? If your dog has taken a lot of pills during the course of his life (with disdain), he may have become fairly savvy at recognizing pills regardless of where you put them. Try fixing yourself a snack of peanut butter and crackers on a plate. Put the pills on the cracker of your choice. If you don't feed your dog from the table, pick another spot to have your snack. Your dog will probably come and stand beside you as a gentle request to be fed some. Enjoy a couple of crackers first, and then finally decide to give him one-the one with the pills. He'll be so glad you remembered him; the medicine will generally go down in the blink of an eye.

It's treat time.-Cheese also makes a great treat. You can go as fancy or as simple as you like. It's probably easier on you to have the organic cheese slices on hand all the time, but you can also use cheese that you are having for meals on the day that the pills need to be given. Cheese is great because it can be easily molded around the pill, and most dogs love cheese. Cheese cubes are also great for hiding pills because they are bite size and yet soft enough to accept a pill.

Take your best shot.-- My Golden Retriever requires allergy shots once a week. This was daunting at first for someone who runs from needles and couldn't imagine having to give a shot to my beloved pooch once each week. But when your dog is depending on you, you step up to the plate and get it done.

A steroid in pill form has to be given one hour before the shot, so the oven timer is set. When I do that he knows immediately that it's shot day. When the timer goes off, if I don't come immediately, he comes for me. While I'm getting the shot ready he goes to a down stay on his own (honest). I walk over give him the shot. And since he loves pig ears, he gets a big juicy one for his treat each week after his shot. He's happy and I'm grateful. This is the third year for this routine and it has gone without a hitch every time.

Hopefully that story will serve as an example of how your approach to giving your dog medicine can actually make it a fun time for you and your dog. And knowing that the medicine you give has the potential of increasing your dog's quality of life and life span makes the extra efforts well worth it.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Hay Fever Treatment


Like all allergies, the best way to cope with hay fever is to always avoid the things that seem to known to generate a response. Clearly, this certainly isn't always practical, but minimizing one's exposure needs to be the basis for good approach. You will find about as many different ways to treat hay fever as there are people that are affected by it. These particular solutions are categorized in 3 major categories: medication, homeopathic solutions (home remedies) and other treatment options.

Medication

As a response to the allergens, the body releases Histamine, which causes the symptoms of Hay fever. Due to this, the quickest way to receive respite might be with an anti-histamine of some type. Anti-histamines combat the effect of histamine and give relief from hay fever symptoms. But nevertheless, you shouldn't wait until you feel symptoms of hay fever to take an anti-histamine. The reason for this is that when you are beginning to experience allergic reactions, your immune system has already released the histamine and the harm is done. All an anti-histamine has the potential to do now is stop the release of extra histamine. Because of this, anti-histamines are a considerably more helpful remedy for hay fever if used on a regular basis during the allergy season. Such treatments can be employed to minimize and treat allergic rhinitis problems.

Anti-histamines can be found in many types such as pills, inhalers, nebulizers, and even eye-drops. Both over the counter as well as prescription, several well known manufacturers are Clarityn, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Piriteze, Loratadine, Cetirizine, and also Piriton. Similarly, many brands offer acceptable varieties of these items for little ones.

To cope with additional symptoms like nasal congestion and irritation, a decongestant can usually supply relief. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can be obtained over the counter in both tablet or liquid form. Another kind of decongestant that has been shown effective are nasal sprays. These are designed to prevent and treat symptoms of Hay fever. Brands such as Afrin and Allerclear are some of the better known nasal sprays available. A clear nose can make you feel better at once. Beware of overusing these items though. Nasal Sprays can have negative side affects like insomnia, higher blood pressure and an elevated heart-rate. Whats more, nasal sprays can actually complicate matters if used too often, creating a rebound effect. When used appropriately these decongestants can help immensely.

As you can see, allergy and hay fever medication can be found over the counter in numerous forms, plus for more difficult cases prescription strength versions are accessible and effective.

