Help I Am Allergic To Cosmetics

If you are allergic to cosmetics then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Even with all of the testing that cosmetics must go through prior to being made available to the general public, there are still a great many women who suffer from cosmetic allergies due to certain ingredients contained in these products. Unfortunately, most women do not realize that they are having any allergic reaction until it is too late. Rather than chalking it all up to the price one must pay for beauty, we have put together a list of ways that you can learn to recognize the signs of cosmetic allergies before it's too late.

The first way to recognize whether you may be suffering from cosmetic allergies, is to pay close attention to any dermatological changes your skin may undergo. This is especially true if you experience sudden itchy, flaky, or severe dry skin. Many women experience no other signs of their cosmetic allergies other than dry patches of skin. But, left untreated, these dry patches can eventually become much more severe. More severe cosmetic allergies can present themselves in the form of hives and peeling skin. This rash can spread over the entire face and neck if not treated immediately, and can lead to such severe consequences as skin cancer if left to go unchecked.

Typically, cosmetic allergies can be treated with an ointment containing steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream. More serious allergic reactions may require skin peels, shots, or other equally invasive treatments, but can usually be cleared up within a few weeks. It is important that you discontinue using any product that has caused your cosmetic allergies, but be sure to save the package so that your doctor can look at the ingredients. This is especially important, as cosmetic allergies can be caused by a great many different ingredients. Your doctor will need to know exactly what he or she is up against, so as to narrow down the best method of treatment.

In order to prevent cosmetic allergies from occurring in the first place, it is important that you only purchase products that are specifically labeled as being hypoallergenic. These products have been specially formulated without any of the ingredients that normally associated with allergic reactions. If you have particularly sensitive skin, though, even these may cause an allergic reaction. If that is the case, you may be better off staying away from cosmetic products altogether.

Cosmetic allergies can be quite irritating for women who want to look their best, but they are treatable, and can be avoided if you take care. Always discontinue the uses of cosmetics at the first sign of an allergy reaction. Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with allergies due to cosmetics such as vitamin E, folic acid, olbas oil and tea tree oil.

Vitamin E accelerates healing from rashes and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Folic Acid is a member of the B-complex family. Folic Acid participates in coenzyme reaction that is needed for cell growth and new cell formation.

Olbas is used to increase the circulation in skin by opening up the skin pores. Olbas oil has been used for its healing properties in cultures around the world for centuries.

Tea Tree Oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps sooth and treat problem skin. It is used to help tighten pores and firm skin for a more youthful, healthy appearance.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Horse Allergy Treatment and Prevention

Just like humans, horses can have a number of different types of allergies. The most common types of horse allergies are respiratory and skin. Respiratory allergies are also known as 'heaves' and are often similar to asthma in people.

A horse can be allergic to things in the air (e.g. pollen, dust, mold, spores), certain foods or nutritional supplements, or insect bites. Normally, allergies develop over time with exposure. For example, a horse may not have an allergy to straw but if exposed to moldy straw over a long period of time may develop an allergy to straw mold.

Symptoms

Just as people can have many different allergic symptoms (itchy eyes or skin, bumps or rashes, difficulty breathing), horses can have a variety of symptoms as well. Common symptoms in horses include:

• Coughing or difficulty breathing


• Reduced energy, especially during exercise


• Nasal discharge


• Watery eyes


• Skin bumps


• Itchy skin. The horse can be seen rubbing itself on the ground or against objects, or its hair may be worn away where it has been rubbing.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose an allergy, as each of these symptoms can have other causes, aside from allergies. For example, a throat infection could cause coughing, or a lung infection could result in breathing difficulty and reduced energy. Diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that there can be a delayed reaction between exposure and a visible reaction. For example, symptoms of skin allergies (e.g. bumps) may appear 12 hours after exposure to the allergen (the substance the horse is allergic to). Consequently, one may need veterinary assistance to determine if the symptoms are due to an allergy or some other cause. In some cases (particularly in the case of skin allergies) the veterinarian may take a tissue sample for analysis to determine if the problem is allergic and if so to help identify the cause.

Treatment and Control

The treatment of horses for allergies is similar to the treatment for people. The preferred treatment is avoidance. On exposure, there are a number of treatments (e.g. anti-histamines or corticosteroids) to reduce the symptoms and make the horse more comfortable. There are also a number of desensitizing treatments.

Alternatively, if the symptoms are not severe, one can separate the horse from the allergen and allow it to recover normally. If the horse is allergic to something in the stable (e.g. dust, fungus, mold) one can let it out to pasture until it has had time to recover and one has had time to clean the stable. Alternatively, if the problem is in the pasture (some plant), one can place the horse in a stable until it recovers.

Depending on what the horse is allergic to, some common solutions are:

• 
  Hay dust. Try soaking the hay in water or find a supplier of less dusty hay. If this doesn't work, you may need to switch to an alternative food, such as pelleted hay.


• 
  Straw dust. Try lightly spraying the straw with water, to damp down the dust.


• 
  Dust. Keep the stable clean. If necessary, lightly sprinkle with water to damp down the dust.


• 
  Bedding. If the horse is allergic to its bedding, you can try another type of bedding. You may also want to consider rubber mats instead of bedding.


• 
  Insects. One can keep the horse in the stable when the insects are active (e.g. during the day) and let it out when they are inactive (e.g. at night). One can also use insect repellents or fly sheets to keep the insects off.


• 
  Mold or Fungus. This are normally associated with poor quality hay, feed or bedding. Do not buy any products with mold or fungus. Keep these products in a dry and well ventilated area, without sitting on a cold floor, so they do not develop mold or fungus. If you find any product which does have mold/fungus, do not use it but dispose of it instead.


• 
  Plants. If your horses are allergic to certain plants in the pasture, these should be reduced or eliminated. Be careful of using herbicides for this purpose as that can result in laminitis.

Note that in the case of watered hay or straw, one must ensure that the hay and straw is changed daily so that it does not have time to develop mold or fungus. 

Cleaning a stable tends to disturb dust, mold, fungus and other potential allergens. Consequently, one should always remove a horse from the stable while it is being cleaned and for some time afterwards (until things have had time to settle again).

Normally, a well ventilated stable will have fewer allergens than a poorly ventilated one. However, in the case of a dust allergy, increasing ventilation may make the situation worse (at least in the short term) as increased wind through the stable may stir up dust. 

The 10 Most Common Allergens That Can Cause an Allergy

More than one fifth of all Americans suffer from one form of allergy or another. Allergies occur in some people when their immune system reacts abnormally to a substance they encounter in the environment known as an allergen. An allergen is any substance that can cause an allergy. An allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen. Symptoms can vary greatly in intensity and in some cases be life threatening. Therefore it is crucial to see an allergy professional right away if you develop any symptoms at all. Many advances have been made in recent years with the vast amount of research that has been taking place in allergy labs by allergy professionals. As a result there are now more options for treatment that can be prescribed and administered by the allergy professional than ever before. Treatments for allergies can include nasal sprays, prescription drugs, allergy shots, antihistamines, steroids and epinephrine injections for severe life threatening cases. The 10 most common allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in people are as follows.

1. Pollen is perhaps the most well known allergen. Those who are allergic to pollen usually have their most severe outbreaks from spring to autumn when the release of pollen into the air from vegetation and plant life is in abundance. Symptoms can range from and include itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and congestion.

2. Animal dander is another common allergen. Some people are not able to be around pets at all without mild to severe allergic reactions while others are not affected at all. Animal protein contained in the oil that is secreted through an animal's skin and present in their hair and saliva can cause allergic reactions for some.

3. Dust mites are another common allergen. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that exist and live off of dust that contains such things as bacteria, dead skin cells and fungi. They can be found anywhere in your home or workplace where dust collects such as in curtains, carpets, rugs, air ducts, couches, mattresses and pillows for instance. The proteins contained in the waste that are produced by dust mites can cause allergic reactions.

4. Insect stings can cause allergic reactions in people that can range from swelling and nausea to dizziness and fatigue to name a few. More severe reactions can occur that include breathing difficulty and a rapid increase in pulse rate and in some cases may be life threatening.

5. Mold and mold spores when touched or inhaled can cause allergic reactions. Mold grows in dark, damp and moisture rich places such as basements, bathrooms, showers, window areas to name a few. Certain kinds of mold can cause an allergic reaction. If you suspect mold in your home or office you can get a mold detection kit to find out if it is safe or not.

6. Food can cause allergic reactions in people and symptoms can occur within minutes after eating. The most common foods that produce reactions are dairy, nuts, shellfish and wheat. Symptoms can range from minor to life threatening.

7. Latex use can cause allergic reactions in some people that can range from skin rash and itching to anaphylaxis and in some cases be life threatening. The most common allergic reactions come from latex gloves and condoms.

8. Medication such as penicillin, aspirin which contains salicylates and certain other medicines can cause allergic reactions to some people ranging from mild to life threatening. Symptoms include coughing, congestion and swelling in the mouth and throat to name a few.

9. Fragrances found in some products such as perfumes and detergents can cause mild to severe symptoms. It is uncertain in the medical community if fragrances cause allergies or are just irritants.

10. Cockroaches produce a protein that is contained in their waste that can cause an allergic reaction.

It is crucial to consult your doctor or allergy professional for treatment and advice if you experience any unusual symptoms or allergic reactions of any kind to any of the allergens mentioned here as they could in some cases potentially be life threatening. To help best avoid allergens that can cause an allergic reaction in you consult your doctor or allergy professional for advice and preventive treatment.

Allergy Shots For Dogs - Done the Right Way

Allergy shots for dogs make it possible for our pets to escape the itchy discomfort of allergy symptoms completely and permanently. That's a wonderful thing, but it will not happen overnight.

