<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002</id><updated>2024-09-19T10:09:59.232-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Allergy</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>10</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-1250978765692492306</id><published>2008-04-11T08:19:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:19:24.530-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Allergy Medicine</title><content type='html'>An allergy is an immunological response of your body when exposed to certain substances in the environment or the foods we eat, usually protein, collectively known as allergens. Often with an allergic person, the first time he gets exposed to the allergen, the symptoms don’t occur yet. Instead, what happens is that your immune system will mistakenly identify these allergens that are otherwise not harmful as potentially disease-causing substances. This signals the immunological defense system to produce antibodies that will bind with these allergens and destroy them. The antibodies produced are called IgE or immunoglobulin E. The next time you are exposed to the allergen, your immune system will auto-react by mass producing IgE antibodies and signaling these to bind with the allergens. Once bound with the allergen, the antibodies are circulated around the body and encounter certain types of cells we have, called mast and basil cells. These cells contain chemical substances, such as histamine, that are key players in inflammation.The IgE antibodies with allergens attached will bind with these mast and basil cells, altering its cell membranes, and thereby, causing the substances inside to leak out into surrounding tissue. The result is inflammation, one of the most common symptoms of allergy.An allergy varies with each person affected. Some may have food allergies caused by substances in food that they eat, while others get allergic reactions from the air that they breathe. But no matter what type of allergy you may have, the reactions are often the same. Common symptoms of allergies include:•Runny nose•Watery eyes•Itchy nose, eyes, and roof of mouth•Sneezing•Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)•Pressure in the nose and cheeks•Ear fullness and popping•Dark circles under the eyes•Hives•Difficulty breathing•Skin rashes•Anaphylaxis and death (in extreme cases)The best way to treat an allergy is strict avoidance. For instance, if you are allergic to wheat, you should cut out wheat foods and wheat-containing products from your diet and just take vitamin supplements to make up for those that you have lost as a result of your restricted diet. Or if you’re allergic to dust mites, then you ought to keep your house as clean and as dust-free as possible and use even air filters and purifiers just in case.But often these things are easier said than done. So you’re allergic to cats but you like cats so you keep one anyway. Or you bought a product and you didn’t check the label and in turns out it contains some ingredients that you are allergic to. So even with an avoidance method, you can’t really help suffering the symptoms of an allergy. That’s why allergy medicines are provided for you.•Antihistamines are allergy medicines that help reduce the sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness of allergies. These allergy medicines are more useful if you use them before you’re exposed to allergens. •Decongestants are also another type of allergy medicines that relieve stuffy nose. The effects of this allergy medicine are often temporary, but they are common and can be bought without prescription.•Cromolyn sodium is another allergy medicine. It is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body’s reaction to allergens.•Nasal steroid sprays are allergy medicines that help reduce the reaction of nasal tissues to inhaled allergies.•Though not entirely allergy medicines, eye drops are good to have a round in case of itchiness of the eyes as a result of an allergic reaction.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/1250978765692492306/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/1250978765692492306' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/1250978765692492306'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/1250978765692492306'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/allergy-medicine.html' title='Allergy Medicine'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-282599457129590096</id><published>2008-04-11T08:17:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:18:54.502-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Allergy Relief</title><content type='html'>Today, there are approximately 44 million people in the United States of America suffering from allergies and the numbers are increasing. Allergies are caused by hypersensitivity in the body’s immune system. The triggers could range from natural environmental factors like pollen, dust, mites, or mold to external factors that your body comes into contact with, such as food and chemicals in food.Just as the cause of allergies can be varied, its signs and symptoms could also differ greatly. Some symptoms, like itching and swelling of the throat and nose discharge, are only mildly inconvenient. Others are uncomfortable, such as difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, and vomiting. But in extreme cases, allergies could cause unconsciousness, anaphylaxis (collapse due to allergies), and sometimes even death.Treatment and Allergy ReliefOne form of allergy relief or treatment for people with allergies is injections of small amounts of the substances they are allergic to. The method is called immunotherapy and it is based on the concept that once the immune system gets used to these substances, it will no longer overreact when they see them entering the body’s cellular structure. But such allergic relief treatment can take time. With each allergy relief injection, the dose is increased, until the patient becomes hyposensitized (less allergic) to the allergens because then, the body becomes more tolerant of these offending substances. As a result, relief from allergy is at hand and the symptoms, including sneezing and watery eyes, plus the need for medication, are reduced or disappear.Who