1. Water

Very rarely one could be allergic to water! It is also referred to as water-induced urticaria. Sufferers can only take very brief baths (10 seconds at most), cannot drink water, juice, tea or coffee, and cannot even eat certain fruits and vegetables.

2. Sunlight

Sunlight is one of the ubiquitous things that could be responsible for causing allergic reactions. These can range from skin reactions to headaches.

This allergy is also very rare and it is to ultraviolet rays rather than just the sun that people may be allergic to.

3. Allergens hiding in cosmetics

A study showed that substances found in nail lacquer and lipstick, and ingredients such as copolymers, shellac, alkyl glucosides, glycols, protein derivatives, idebenone, and octocrylene could act as allergens and are among the many emerging allergens that are being closely studied.

4. Exercise

It is possible to be allergic to exercise! Another extremely rare type of allergy, some could have an allergic reaction if food is consumed within a couple of hours of exercising whereas others could have the reaction without eating.

5. Electricity

Simply operating or coming within the electric fields of electrical appliances and even power lines could produce reactions such as fatigue, ringing in the ears, headaches and so on.

6. Uncooked fruit and vegetables

Some people do in fact suffer from an allergy to such healthy foods: it is known as the Oral Allergy Syndrome and is a reaction caused by fruit and vegetable proteins at room temperature. Treat this allergic reaction as a medical emergency.

7. Food coloring

Artificial food colors and other food additives could be a culprit in a great many cases which could be overlooked.

8. Money

It is coin money we speak of here, and in particular coins made from nickel that could cause allergic reactions.

9. Shoes

It isn’t just shoes but other leather items that could at time cause problematic reactions. The chemicals used to tan leather could cause allergic reactions in some people.

10. Cold and hot

We don’t often think of hot and cold air or even ice as allergens but they could in fact trigger a lot of our allergies.

This means that other than the normal reaction that a person could have to being bitten by a bee – such as pain and swelling, a person could also experience the life threatening condition called anaphylaxis which causes the blood pressure to rise and the throat to swell, making breathing difficult.

Why a bee allergy is important to know about

An estimated 40 people actually die each year from bee stings in the United States alone which according to some estimates is a lot higher. What is also important to know is that these deaths usually occur among those people who have no past history of this allergy, and have never before demonstrated this adverse and extreme reaction to bee venom.

If you are aware of being allergic, you should take care to avoid any contact with insects such as bees, hornets, Africanized (killer) bees, wasps, bumblebees, yellow jackets, and become aware of the other insects that could cause such reactions.

If a person has ever shown any symptoms of anaphylaxis to a bee sting, they should get themselves tested for the allergy.

Symptoms of bee allergy

Within a few minutes of being bitten, the allergic individual could have a number of different reactions. There could be hives that begin at the site of the sting and there could be itching all over. A person can have flu like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing.

There could be abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive problems. A person may feel lightheaded and their heart may start to race. A person may feel panicky and the dangerous signs to watch out for are swelling of the tongue, lips and throat.

What to do in case of an allergic reaction to a sting

Allergic people should keep themselves equipped with emergency items such as an Epipen, a Twin-ject Device or Anakit which can be easily obtained from a pharmacy. If an allergic person is bitten by any of the above insects, this must be treated as an emergency and medical attention should be given as soon as possible.

If reactions are mild, only antihistamine may be needed, but the person should still see a doctor following the episode of being stung.

Eye allergies are of two main types

The two types are Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis and Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis. If your allergy is seasonal, your triggers are likely to be pollen, grass, weeds and so on and will usually resolve during the winter months. However, the latter type of allergy may persist through the year and the triggers could be pet dander, certain cosmetics or medications.

Symptoms of eye allergies

Reddening of the eye, itching, burning and swelling as well as an increase in the amount of tears produced by the tear ducts usually characterize an eye allergy. Symptoms can worsen if you touch or rub your eyes.

When to see a doctor

Firstly, other problems that could be causing the symptoms should be ruled out. Sometimes it could be other conditions such as Dry Eye or a Block tear duct or even an infection that could be causing the symptoms.

In other words, your symptoms are not due to an allergy in such cases and should be treated accordingly.

Avoiding contact with allergens can help to keep allergy flare-ups and their frequency in control. However, if your eye allergies are frequent and severe enough to bother you, and if you cannot avoid allergens, you should consult with a doctor.