When it comes to inhalant allergies (atopy in dogs) you must pick a vet that has substantial experience in curing this type of allergy, and not just the occasional try. Inhalant allergies in dogs are different than food allergies because the former are treatable with allergy shots, the latter are usually not.

So, when it comes to dog inhalant allergies, most family vets have limited experience in administering skin tests and what is more difficult, understanding the results and how they may inter-relate to blood tests and other parts of the diagnostic jigsaw puzzle. Inhalant allergy diagnosis is a true art form born from extensive experience and wide knowledge of this form of allergy. This is far out of the league of the average family vet.

Some family vets do have the experience and knowledge to do a very good job. So, you need to research a vet before approaching him or her for allergy shot therapy.

The wise family veterinarian know their strengths, and as a matter of course will immediately refer a dog with a moderate to serious inhalant allergy (atopy) to one of many veterinary dermatologists.

Veterinary dermatologists are trained in the fine points in understanding inhalant allergies and their associated canine blood test, allergy skin tests, diagnostic evaluation, and the all-important pet allergy shots. It is the vaccine in the shots that will make allergy desensitization a success or failure.

Especially in difficult cases, you need a 'top gun' to get top results. If you live in the country you may need to drive to the big city, or take the subway across town to a university animal hospital. It may not be convenient but it will be worthwhile.

Here are some basic guidelines:

With dog allergy shots, your dog will need a daily needle or shot, at least at first. It is far better if the owner can administer the shots rather than driving to the vet dermatologist every day. It is also less expensive. It is not difficult to give a needle to a dog, and you will be shown exactly how to do it correctly and safely.

You should keep in mind that it is common for dog immunotherapy to take 6 to 12 months. There is no way of knowing when or if the shots will eventually work, especially if the dog has multiple allergies. But with a 75% success rates (or partial success rates), the odds are in your favor.

Be prepared that 25% of the time dog immunotherapy does not work.

You should keep in mind that success is not always 100%. There are times when a dog will need to have a fortnightly, monthly, or quarterly booster shot to maintain the desensitization. This is no big deal.

Allergy shots for dogs are a golden opportunity cure or control an allergy in a firm manner. It is the preferred manner in dealing with inhalant allergies in dogs. Locate a good vet dermatologist and have it done the right way.

Symptoms of an Ibuprofen Allergy

Many people who have had an allergic reaction to aspirin also have an ibuprofen allergy. How do you know if you are experiencing an ibuprofen allergy? There are some signs and symptoms to help you decide. If you feel you are having an allergic reaction to this anti-inflammatory drug stop using it and contact your physician immediately.

An ibuprofen allergy can cause swelling of the face. It may turn red, or flushed, and also feel itchy and uncomfortable. The eyes may begin to swell and itch. You may find yourself rubbing your eyes a lot since they are watering somewhat. They are trying to get rid of the intruder.

This itchy rash-like redness may also begin to appear on other parts of the body. It may be splotchy and start showing itself on the torso to begin with. It may also begin on the inside of the arms. This type of reaction is commonly called hives. Sometimes the blotches are smaller than hives and begin to fill with fluid. These skin blisters are also a sign of an ibuprofen allergy.

One symptom of any kind of allergic reaction is breathing difficulty. Asthmatics are exceptionally susceptible to this shutting down of the lungs. It may feel like you cannot take a deep breath or that you are trying to breathe through a straw. Some people describe this as feeling like someone is standing on your chest. Difficulty breathing may not be the first symptom that appears. However, by the time the allergic reaction has progressed this far getting to a doctor or a medical facility is imperative.

In very extreme cases of an ibuprofen allergy the reaction can cause the person to go into shock. Their pupils will become fixed and they have a vacant look. They may become lifeless and unable to breathe. Fainting, dizziness and tremors are also signs of going into shock. These can happen after taking ibuprofen, but they are not probable.

Many over the counter medications taken for pain also contain ibuprofen. If you think you have an ibuprofen allergy make sure to read all ingredients listed on a label before purchasing. There are several anti -inflammatory medications which have ibuprofen in them and you can possible consume it by mistake if you do not read the labels.

Check with your doctor for alternative medicines. If you have an allergic reaction the doctor will most likely prescribe an anti-histamine and possibly steroids. IF you are experiencing breathing difficulties with the allergy they may prescribe an inhaler or a breathing treatment to help keep the airways open.

Fight Allergies in a Natural Way - 15 Tips

Following are the 15 most recommended ways to fight allergies in a natural way. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before to taking up any medicine or natural remedy for allergies.

1. Avoid outdoors when pollen level is high. Check allergy forecast on websites like pollen.com and avoiding outdoors when level is above 9 points, that site is also very good to find good allergy information and equipment.

2. Eat natural Anti-histamine foods: Onions, garlic, Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges contain natural antihistamines. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also known to help. You should definitely consider increasing these foods in your diet.

3. Nasal Rinse : A very effective way to rinse of all the pollen struck in your nasal passages. This will also drain out some bacteria too. There are quite a few available with PH balancing salt to mix with filtered/boiled home water so there is no water irritation while doing the rinse. You should consider doing nasal rinse twice a day.

4. Air Purifiers : This is the MOST effective anti-allergy device for many people. Especially when at home in the evenings and night, helps to get you a good night sleep. Some filters have an additional 'ionic' feature which many people like me prefer not to use. These HEPA compatible filters take out most of the pollen from air around you. Dehumidifiers can be used to lessen mold which is another cause of allergies.

5. Local honey : It is recommended that you start eating about 1-2 teaspoons of locally grown natural honey before the allergy season starts. Bees are known to collect pollen from local plants. Therefore honey is known to have some low levels of pollen, and taking it before the season helps your body to get use to some pollen level in advance before the full blown season strikes.

6. Pollen free home: Please clean your carpets, bed sheets, floors and curtains, say at least once in a week. Get a Hepa certified vacuum cleaner so the air coming out from your vacuum cleaner does not dump the pollen back in the air of your home. You can find these under $100 in most retail outlets.

7. Hot liquids are helpful to get relief from congestion; Green tea works well and also has antioxidants. Please be careful while handling the hot liquids. Marshmallow Root is also a good decongestant. Taking light steam also relieves congestion.

8. Light exercise: Congestion and running nose can often lead to a weaker respiratory system. Light exercise like brisk walking or indoor exercise cycle can give power to your lungs. But be practical, do not over stress yourself.

9. Smart Planning: Usually pollen counts are low after rain. If your local forecast says that its going to rain in next 1-2 days, then prefer doing your pending work after that. But if necessary to work in garden or cut grass then use a pollen mask.

10. What are allergic to: Check with your doctor if they can do a detailed allergy check for you to find what type of pollens you are exactly allergic to. For example if you are allergic to grass pollen, you know lawn mowing is not the best thing to do yourself and hiring a gardener may be a better choice.

11. Pets: If you have any pets at home, its a good idea to give them regular bath too.

12. Avoiding foods: Avoid any foods you know that you are allergic to and may trigger allergies.

13. Evening Shower: When you come home in the evening, take a warm shower and wash your hair. Hair's can hold lot of pollen while you were out.

14. Window filter: Keep doors and windows closed most of the time (or little open); consider buying anti pollen window filter screen. Basically a screen you can put on the window which allows the air to pass through but keeps the pollen out.

15. Overall Cleanliness: Wash your eyes and hands regularly with water. Not only it will drain away those pollens but also some give relief to your eyes.

Quite a few people prefer taking anti-allergic medicines and flu shots, not always by choice but sometimes natural approaches are not enough.

Aspirin Sensitivity, the Basic Truth

Contrary to what your folks usually think, and from what you may have heard while growing up, aspirin sensitivity is not an allergy. Though, the effects and symptoms of the case can be somehow depicting and similar to those of allergies, aspirin sensitivity is not and will never be a true allergy.

Though, aspirin sensitivity may result in adverse and similar to allergy type of reactions in affected persons.

Usually, reported cases of aspirin sensitivity are linked to those who contract moderate to almost severe form of asthma and also to chronic sinusitis.

Severity of asthma raises the susceptibility of one person to the disease. Advancing age or simply put, aging, also is a great factor that leads to aspirin sensitivity.

Take note that according to a modern study in the medicine discipline, nine out of ten, or 90%, of people who are diagnosed or described as aspirin sensitive are at the same time sensitive or manifest adverse reaction to allergy-causing drugs, foods and inhalants.

A brief history of aspirin sensitivity

Aspirin is one of the most common over-the-counter drug that is taken by people with mild fever, body aches and other mild ailments. Nowadays, aspirin tablets are also taken as a preventive drug against heart attacks or strokes.

But did you know that aspirin simultaneously originated from Egypt, Assyria and Greece. In those ancient civilizations, aspirin was in the form of a white willow bark that was then used to treat fever and pain.

The ancient Greeks, Assyrians and Egyptians also used that white willow bark, now identified as aspirin, to treat sore muscles, chills, rheumatism and headaches. The native American tribes also had the knowledge of such practices.

In 1828, salicin which was an active and stand out ingredient or chemical from the willow bark was isolated. Ten years after, in 1838, salicylic acid was first produced from hydrolysis and oxidation of salicin. In 1893, the first modern form of aspirin was produced.

The drug company Bayer secured the rights to the aspirin official trade mark and name on March 6, 1899. The rest, as they say, is a common and prolonged history.

Symptoms and Treatment

Because aspirin is so widely used today, it is somehow surprising that the drug produces sensitivity to certain people. Aspirin sensitivity almost always show up or manifest as rhinitis or what we call nasal congestion.

