You can always count on an allergy home remedy when in doubt

There are many symptoms that may look like an allergy. There is incessant sneezing, watery eyes, running eyes, skin eczema, diarrhea, shortness of breath, urticaria, etc. The symptoms will differ widely from person to person and from substance to substance. In most of the cases an allergy is evident. However, what allergy is actually affecting you is not easy to identify. Hence, it is always to know a good allergy home remedy to get fast relief with the least side effects.

What is an allergy?

Allergy is an illness that shows that your body disagrees with a certain substance be it from the air, food or environment. Allergy can also be psychological; in this case they are triggered by acute stress. Whichever way it starts, unless the allergen (the substance that causes it) is removed the symptoms that are caused by the allergy usually do not abate. In certain cases, certain chemicals and/or foods have been found to short circuit the on-setting of the symptoms.

Allergy home remedy - something you can rely upon anytime

It has been found that consumption of Vitamin B5 is particularly beneficial. This is actually pantothenic acid, and is extremely helpful even in acute cases. It however, takes 4-8 weeks to really control all the symptoms, so you will have to be patient.

There are many fruits and vegetables which can help as an allergy home remedy. Lime, for example, is an exceptional anti-allergenic substance. If you have an allergy that you cannot identify or treat, you can try having a glass of lime water with a spoon of honey. This helps in flushing out all toxins from the body as well as soothes any allergic symptoms.

You can also use banana especially for skin rashes and eczemas. Banana is an exceptional allergy home remedy for asthma as well. Before using this fruit, you should ensure that you are not allergic to the banana itself.

Another superb anti-allergen that is made out of vegetables is the mixture of carrot juice with cucumber and beet to make a composite juice which is highly beneficial for fighting any type of allergy if taken every morning.

These are just a few of the many potent medicines that you can get without any effort right from your kitchen. Herbal remedies are the best when you are in doubt of what type of allergy you are suffering from; they do not have any side effects like the chemical medicines.

Solving your allergy mystery with allergy testing

Different persons are allergic to different substances. Allergy testing is necessary to determine the substances to which a person is allergic. There are a number of methods of allergy testing. The methods generally used are the skin tests, elimination-type tests, and the radioallergosorbent tests (RAST).

There are several types of skin tests. In the scratch test, a tiny amount of suspected allergy-causing substances is placed on the skin. The skin is then scratched or pierced so that the allergen is introduced under the skin surface. The skin is then observed closely for signs of a reaction, usually in the form of swelling and redness of the site. Results are available within about 20 minutes, and several suspected allergens can be simultaneously tested by this method of allergy testing.

Falling into the category of skin tests, another method of allergy testing involves injection of a small amount of allergen under the surface of the skin and watching for a reaction at the site. Skin tests are suitable for respiratory allergies, a penicillin allergy, insect bite allergies, and food testing.

Elimination-type tests are useful for testing food allergies.

In this method of allergy testing, the suspected allergy-causing foods are eliminated from the diet for several weeks and then gradually re-introduced one at a time. At the same time, the person is continuously observed for signs of an allergic reaction. If a person is under the impression that he/she is allergic to a certain food, it is better to take a double-blind test to determine if this is true.

In a double-blind test, suspected foods and placebos (harmless substances) are provided in a disguised form and the person being tested and the provider are both unaware of whether the substance tested in that session is the placebo or the food substance. Only a third party knows the identity of the substances and identifies them with some sort of code. This test may need several sessions if more than one substance is under investigation.

The RAST is a laboratory test performed on blood. This method of allergy testing looks for the amount of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which are present if there is a true allergic reaction.

Among other types of allergy testing are immunoglobulin measurements and the blood cell differential or absolute eosinophil count, in which rise in eosinophils can indicate allergy presence. Provocation or challenge allergy testing involves exposure to the suspected allergen under controlled circumstances. As it may provoke severe allergic reactions, it should only be performed by a doctor.

Before you are subjected to any type of allergy testing, the doctor will inquire about your illnesses, social and emotional conditions, work, entertainment, lifestyle, foods, and eating habits.

Knowing Your Milk Allergy Symptoms

Milk is made up of water, protein, carbohydrates (a milk sugar called lactose), minerals, fats and other substances. Milk allergies occur when our bodies react to the proteins in cow's milk, casein and whey, treating them as a foreign substance. Milk allergy symptoms may appear immediately or several hours after the intake of moderate to large amounts of cow's milk.

Mostly children suffer from milk allergies, but most of them get rid of it by the time they are six. Although whey proteins can be broken down by heat, casein proteins are heat-stable and that is why those who are allergic to the latter cannot tolerate any cow's milk, even when it is boiled.