Should Get the Allergy Relief Shots?The obvious answer would be those people who very clearly have allergic reactions to certain types of food or environmental factors. “Shots work extremely well in patients that clearly have allergic symptoms, either allergy in their nose like allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma, where outdoor allergens like tree, weed and grass pollens seem to be a major cause,” says Stanley P. Galant, M.D., an allergist in Orange County, California, and a clinical professor and director of pediatric allergy at the University of California, Irvine.He further adds that allergy relief shots don’t have quite the same effect on patients with allergies to molds, house dust mites (microscopic insects that feed on human skin cells found on furniture, bedding, and carpets), and animal dander (tiny skin flakes animals continually shed) as those allergic to outdoor allergens. However, with the standardization of extracts for cat dander and dust mites and overall better preparations have helped increase the odds.Immunotherapy, however, is not used as an allergy relief unless skin tests or blood tests have been conducted and the exact culprits have been identified. John Yunginger, M.D., a member of FDA’s Allergenic Products Advisory Committee and a pediatric allergist at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, says, “You have to show that (the patients) have IgE antibodies to the allergens in question.”IgE, or immunoglobulin E, is an antibody that the immune system produces the first time it is exposed to an allergen. The next time the allergen is produced, massive amounts of these IgE released by the immune system are what triggers the allergic reaction.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/282599457129590096/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/282599457129590096' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/282599457129590096'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/282599457129590096'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/allergy-relief.html' title='Allergy Relief'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-1934675904555687173</id><published>2008-04-11T08:17:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:17:48.480-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Allergy Symptoms</title><content type='html'>You known you’re allergic when you react to certain substances you’ve been exposed to before. For instance, you may have eaten shellfish before but the next time you eat foods containing shellfish, you develop rashes. An allergy occurs when your body overreacts to things that don’t normally cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens and your body’s overreaction to them are what causes allergy symptoms. Common Allergy Symptoms•Runny nose•Watery eyes•Itchy nose, eyes, and roof of mouth•Sneezing•Stuffy nose•Pressure in the nose and cheeks•Ear fullness and popping•Dark circles under the eyes•HivesWhat Causes these Allergy Symptoms?No one really knows why someone develops allergy. Studies have shown that allergy may be hereditary or genetic. Others say that allergy is just something that develops over time and disappears, also over time. But one thing is certain, there are certain specific factors found in the environment that can trigger the body to develop allergy symptoms. The most common allergen is pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Allergy symptoms caused by these allergens often occur in the spring (late April and May) and may also occur late in the summer (late May to mid-July). Ragweed allergens may also cause allergy symptoms in the fall (late August to the first frost).In direct contrast to pollen, which is airborne, molds are contracted by contact through the skin. Mold is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, window moldings and damp basements. It can also be found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, commercial peat moss, compost piles, and leaf litter. Allergy symptoms caused by molds become worse during humid and rainy weather.Another common type of allergen is animal dander. These are proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets, such as cats and dogs. You can develop allergy symptoms from handling an animal or from coming into contact with house dust, containing dander.Various more allergens are contained in dust. One of them is dust mites, which are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting, and upholstered furniture. These mites live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust, and coming into contact with them may result in allergy symptoms. How to Control Allergy Symptoms?Unless you live in a vacuum, it is extremely difficult to avoid allergens all together. But with a little management and control, you can reduce the occurrence of allergy symptoms caused by these allergens.Keeping clean is always the first step in controlling allergy symptoms. Before bedtime, it is advisable to shower or bathe to wash off pollen and other allergens in your hair and skin. You can also reduce the amount of mold in your home by frequently cleaning those places where mold often accumulates.Avoid going outside the home during dry, windy days. Keep windows and doors shut, and use an air conditioner at home and in your car. This is one way to keep yourself from developing allergy symptoms caused by pollen and other airborne allergens.