Home Remedies

For modest cases, hay fever may be dealt with sufficiently using simple home remedies along with allergy-proofing your home. However, even for people with severe cases these methods ought to prove invaluable for controlling the effects of allergy symptoms. There are a number of home remedies which have been found useful in controlling the effects of hay fever. Here are a few of them:


  • Gargling warm salt water might help a sore throat

  • Herbs like Ginger (can help strengthen the immune system) along with Garlic (a natural decongestant)

  • Using lip balm around your nostrils

  • Keeping all things in your house clean - especially dusting and washing the floor coverings often

  • Have the windows and doors closed and use the A/C during hay fever season.

Other Solutions

In addition to medications and home remedies there are still some alternative treatment practices which have produced results. Allergy shots, or immunotherapy has a great success rate and also might be more or less a cure after a long duration of treatment. This method works by incrementally exposing your immune system to the allergen and therefore successively lessening your reaction to it. Some people have also had success by a number of herbal remedies and supplements, while other people even claim that such things as hypnosis and acupuncture have helped.

It is incredibly difficult to prevent hay fever as airborne plant pollen and spores induce it. Nevertheless treatment options exist to make it easier to control and treat your symptoms. Knowledge of precisely what provokes your allergies and getting a treatment plan set up beforehand will help curtail the consequences they have on your life.

Allergies and Children - 3 Common Types of Allergies That Affect Children


Allergies in children can be pretty scary because children cannot always articulate what is happening with their bodies. So it is left to parents and caretakers to be watchful for behaviors and symptoms that might indicate the child is in discomfort or serious trouble. Here are 3 of the most common types of allergies that affect children, their symptoms, and some suggestions that will help.

Food-25% of children age 5 and under suffer from food allergies in the U. S. and that number has risen more than 15% since the late 1990s. Food allergies affect both boys and girls with African American boys being most at risk. Unfortunately, children with food allergies are more likely to develop other related health issues as your child grows older. Common products that affect children are peanuts and nuts to the point that many schools are now peanut-free, and peanut products are prohibited in many schools to avoid any chance that an allergic child might be affected. Wheat, dairy products, seafood, and soybeans are also frequent allergens.

The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the foods. But this is often easier said than done. Read food labels carefully. Avoid products that are manufactured in the same plant, or with shared equipment of a food to which your child is allergic. Inform others of their allergies-- at school, day care, on play dates, at church. As your child grows and is able to communicate effectively, explain how important it is for them to let others know what they can safely consume. Allergy shots or allergen immunology can help decrease sensitivity to various allergens over time. Consult with your child's allergist to see if this is an option. And most importantly, always have a plan in place for emergencies. It could very well save your child's life.

Contact Dermatitis-This is skin reaction that is generally precipitated by contact with natural or man made substances in insecticides, household chemicals, laundry detergents, fragrances, and synthetic fabrics in clothing and bedding to name only a few. Symptoms include red, swollen and/or itchy skin, wheels, and whelps. It is generally located specifically at the point of contact, and usually resolves when the irritant is removed. To reduce flare ups use organic fabrics for clothing and bedding, wash clothing and bedding before your child uses them, and use a detergent such as Dreft that is gentle on young skin.

Airborne-Allergens that are airborne can be found both inside and outside. Outdoor allergens can be seasonal and include a variety of pollens, mold, and mildew spores. The good news is that once the season for the allergen passes, the symptoms often leave as well. If your child's allergies are serious enough, your pediatrician may recommend an allergist who will help formulate a plan for effectively dealing with the allergies. It may include medication, and an Epipen (a pre-packaged, ready to inject dose of epinephrine) for emergencies. Be sure to follow the plan, and make others aware of the plan include teachers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, and all other who interact with your child.