Aspirin sensitivity can also be mistaken for asthma or hives because the symptoms and signs of ailment are almost the same.

Through several experiments, you can determine if you are sensitive to aspirin. Take the following steps. First, take a very small dose of aspirin. Be very particular, small dose, or you might end up somewhere very unlikely if ever you are sensitive to aspirin.

After taking the small dosage, observe yourself for any sign of cough or wheezing. There will come out itchy rashes around the mouth area and watery eyes and nasal congestion is evident.

In some rare conditions, aspirin sensitivity can also cause the development of anaphylaxis or breathing difficulty, which is an allergic reaction common to bee stings. There will also be severe decline in the patient's blood pressure.

If you are diagnosed with aspirin sensitivity, desensitization can be done under intense and monitored medical supervision. This can be funny, but such desensitization will involve taking in very little dosages of aspirin everyday until the sensitivity is gone.

If an aspirin sensitivity attack is taking place, it is best to seek immediate medical help and attention. No drugs should be taken without the doctor's prescription or administration, because adverse reaction to other drugs can lead to fatality.

To prevent aspirin sensitivity attacks, it is advise that you avoid taking in, of course, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen.

----------------------------------------

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

-----------------------------------------

Alternative Allergy Treatment With NAET - What is it and How Does it Compare to Standard Treatment?

Nambudripad's allergy elimination techniques or NAET for short, is a holistic method of allergy identification and neutralization. It was developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad of Buena Park, California. It is based on alternative medicine health principles taken from the worlds of chiropractic applied kinesiology and traditional Chinese medicine.

Allergy by NAET standards is defined broadly to mean any unexpected reaction that occurs from a given substance which would otherwise not produce those reactions in most people. This is somewhat different from the traditional western medical definition which defines allergy as a set of signs and symptoms that develop due to specific biochemical and immunological interactions measurable through standard lab tests.

Within the NAET definition, some but not necessarily all allergens might be measurable through standard medical tests. The reason for this is because the cause of the imbalance is believed to be due to weakened energy meridians. This is where NAET's connection to traditional Chinese medicine occurs. Briefly stated, within the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, twelve primary energy channels, or energy meridians have been defined. Meridians circulate "chi" which has various meanings, but essentially could be defined as "vital energy". Each meridian individually corresponds to a specific organ system. The health and vitality of each organ system is then dependent on the free, unobstructed flow of chi through an unobstructed meridian. Within this understanding, an allergen then could be thought of as anything that blocks the free flow of chi.

Within the NAET definition, things like pollens, dusts and foods could be allergens. Most of these would meet the western medicine definition, but other things like vitamins, hormones, or even thoughts, beliefs and emotions could be viewed as allergens as well as they might block the free flow of vital energy or chi.

The methods of allergy determination and treatment are also very different between the western medical approach and NAET. With NAET, muscle response testing is used to determine if various acupuncture meridians become weakened when a sample of the allergen is held by the patient.

Muscle response testing is a simple method of determining what I call a "stress response" from the body. A subjects muscle that is initially tested to be strong when given a neutral stimulation may then be found to test weak when challenged with an irritating substance, like an allergen. Though this definition is an oversimplification, this basic meaning is accurate.

Once it is determined which allergen is producing a stress response, a gentle form of acupressure is then applied to the patient, with particular emphasis in treating the weakened meridians. After adequate treatment is verified again with muscle response testing the patient simply must avoid that allergen for 25 hours for the treatment to take.

Within the conventional medical approach, some allergens, like foods are not believed to be treatable and complete avoidance of the substance is the only viable treatment option. In other cases, immunotherapy or "allergy shots" are recommended along with prescription medication to block allergy symptoms. Testing is generally performed by skin scratch or patch testing or sometimes with blood work.

Chi and muscle response testing are foreign concepts to the conventional medical approach, but as previously noted are part of two well established and credible healing arts, namely traditional Chinese medicine and Chiropractic.

Dog Allergies Treatment - Help For Itchy Dogs

The most common reaction to allergens in dogs are skin problems. The primary symptoms are licking, biting, and scratching. Skin problems can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many different causes. Finding the correct diagnosis leads to the best dog allergies treatment for your pet.

Allergies can be controlled by avoiding the allergens, treating the symptoms, or desensitizing the dog. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical exam and lab tests. Treatment can include antihistamines and corticosteroids. Management may include topical sprays, and medicated shampoos.

Food sensitivities cause itching skin, anal itching, ear inflammations, and occasionally vomiting, diarrhea, or asthma-like coughing. Allergies develop over time so don't rule out food because the dogs diet is unchanged. Many commercial foods are available to help. Finding the correct ingredients is trial and error, but once a food is found that doesn't trigger your dogs sensitivities, the new diet is as good as a cure.

Flea allergies are a hypersensitivity to the saliva in the flea bite. One bite causes itching lasting 5 to 7 days. Symptoms are biting, scratching, and hair loss from excessive licking. Topical flea medications work after an adult flea has bitten, so this isn't enough for an allergic dog. Treatment is fleas control. Use chemicals sparingly. Too many can be as harmful as the fleas. Oatmeal baths provide temporary relief of itching. Wash dog bedding with every bath. Limit walks, staying away from trails frequented by wildlife. Your vet may prescribe an antihistamine shot for long-term relief or corticosteroids for immediate relief.

Inhalant, or atopy allergies are the most common. These include allergic reactions to dust mites, molds, and pollens. First step is a combination strategy of reducing exposure to the allergen, and providing relief for itching. A dehumidifier will reduce molds. Cover dirt around house plants with activated charcoal. Control dust and pollens with an air cleaner. Air conditioning reduces dust and pollen exposure.

Treatments of symptoms includes weekly baths with oatmeal or medicated shampoos for temporary relief of itching. Topical sprays and creams are used for localized itching. Antihistamines are relatively safe. You may have to try different ones to find one that doesn't overly sedate your pet. Not all over the counter antihistamines are safe for dogs. Consult a vet to determine which choices are safe and effective, and at what dosage. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation which reduces itching. It's primarily used short term to relieve severe itching and inflammation. Long term use is discouraged because this medication suppresses the immune system. Omega-3 is helpful to some dogs. It's a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces the amount and effects of histamines and other chemicals released in response to allergies. It's very safe and used in conjunction with antihistamines can reduce the need for corticosteroids.

Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to decrease the body's reaction. Shots contain small amounts or extracts of the allergen based on results of skin testing. The dog's owner gives shots to the pet at home. They are very effective but slow to work, taking 6-12 months to see improvement.

Continued biting and scratching can lead to open sores which can become infected, requiring antibiotics. Seeking dog allergies treatment early can reduce the need for corticosteroids and antibiotics, medications that come with more side effects.

Food For the Singer's Voice

Disclaimer: The following list is not intended to treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease or illness. Before taking any of the following vitamins, mineral, or herbs, I urge you to contact your physician for consideration, and proper dosage amounts.

I have been asked many times if there were any "tricks" to keep your voice healthy. I don't really consider hard work and vocal awareness a trick, but if you learn a solid vocal technique and maintain an awareness of how you treat your voice every day, you will improve. Another aspect to consider is vocal health. By "feeding" your body with the right nutrients, you can maintain over-all health. So I decided to focus this lesson on what nutrients best help to maintain a healthy vocal apparatus. What I am about to present to you is a review of my daily regimen; my list of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other areas I take into consideration to keep my voice healthy.

I shouldn't say this out loud, but I might be what you would consider, a bit unhealthy. I had my tonsils removed when I was 3 years old, due to ongoing colds, and I was diagnosed with a rare skin disease at the age of 7 years old. I could possibly say that I have had several colds, every year of my life, for as long as I can remember. This includes basic colds to sinus infections, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. This is due to several factors; my tonsils were not completely removed and I have severe allergies. So I now take 6 allergy shots a week and use a water pick to keep my tonsils clean. Food can get lodged behind your tonsils and set up a home for bacteria to spread.

Before I started on shots, I had already noticed that the majority of singers I have met (including myself), were hypochondriacs! Singing can be a mental thing, and people have a tendency to get in their own way. A lot of times a sore throat is out of fear of performing, but there are still times when you are really sick. When you are tired of being sick, especially when you are a vocalist, you'll try anything. So I decided to teach myself to be prepared for a sore throat. I have read deeply on the subject and came up with my own concoction of daily supplements. I have discovered what foods the voice needs to strengthen, replenish, and repair itself.

If you sing for hours a night, you are going to have to give your voice time to recuperate. First things first- PLENTY OF SLEEP! Your voice is very sensitive and when your body is tired, your voice will be the first to suffer. This is why when you are extremely tired, you feel like it's too much work to talk. You could need 8-10 hours of sleep, especially after a long night of performing. You want be sure that you are well rested before you sing as well.

Singing, especially rock singing, takes a lot of physical energy. I also recommend some sort of exercise program. If you want to sing to your fullest potential, you must be in shape, as well as your voice. Cardiovascular exercise is best for a singer, preferably something such as jogging, or Tae Bo. Yoga and Tai Chi are excellent forms as well. Singing is a big part of breathing, and all of the preceding exercise programs focus on breathing.

I follow a specific nutrient regimen every day. When I wake up in the morning, I drink 8-10 ounces of water. I continue to drink water all day long. My daily water quota is a gallon. It used to be more. The more you drink, the better. Your vocal cords need lubrication to maintain their elasticity, and only water will do.