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/1934675904555687173/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/1934675904555687173' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/1934675904555687173'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/1934675904555687173'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/allergy-symptoms.html' title='Allergy Symptoms'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-126068647959192412</id><published>2008-04-11T08:15:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:16:37.512-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Cat Allergy</title><content type='html'>According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that’s approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat. A cat’s saliva or sweat contains a protein with a carbohydrate structure called “Fel d 1.” It is an allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. “Fel d 1” is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, which are already very potent allergens because of their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller size, “Fel d 1” has even greater potential to cause an allergic reaction. “Fel d 1” can easily bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.Like pollen and mold spores, “Fel d 1” are airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while grooming, “Fel d 1” allergen is deposited on its fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. The protein allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and furniture. What is even more amazing is that this allergen can remain in your home for years after a cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the allergen from your home to protect yourself from cat allergy, everything would have to be totally cleaned.SymptomsLike most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, note that pet-related allergies like cat allergy can take days from initial exposure for its onset.The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:•Red, itchy, or swollen eyes•Reddened areas on the skin•Runny nose•Nasal congestion•Sneezing•Ears that become stuffed up or itchy•Post nasal drip•Itching and hoarseness in the throat•Frequent bronchitis•Coughing and wheezingHow to Control Cat AllergyAlways the best way to control allergic reactions is avoidance method. However, majority of people with cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue to keep at least one cat at home even after diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and we want to protect them, but you should think about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips to help you control your cat allergy even while keeping a cat home:•Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home•Since “Fel d 1” allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months.•Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home.If symptoms persist even after following the tips provided above, then perhaps it’s time for you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper medication or immunotherapy.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/126068647959192412/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/126068647959192412' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/126068647959192412'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/126068647959192412'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/cat-allergy.html' title='Cat Allergy'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-9027101162193777851</id><published>2008-04-11T08:14:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:15:12.824-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Dog Allergies</title><content type='html'>Dogs are like humans in that they also suffer from allergies. The most common symptom of dog allergies is itching, but the respiratory tract may also be affected, which could lead to coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. There are also cases where the eyes and the nose are affected by dog allergies, developing a discharge, or the digestive system becomes troubled, causing vomiting or diarrhea.In the United States, approximately 20% of dogs suffer some type of allergy, including atopic dermatitis, flea allergy, food allergy, inhalant allergy, contact allergy, or bacterial allergy. These dog allergies differ in their symptoms and treatment used. Below are brief discussions of each of these dog allergies.Atopic DermatitisOne of the many dog allergies is known as canine atopic dermatitis. The condition is caused by the dog’s immune system hypersensitivity to common substances in the environment, like dust mites or molds. Atopic dermatitis usually occurs during the first two years of a dog’s life. One of the veritable first signs of this type of dog allergies is excessive grooming, with licking or chewing of the paws, abdomen, and hind quarters. You can also check the following areas for signs:•Ears to see if they are reddened and hot to the touch•Armpits, between the toes of the paws, and groin•Saliva to see if there’s staining•Abdomen to see if it changes color from a pinkish to angry red or black mottling (chronic cases only)Flea AllergyOut of all dog allergies, flea allergy dermatitis is the most common. The allergy is actually caused, not by the flea itself, but by their saliva, which causes the allergic reaction. Symptoms may be reduced through strict flea control regimen, but you should be careful that the flea preparations used are not harmful to the dog.Inhalant AllergyDogs, like humans, may also be allergic to pollens (tree, grass, and weed), dust mites, molds, and chemicals. Inhalant dog allergies are typically caused by any or all of these environmental factors. Pure bred or mutts can acquire inhalant allergies, but there are certain breeds that are especially susceptible to react:•Terriers (especially the West Highland white terrier, Skye terrier, Scottish terrier, and Boston terrier)•Golden retrievers•Poodles•Dalmatians•German shepherds•Chinese shar-peis•Shih tzus•Ihasa apsos•Pugs•Irish setters•Miniature schnauzersThis type of dog allergies exhibit symptoms like scratching, biting, chewing at the feet and constant licking.Food AllergyDogs can become allergic to food they’ve been eating for years. That’s why many people overlook the possibility of a food allergy. Unlike other common dog allergies, food allergy only accounts for 10 percent of allergy problems in dogs. The foods that dogs often cannot tolerate include:•Soy products•Wheat•Corn•Beef•Pork•Chicken•Milk•Whey•Eggs•Fish•Chemical preservatives•Artificial sugarsThere are several other dog allergies, of course, that it’s nearly impossible to name all of them. For more information on the symptoms and what you can do to help your dog, contact your local veterinarian for some advice.