Indoor allergens are tougher to avoid, will not go away without help, and include irritants such as household dust, dust mites, and pet dander. These need to be dealt with constantly to provide relief. Some non-invasive solutions include washing bed linen weekly in water 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter to reduce the dust mite population, removing carpets that make it easy for allergens to hide and difficult for you to eliminate them, and use a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier to remove airborne dust, mold and mildew spores, and other common indoor allergens.

Get Ready For Allergy Season


Well its almost that time of year again. The ice begins to melt, the flowers will start to bloom and allergy sufferers will be sneezing and sniffling. You don't need to be caught off guard by the spring allergy season, and can take steps to prepare for it. According to the farmers almanac this spring should be very wet which is bad for allergy sufferers.

Check The Levels Most major newspapers and news channels on television report daily allergen figures. Keep yourself informed everyday and make a effort to stay indoors when the levels are really high. You should also remember to keep your car windows rolled up during high level days. The best natural allergy cure isn't a miracle herb but avoiding exposure in the first place.

Stock Up Make sure you have a good supply of whatever medicine or supplement you use to control your allergies. If you get allergy shots make sure that you have kept them up and schedule a doctors appointment. Do research on any natural allergy cures you might want to try and find a local naturopath who will help you and suggest some natural allergy cures if you want to try that route.

Stay Clean You have to make a strong effort to keep clean during the allergy season. When you come in from the outside take a shower if you can and wash away those allergens. If you do not have time for a quick shower you should at least change your clothes. Keep your pets clean as well, remember pets are a major source of bringing allergens into your house. Dogs love to roll around in the grass and find all sorts of ways to get allergens attached to them. Try and keep your dog inside during peak levels or at least limit their exposure.

There might not be any cure for your allergies but you can reduce the impact they have on you but first you need to become informed and know what allergens you need to avoid.

Learn How To Live With A Sun Allergy


Many people have a sun allergy. This can be very frustrating since the sun is apparent every day for the most part. Even on a cloudy day, the sun will, peak through here and there. If you are one who suffers from such an allergy, you need to learn how to live with a sun allergy in order to go outside or even be near windows in your home. Depending on whether you talk with a professional or do some research yourself, you can find ways to control the allergies and live a normal life. This is important for everyone suffering from allergies.

The sun allergy is triggered by the skin changes that occur when you are outside in the sun. This form of is also referred to as Polymorphous light eruption. This condition caused the skin to itch and in many cases, small red bumps appear as well as tiny blisters. The sun rays change the condition of the skin because of the UV rays. Many people experience this type of allergy at a young age. It is also possible to go your entire childhood and young adult life without any symptoms and then as an older adult develop symptoms of the allergy. The other types of sun allergies are the hereditary actinic purigo, Photo allergic eruption and solar urticaria.

Learning how to live with a sun allergy requires using preventive measures before subjecting your body to sunlight. You can apply sunscreens, which should be rated at 15 SPF or higher and go outdoors when the sun is not at its peak. You should also wear sunglasses and you may need to use a sun block of 20 SPF to protect the lips and face. When possible you can wear clothing that covers the legs, arms and face, which will block harmful sunrays from skin. One important thing to remember is that you should avoid sun if you are taking certain medications that can cause a photo allergic eruption.

When you learn how to live with a sun allergy, you will also need to know some treatments just in case the skin is exposed to the sun and causes symptoms. For mild exposure, you can use a damp, cool rag to the areas that are affected. You can also use an over the counter medication to ease the itching. If you experience actinic prurigo, you might require a prescription drug from a doctor. The photo allergic eruption requires discontinuing the drugs or drugs that are causing the allergy. With a sun allergy such as solar urticaria, you can use an over the counter itch relief medication or your doctor can prescribe a medication if the reaction is severe.

Poisoned In The Home - Black Mold Symptoms And Treatment


Black mold is bad news for your body, and if exposed, you need to get your symptoms treated quickly. Until recently, people generally didn't believe that so many common problems were caused by black mold. But, recent research has been looking into the symptoms and treatment of black mold exposure.