The most common milk allergy symptoms are similar to those of other food allergies: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, or symptoms involving the skin, such as urticaria, and eczema. Milk allergy symptoms include chronic runny nose, coughing, ear infections, excessive colic, excoriated buttocks, failure to thrive, fluid behind ears, irritability, nasal stuffiness, rash, hives and eczema, recurrent "colds," sinusitis, recurrent bronchitis, recurrent diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and wet and wheezy chest.

Three patterns of milk allergy symptoms have been recognized. In Type 1, milk allergy symptoms appear within minutes after the intake of small volumes of cow's milk. The reactions are visible mainly on the skin: eczema or urticaria, with or without respiratory or gastro-intestinal symptoms.

In Type 2, milk allergy symptoms start several hours after intake of modest volumes of cow's milk. The symptoms in such cases are usually vomiting and diarrhea.

In Type 3, milk allergy symptoms begin to appear after more than 20 hours, or even days after intake of large volumes of cow's milk. The principal symptom here is diarrhea, with or without respiratory or skin reactions.

These milk allergy symptoms are not restricted to those people experiencing a milk allergy.

One, who is familiar with food allergy symptoms, can notice that numerous foods share a variety of common symptoms, such as bloating, rash, and runny nose.

The diagnosis of milk allergy in infants may become easier if the milk energy symptoms started soon after the child began on milk formula. The diagnosis may also be easy if a person shows the same symptoms repeatedly after eating milk-containing food. In older children and adults, the diagnosis is often difficult because milk is usually consumed with other food. Only the milk allergy symptoms that develop after a few minutes are likely to give a positive blood or skin test, as these detect IgE that is involved in the immediate-type reaction.

Allergy Headache May Not Actually Be The Result of An Allergy

There are cases in which people get headaches without any apparent reason. During this time, people tend to blame allergies for this symptom. However, how much of this is true? Headaches are caused by a myriad of reasons, i.e. it could be poor eye sight, it could be sinus, it could be a tumor (in extreme cases) or it could be due to any infection in the nose, throat or ear areas. Lastly, it could be due to an allergy; however, allergy headaches are one of the least common afflictions.

What type of allergy cause the allergy headache?

Generally speaking, an allergy rarely causes headaches. The most common symptoms of allergies are runny eyes and nose, continuous sneezing, itchy skin, eczema and so on. Most commonly, headaches are the result of some allergy symptoms, rather than directly be the symptom of an allergy. For example, a runny nose and watery eyes will in the end give result to a headache. Continuous sneezing also may give into a headache, and so on.

Since most of the times the treatment of allergies actually cures the headaches, it is thought that the headache was actually an allergy headache. However this is not true. The allergies that can cause headaches could be triggered by food or by things we breathe in the air. In case you get a headache soon after consuming certain food, then you can easily identify this as a trigger.

Identify what triggers your allergy headache

You can identify what causes an allergy headache for you. For this you will have to monitor what you eat and how you feel after you consume such food items. There are certain foods that are more potent than others, such as chocolate, tomato, egg plant, pizza, etc.

You will also need to keep track of what pets are around you, such as cats, dogs, birds, etc. Is your headache worse when you are around your cat, or around a dog, or any other animal?

With the help of the chart that you work out this way over a few months you can easily identify the triggers of your allergy headache and can once you know it, you could go for herbal or chemical treatment. With a bit of luck you will be able to totally remove this problem from your life for good.

Scratching the Surface: The Story of Eye Allergy

Nearly 27 million Americans are reported to have some kind of eye allergy. Symptoms of eye allergy, if severe, can be extremely distressing requiring consultations with an allergist or ophthalmologist. If not treated in time, it can even threaten eyesight.

Eye allergy in most cases is linked to other allergic conditions, including hay fever or allergic rhinitis and a topic eczema or dermatitis. Those having personal or family history of allergy are more likely to have eye allergy, its symptoms mostly appearing before the age of 30. Its causes are identical with those of allergic asthma and hay fever. Medications and cosmetics are often major causes of the eye allergy.

To understand the eye allergy, a look at the outer anatomy of the eye is essential. The tissue lining (mucus membrane) that covers the white surface of the eyeball and the inner folds of the eyelids is called conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is rich in blood vessels and contains more mast cells than the lungs. Located in the upper and outer portions of the eye, the lachrymal (tear) glands produce the watery component of tears. The cornea is the transparent sheath in front of the lens of the eye.

Unlike the hairs in the nose (cilia), the conjunctiva has no filtering system and it gets directly exposed to the environment when we open our eyes. Influenced by allergens, the allergy antibody, IGE, coats numerous mast cells in the conjunctiva. When exposed to the allergen again, the mast cell tends to release histamine and other mediators. It causes eye allergy resulting in itching, burning, and runny eyes. Although both eyes are usually affected, sometimes only one eye is involved, especially when only one eye is rubbed with an allergen.