Testing will confirm whether you indeed have an eye allergy, after which appropriate treatment can be initiated. Various over the counter or prescription eye drops will ease symptoms without any side effects. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be required. Though there is some side effect risk associated with topical ophthalmic corticosteroids, the newer versions of these drugs are quite safe and associated with far less risk.

Home care for eye allergies

The most import thing you can do for preventing allergy flare-ups is to identify triggers and avoid those allergens.

At home, reduce the kind of furnishings where allergens such as dust, pollen and mold can collect. Cushions, canopies, heavy draperies, ruffles and knick knacks tend to collect a lot of allergens so have fewer of these items in the home. Use hypoallergenic bedding and HEPA filters if advised to do so.

Keep away from pets if pet dander is one of the allergens that trouble you. And consider the fact that dander could bother you even if you visit a home where there is a pet, or by sitting in a seat where the pet is used to sitting.

Increasing levels of mold, and the Hygiene Hypothesis that suggests high levels of hygiene reduces our exposure to normal germs and makes us more allergic are some of the other theories.

There is yet another theory that it is the recent increase in consumption of genetically modified produce that is making us more allergic. Some experts counter this by saying that it isn’t any particular reason why allergies are rising; it is actually an increase in awareness about allergies among people that has led to this increase

What are GMO Foods and how could they cause allergies?

Genetically altered foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and are produced by certain engineering modifications to make foods resistant to pests or disease, or to increase agricultural yields.

There is evidence to show that at least some genetically engineered foods have had allergic effects and have hence been discontinued.

The problem usually happens when the allergen is transferred inadvertently from a food that is a common allergen to a food that is not as commonly seen to cause allergies.

For instance, allergens were unintentionally transferred from Brazil Nuts to genetically engineered soybean and the GM soybean strain had to be discontinued even though it was originally meant to be animal feed.

How could a GMO allergy manifest?

There is anecdotal evidence of allergic individuals breaking out with allergic reactions when using genetically modified produce. For instance, one may break out in hives just from using corn oil to fry food. The fumes of the hot oil itself could cause a person to have a serious reaction.

The problem is that foods that are genetically modified, such as soy, corn oil etc. are found to be present in so many different food items that it is difficult to avoid all of these and you may not even be aware of actually consuming them or coming into contact with them.

If you have allergic reactions that you cannot seem to explain any other way, you may consider the possibility that the reaction could be due to an allergy to GM foods.

What You Should Know About Bee Venom Allergy

About 0.5 to 2% of the general population could be allergic to bee venom or the venom of wasps and kissing bugs, hornets, yellow jackets and so on.

This means that other than the normal reaction that a person could have to being bitten by a bee – such as pain and swelling, a person could also experience the life threatening condition called anaphylaxis which causes the blood pressure to rise and the throat to swell, making breathing difficult.

Why a bee allergy is important to know about

An estimated 40 people actually die each year from bee stings in the United States alone which according to some estimates is a lot higher. What is also important to know is that these deaths usually occur among those people who have no past history of this allergy, and have never before demonstrated this adverse and extreme reaction to bee venom.

If you are aware of being allergic, you should take care to avoid any contact with insects such as bees, hornets, Africanized (killer) bees, wasps, bumblebees, yellow jackets, and become aware of the other insects that could cause such reactions. If a person has ever shown any symptoms of anaphylaxis to a bee sting, they should get themselves tested for the allergy.

Symptoms of bee allergy

Within a few minutes of being bitten, the allergic individual could have a number of different reactions. There could be hives that begin at the site of the sting and there could be itching all over. A person can have flu like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing.

There could be abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive problems. A person may feel lightheaded and their heart may start to race. A person may feel panicky and the dangerous signs to watch out for are swelling of the tongue, lips and throat.

What to do in case of an allergic reaction to a sting

Allergic people should keep themselves equipped with emergency items such as an Epipen, a Twin-ject Device or Anakit which can be easily obtained from a pharmacy. If an allergic person is bitten by any of the above insects, this must be treated as an emergency and medical attention should be given as soon as possible.

If reactions are mild, only antihistamine may be needed, but the person should still see a doctor following the episode of being stung.

Food intolerance symptoms may be different from allergy symptoms

Symptoms of food intolerance are present when the body is unable to digest the thing consumed. This is usually because of a lack of sufficient levels of certain digestive enzymes that are required to digest that particular item.

