Allergies Guide | Allergies & Relief

The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic

	The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic Based on the new book The History of the Peanut Allergy Epidemic (2010). Author and mother of peanut allergic child Heather Fraser narrates Episode #1, The Peanut Allergy Puzzle which traces the emergence of peanut allergy in history. Highlights include the first outbreak of food allergy in the 1940s and the acceleration of peanut allergy in children around 1990.	From: hfraser100 Views: 820 3 ratings
	Time: 09:16	More in Education

What is Sinus Irrigation? Can it Help When You’re Suffering From Sinusitis?

Allergies Guide

By Frank Sekulski

I know there’s no need to tell you about the misery of sinusitis and the many other sinus problems one may have. However, what may be of some help to you is some good information regarding sinus irrigation and how it can benefit you – and very quickly too I must add. Nasal/sinus irrigation has been around for centuries now and is still a popular form of relief from sinus issues today.

There are many people that choose to use sinus irrigation on a regular basis as part of their preventive maintenance program for healthier living. Many users say that they have had no further bouts with sinusitis since they started using irrigation in their weekly routine.

There are for the most part, two types of devices used for nasal irrigation, one is the Neti pot and the other is the nasal bulb syringe and both seem to be very effective when used properly. The Neti pot is kind of cool, it looks like a little magic genie lantern of sorts. It does take just a bit to get used to I can say firsthand–but it also works incredibly too! Once you use this method for help with sinusitis, you’ll be amazed at just how good you can feel in just minutes after using it. It’s always good to find something that works as effective as the Neti pot does.

Next you have the nasal bulb syringe and this kind of looks like the top squeeze part of a turkey baster. Of course it has a small protrusion from it to slide into the nostril. Now while this is not for everyone, as I can attest to from the reaction of some of the people I’ve recommended it to, there are many, many others that now are totally hooked on it for life.

You can use either one of these methods that works best for you. You can check out both of these devices at your local pharmacy or health food store too. My personal preference happens to be the Neti pot as it works well for me. Everybody’s different so it may be different for you. Give it a shot and see how well it works. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

To get feeling better with your sinusitis, irrigation may be just the thing for you!

Get your FREE “10 Secrets to Sinus Pain Relief” mini-course today at: http://sinusproblemsadvice.com/ and start living pain free right now.

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What Are Allergies?

Allergies Guide

Allergies are our immune system kicking into high gear. They are our body’s way of fighting off what the body perceives to be “foreign” offenders. Typically, an allergy occurs when the body over-responds to a substance one would normally consider benign or harmless. You can have an allergy to just about anything, though some objects and irritants more commonly cause allergic symptoms than others.

Consider, for example, pollen. Pollen is a natural substance produced by budding plants, flowers and tress. For some, pollen is nothing more than a nuisance, or a sign that spring is on the horizon. For others however, pollen can bring on a host of unwelcome symptoms, including:

Itchy or watery eyes
Sneezing
Persistent runny nose
Sinus congestion
Respiratory problems including asthma or wheezing
Coughing
Hives
Hay fever
Nausea, or
Vomiting

In severe circumstances, allergies can produce a life-threatening, anaphylactic reaction. Are you prepared to take action in the event you experience the unexpected? Don’t worry, we’ll help prepare you. Read on to find out how to deal with this life-threatening complication.

Anaphylaxis

This is among the most severe reactions a person will have when exposed to a substance they are allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, it may result in death. If you aren’t prepared, you risk your life, or that of a close family member or friend. The good news is you don’t have to. Just sit back and arm yourself with the right information. Learn what anaphylaxis is – and how to address it.

Anaphylaxis – Tough word, tough symptoms. It is a severe reaction to a common allergen.

An Anaphylactic reaction may be accompanied by throat constriction, swelling, an inability to swallow or breathe and shock.

Typically anaphylaxis occurs in a small percentage of the population that is consistently re-exposed to allergens they are extremely sensitive to. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis may include heart palpitations or low blood pressure and fluid in the lungs.

Many people lose consciousness. Some allergens are more likely to produce this type of reaction than others, including:

Stings or bites from insects.

Consumption of certain foods, including shellfish or peanuts.

Use of medications including antibiotics or sulfa drugs in some patients.

Exposure to latex, and

Certain vaccines, including those containing egg proteins.

You may not realize you are hypersensitive to a substance (like a medication) until you take it. The good news is with prompt treatment and care, the symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction can be reversed. Typically emergency care is sought to open airways or restore consciousness in individuals.