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/9027101162193777851/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/9027101162193777851' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/9027101162193777851'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/9027101162193777851'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/dog-allergies.html' title='Dog Allergies'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-6850168642554342562</id><published>2008-04-11T08:12:00.002-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:13:31.119-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Skin Allergies</title><content type='html'>Skin allergies are one of the most common causes of conditions of the skin. They are typically caused by a problematic immune system which becomes hypersensitive after being exposed to a certain substance which it views as “harmful” even though it isn’t. As a result, the next time these substances enter the body, the immune system releases vast amounts of antibodies, supposedly to combat these “harmful” substances, but in the process cause adverse reaction in other cells of the body. The substances are called allergens and they can be anything from pollen breathed through the air, dust mites that thrive in carpets and furniture surfaces. They are also encountered in pets, especially dogs and cats. With respect to skin allergies, they usually occur when skin comes into contact with skincare products containing allergens, cosmetics, perfumes, etc.How do skin allergies work?When the immune system encounters a substance that can potentially cause disease, it produces antibodies called IgG or immunoglobulin G and IgM or immunoglobulin M. With the production of these antibodies, the immune system now becomes sensitized and able to neutralize the substance, helping you to recover from the disease after a few days. As time goes, your now sensitized immune system is ready to produce large amounts of antibodies rapidly the next time it encounters the same substance. This rapid production of antibodies makes you able to recover from the disease quickly, so that it’s possible you won’t even suffer any symptoms.With skin allergies, on the other hand, the situation is a little different. When an allergen – for instance, a cosmetic ingredient – comes into contact with your skin for the first time, your immune system will also produce antibodies, only this time, instead of IgG and IgM, it produces IgE or immunoglobulin E. The IgE will also bind itself with the cosmetic allergen and does the same thing it did with any normally harmful substance, prompting the sensitization process. Without this sensitization, no skin allergies occur. Because the immune system has already been sensitized to the cosmetic allergen, the next time you get exposed to it, your body mass produces IgE, which then attach themselves to the allergens, and eventually the mast cells. The mast cells are a type of cell containing many chemicals that can cause inflammation, foremost among them is histamine. The IgE causes the mast cells to release these chemicals to surrounding tissue, causing inflammation, redness (erythema), and itching (pruritis) in the surface of the skin. The reaction that is seen on the skin surface is called a wheal or a hive and is considered as one of the common symptoms of skin allergies. Types of Skin AllergiesThere are three main types of skin allergies: food allergy, contact dermatitis, and atopy or allegic inhaled dermatitis. Skin allergies can be caused by an allergic reaction to ingredients or preservatives in food, such as horse meat, beef, pork, eggs, fish, chicken, corn, soy, preservatives and dyes, dairy products, poultry products, etc.Contact dermatitis is a type of skin allergies caused by allergens coming into direct contact with the skin. Common among these allergen types are poison ivy and ragweed. Ragweed can also be a cause of inhaled skin allergies, as well as, pollen, house dust, dust mites, mold, animal dander, feathers, grasses, trees, and shrubs.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/6850168642554342562/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/6850168642554342562' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/6850168642554342562'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/6850168642554342562'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/skin-allergies.html' title='Skin Allergies'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-7161644050173648425</id><published>2008-04-11T08:12:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:12:33.390-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Wheat Allergy</title><content type='html'>We see stories in the news, magazines, and on TV everyday telling us about some of the horrific allergies that result from eating certain types of food. One such food targeted by these stories is wheat. However, while there is indeed such a thing as wheat allergy, this is not a license for you to skip wheat all together when you find yourself showing even the remotest signs of an allergy.For one thing, true wheat allergy is extremely rare. And other adverse reactions to wheat are also uncommon (0.1%, excluding coelic disease). A number of people today believe that food intolerance to wheat is rising. However, it should be noted that wheat based food often contains a mixture of ingredients, any of which could cause the adverse reactions. Secondly, there are two terms related with wheat allergy that are clearly misused. These are “food allergy” and “food intolerance.” People often think that the two are interchangeable and mean the same thing, when the truth couldn’t be any farther. The differences between these two conditions are vast. Food intolerance is rarely life-threatening. It will not trigger the immune system to overreact quite in the same way as in food wheat allergy. However, it may cause symptoms like migraines, bloating or skin rashes, and in some cases, worsen the effects of conditions such as asthma, eczema, or migraines.On the other hand, a food wheat allergy is largely immunological. It is an abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune system and is far more serious in nature. According to the Food Standards Agency, the food allergen is seen as ‘foreign” by the immune system and initiates an immune response and the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE binds to mast cells in the mouth, nose, and gut and causes the release of histamine which is responsible for inflammation and other