The symptoms will not usually occur unless the person has actually consumed the item (as against merely coming into contact with it in any other way).

Also when consumed in very small quantities, the suspected food may be relatively well tolerated and the severity of the reaction could be proportionate to the amount consumed.

Food intolerance symptoms are different from allergy symptoms in that the immune system is not involved in the reactions. Food intolerance are known to be associated with other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, certain ear-nose-throat illnesses, chronic hepatitis C infection and eczema among others. In this sense also the pathology of intolerance differs from an allergy.

When it is food intolerance that is at work, the symptoms may present some time after the person has consumed the suspected food or beverage; usually a few hours. But sometimes, the reaction could occur as late as 48 hours after consumption of the offending food or beverage. Since the consumption of the food or drink and the reaction to it is so far apart, the link or connection between the item consumed and the body’s intolerance to it may be difficult to detect.

Types of food intolerance symptoms

Natural as well as artificial compounds in food could result in intolerances and the severity of the symptoms that one person has may vary greatly from person to person. Also the appearance of symptoms could begin at any age or point in a person’s life. Women are seen to be more prone food intolerance; probably because of hormonal differences.

1. Digestive symptoms

Symptoms involving the gastrointestinal tract are some of the most common food intolerance symptoms. There could be abdominal pain and cramping, distention and so on. There could also be nausea and/or vomiting as the body is unable to tolerate something and tries to reject it. There could be constipation or conversely diarrhea. Gas buildup could be another problem. In some cases mouth ulcers could also develop.

2. Respiratory symptoms

There could also be respiratory symptoms of food intolerance such as blocked or runny nose, sinusitis, irritated pharynx, dry cough and wheezing. Food intolerance could also trigger an asthma attack.

3. Skin related symptoms

Skin symptoms such as rashes or hives, urticaria, eczema, dermatitis and angioedema could also present in case of intolerance to certain foods.

4. Severe or life threatening symptoms

In rare cases, food intolerance symptoms may be quite severe. They could include certain life threatening conditions such as anaphylaxis that can lead to death if not treated immediately.

Symptoms of alcohol allergy

Alcohol allergy symptoms may vary significantly from person to person, and as per the sort of allergy they have; however the following could be the symptoms of being allergic to alcoholic beverages:

1. Same as those of food allergy

The symptoms of an alcohol allergy are much the same as those of a food allergy: there could be the nasal congestion or runny nose and other respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, headache, itchy skin or even a rash.

According to some experts, nasal symptoms and heartburn are the classic symptoms of an allergy to alcohol.

Extreme allergic reactions to alcohol could be anaphylaxis that could be life threatening. People who have chronic conditions such as angioedema or urticaria could find that consumption of alcoholic beverages worsens or triggers the symptoms of their condition.

2. The Asian flush

This is thought to be one of the characteristic alcohol allergy symptoms: Some people flush red in the face when they have a drink and the redness could be quite marked and may draw attention. In addition, there could be increased pulse rate, nausea and so on.

3. Alcohol intolerance

However this is not an allergic reaction where the immune system is involved. Rather this is a characteristic of alcohol intolerance where the body is not equipped with sufficient digestive enzymes to break down and digest the alcoholic beverage consumed.

Intolerance to alcoholic drinks could also mean that a person gets abdominal pain or cramps, heartburn, vomiting, and digestive disturbances shorting after consuming the liquor.

Things to keep in mind with alcohol allergy symptoms

If a person really has an allergy to alcohol, they will show a reaction almost immediately after consuming alcohol, and the symptoms could manifest even after ingesting small quantities of alcohol.

Sometimes it could be sulfites or preservatives in the drink that could be responsible for the allergic reaction. So it is important to find out whether it is the sulfite, the hops, barley, wheat, corn, rye, grapes, berries or flavoring agent that is responsible for the alcohol allergy symptoms appearing.

And if one finds that the symptoms occur with any kind of alcoholic drink consider giving up alcohol. No one suffered any ill effects from giving up alcohol after all!

Also beware of items such as chocolates, cakes and other desserts that could contain alcohol or even traces of it such as whiskey, rum, liqueurs and so on, which could also cause alcohol allergy symptoms even though the allergen may be present in very small quantities. In particular caution should be exercised when eating out, or eating pre-prepared meals and foods.