The number one treatment is... you guessed it, prevention! I know, if you are suffering from exposure symptoms, it's already too late, but if you make your house a hostile alien environment for that nasty black mold, your symptoms will disappear.

There are toxic and non-toxic varieties of mold. First, let's look at ways to treat your non-toxic mold suffering.

Non-Toxic Mold

The most common black mold symptoms resemble those of a common cold, or what we usually refer to vaguely as "allergies." Since mold trouble is often associated with poor ventilation, one way to treat your stuffy nose and sinus trouble is to simply open the windows and get some fresh air. Then, after you feel better, creep around the house and find the mold and kill it.

You'll often experience these symptoms in certain parts of the house only. Your nose will tell you which part of your house is harboring the mold. If, for example, you get stuffed up when you go into the basement, you know there's a mold problem there.

There is no effective treatment to mold if you don't get rid of it. And, there is no way to get rid of mold unless you get rid of the conditions that cause the mold. Keep your house dry and well-ventilated, and check often the areas where mold is prone to grow.

Toxic Mold

Toxic mold is a different story and it is altogether more serious. Symptoms can be pretty wide-ranging. Doctors have identified at least 50 symptoms associated with black mold. Some of the most common include:

-Cold or sinus symptoms: runny nose, stuffy nose or headache

-Sore throat

-Persistent cough

-Itchy or red eyes

-Rashes or hives

-Nausea and fever

-Diarrhea

-Fatigue or general malaise

-Memory or hearing loss

-Asthma

-Shortness of breath

-Lightheadedness and dizziness

This is a pretty big list, but it's not everything. Some of these are very serious symptoms. With all of them, it's difficult to tell if the cause is mold-related or not. The proper diagnosis is essential for the proper treatment.

If you suspect there may be mold in your house, you should hire a licensed mold inspector to take samples. When you see the doctor, tell them that you believe you may have mold, and this will help them diagnose you.

These symptoms tell you that there is a toxic form of mold in your home, and your doctor may recommend a detox program. Mold spores have gotten into your respiratory system and dispatched mircotoxins throughout your body. That is why you experience such wide-ranging symptoms like memory loss or stomach trouble. Learn to stop toxic black mold from our site.

Aside from removing the cause, there are other treatments available. Your doctor may prescribe antihistimines or other nasal decongestants. These will not remove the allergy, but will provide temporary relief from symptoms. At the very least, they'll help you breath better.

If it is determined that your particular allergy is a form of asthma, your doctor will provide tougher stuff. This may include an inhaler and stronger drugs.

Severe cases may involve immunotherapy. With immunotherapy, a doctor gives you shots of a small quantity of the irritant that is causing your allergic reaction. Following the strict regiment of shots and drugs over time, your body will develop its own immunity to the allergen. Immunotherapy has shown remarkable results in the treatment of asthma and other allergies, but it is used only for particularly severe cases.

Before seeing your doctor, make sure you know in detail what is causing the allergy. You should know how much mold you've been exposed to and where in the house it is. This will help you to answer their questions so they can provide the best treatment possible.

Symptoms and Preventions of Ragweed Allergy


Have you heard of ragweed allergy? Probably not, well, that is if you are living outside the United States, then it would be the first time you would have heard of it. It mostly affects residents in the U.S when in contact with a plant called Ragweed. Ragweed plants are weeds that grow throughout the United States. They are most common in the Eastern states and the Midwest. Usually, these plants are found along roadsides and riverbanks, in vacant lots and fields.

As August draws near, many American citizens develop seasonal allergy symptoms. Actually, it is the pollen in the plant that causes allergy to them. When a person is sensitive to pollen from the weeds, he is most likely will develop an allergic reaction when he inhales the pollen. And when this happens, ragweed allergy symptoms will develop quickly. These symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and other allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Sadly, almost no place in the United States is immune because ragweed plant can grow anywhere. As a result, almost everyone in the United States is exposed to Ragweed and the possibility of a ragweed allergy. Even if a person does not live in an area that is covered by weeds, he might also develop allergic symptoms of ragweed allergy from its pollen, since pollen is carried by the wind.