Many hospitals will offer patients epinephrine and other medications that will reduce inflammation. If you know you are super sensitive to a particular allergen, your doctor may prescribe an “at-home” care kit which may include a pre-loaded dose of epinephrine you can use in the event you are exposed to a known allergen and start an anaphylactic reaction.

Use of this home kit will stabilize you long enough to seek emergency care. If you know you are prone to having this severe of a reaction, you should wear a medical alert bracelet or inform those around you of your condition, so you can take proper precautions to protect your health.

If you use a home kit you should still seek the care of your physician immediately following exposure, as symptoms often return even with treatment a few hours after your initial reaction.

A qualified healthcare provider will monitor you and ensure you are safe before sending you home. You may also need to take medication, including anti-inflammatory medication or antihistamines, if you have a severe reaction for a short time.

The good news is you don’t have to suffer through your body’s hypersensitive response to allergens. The key to fighting allergies is identifying first what your body is sensitive to, and then finding out ways to avoid these substances to reduce your symptoms in the future.

How Do Allergies Work?

Allergies Guide

Allergies affect people in a systematic manner. Typically a substance, referred to as an “allergen,” is introduced to a person through skin-to-skin contact, by breath, through the air or through ingestion.

Once exposed to an allergen, the body produces a type of protein called an Immunoglobulin E – also known simply as IgE. This is what many doctors refer to as an “allergic antibody” and responds in the presence of something a person is sensitive to, or something the body perceives as threatening. IgE attaches to cells in the body called “mast” cells.

These cells reside throughout the body, including on the skin, in the nose, in the lungs and in our respiratory tract. The first time an individual is exposed to an allergen, they typically respond with a “weak” allergenic response or sensitivity. This may include some “light” symptoms such as itching, redness or bronchial discomfort.

With time, a person who consistently exposes their body to certain allergens become overly sensitive to these allergies. The body responds by producing increasing amounts of IgE every time a person is exposed to allergens, resulting in a worsening of symptoms, to the point where asthma or other severe conditions may be triggered in some.

Inflammation is another common response to repeated exposure to allergens. Inflammation may manifest in many different ways, including swelling of internal and external organs, cells, tissues or lining in the body. Inflammation may be localized or occur throughout the body, in which case a more aggressive approach to treatment may be sought.

Typically, allergic responses occurring in the eyes, nose or lungs result from exposure to allergens in the air, like pollen, dust mites or mold. Some people will experience mild to moderate allergies every spring when the trees, grass and flowers bloom. Most doctors will prescribe medications or recommend antihistamines to patients that have annual allergies.

Exposure to foods or chemicals one is allergic to may result in hives, nausea, vomiting and related symptoms.

There are varying levels of reaction one may have to allergens; these range from mild to severe. Many people experience a worsening of their symptoms with repeated exposure, which is one reason it is important to avoid known allergens when possible.

Cold Vs. Flu

Allergies Guide

Consider it the difference between having a cold and having the flu. The two produce similar symptoms, but one is often more serious than the other. You are not likely to catch a cold that is so severe it will prove life-threatening, but the flu can often lead to more serious illness, hospitalization and even death, especially among those who are most at risk, including those with compromised immune systems.

Who is at Risk?

People with compromised immune systems as well as those with a family history of allergies are more at risk than those with no risk factors. Someone with no risk factors however, may develop allergic reactions from repeated exposure to known allergens.

Children who demonstrate sensitivities to foods early in life may outgrow them as they grow older, because their immune systems are usually more sensitive while young. That does not mean however, they won’t develop other allergies later in life.

Stress can also increase your risk for developing sensitivities or allergies, in part because stress negatively impacts the immune system. Stress is something most people can manage effectively, thus reduce their odds of negative reactions from known irritants or allergens. If you find you frequently suffer from allergic reactions, try looking at the levels of stress in your life, and find out if you can reduce them.

This may be all you need to break free from the cycle of allergies. Time to sum up what we’ve learned so far, so keep reading.

What We Learned

Every year millions of people suffer from allergies. Those most at risk include individuals with a family history of allergies or those with weakened immune systems. Allergies and sensitivities are two birds of a feather, though allergies are a more extreme form of sensitivities.

Whether you are allergic to a food product or any other foreign substance, the best steps you can take to avoid or reduce symptoms is to recognize the substances you are allergic to and avoid them. Once you discover your triggers, you can also take medications that will reduce your body’s response to known irritants.

Now that you know a little more about allergies, it’s time to concentrate more on the specific types of allergies most common among adults and children. In the next section we will review some of the more common types of allergies so you can better understand how allergies impact people in different ways.