What causes winter allergies?

Some of the common allergies such as pet dander, mildew, mold, dust mites, damp wood and even excessively dry air can be triggered during the winter months. This is because we are bundled up indoors where the concentration of these allergens may actually be higher. This is what can give rise to allergies in winter.

And if one is prone to allergies at other times of the year, it is more likely that allergies are a problem in winter as well.

Difference between an allergic reaction and colds

While allergies are caused by the body’s immune response to harmless stimuli, coughs, colds and the flu are caused by viral infections. Viral infections are self limiting and will resolve within a few days to a week.

The symptoms will include chills, fever, body ache, and headache and so on, along with a changing nasal discharge that will thicken and alter in color.

On the other hand when the symptoms are caused by winter allergies, they may continue for weeks. The nasal discharge is usually clear but there could also be that typically dry and itchy throat present with an allergic reaction.

Tips to control allergies in winter:

1. Avoiding allergy triggers is the key to controlling winter allergies during the colder months. So indentify allergens – whether it is pet dander, dust mites, mold, winter pollen or even certain perfumes or cosmetics that trigger an allergic reaction.
2. Keep bedding free from allergens such as dust, dander and mold by washing it often and by using “hypoallergenic bedding” or “allergy bedding” to see if that makes a difference.
3. Keep the indoors clean and free from dust, mold and so on. Also make sure that the filters of the heating system are kept clean because dirty filters may be contributing to the problem of winter allergies.
4. Try home remedies for easing the symptoms of the allergy: the traditional steam inhalation can help reduce the stuffiness of the nose and will help to ease a dry cough as well. Many experts suggest trying a saline solution for nasal irrigation to help relieve these symptoms as well.
5. The artificial heating indoors not only concentrates the allergens, it also dries out and dehydrates the air, which can exacerbate the problems for some allergic people. So a humidifier is a good idea here. But one has to make sure that the humidity isn’t too high indoors because moist places are a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Also make sure that plenty of fluids are consumed to replenish all of the moisture lost in blowing noses.

And if the winter allergies continue to be very severe, use antihistamines after asking the doctor what is appropriate. In some cases prescription allergy medications may also be required to ease troublesome symptoms during winter.

Another difference between corn intolerance and a true corn allergy is that even a small amount of the allergen could produce corn allergy symptoms whereas a very small amount may be quite well tolerated even with intolerance. Also an allergic reaction could be quite sudden and the symptoms may show up in a matter of minutes, while intolerance will typically take longer to show up.

While food intolerance will be triggered only by ingesting or actually eating the food, an allergy can be triggered by any kind of contact with the food.

Allergy testing and other methods should be used to pinpoint an allergy so that appropriate methods of management can be formulated.

Corn allergy symptoms and corn intolerance symptoms

When it is a corn intolerance we speak of, the symptoms may be digestive in nature. Indigestion, abdominal pain or distention, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, etc. may be the commonly noted symptoms. This is because the body is not able to effectively breakdown and digest the particular food due to which the intolerance has developed.

They symptoms of an allergy will involve the immune system and so corn allergy symptoms will include immune responses such as hives and other skin rashes and reactions. There could be the usual runny or stuffy nose and hay fever symptoms. Swelling could be present in some cases.

Various aches and pains, including headaches may manifest. The person may feel tired or enervated as well. The type of symptoms one has and the severity of those symptoms could vary from person to person.

The challenges of avoiding corn

Sometimes corn allergy symptoms may occur rather unexpectedly because corn or its constituents may be present in so many different foods without it being obvious. In fact corn in present in some or other form, to a larger or lesser extent, in a vast majority of processed foods.

One of the most common culprits is high fructose corn syrup which is a ubiquitous ingredient in prepackaged foods available in supermarkets and so on. Other ingredients listed on the package that should ring a warning bell and which could well result in triggering a corn allergy – dextrose, citric acid, MSG (monosodium glutamate) and iodized salt.

Reading ingredient lists carefully is very important for avoiding corn allergy symptoms. Not only that, the important thing is also to be well informed about all the different ways in which corn or maize is used by the food industry and the different names it assumes so that this allergen can be steered clear of.