Every morning, I take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. I also take an additional 1000 mg of chewable vitamin C, 1000 mg of Calcium, 400 mg of Magnesium, and 25 mg of Zinc. When your body is tired or under physical or mental stress, you will lose vitamin C, and Calcium. Both strengthen the immune system. When your body lacks vitamin C and Calcium, the immune system is weakened and you risk the chance of infection. Magnesium helps the body to maintain Calcium. Zinc is the singer's mineral. Zinc helps to reduce the swelling of inflamed vocal cords, which is why I also take Zinc lozenges if I have a cold. I used to take a tablespoon of colloidal silver every morning. I purchased a colloidal silver generator from Sunstone Herbals. If you want to learn about colloidal silver and it's benefits go to http://www.sunstoneherbals.com. But I have since switched to using a water additive called X20 from singerswater.com. This additive adds ionic silver, calcium and other important singer essentials.

There are also a couple herbs that I use every day as well. I take three, 500 mg capsules of licorice root. Licorice is natural cortisone, which will also reduce the swelling of inflamed vocal cords. You can pick some up at your local GNC. Slippery Elm root is also an excellent herb for singers. Slippery Elm soothes inflamed mucous membranes in the throat and mouth. The best source I have found is Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinals. I try to drink a cup every day.

The day of a performance, I up my water quota. I also perform at least 20-30 minutes of warm ups before singing. By the time I hit the stage, I drive everybody crazy because I have to pee so much! But hey, I can sing all night long! I know this is probably unethical, but I also take 2 aspirin before I go onstage. Aspirin thins out the blood, so when I get the blood pumping to the vocal cords from all of the Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, and AC/DC I do, any vocal cord swelling is minimum. I'll also occasionally suck on a lozenge. I'll use anything that contains vitamin C, bee propolis, Zinc, apple pectin, slippery elm, licorice, or glycerin. I stay away from any menthol-based lozenges. Menthol dries out the vocal cords.

Again, at the end of the night, I warm down my voice by performing some the exercises from my Vocal Stress Release program. Do some research and create your own daily regimen. What works for me, won't necessarily work for you. Regardless of what you do, if you try to live a healthy lifestyle, (plenty of rest, water, nutrients) you will have a longer vocal career. If you are really serious about singing I offer these words of advice. Find a good vocal coach and learn proper technique. If you are a smoker, QUIT!!! Smoke aggravates the cords and dries them. Alcohol is also another bad choice. Alcohol dries out the vocal cords. If you are interested in more information about vocal health, everything we have discussed in this lesson is discussed in greater detail in my book Raise Your Voice.

Insomnia - What Causes Insomnia And How Can I Treat It?

Insomnia in itself is not a disease. It is symptom of sleeplessness. Not getting proper sleep, not getting sleep immediately after retiring to bed, getting sleep but for shorter periods only, and unable to fall asleep after interruption are some of the symptoms of Insomnia.

Insomnia is divided in three main categories depending on duration of the symptoms. First among these categories is transient Insomnia which makes you sleepless for shorter period of one day to one week. Next is acute Insomnia which gives you sleepless nights for one to three weeks. Third is chronic Insomnia in which symptoms of sleeplessness continues for longer period ranging between one month to months together.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia is not a disease but a symptom of sleep disorders. Insomnia may be caused due to other problems apart from basic cause of brain and body relaxation like excessive intake of toxicants like caffeine, fear, medications, anxiety and stress or mental tension. Excessive physical work or pain may also cause Insomnia or sleep disorders. You may get Insomnia owing to various causes like medication, fear, mental stress, anxiety. It is very important to know the exact cause of Insomnia to treat it with suitable medication. Following guidelines will make you understand basic causes and effects of Insomnia.

o Interruption of breathing: This is termed as sleep apnea in medical terms. In this condition, you experience interruption in breathing. As a result of this interruption your sleep cycle is disturbed. This happens due to partial collapse of respiratory track muscle tone. The bigger problem about this condition is that person suffering from such condition does not remember what interrupted his sleep. However, he keeps drowsing throughout the day complaining sleeplessness. This type of Insomnia is attributable to congestive heart, sign of premature aging and cerebral vascular condition. The best way to get rid of such condition is that you must awake from the bed and resume breathing.

o The other type of Insomnia is noticed particularly in person taking frequent journeys. Your journey may have different time zones as such it becomes very difficult for you to adjust yourself with the changed sleeping habits. Your body is accustomed to a particular time schedule for sleep. Whenever there is change in this schedule you may experience symptom of sleeplessness. This cause is also applicable to people working in shifts.

o In another type of sleep disorder symptoms, person responds physically to the events he has seen in dreams. Violent behavior during sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking are examples of such responses.

o You may experience other symptoms like awaking in night due to unpleasant sensations. This sensation occurs due to flowing of acids upwards from stomach. This condition is termed as gastro-esophageal reflex.

Insomnia can be also caused by some other factors like dietary allergy, emotional upheaval, side effects of medications, physical or mental stress, depression etc. Early detection of causes will help your doctor in deciding line of treatment and provide you early relief from Insomnia.

Treatment of Insomnia

Sleeping medicines/sedatives can provide you required amount of sleep and help you in getting relief from Insomnia. You can also try herbal medicines such as chamomile, hops, valerian and lavender. Marijuana plant (scientifically known as cannabis sativa) also gives good results in inducing sleep. However, this herbal medicine, cannabis sativa, has been banned by many governments for use in treating Insomnia.

You can try following home remedies to get some relief from Insomnia:

o Drink warm milk before going to bed. Tryptophan present in the milk works as natural sedative and helps you in getting sleep.

o Exercise regularly. This will relax your body muscles and may give you relief from sleeplessness.

o You can try diet control method - having heavy lunch and maintaining three hours gap between dinner and bed time.

o Avoid mental stress, phobia, worrying while retiring to bed.

o Cultivate habit of getting up early and retiring to bed at decided time.

o Your sleep depends upon the relaxation your body and mind gets. Meditation may help you to get required relaxation and gain sleep.

o Use of oils (aromatherapy) for relaxing muscles may result in restfulness and inducing sleep.

However, it may be noted that above remedies do not have proven results but are based on the experiences of Insomniacs. These results may vary from individual to individual.

You may try other therapies like acupuncture for treating Insomnia. The best remedy will be the one prescribed by your health provider.

Getting Allergy Shots for Hay Fever

Do you have hay fever that doesn't seem to go away? You may have already tried all sorts of cure but nothing seems to work and you're already feeling frustrated. If this is your case, then you may want to try immunotherapy. This is a process which involves making up a mixture of your allergens and injecting increasing doses into your body on a weekly basis to make the allergy go away.

Each shot will contain enough amount of allergen to stimulate your immune system although not to the extent of producing symptoms. A shot like this is best given to those who have allergic rhinitis due to the following:

• Pollen

• Dust mites

• Pet dander

• Mold

• Insect stings

• Some drugs

• Allergy-induced asthma

These shots are given regularly and one complete treatment typically lasts between 3 and 5 years. Now, you may think that it's a long period; however, good results await those who endure because the expected effects can last a lifetime.

Basically, the procedure works like how a vaccine does. Your body is presented with small amount of what causes your allergies. Then, your immune system learns how to deal with the allergens appropriately. The dosage is increased in a gradual manner to desensitize your immune system until the symptoms disappear completely. This procedure has a relatively high rate of success. More than 80% of those who tried it experienced significant improvement.

Now, you may be wondering who the best candidates for these injections are and whether you're one of them. Here is a simple guideline that can help:

• If you have tried all sorts of treatments including medications or you are suffering from side effects, you may want to try getting these shots.

• If you have been suffering from allergic rhinitis for a long time and already feeling tired of it.

• If you detest taking medications or they are too costly for you, this procedure may be sensible. Besides, there are some insurance plans which can help cover the cost of this treatment so you can save a lot.

• If it's impossible or difficult to avoid your allergens because your job or routine requires you to get in contact with them regularly.

Now some of the precautions you need to know are these: Shots should never be given to children under two years old. Also, if you are pregnant or lactating, getting these shots is not advisable. However, if you were already getting them before you conceived, then the doctor may suggest that you continue with the procedure.

Shots for hay fever are generally safe as long as given properly. However, they also have potential serious side effects. This is because the course of treatment involves the exposure to the substances you are allergic to. This is why it's crucial to work with a highly qualified allergist when going through this treatment. In case a serious reaction to the allergy shots happens, he or she should have all the necessary medications and equipment to countermeasure the bad effect.

How to Treat Dry Cough

Flu and cold season... so not fun for anyone! Along with all the worry with flu shots and swine flu, we still have to deal with the common cold. One of the biggest symptoms people complain about is a dry, irritating super annoying cough.

Well, there *may* be hope yet because there is a new over the counter (OTC) drug cn the horizon that will treat dry cough. Dry cough can range from the super dry hacking cough to the ultra annoying constant "clearing of the throat" cough.

There are a few drugs that can treat in a round-about way...such as antihistamines and decongestants. These meds can help treat some of the issues that can lead to a dry cough.

Cough suppressants (antitussives) work to directly treat dry cough by blocking the cough reflex.

Currently, the only OTC cough suppressant on the market is dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin caps). Combination products such as Mucinex DM, Robitussin DM and Nyquil also contain dextromethorphan.

So, what is this all about a new drug? It is called Clofera (chlophedianol and pseudoephedrine) and it has a decongestant and "new" cough suppressant.

The reason I say chlophedianol is "new" is because it was actually approved back in the early 1960s. It has been marketed in Canada, UK and Japan for quite a while but is now just being released on the US market.

So the good news is that there are soon to be two options to treat dry cough...the bad news is that neither one has really been proven to work very well.

When the drug rep first came by and spoke to me about the new drug, I was psyched -then I looked into it a bit further. I searched for studies on the new drug but could only find ones conducted on rabbits (!)