Eye allergy can be of various types.

The most common among them is allergic conjunctivitis, also known as "allergic rhino conjunctivitis." In this condition, which is usually seasonal, the inflammation of the conjunctiva enlarges its blood vessels leading to redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes.

"Atopic keratoconjunctivitis" is another kind of eye allergy that mostly affects adolescent boys, especially those who had atopic dermatitis in early childhood. Its symptoms are intensely itchy red areas on the eyelids, heavy discharge from the eyes, and scales and crusts on the skin of the eyelid.

Although not very common, vernal keratoconjunctivitis is another form of eye allergy that usually affects preadolescent boys. It appears mostly in rural areas during late spring, in which the eyes become extremely itchy, sensitive to light, and the lids feel uncomfortable and droopy.

Irritation from a foreign body, such as contact lenses result in another type of eye allergy called giant papillary conjunctivitis. In this condition, large bumps are formed on the conjunctiva under the upper eyelid.

Contact eye allergy is in essence contact dermatitis of the eyelids.

It is commonly found among women as a result of allergic reactions to preservatives in eye products and cosmetics. In this condition, the eyelids may develop blisters, itching, and redness.

Most people having an eye allergy treat themselves and do so quite effectively with OTC products. However, if the problem refuses to go away, it is better to seek medical advice because, if left unattended or treated poorly, some of these conditions may even threaten their eyesight.

Do I Need to Take Allergy Medicine?

For many people, allergy symptoms are merely annoying and their choice to take allergy medicine is purely personal. Symptoms can include watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, feeling drained. Sometimes something as simple as a tablet every 12 hours is enough allergy medicine to completely stop the symptoms for a short period of time.

Many people visit their allergists once a week or once a month for injections of a small amount of the substance to which they are allergic. By injecting the allergen into the patient's system, the patient will hopefully develop antibodies to make a system immune to the allergens. This type of treatment works for some people and other people shy away from it. There are specific treatments for bee sting and wasp bite allergies.

If a person is fatally allergic to something such as corn, peanuts, bee stings, etc., they run the risk of having what is called an anaphylactic reaction; their entire system reaction with incredible speed and can have potentially dangerous results.

These people need to carry a special allergy medicine

An adrenaline (epinephrine) injection kit is something that must be administered immediately after contact with the allergen in order to stop (or lessen) the reactions. In the best cases, this medicine works perfectly. In bad cases, a person's life may be saved, but they may suffer severe consequences that cannot be reversed. In the worst case, the person will die.

For example, a person who eats fried chicken made with corn flakes may not associate chicken with corn. If the person has an anaphylactic reaction to corn and eats the chicken, his entire body could shut down, leaving him unable to breathe without a respirator, unable to move due to neurological damage, and unable to live without constant care. A person can go from being perfectly healthy to being completely disabled in a matter of minutes.

Whether or not a person needs to take allergy medicine depends on the degree of the allergy, the inconvenience of symptoms, and personal considerations. For instance, a person who is allergic to pet dander may consider the itchy, watery eyes a small price to pay for living with a beloved pet. However, a visitor to the home may require allergy medicine to handle his own allergies or symptoms to the same pet. Another friend may choose to simply stay away, avoiding the pet completely.

Sneeze Your Way to Victory: Allergy Relief

Allergy relief is a welcome cure to the effects of the all-too-common allergy symptoms that many people all around the world suffer from day after day. Many of us spend the day sneezing or sniffling with little to no signs of recovery without a proper medication or type of allergy relief. It is often hard to go on with our daily lives with this affliction and regardless of what exactly we are allergic too, having full-fledged allergies can make a decent day a whole lot worse.

Aaaaaa-choo!

Having allergy symptoms isn't just limited to sneezing. They can also range from stuffy noses, watery eyes, runny noses, itching, sweating, hives, and any other combination or number of undesirable occurrences that affect the human body in annoying and often embarrassing ways. Nothing throws off your date more than a steady stream running from your nose due to allergies, so finding a good allergy relief can be a lifeline to those of us that suffer from constant allergies.

Several allergies affect millions of people each day. From people being allergic to pet hair, dust mites, airborne pollen, mold, or food allergies many of us are suffering from various symptoms that can either cause us to sneeze all the time or break out into hives and have our heads swell up to the size of watermelons. Allergy symptoms are not pretty and they can be highly painful and sometimes even fatal if left untreated. Certain food allergies, for example, can lead to death if not monitored closely.