Some people are prone to severe symptoms such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, swollen eyes, and headaches. The best way to treat these is to go see a doctor and get a prescribed medicine for it. There is no cure for this kind of allergy and what you can do is to prevent from getting one. You might want to get shots before allergy season begins, which usually starts in August. For people who have severe problems should see a specialist for such allergy to get the best advice and treatment for it. You might think that changing of location is troublesome and not practical, but it could be your last resort to get relief from allergies. When changing location, you should consider tracking the pollen count for the area you have chosen to live. The news often reports the pollen count, especially when the pollen is high. You can also check out the National Allergy Bureau for pollen counts.

Other ways of preventing allergy is to stay indoor when pollen count is high. Closing your windows and using your air condition will help decrease your exposure to ragweed pollen. Also, consider having a high efficiency particulate air filter attachment when the pollen is high. This will help remove some pollen in the indoor air. And if you have pets, like dogs for instance, consider bathing them regularly, since dogs often times go out and can carry pollen into your home.
And also it is true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So eating fruits and vegetables, with regular exercise can boost your immune system and prevent illnesses in the future, even ragweed allergy. So remember that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Always live a healthy lifestyle.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Variation of Skin Color For Medical Examination


knowledge of the variation of the skin's color aids effective examination as well as makes you (the doctor) smart enough not to give wrong diagnosis. In general, color changes of significance include pallor, cyanosis, erythema, plethora, ecchymosis, petechiae and jaundice.

Pallor and cyanosis
The skin receives its pigmented color of yellow, brown, and black melanin and its shades of red or blue from the color of hemoglobin. Oxygenated hemoglobin in the superficial capillaries of the dermis gives a rosy, pink glow. Reduced (deoxygenated) hemoglobin reflects a bluish tone, through the skin, called cyanosis, which is evident when reduced hemoglobin levels reach 5mg/dl of blood or more, regardless of the total hemoglobin. In general, the darker the skin pigmentation is, the greater the amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin must be for cyanosis to be evident.

Pallor or paleness, is evident as a loss of the rosy glow in light-skinned individuals, an ashen-gray appearance in black-skinned children. And a more yellowish brown color in brown-skinned people. It may be a sign of anemia, chronic disease, edema, or shock. However, it may be a normal complexion characteristic or an indication of indoor living.

Pallor or cyanosis is most evident in the palpebral conjunctiva (lower eyelid), nail beds, earlobes (mainly for light-skinned children), lips, oral membranes, soles and palms. Pallor or cyanosis can be compared to the color change normally produced by blanching. For example, in non-pigmented nails, pressing down on the free edge of the nail on the index or middle finger of a child with good skin color produce marked blanching or whitening as compared to the return blood flow. In a child with pallor the difference in color change will be slight. The blanching color change can be observed in dark-skinned individuals by gently applying pressure to their lips or gums.

Erythema
Erythema, or redness of the skin, may be the result of increased temperature from climatic conditions, local inflammation, or infection. It may also appear as a sign of skin irritation, allergy, or other dermatoses. The degree of redness reflects the amount of increased blood flow to the area. The doctor notes any reddening and describes its location, size, presence or warmth, itching, type of distribution (diffuse, clearly circumscribed, parallel to a vein, and so on) and the presence of characteristic lesions, such as maculae, papules, or vesicles. Because erythema is much more difficult to assess in darkly pigmented individuals the doctor must rely heavily on careful palpating the area for the evidence of associated signs, such as warmth or skin lesions. Primary lesions appear on the non-damaged skin. Secondary lesions come out after primary ones.

Plethora
Plethora is also seen as redness of the skin but it is caused by increased numbers of red blood cells as a compensatory response to chronic hypoxia. Intense redness of the lips or cheeks is observed.