I contacted the company (Centrix) but to no avail. Although very nice, the only study (published in English) they were aware of was the aforementioned rabbit study -odd! I also contacted the FDA -they said that Clofera has not been approved yet.

After more searching, I did find some more studies. The studies concluded that chlophedianol and dextromethorphan, at best, worked a tad better than a placebo -not good! Truth be told, even knowing this -when I am sick to the gills, I still take my dextromethorphan (and keep my fingers crossed).

Best OTC treatment for dry cough an antihistamine (Claritin -loratadine; Zyrtec -cetirizine; Benadryl -diphenhydramine) + menthol cough drops + gargling with warm salt water (3 times a day) + tea with honey and lemon...you can always add dextromethorphan or chlophedianol -you may be able to *trick* your body into thinking it is working (aka placebo effect).

* The antihistamine helps treat post-nasal drip that often leads to irritated throat and coughing

* Menthol cough drops -just work super well! (suck don't chew! J)

* Warm salt water and tea with honey and lemon -help soothe the irritated throat and decrease the cough

If your cough is seriously affecting your quality of life -ask you doctor for hydromet (generic) or Tussionex (brand only). Both drugs have a codeine derivative (codeine is a really good cough suppressant). But take care because it can make you tired and loopy.

I hope this helps you feel better - go take a steamy shower and have a cup of tea! J -always helps... even if you don't have a dry cough!

Cat Care - Allergies to Cats

One of the worlds most popular pets are cats. And over fifty percent of households in America own either a cat or dog. Cats are one of the most popular animals,and part of caring for a cat includes possibly being allergic. Cat allergies are one of the most common types of allergies. Studies Show that over ten million people in America have allergies to cats.

Dander is the biggest cause of cat allergies. The danger is the dander produced by the cat. Dander is basically just dry skin that comes off the cats. Usually in flakes. Not only can dander affect your skin, but can also get in your immune system and cause an allergic reaction.

Once the dander is in the immune system it is considered a danger. Its not considered a disease, but a reflex by your body and immune system. Sometimes cat allergies happen because cats have allergens spread through their urine, blood, and saliva. Even though the cat might not be there may still be excretions there.

Cat saliva, urine, and dander, are all allergy causing things in the house if a cat owner. Cats are constantly grooming themselves, which involves getting saliva in their fur. When doing this, they are spreading around their dander and allergens. No matter how hard you try there is no way of avoiding it. Its a cats natural instinct constantly groom themselves, you can give them as many baths as you want but that will not stop them from grooming.

Usually when some one is allergic to cats they experience symptoms like wheezing, sneezing, itching, red and watery eyes, and sometimes even trouble breathing. It's different with everyone. Some may have many of the symptoms and someone else may have none. Although some people may even have the chills and a fever. You should contact a doctor if this happens. Most likely it may not even be cat allergies but a disease that must be identified by a doctor.

Decongestants and antihistamines are usually used to treat cat allergies. Antihistamines are usually used in people who have asthma caused by cat allergies. And Decongestants are usually used to cure swollen nasal passages and coughs. Sometimes, doctors will even recommend allergy shots. Allergy shots can be used to help prevent the asthma attack, especially if someone is extremely allergic to cats. They are good for treatment and prevention, and can also help decrease the risk of allergies affecting the person.

If you think you may have allergies to cats, you should make it a point to see your doctor. He will be able to diagnose your situation and identify if it is cat allergies, and give you options for treatment. If you do have cat allergies, the best way to stop them is to get rid or your cat.

But getting rid of your cat can be a hard thing to do. If you've become allergic to the cat's fur, there might not be any other way to prevent the allergies than to give your cat up. Even though doctors can give you shots and medicine, it can only do so much. Cat allergens aren't fun, especially if you get them after owning and carinf for your cat for years. Cats are awesome animals to have - but cat allergies are something we could live without.

Beabulls: Good Or Bad Family Pet?

The Beabull is a medium sized dog that is a combination of a Beagle and an English Bulldog, meaning that they are a great family dog that requires a large amount of care and attention. This breed can be an independent thinker, making training difficult at times. However, if you are patient and start training early in their puppyhood, then they will be obedient and learn quickly. These dogs do have the habit of being very hyper when the play, though, so care has to be taken that they do not get out of control and hurt someone, such as a young child.

The Beabull is a very gentle, loving dog that would not harm anyone or anything on purpose. They are very easy going and non-aggressive, which gives them the best of both breeds. They love to give and receive attention, and will give affectionate kisses for hours if they are allowed to. They are not bothered by children that are crying, or running through the house while playing.
The Beabull will average around 25 pounds, and will vary in look due to the combining of the breeds. Some will have the facial look of a bulldog, while others will more greatly resemble a Beagle. The one aspect that they all have in common, though, is that they need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent the built up of hair and dander. Baths every so often will also help the skin and fur, and keep the allergen aspects to a minimum.

This breed has a long life span, usually up to twelve years, and has very little major health issues that have to be dealt with. These dogs were breed with the idea of obtaining the best characteristics and genes of the English Bulldog and the Beagle, and as a general rule, have been accomplished. Of course, as with all other dogs, basic checkups need to be performed, as well as receiving their shots on a regular basis.

The Beabull prefers to be indoors, and will thrive in a steady, warm environment. They do like to get out of the house though, and going for a walk is an important aspect of owning one. Not only will it give them the exercise that they need, but walking them will also show them that you, as the owner, are the dominant figure in the equation.

This type of dog, overall, is a great family dog because of its temperament and disposition. They do require routine care and affection, and they prefer to be inside a warm house. Beabulls do have lots of energy, though, so all family members need to realize that care must be taken to prevent them from getting out of control and accidentally hurting someone.

Grass Allergy

Grass allergy is one of the most common and prevalent form of allergy that affects people with histories of it during certain seasons.

Grass allergy normally occurs all throughout the spring season and during the onset or ending of the summer season. Grass allergy is somehow directly linked to hay fever, because their symptoms and causes are somehow similar to each other.

Grass allergy can also take the form of an inhalant kind of allergy similar to asthma. It is noted that in the United States alone, about 30% of overall yearly allergy reported or recorded is in the form of grass allergy.

Grass allergy is caused by an allergen that invokes discomforting reaction upon body contact.

Cause of grass allergy

The most usual allergen or substance that cause or triggers grass allergy is pollen. Pollens are very tiny and small particles of ovulation structures owned by plants.

During your primary education and even in your previous Biology classes, you have encountered the word pollen on subjects related to the proliferation or reproduction of plants' flowers.

Take note that pollens are so tiny and light that they can stick to the tiny feet of butterflies. Pollens are most of the time flying or are carried out in the air especially during summer and spring when trees, flowers, and mostly, grass pollinate.

Because pollens are so light weight and they are carried over through the air, people can inhale them. Inhaling pollen can cause or trigger adverse reactions to the person.

Symptoms of grass allergy

Manifestations that indicate the onset of grass allergy are usually identified with breathing disorders.

The most common symptom of grass allergy is severe or constant dry cough. Usually these cough will occur with sore throat. It can never be mistaken for a common viral colds or cough.

The person with grass allergy also experiences difficulty in breathing. It s because the air passages are narrowed or constricted as a result of the body's defense mechanism against grass pollen.

It can be noted that since the air passage constriction is a body defense mechanism, it is not dangerous. The danger occurs when the person experiencing it panics and feel a thriving discomfort.

Itchiness which can appear in several areas of the body can also occur at the onset of a grass allergy attack.

In rare occasions, fever can also be detected. However, in such occurrences, immediate help from doctors and medical practitioners should be sought to detect the presence of complications.

Fevers indicate the presence of viral and bacterial attacks in the body and should therefore be immediately attended at to avoid further complications.

Treatment and prevention of grass allergy

The most effective treatment for grass allergy is also its most potent prevention. That is, to avoid the grass allergy causing allergens, which are usually grass pollen.

To avoid exposure to grass pollen or the possibility of grass pollen inhalation, people with histories are advised to stay indoors especially during summer and spring when grass pollens are carried out in the open air.

Doctors also advise such people to install a working air conditioner in their home and room to make sure the ventilation is good and the probability of air contamination with grass pollen is reduced.

Otherwise, medications are available both through prescription and over the counter. Allergy shots can immediately relieve and soothe the symptoms. Antihistamines are also usually prescribed to curtail grass allergy development among patients.

----------------------------------------

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

-----------------------------------------

Asthma Can Be Scary

Asthma can be scary and quite dangerous if it is not kept in control by the person afflicted with the disease. Asthma, if not kept in check, can lead to serious complications with breathing and may even result in death.

There are many different triggers that cause one to have an asthma attack. The majority of asthma attacks are caused by allergens, pet dander, dust, mold, cold or hot weather, moist air, cigarette smoke, exercise and sometimes even stress. Asthma is a condition that can be kept in control by taking medicines such as Singulair, Zyrtec, Advair, Proventil and Serevent.

Medicines don't always work though. Sometimes asthma is so difficult to control in a person's lungs that they need to receive allergy shots on a regular basis to keep the triggers from affecting their body. Patients with asthma should always remember one thing; always keep a rescue inhaler within reach. Rescue inhalers are different from the everyday inhalers that asthma patients use. A rescue inhaler is used only in an emergency. When an asthma sufferer feels their lungs constricting or has been coughing more often, they will take a puff from their rescue inhaler for relief.

Asthma causes a constriction of the lungs, inflammation of the lungs, and an added buildup of mucus within the lungs. All of this brings about shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Many patients that suffer from asthma use nebulizer treatments more than once a week for severe cases. The nebulizer is a type of breathing machine that is filled with asthma medicine in liquid form. The liquid is then vaporized and the patient breathes inhales the vapor into their lungs. The vaporized medicine helps reopen the patient's airwaves and dries up the mucus.