Indentifying a skin allergy is important because a lot of the same symptoms could be produced by infections, heat, and inflammation and even as a reaction to prescription drugs. For instance skin allergy symptoms such as eczema can mimic those of psoriasis, which is not an allergic reaction but caused by a disorder that produces more skin cells than needed.

Symptoms of a skin allergy:

1. Hives

Hives are one of the most common skin allergy symptoms and an estimated 25% of the American population will have this reaction at least once in their lives.

Hives are characterized by raised bumps of reddened skin in various shapes and sizes. Extreme itchiness is another characteristic of hives. Certain foods and drugs are the most likely triggers of hives.

2. Contact Dermatitis

This is a reaction to an allergen that takes the form of itchy, blistered red skin. It takes a day or two for the reaction to occur and may take two to four weeks for the rash to clear up even with treatment. The most common culprits are perfumes, nickel, rubber or latex products, dyes, cosmetics as well as a common ingredient in antibiotic powders and creams called neomycin.

3. Eczema

This is another one of the common skin allergy symptoms where a scaly, red, itchy rash which can occur on the knees, elbows and face. House dust, pet dander, overheating or excessive sweating, as well as substances such as soaps and wool could cause this skin reaction. There could be emotional triggers also that could cause this skin reaction and among children, certain foods can also cause eczema.

Management of skin allergy symptoms

Identification of the allergen or the trigger of any allergic reaction is the key to management of the allergy. So identifying what substance or occurrence is responsible for causing the skin rash is the first step in managing of the skin allergy.

Then avoidance of the allergen is the next important part of managing the allergy. If it is a food reaction, cut that food or beverage out of the diet and be careful and circumspect when eating out. Eliminate allergens from the home and immediate environment as far as possible.

If it is a drug reaction that is causing the symptoms, ask the doctor to suggest an alternative such as a different formulation or brand of the drug. Wear protective gear such as gloves when required, if you are to come into contact with a substance that is known to cause contact dermatitis.

When the skin allergy symptoms do appear, do not scratch or rub the rash. Apply cold compresses to sooth the rash and apply over the counter medications or prescription gels or ointments for reducing the discomfort. Take any antihistamines or corticosteroid medications that may be prescribed to keep the rashes in control and to avoid lasting skin damage.

What causes allergies?

Many kinds of foods, dust, pollen, medications, dander from pets and other animals and insect bites are usually not inimical to the body. But those who have an allergy to any of these substances are unable to tolerate these ‘allergens’ and produce reactions that could range from the mild to the severe. The body mistakenly produces the reaction that it would normally have to harmful bacteria and viruses.

The white blood cells of the body, the body’s defenders, are activated and we see an allergic reaction. Mild reactions could be a runny nose and itchy eyes. Then there could be wheezing, skin rashes, hives and even more severe reactions.

In cases there could be a life threatening reaction to an allergen called anaphylaxis where many organs of the body may be involved including the respiratory system, the digestive and the circulatory system.

What causes allergies may differ from person to person – the triggers, allergens, the kind of allergic reactions and their severity and so on. Also allergies can show a predictable pattern at times. For instance it a person is allergic to peanuts, there is a higher likelihood that they may be allergic to other nuts as well.

Medical conditions can be causes for allergies

Certain medical conditions predispose a person to allergies. Having asthma, lung conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), frequent infections of the respiratory system, having nasal polyps or having overly sensitive skin can mean that a person is more likely to have allergies.

1. Genetic element

Allergies do run in families, so one’s genetic makeup is certainly one of the important causes of allergies. If parents have allergies, their children are more likely to have allergies. If one of identical twins has an allergy, there is a 70% chance that the other will have the same allergy. Even among non-identical twins there is a 40% chance of both twins being allergic.

2. The hygiene hypothesis

In recent times the hygiene hypothesis has become a popular explanation for why allergies occur and why they seem to be increasing in recent times; particularly in developed countries.

The hygiene hypothesis postulates that as standards of cleanliness and hygiene improve, this reduces the normal expose of children to common dirt, infectious agents, microorganisms, parasites and so on. This prevents the body from developing normal immunity and makes the body more likely to produce reactions to harmless substances.

Since research has also show that the incidence of autoimmune and immunological diseases are more common in developed world (where there is greater likelihood of clean and aseptic environments) than in developed counties, the Hygiene Hypothesis is one of the plausible causes of allergies. A case in point is asthma: in the 19^th century it was a rare disease; today about 10% of the youth has it!