Ecchymosis and Petechiae
Ecchymosis and petehiae are caused by extravasation or hemorrhage of blood into the skin, the only difference between the two is in size. Ecchymoses are large, diffuse areas, usually black and blue in color, and are typically the result of accidental injuries in healthy, active children. Since ecchymotic areas can be indicative of systemic disorders or of child maltreatment. The doctor should always investigate the reported cause of the bruises, especially when they are located in suspicious areas, such as the back or buttocks, rather than on the knees, shins, elbows, or forearms.

Petechiae are small, distinct pinpoint hemorrhages 2mm or less in size, which can denote some type of blood disorder, such as decreased platelets in leukemia. Because of their size, ecchymoses are more readily observed than are petechiae, which may only be visible in the areas of very light-colored skin, such as the buttocks, abdomen, and inner surfaces of the arms or legs. They are usually invisible in heavily pigmented skin, except in the oral mucosa, the palpebral conjusctiva of the eyelids, and the bulbar conjunctiva covering the eyeball.

The doctor can distinguish the areas of the erythema from ecchymosis or petechiae by blanching the skin. Since erythema is the result of increased blood flow to the area, exerting pressure will momentarily empty the engorged vessels and produced by blood leaking into tissue spaces, blanching will not occur.

Effective examination of the skin color can be achieved if you put these few points into consideration.

How to Handle Cat Allergies


When it comes to popular pets that people keep in their house, cats are the winners by a long shot. Over 50% of all families living in the US have either cat or a dog. Even though they are so loved, a lot of people have cat allergies. According to the statistics, there are more than 10 million people suffering from cat allergies in the US.

In most cases, the thing that causes the allergy is the dander, which is essentially dust, made by the cat's body. Dander comes usually as small flakes of shed skin that cats leave behind. One effect of dander is irritation of the skin, but if it gets inside you, it can also provoke allergies and other symptoms.

If the dander enters your immune system it becomes a threat to you. You can't really call it an illness, but more of a defense reflex of your immune system and body. Because allergens can be found in the cat's saliva, urine and blood, cat allergies can happen very often. Even if a cat is not present, if its excretions are in the area, they can still provoke an allergic reaction.

If you have a cat allergy and you enter the house of someone that has a cat, you will have a reaction, since their saliva, urine and dander can be found there. The grooming process of a cat means that it rubs saliva on the fur, which spreads allergens and dander. This can't be stopped and since grooming is a normal part of their life, you shouldn't even try.

The regular symptoms of a cat allergy are cough, wheeze, itching, sneezes, a tough time breathing or watery eyes. The ways that people react to cats when they have allergies are different, so the symptoms that can be found in one person might not be found in another. In some rare cases people can even experience chills and fever. In such cases, the person needs to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes it's more about a disease that needs to be identified, and not about the cat allergy.

The treatment for people that suffer from cat allergies consists of decongestants and antihistamines. For example, when people have asthma attacks, they will receive antihistamines. If you have a swollen nasal passage or a cough, you will be prescribed decongestants. In other cases you can even get allergy shots, which will help you with attack prevention, good especially for those that have cat allergies. If you want to do some prevention or to treat a current allergy, these shots can be of huge help.

If you think that you might have allergy to cats, you should go to a doctor to check it out. A doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and let you know what you can do to treat it. Getting rid of the cat is the best method of actually stopping the attacks from happening.

That's actually not as easy as it sounds usually, since people are attached to their pets, but allergies are a serious thing, and if you suffer from one, I'm afraid that's the best way to make sure you're safe. Shots and medicine can only help you so much. Unfortunately, these allergies can show up after you owned a cat for several years, so you might already be very attached to the animal.

Bee Grass Pollen Allergy Symptoms: What's the Answer?


Do you have bee grass pollen allergy symptoms? Depending on where you live you might be suffering from severe allergies or not at all.