Not all asthma patients suffer from it on a daily basis. A lot of asthma patients have exercise induced asthma. This is asthma that only affects those who are exercising. Exercise induced asthma doesn't always occur during the workout. Many asthma attacks related to exercise occur well after the workout is complete.

Many patients with asthma, but not all, also suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that affects patients while attempting to sleep. Sleep apnea is when a patient has pauses or lapses in their breathing pattern while they are sleeping. This causes them to wake up startled and takes away from their daily rest needs. Sleep apnea is treated with the use of a CPAP. A CPAP is a breathing machine that aides respiratory ventilation. Asthma patients who also suffer from sleep apnea have found it easier to breath when the sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated. Sleep apnea can also be considered a trigger for asthma attacks.

Asthma, whether bronchial or nocturnal, is a dangerous and often deadly condition if it is not treated properly. When kept under control, asthma will not be a hindrance to the patient and the patient will be able to resume their normal activities of enjoy the outdoors and owning a pet. As soon as symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and excessive coughing occur, asthma patients should use their rescue inhaler or consult their physician. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Natural Ways to Treat Hay Fever Symptoms

The first signs of spring in the air herald a welcome relief from winter weather, but not everyone enjoys the seasonal transition. Those who suffer from hay fever can expect miserable symptoms as the seasonal allergy strikes, triggered by pollens in the air. Help is at hand in the form of medications but not everyone reacts well to shots, over the counter anti-histamines or other conventional medicines which can result in drowsiness and headaches. Instead there are natural ways to treat hay fever symptoms which can offer relief.

Typical hay fever symptoms include red, itchy dry eyes; coughs; sneezing; a blocked or runny nose; a sore throat. The natural pollen in the air creates the histamines which result in these symptoms, and one of the best known and effective natural remedies is to fight the histamines with the pollen in locally sourced honey. It is recommended to take a tablespoon of local honey daily, beginning at least a month prior to the advent of hay fever symptoms. This allows time for the honey to work as a natural barrier to the pollen and build up immunity in the body.

Eating a healthy diet will also boost the immune system and help to fight off the symptoms of hay fever. Include 1000 mg of vitamin C in the daily diet, as it is a natural ant-histamine. This can be taken in supplement form but is best derived by eating citrus fruit, including the pith and pulp. Begin the day with a glass of warm water and freshly squeezed lemon. Drinking honey and lemon juice will help to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat. Herbal teas are also recommended, particularly dandelion tea and chamomile tea.

Chamomile can also help to soothe itchy eyes. An eye compress can be made from chamomile tea, or alternatively use a chamomile tea bag. Using a dehumidifier in the home can also help to reduce the pollen levels which can so aggravate the eyes.

Herbal steam baths help to clear the congestion which comes with hay fever. Add either chamomile flowers or a drop of eucalyptus oil to a pan of steaming water, and breathe in the steam from under a towel until the water has cooled. Spicy foods and garlic also helps to clear the sinuses. A bowl of delicious Thai Tom Yum soup can be very effective.

Spring need not be quite so unpleasant for hay fever sufferers if relief can be afforded by these natural remedies. Don't wait until the first pollens attack, but begin to incorporate these natural treatments in advance of the first symptoms, so they have a more immediate effect. The body is more likely to build up more natural immunity if it is already prepared with local honey and vitamin C to ward off the symptoms.

Ways on How to Treat Allergy Induced Asthma Naturally

Getting allergies is bad, having asthma is worse and having allergy induced asthma is a total nightmare, since this type of asthma is mostly triggered by anything and everything that you can possibly think of. Contrary to popular belief allergic asthma is not only caused by spores, animal dander, pollen and the other things that you find floating in the air. It can also be caused by cold weather, hot weather, the artificial flavorings that you find in most foods nowadays, and up to the cleaning agents that you might be using when "supposedly" eliminating your other allergens.

So as said earlier, it's a nightmare to have this kind of asthma. The worse part is that more and more people are being diagnosed with this type of asthma because of adverse changes in the climate and worsening case of pollution. Allergy induced asthma can prevent you from participating in activities that you might enjoy, also limiting your capacity for school, work and mostly everything else.

But not everything is at a loss, due to the advancements being made in the field of conventional and alternative medicine; there are many methods and treatments that can come to your aid when trying to achieve relief from your condition. Here are a few examples:

Environmental Control: More in terms of your control rather than your doctors as it does not depend on any medication whatsoever. This will only involve a single procedure called Allergy Testing, where doctors will try to see your reaction of common allergens by putting small patches of it on your skin. This will allow you to see what your particular allergens. Armed with this knowledge it is then up to you on what your action plans are about these allergens. Environmental control involves making certain changes in the way that you live, changes in your home and even in what you eat. Limiting your exposure to allergens will allow your immune system that much needed recovery time, thereby strengthening your immunity to any unavoidable exposure in the future.

Alternative medications: there are many alternative medications that will help you deal with your condition while strengthening your body and immune system making you less prone to attacks caused by allergic reactions. Licorice, ginger, ginkgo biloba for example have been used by many people in the past to help with asthma and have observed vast improvements in their general health and control of the condition. Preparations are simple, effective, can work well along with conventional medication and not to mention cheap.

Immunotherapy: or aptly called allergy shots. Is the process of making your body less sensitive to your triggers by exposing you to very small amounts over a period of time? Results may tend to vary and although there have been some reports that this methods works, some divisions of conventional medicine still regard immunotherapy as inconclusive when it comes to the treatment of allergy induced asthma in general.

There are other methods that you can choose from when you want to get relief from your condition, try to ask your doctor about the other techniques and what might work well for you.

Hives Treatment Can Be In The Form of Over The Counter Applications or Homespun Natural Remedies

Hives treatment is one of the most commonly sought medical interventions. Each year, thousands of people develop a case of hives, or urticaria. The raised, red or skin colored welts which characterize hives can cause extreme discomfort when they become very itchy, but generally hives are not serious. For rare cases which become serious, emergency medical treatment may be necessary.

In most cases, hives are an allergic reaction. Though they affect the skin hives can be caused by either contact with or ingestion of an allergen. The most common causes of hives are allergic reaction to certain medications such as antibiotics or codeine, ingestion of foods like shellfish, chocolate or berries or contact with pollen and cat dander.

The key to any successful hives remedy is to first identify the allergen and cease contact with it. If an allergen can't be immediately traced, it is usually sensible to stay away from the known main triggers of hives until the rash subsides.

The main symptom of hives is a raised, circular shaped series of welts which normally appear on the throat, arms, legs and torso. They can range in size and number, depending on the severity of the case. The welts will usually change shape and size and even location, but they can always be recognized by persistent, severe itching. In some cases, hives can also cause swelling of the lips face and tongue. Occasionally, this swelling can lead to difficulty breathing. In these cases, hives treatment should include the use of a bronchodilator or direct shots of epinephrine.

Once they have been diagnosed, you can begin to treat the symptoms with an over the counter antihistamine such as Benadryl or Claritin. If your case of skin hives is more severe or fails to respond to over the counter treatments, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. If you begin to experience swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing and you don't have access to an epinephrine kit for allergies, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. If you do have an allergy kit, make use of it first and then seek emergency care. It is always safer to receive trained care for severe reactions rather than try to cure yourself with a home hives remedy.

For less severe cases of hives, there are several effective forms of self help which you can use to relieve symptoms. Using cool compresses or taking a cool bath can help to ease itching. Never take hot baths, as this will only exacerbate symptoms. You'll also want to avoid any activity which would cause you to sweat. No matter what form of hives treatment you use, be sure to wear light, loose fitting clothing and try to relax as stress can also worsen symptoms.

Because hives can be the result of an allergic reaction to medication, if you are taking any medication when you experience them, stop treatment and consult your doctor immediately while taking an antihistamine to alleviate symptoms. Most cases of skin hives will clear themselves up within a few days, but some may last for weeks or reoccur at regular intervals. If you develop a recurring allergic reaction, talk to your doctor and try to identify the cause so that you can avoid it in the future. If you have a food allergy, you should never hesitate to check with any restaurant you may be eating in to find out if they have any "hidden" allergy triggers in their food.

Though they can be persistent and uncomfortable, hives are generally easily treated. If cool baths or compresses don't do the trick for hives treatment, you can try applying a paste of three teaspoons baking soda to one teaspoon of water directly to the rash to relieve itching and swelling. It is also important to keep your fingernails closely trimmed and avoid scratching at any cost as this can promote the spread of the rash from your hands to other areas of your body.

It is never pleasant to experience the hives, but it doesn't have to be all consuming. With easy home remedies and over the counter drugs, most cases of hives can be easily cured and for those that don't respond to these treatments, your doctor can prescribe stronger medicines to help. If you're itching, just remember to relax, stay calm and breathe easy...it may feel like the end of the world, but your hives will be gone before you know it!

What You Should Know About Allergy Shots and Immunotherapy

There are a lot of people in this world who suffer from allergies, and this can really be a bothersome and downright depressing state of being. Your nose is runny, your eyes are itchy, you've got sneezes, just to name a few of the symptoms. It all depends on what you're allergic to as to what kind of symptoms you will have. It is my aim in this article to explain a little bit about allergy shots so that you can have an understanding of what to expect.

The main purpose of getting an allergy shot, is to help to desensitize your body against the contaminants that are causing the reaction. It is common for a person to need a series of these shots spanning over a time frame of around 3 to 5 years in order to get over the allergy completely.