Finding that Relief

Finding effective allergy relief depends highly on your symptoms and where they are taking you. It can be either a consistent level of medication you take to fend off those evil allergies or it can be a simple change in lifestyle such as changing your diet or changing the fabric of your clothes. Regardless of where you find relief, it is important that you actually do find it and deal with your allergies in the best way.

There are multiple specifics in terms of allergy relief that you can find by consulting your physician. He or she will help you with getting beneficial treatment for your allergy symptoms that will help you continue on with your daily life without the pressures and worries of runny noses or watery eyes clouding up your vision. Allergy symptoms are often annoying and can even be life-threatening but like most things they do not have to be that way.

DOG ALLERGY SYMPTOM

Recognizing a dog allergy symptom

Recognizing a dog allergy symptom and treating it is an option we have today; we do not need to part with our best friend anymore due to allergies.

Fact

As hard as it may be for some to admit that their dearest friend (dog or cat), it is a fact that approximately 10% of the U.S. population suffer from pet allergy.

Dog allergies are caused by a protein present in dog's dander and saliva. All dogs have dander despite the common myth that dogs with shorter hair do not cause allergies.

Dog allergy symptom

A dog allergy symptom is the same the regular allergy symptom - runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing etc. some even experience itchy patches on the skin.

A few steps to preventing dog allergies

* Keep your dog out door or limit him/her to a room which does not have carpeting or furniture. Clean the room daily.
* Usage of a good air filter helps clean the airborne allergens.
* Clean your dog once a week this will get rid of at least some of the allergens in the fur.
* Do not put the clothing used around your dog in the closet - put it straight in the washer.
* Take a shower or clean hands and face after playing/touching the dog.
* There is also available allergen free bedding which can be of great use for your dog allergy symptom.


Treating dog allergy symptom

Since the dog allergy is basically the common allergy but triggered by your dog; the medications used are the same used to cure regular allergies.

* Antihistamines - they help reduce the sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes. A helpful tip - antihistamines work best when used before exposed to an allergy.
* Decongestants - These temporarily help to clear the stuffy nose. These are best used for short time or else you risk irritating your nose and provoking the whole cycle again.
* Nasal steroid sprays - this reduces the reaction of the nasal tissue to inhaled allergens, helping to reduce swelling in the nose. This is only available by prescription.
* Cromolyn sodium - this is a great nasal spray which helps the body to react to allergens. This is available over the counter and is best used before you are exposed to the allergens.

Dog allergy symptom is as painful as any other allergy. Some dog allergies can be controlled and some cannot, that is for your doctor to decide. I am sure no dog lover will give up their dog because of any dog allergy symptom without trying everything possible to keep him/her.

Cleaning Up with an Allergy Relief Air Purifier

The deteriorating quality of indoor air is now a matter of growing health concern. Pollutant levels are 2 to 5 times higher inside the home than out, according to the EPA. Apart from gases and chemicals, these pollutants include airborne particles and particulate matter, which can be allergens causing different types of allergies. An allergy relief air purifier can improve indoor air quality, thereby reducing the chances of people having allergies. Apart from controlling the source and improving ventilation, an allergy relief air purifier is the best way to tackle this problem.

A good allergy relief air purifier is capable of greatly improving the quality of indoor air. But you must carefully choose from the numerous types and brands of purifiers that are now available in the market. It is because some of the air purifiers can cause some of the very problems they are meant to get rid of.

An allergy relief air purifier may be of various types. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Purifier is one of them. These air purifiers filter a minimum of 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, which include allergens and contaminants like dust mites, dust mite feces, mold spores, pollen and animal dander. They offer cleaner air to help you breathe better. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends HEPA air purifiers, and it's the highest current standard in air filtration. When you purchase a HEPA purifier, you should take into account the size and quality of the filter medium.

Activated carbon filter is another type of purifier that helps removal of gases, odors and toxins. In such purifiers, chemicals, gases, and odors stick to the carbon and are "adsorbed" onto its huge surface area, bonding to the surface through chemical attraction.
An electrostatic precipitator can also be called an allergy relief air purifier which ionizes particles as they are passed over an electronic cell, after which they are attracted and trapped by oppositely charged collector plates. Although you don't need to replace filters with this product, you have to wash the collector plate regularly to keep the purifier effective. Many ionization air cleaners generate ozone, which is a documented health hazard and lung irritant. The EPA has strongly discouraged the use of ozone generators as air purifiers.

As different homes have different air contaminant sources to deal with, including both airborne particulates and allergens, and household chemicals and odors, it is always better to find an air purifier which combines a HEPA filter with some amount of carbon. This combination, apart from acting as an allergy relief air purifier, will remove the widest variety of indoor pollutants.