The real challenge is that there are still so many people that don't know where their allergies are coming from. If the allergies are stemming from the environment then there is no doubt that you can move, or you could try using bee pollen to relieve the symptoms.

Why Pollen Might be Good to Use to Treat Allergies

To say that pollen might be good to use to treat allergies is up for debate and has been for some time, but the fact remains that many are having success with it. The reality behind this is that people get flu shots to make them immune to the flu, but in order to do that you are being given the flu. So it is the same with pollen; you get pollen to free yourself of your allergies to pollen.

There is also a theory that claims that the only way to relieve the symptoms is by taking pollen from the region that you live in. This is because not all areas have the same climate, thus even growing flowers wild you can't get the same wildflowers in every state or country, so the pollen is different. Make sense?

What in Pollen Helps With Allergies

In order to understand how pollen helps with allergies, we need to talk about what is in it that counts. Pollen contains a lot of vitamin E, and we know that vitamin E is helpful with allergies because it's an antioxidant which helps prevent allergies or other viral ailments to get into the body.

Vitamin C is great for allergies because not only is it an antioxidant, but it stimulates white cell production which fights off bacteria and infection. People don't think of allergies as a bacterial problem, but they are. This is why moms always tell their kids to take plenty of vitamin C.

Zinc is another contributor to pollen because pollen is so rich in Zinc. Zinc is a great immune booster and it helps the body heal. Zinc is a pretty powerful mineral, and studies at the Mayo Clinic suggest that Zinc may help shorten colds and reduce the symptoms of nasal allergies.

This is a great thing to hear because so many people face spring and summer with dread, knowing that they are allergic to almost everything. Zinc can also be a substitute for those who are allergic to Goldenseal.

In conclusion, there are several theories about how to use bee pollen to get rid of allergy symptoms, but do they work?

Some say that you should take pollen that is native to your region, while others just choose to medicate. Pollen is loaded with vitamin A, C, and E which are all key in relieving allergies and colds. This is why pollen has been effective in helping so many get relief from their nasal allergy symptoms.

Visit my page on Bee Pollen Allergic Reaction, to learn if bee pollen is dangerous if you have allergic reactions.

What Are the Symptoms of Mustard Allergy?


Mustard allergies are a type of food allergy that's very common. It's important to recognize the symptoms. After you determine you have an allergy to mustard, you need to take proper steps to avoid it at all cost.

The symptoms of a mustard allergy

Symptoms can include your breathing being difficult, a rash or hives, or itchy skin. The skin can become swollen too as in other allergic reactions. The problem with being allergic to mustard is that mustard is included in many foods in a way we may not be aware of. Lunchmeat and hot dogs can have mustard seeds in them. Mustard seeds are used as a spice in other foods too.

How to avoid mustard

Avoidance is the best treatment as far as an allergy to mustard is concerned. However this can be easier said than done. Many foods may contain mustard without you ever knowing it. For example, many foods contain mustard seed or oil. It's also common for many sauces to contain mustard oil. Because of this it's important to make sure you read the labels on all processed foods. Not more than ever, companies are taking into account peoples allergic needs.

Treatment options vary

While it's recommended that you eliminate mustard from your diet completely, sometimes that isn't possible. Many over the counter medications are effective if you do not have a severe allergy. However if the symptoms are bad enough, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Many times an allergy shot is the only solution.

Conclusion

It's important to understand that mustard allergies should not be taken lightly. Even though it may seem like a small ingredient, the effects can be devastating if gone untreated. By being careful, you can still be able to enjoy the foods you love in a healthy way.

Sinus Allergy Relief - What to Do When Allergy Attacks


Sinusitis is a condition where the mucous membranes connecting the sinus cavities get inflamed and block air and mucous exchange. As a result air and mucous gets trapped inside the cavities or a vacuum is created. In either case a pressure is created against the sinus walls causing great pain and distress. This inflammation is often a result of allergy caused by various allergens. Some of these allergens are dust mites, pollen, second hand smoke, and perfume. Sinus allergy relief can be found by using drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines and corticosteroids. Allergy shots are also prescribed.