This is commonly known as immunotherapy. The only times that this is really effective is if proper testing has truly identified what the allergic trigger is. It is found to be highly effective against allergic reactions that are caused by bites and stings from bees and such. Most generally though it is used for people with normal allergies such as dust mites, grass, pollen, and other airborne allergies.

These treatments aren't cheap, and they do take time, so before you get involved in it you need to understand and be aware of the realistic benefits that you will receive from following this plan. It would be a good idea if you would discuss the following five things with your Dr. to see if it is right for you.

1. There isn't any way to avoid the triggers that cause your allergies, or if avoiding them hasn't really done any good for you.
2. You have suffered from the symptoms of your allergies for a period longer than two years.
3. You have tried many different home remedies that haven't been effective.
4. None of the over-the-counter or prescription medicines that you have tried ever seem to do any good.
5. It has been found in studies and experience that immunotherapy has benefited people who have the same conditions as yours.

If any of these pertain to you, then it is a good idea to talk to your doctor and find out if immunotherapy might be right for you. You never know, over a period of a few years you could be completely free of all of the plaguing symptoms that have been hounding you.

Beagle Allergies - Getting Down With The Basics

People and animals have many things in common. From likes, dislikes and even allergies, the similarities can go on and on. Yes, you read right, even animals get allergies from different things and some allergic reactions can be similar to that of a human being.

A good example of this is the dog breed, beagles. Beagles have many different allergies and it can be caused by anything. More often than not, these allergies are dismissed by most owners thinking that the symptoms that they see from beagle allergies are just common things that happen to beagles.

It is true that some of the symptoms of beagle allergies can really be misleading but if you are a beagle owner, you should be sensitive and keen to several symptoms that might indicate that your dog has allergies. Some of the most common signs of allergies are excessive itching, fur loss that leads to bald patches or spots on your dog, and coughing. Self-chewing can also be a symptom because this may be caused by the itching sensation where the dog may just chew on its own fur also causing the bald spots. Ear inflammations and upset stomach are also very common signs of allergies among beagles.

There are two kinds of beagle allergies, the internal allergies and the external allergies. The internal allergies may be caused by the beagle's ingestion of something. More often it is caused by food and the reaction can be traced from different foods like milk, wheat and etc.

When your beagles' allergies are caused by food allergies then it is important to distinguish which foods it is allergic to. You can always bring it to the vet to be sure or you can practice home cooking, starting with the basic and slowly adding new ingredients to see where the allergic reaction is coming from. It would be best to introduce a new ingredient after two weeks just to make sure that your dog does not really have any allergic reaction to a certain ingredient.

For the external allergies, this would probably be caused by something that made contact on your beagle. Very common causes of external allergies are allergies to dog grooming products like dog shampoo and home products like detergent and air freshener.

There are many treatments for the external allergies and the most popular would be the immunotherapy. This treatment uses allergy shots given to dogs where it slowly exposes the dog to the allergy trigger that is why this treatment can take a while. If your dog has swelling and itching then the best relief you could give your beagle are the Corticosteroids. This reduces the swelling and itching of your beagle but make sure to do this in moderation because it has side effects that may affect organs in your dog's body.

It is important to know things about beagle allergies for you to be able to prevent it and treat it. That is why you should be able to distinguish what kind of allergies it is and what are the things that trigger the allergy so that you can immediately do something about it.

Stop Cat Sneezing Symptoms the Natural Way - No Shots, No Vets

To stop cat sneezing naturally, and safely, try a homeopathic cure. Homeopathy is a system of medicine developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the 18th century. It is quite simply based on the Law of Similars: "like cures like." The word homeopathy is derived in Latin, and means "like disease".

The whole idea behind using homeopathic medicine to stop cat sneezing, or any other cat sneezing symptoms, is based on the amazing power of an animal's immune system to repel disease. Natural substances that cause ill effects in healthy people or pets are given in very small doses to the sick, thus jump-starting or boosting their immune system. This stimulates the body's natural healing process, and pushes out any disease that it locates.

Homeopathic remedies created from substances which occur in nature work to stop cat sneezing by stimulating your cat's own internal healing process. Your cat is a product of nature, so is the cure. Once unregulated, it used to be hard to know who to trust.

The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States now strictly regulates homeopathic medicines. They may be made from naturally occurring plants and minerals that are non-toxic. They contain no preservatives or artificial chemicals. These minerals are diluted until a tiny bit remains. This remaining cure is then vigorously shaken in a process called succession.

This prolonged shaking releases the healing energy of the substance, and this is what will stop cat sneezing. A study conducted by doctors at Glasgow University showed that patients with hay-fever like symptoms were tested.

Half were given homeopathic doses based on various allergy-causing natural substances, and half were given a placebo. The homeopathic test group improved 10 TIMES better than the second test group! The great thing about homeopathy remedies for cat sneezing symptoms is that there are zero side effects.

Natural, homeopathic cures used to stop cat sneezing symptoms also generally work much faster than typical commercial antibiotics and medicines. This is because the product is natural, and your cat is also a product of nature.

Especially when dealing with kittens, pregnant cats or elderly felines, you must take care of their weakened immune system. A soft boost from a homeopathic, natural cure will do no damage to your cat while he is in this weakened state. However, side effects do occur with some normal veterinarian cures. No such side effects exist with natural treatments.

All natural remedies to stop cat sneezing symptoms are a safe, healthy, non-intrusive way to administer relief to your sneezing feline friend. They also cost a fraction of the amount a vet will charge you, and have no possibly dangerous side-effects. They can stop cat sneezing before it becomes something more serious and moves into the lungs, causing a much more dangerous problem.

Got Nasal Allergies? Consider a Netipot

I am a lifelong allergy sufferer. I received allergy shots throughout childhood and into my twenties until my doctor decided I was not benefiting from them. After that I did fairly well using daily prescription allergy medication as recommended by my physician.

When I moved from the upper Midwest to central Texas I soon started to feel like I was losing control of my seasonal allergy symptoms. "Cedar fever", a term for the malaise that afflicts many people when cedar pollen counts are high, hits me hard. Fall brings nasal congestion, itchy to slightly sore throat, irritated eyes, post-nasal drip and sometimes a productive cough. I feel like I am coming down with a cold on and off for weeks.

I needed to find relief so I decided to give a netipot a try. A netipot is a small pot with a long, narrow spout used to pour an isotonic salt water solution through ones nostrils. It aids in removing mucous from the sinuses and cleansing allergens from the nasal passages. Using one may seem a little daunting and does take some getting used to, but after about five days I had noticeable relief from my allergy symptoms.

Netipot kits can be found in most drugstores. They will include the necessary netipot and ready-to-use packets, the contents of which are added to tap water to make the salt water solution. Alternatively you can make your own solution mixing salt and warm water. Baking soda also may be added. Directions for doing this can easily be found on the Internet.

The solution is mixed in the netipot and the spout is inserted into ones nostril. Tilting the head to the side over a sink, allow the solution to flow into the nostril and out the other, rinsing the nasal passages. Continue this process until the netipot is emptied. While pouring, you should keep your mouth open and breath. If the mouth is closed you will soon feel like you are drowning and will, without a doubt, be turned off by the netipot ritual before you have reaped its benefits. Repeat this process with the other nostril.

Use the netipot one to two times daily for a safe and natural alternative for achieving relief from your allergies. Demonstrations of netipot use can be found on YouTube. Check a couple out.

Celiac And The Gluten Gut-Brain Connection Seen In Reversible Abnormal SPECT Brain Scans

SPECT brain imaging of the majority of the few celiac disease patients studied reveals abnormalities that are usually most severe in the frontal areas of the brain. Improvement of these abnormalities are seen on a gluten-free diet. The frontal area of the brain is important in brain function that controls attention, impulse control, organization, and problem solving. Problems in this area of the brain result in short attention span, disorganization, procrastination, short-term memory problems, anxiety and depression.

Not surprisingly these are common symptoms reported by Sprue patients and in non-celiac gluten sensitivity that improve with a GFD. ADD, schizophrenia, alcohol and drug addiction problems and depression, all associated with gluten in some studies, are also associated with functional disturbances in the frontal area of the brain seen on SPECT scans. Though the reports of SPECT imaging in celiac disease are limited there have been some very interesting findings that make sense to those of us familiar with the effect of gluten on the brain.

The most dramatic report I have found comes from a 1997 report of a newly diagnosed celiac diease patient with established schizophrenia whose symptoms and abnormal SPECT scan reversed on a gluten-free diet. He presented with an established diagnosis of schizophrenia, diarrhea and weight loss. Endomysial antibody was positive and villous atrophy was present on intestinal biopsy. SPECT scan was performed before and after gluten free diet. Before GFD, the scan confirmed abnormal decreased blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain. With a GFD schizophrenia symptoms resolved, the intestinal lesion resolved and the SPECT scan became normal. More recently in 2004, Usai et al. reported 34 celiac patients in whom 70% had abnormal SPECT scans. Again the abnormalities were most pronounced in the frontal areas of the brain and were less severe on a gluten free diet.

SPECT is single photon emission computerized tomography. It is a combined nuclear medicine CAT scan of the head performed by injecting a radioisotope material that is taken up by the brain according to blood flow and metabolism. A scan is produced that is a color-coded 3-D representation of brain metabolism or activity. Daniel Amen MD is one of the countries foremost experts on SPECT brain imaging. You can take a free online brain system quiz at http://www.amenclinic.com that may be helpful. His detailed and well-researched recommendations for nutritional interventions for the brain are also worth reviewing. More collaboration with neuroscientists and gastroenterologists is definitely needed to look further into the association of poor brain function and gluten. SPECT imaging technology appears to be one exciting tool available to us if we can get the research funded. We will continue to explore the gut-brain connection further.