However these medications often have harmful side effects and can be costly. However relief provided by natural remedies is effective, low cost as well as free of harmful side effects. The easiest natural remedy is drinking lots of hot water drinks with apple cider vinegar or Oregon oil added to it. You can also drink basil tea and hot lemonade, they both work very well.

For effective sinus allergy relief you can irrigate your nose with warm water and salt, you can also use powerful natural decongestant solutions like grapefruit seed extract solution. Try to sleep in air conditioned rooms as sir conditioners filter out allergens. Use humidifiers as dry air increases allergic reactions and is bad for nasal passages and avoid temperature extremes. Prohibit people from smoking inside your house and dust carpets and furniture regularly. Chewing papaya tablets can relieve the pain, by regulating mucus production. Pillow covers and bed sheets should be washed frequently, light colored polyester curtains can keep the air fresh. Pet dogs should be regularly bathed.

Treating Food Allergies


Do you develop an unexplainable itchy rash after eating shellfish or certain varieties of fish? How about after eating eggs or after gulping down a warm glass of milk? Have you ever experienced that unusual tingling in your mouth after eating a particular food?

If you ever experienced these symptoms, you might be suffering from food allergy.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is the body's natural response upon eating certain foods, which his or her body labeled as potentially harmful. Some of the most common food allergens (that which bring about or initiate an allergic reaction) include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy.

Among the first signs of an allergic reaction are coughing and sneezing, a runny nose and red, itchy eyes. Some experience the sudden appearance of an itchy skin rash or hives and a tingling sensation in the mouth, lips and throat.

Other more serious signs of an allergic reaction include dizziness, abdominal pain and diarrhea, vomiting and wheezing. Some people may even experience sudden behavioral changes such as anger, depression and/or lethargy in response to the allergic reaction.

An allergic reaction can be manifested in different ways and in varying intensities in different people. Some allergies may show obvious symptoms while others may not. Some people may react immediately once exposed to the allergen while in other people, it may take several hours for the symptoms to be manifested.

A food allergy should not be taken lightly. Severe allergic reactions are known to result in swelling, shock and death.

How does a food allergy develop?

The human body is protected at all times by the immune system. It is the immune system's primary responsibility to be on a constant lookout for potentially harmful substances or organisms, which may jeopardize the health of an individual.

When a person accidentally ate something, which is harmful to the body, the immune system produces special proteins called IgE antibodies. This prompts the allergy cells (called mast cells) to release certain chemicals in the bloodstream to fortify the body's defenses. One of these chemicals is histamine. Upon its release, histamine acts on the person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin and/or gastrointestinal tract, triggering the manifestation of the symptoms of the allergic reaction.

In the case of food allergies, the most common culprit is the abnormal permeability of the gastrointestinal tract. When this happens, inappropriately large food molecules may be transported into the bloodstream. Since they are abnormally sized, these food molecules might be seen as "intruders" and are therefore attacked by the antibodies.

A food allergy can develop at any age. Some may have it from birth while others develop it as they grow older or as the body is predisposed to the allergens.

How can food allergies be cured?

Probably the best way to treat food allergies is to avoid the eating anything which may trigger an allergic reaction for a period of time (preferably for 2 to 6 months). After this period, the foods can then be gradually reintroduced into your diet. For best results, the foods should be reintroduced on a rotating basis, which means that you consume them only every 4 days or more. This will allow you to eat foods you are allergic to without suffering from the usual symptoms.

There are still some other ways to fight food allergies. Others have tried administering traditional allergy shots, homeopathic treatments, herbal decoctions, high doses of vitamin C and several other treatments with varying degrees of success.

Remember that food allergies tend to run in the family. So, if ever one member of your family has a history of this condition, do take the necessary precautions.