Sinus Infection Treatment - What to Expect From Your Doctor

You should never attempt sinus infection treatment at home without first consulting your doctor.

Through the creative efforts of highly persuasive and expensive lobbyists and in their scramble for profits, the pharmaceutical giants have somehow managed to get FDA approval on several questionable OTC (over the counter) sinus medications... a number of which have dangerous, if not life-threatening side effects.

For example:

• Mixing decongestants with other drugs with similar side effects may cause life-threatening complications.


• Whereas OTC decongestant nasal sprays bring fast relief, they unfortunately have a rebound effect. If used incorrectly, your body could develop drug resistance. If this happens, you will need more frequent applications in order to achieve the same clarity of breathing. This could lead to drug dependence requiring a difficult and expensive withdrawal program.


• Although OTC oral decongestants are slower to take effect and are a little safer to use, they eventually deliver the same rebound effect as described above.


• If you have a history of cardiac disease or high blood pressure, taking OTC oral decongestants could be life threatening. Also, if you happen to have an enlarged prostate, using them would make it virtually impossible for you to urinate.


• Even though Phenylpropanolamine has been withdrawn because of its dangers, some OTC oral decongestants still contain this ingredient.


• OTC antihistamines cause more harm than good, because they dry out nasal cavities and mucous deposits. This leads to further sinus blockage because of mucosal thickening followed by the build-up of dry, flaky mucous.


• If you suffer from frequent acid indigestion, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: (NSAID's), such as aspirin, Motrin, Advil and Alieve, could lead to more frequent attacks. .

The following advice is worth repeating:

Do not attempt at-home sinus infection treatment by taking OTC medication without your doctor's approval.

Your doctor will be able to offer advice on the most effective combination of OTC medications for you. He will also advise you on correct dosages, together with the safest way to use nasal sprays and oral decongestants.

Alternatively, s/he can prescribe replacements that avoid the above complications altogether.

Medical Treatment

Your doctor's first priority during sinus infection treatment is to eliminate infection. Unfortunately if a virus causes it, there's very little he can do, other that to treat the symptoms and allow the disease to run its course.

1. If bacteria caused the infection, he may use a synthetic penicillin to fight the infection. However, if you are allergic to penicillin, he may resort to a sulfur-based antibiotic, which usually takes longer than artificial penicillin to become effective.
   
   Treatment with either of these will typically last from fourteen to twenty-one days and should be supported by selective home remedies for sinus congestion.


2. If there is poor response to the antibiotic regimen, your doctor may recommend a course of intranasal steroids.
   
   These work well and they focus directly on the nose without affecting the rest of the body. However, they are expensive.


3. If the sinus attack were caused by an allergy, in order to reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes, he would typically use a prescription antihistamine that doesn't promote dryness.


4. If you have fungal sinusitis, his core treatment would be anti fungal therapy.


5. If you are a GERD sufferer of if you experience frequent bouts of heartburn, your doctor may restrict your painkiller regimen to the use of Tylenol. (see the topic under 'Acid Reflux Remedies at: http://www.home-remedy-site.com/
   

If your symptoms respond poorly to antibiotics and/or steroids, and your supporting home remedies have little effect, your doctor would probably refer you to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist.

This is a highly qualified physician specializing in rhinology (sinus infection treatment).

Do you Need Surgery?

Before attempting specialized sinus infection treatment, the ENT's mission would be to first identify the root cause of the infection by performing one or more of the following:

• Nasopharyngoscopic examination.
  
  A nasopharyngoscope is a thin, flexible fiberoptic instrument that is used to examine the insides of the osteomeatal complex (OMC) - The OMC is the series of tubes connecting the nasal passage to the sinus cavities.


• CT scans, possibly followed up by an MRI examination.


• Lastly, if he needs to identify the specific microorganism causing the problem, he may drain a small amount of puss directly from the infected sinus for pathological analysis. This is an invasive test that is rarely used.

After a thorough investigation, the ENT would make his recommendations.

A specialized course of antibiotics may be called for.

On the other hand, if the CT scans reveled obstructive mucosal disease... and/or the nasopharyngoscopic examination revealed anatomical anomalies such as a deviated nasal septum (crooked nasal passage), and/or growth of obstructive nasal polyps, he would probably recommend non-invasive endoscopic surgery.

During surgery, the ENT would carry out a sinus drainage procedure by opening the OMC. At the same time he would straighten the crooked septum if necessary, and remove any obstructive polyps in order to improve airflow through the nasal passages.

Patients usually respond favorably to sinus surgery, however, in the case of chronic sufferers, periodic antibiotics or the continued use of a nasal steroidal spray may be necessary.

Three Common Ways to Cure Asian Glow

Sufferers of Asian glow, with the massive increase of forums, social networking, and internet communities have put their heads together and tried to come up with solutions to their Asian glow.

But what exactly is it?

For those who are unfamiliar with this condition, the name may seem a bit strange at first. The condition is actually called alcohol flush reaction because sufferers become flushed around the eyes and facial area after consuming alcohol. However, because this condition is predominant in the Asian community, it is often referred to as Asian glow amongst other names.

Of course, each individual has their personal reasons for seeking a cure. Many are young people just trying to socialize, but going to bars and clubs is impossible because of the physical illness called by Asian glow, or perhaps because of the embarrassment of the unattractiveness of a puffy red face.

There are many possible solutions available but any one solution doesn't seem to work for everybody. Because of the lack of research into Asian glow, the cures or remedies are still reminiscent of grandmothers medicine cabinet and can be tried and experimented with but one should still use caution and consult a professional if unsure. These are the top three solutions.

1. Increased sugar intake
Sugar pills, glucose injections, or eating more carbohydrates have shown results in some people. This however, seems to be a solution for few, producing extremely mixed results and it's one of the most troublesome. Do you really want to go to the doctor for an injection every time you want to go party?

2. Antacids
This is becoming more and more common among young people who suffer from Asian glow because Antacids like Pepcid AC or Zantac are readily available and can be taken anywhere. The results seem to be more reliable but again, does not work for everyone and can be inconvenient at times.

3. The No Red Face Formula
This is a relatively new product that has appeared on the internet within the last few years. It is an e-book which claims that the knowledge contained within its pages can teach you techniques to control your Asian glow. This is perhaps the most convenient solution because there are no pills or shots necessary and is a skill that can be learned, memorized, and executed over and over. However, many people are sceptical as to the effectiveness of the product because of the lack of information about it and its secretes are shrouded in mystery. The thirty seven dollar cost may also seem steep to some but is actually cheaper than buying a constant stream of antacids (depending on the frequency alcohol consumption).

External Factors That Cause Shih Tzu Allergies

The Shih Tzu is a dog that is known to suffer from allergies more than other breeds. The causes of these allergies can be varied. While food is one potential cause of allergic reactions in Shih Tzu, many other types of allergic reactions are due to external causes. If your dog suddenly starts displaying signs of allergies, it is important to identify the cause as soon as possible.
 
Signs of allergies
 
Allergic reactions can come in many forms. If you see your Shih Tzu scratching much more than usual, sneezing constantly, or displaying a runny nose and eyes, then he may have allergies. The same goes for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, excessive head shaking, and difficulty breathing. I always advise a healthy dose of common sense when observing your Shih Tzu; all dogs display these symptoms at some point or another. One sneeze or cough doesn't mean your dog has allergies. On the other hand, if these signs persist for a day or two, and you're not sure what you're dealing with, you can always consult your vet for an opinion or diagnosis.
 
Causes of allergies
 
Pollens are a common cause of allergies in Shih Tzu. If your dog is suffering in spring or summer, and if your dog sneezes or continuously rubs his face with his paws, pollen could be the reason since concentrations are highest during the spring and summer months. Washing your dog's bed often, cleaning his eyes, and using HEPA filters when cleaning the house can all help reduce pollen allergies. Your vet can prescribe antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. If this doesn't work, steroids may be prescribed, but be very careful with the use of steroids, since these can cause many other health issues.
 
Like pollens, house dust can also cause a Shih Tzu to suffer. All houses have some dust, but moving your Shih Tzu's bed into a room with bare floors and without carpets or heavy drapes (all dust collectors) can make a huge difference.
 
Flea bites can cause reactions in every breed of dog, so you must check your Shih Tzu for fleas regularly. Fleas are more than just a nuisance; flea bites can lead to serious, even life-threatening health problems. Look for rashes or irritated skin, and ask your vet about the best treatments.
 
Contact allergies result from something that is applied to a Shih Tzu's body from the outside. Some examples are shampoos, ointments, and flea medicine, but can also include things like furniture polish and deodorant powders if your Shih Tzu comes into contact with areas that contain them. I recommend you use the same strategies as with food allergies; start eliminating potential culprits until the allergy goes away. Then you will know what the cause really was.
 
Some dogs are even known to have allergic reactions to vaccinations, and since your Shih Tzu will receive yearly shots, it's important to pay attention to when allergies start. Did they happen immediately after the last set of shots? If so, I recommend informing the vet so he can take action. Remember: just because your dog had the same shot last year and was fine doesn't mean he will be fine this time around.
 
If the allergy persists
 
If there is no obvious pattern to your Shih Tzu's allergies, and if you've looked high and low to try and isolate the cause and can't find anything in the house or immediate area that could be causing the problem, it is possible that your dog's allergies are being caused by something else, such as their diet. When in doubt, check with your vet for advice, but above all, be mindful of your pet's behavior so that you can act as quickly as possible to help them feel better.