symptoms of allergic reactions. Food allergy, like wheat allergy, may produce violent reactions, from swelling of the lips and tongue (oedema) or a red rash to, in extreme cases, fatal anaphylaxis. Additional symptoms of wheat allergy may also include asthma and urticaria, or what is commonly known as hives.A vast majority of people claiming they have wheat allergy may at worst have only food intolerance. Often, the case is that a person has, at one time, tried to remove a food from his diet, say for example, cheese. And the next time they eat it, they develop a headache, prompting them to believe that they are allergic to it. The Flour Advisory Bureau commissioned a survey in 2001 showing that more than 40% of women have eliminated specific foods from their diet over the last five years. Health professionals are concerned that fashionable fads like cutting out foods, such as wheat, could put women at risk. Most of the women who admitted eliminating wheat from their diet because of fear that they have wheat allergy had taken no dietary advice whatsoever about making such whole-scale changes to their diet or received no information on how to replace the nutrients they were losing.The lesson, therefore, is not to immediately jump to conclusions when you have a bad experience with food. When you get a reaction from certain kinds of food, like wheat, be sure to write it down, or keep a food diary.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/7161644050173648425/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/7161644050173648425' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/7161644050173648425'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/7161644050173648425'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/wheat-allergy.html' title='Wheat Allergy'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-5584172805548037700</id><published>2008-04-11T08:11:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:11:50.791-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Mold Allergies</title><content type='html'>A single mold spore is a tiny, microscopic little thing that usually thrives in damp places. Yet for its diminutiveness in size, mold spores can be deadly to people who have allergic reactions to them.Most allergies start with airborne allergens. And while mold spores often stick to walls and surfaces, because they are so tiny, they can easily float in the air when disturbed. A person with mold allergies can easily breathe these mold spores, permitting them to pass through the nasal passages and to the lungs, triggering an allergic reaction.Mold allergies are even more common than pollen allergies. That’s because pollen allergies are often seasonal, like ragweed during the fall, grass pollen in the spring, and cedar fever in December or January. With mold allergies, however, it’s different. Molds can affect you at night, with little regard to seasons. And while pollens are released during the day when sunlight dries the pollen and the wind picks them up and spreads them around, mold cannot tolerate sunlight and hence only goes off during the night. The process is called “sporulation,” which is different from pollen’s pollination.The highest mold counts occur in our homes around 2:00 a.m. because that’s the time when spores blow out of our air-conditioning systems and spread throughout the house. The first thing that happens during the onset of mold allergies is swelling in the mucus membrane. This is then followed by the release of adrenaline, your emergency allergy hormone. The release of adrenaline is also the reason why you suddenly find yourself waking up in the wee hours of the morning and wondering why you can’t breathe through one nostril. To control allergic reaction to molds, the first step is to recognize the triggers. Because once you do, you’ll at least know when to avoid them. You can also have an allergist test you for positive response to mold. However, the problem with this is that there are far too many species and mutant varieties of molds that it’s difficult to test you for every single one of them. One thing you should know if you have mold allergies is that molds need a place to grown on and a source of nutrients. Damp places are their personal favorites, but the dust in your air conditioning system may also provide them with nutrients to support them.Here are common places where mold colonies may thrive:•Damp areas, leaks, etc.•Dusty or musty papers, cardboard, carpet, upholstered furniture and bedding•Damp wood, such as house framing wet from rain during construction, or for that matter, before the construction even began•Air conditioners insulation, coils, and drain pans, even in furnaces and automobiles•Pans under frost free refrigerators•Poor filtersAnother place where molds may grow is your car. Researchers have noticed that many people suffered mold allergies in their cars with symptoms like sinus problems, asthma, drippy nose, and headaches. The cause of this was attributed to leaky windows or doors, often the result of aged weather stripping. This causes water to leak in and wet the carpet of upholstery, contributing to mold growth.About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/5584172805548037700/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/5584172805548037700' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/5584172805548037700'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/5584172805548037700'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/mold-allergies.html' title='Mold Allergies'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-2920770474747010512</id><published>2008-04-11T08:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:11:11.995-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Food Allergy</title><content type='html'>Each year hundreds of people die from food allergy and other allergies. Over 30,000 receive life-saving treatment in emergency rooms due to food-induced anaphylaxis. Out of all allergies, food allergy has got to be one of the most common, with an estimated 11 million people in the United States alone suffering from food allergies.The condition develops when the body’s immune system becomes misdirected. As a result, it suddenly sees and believes that harmless food proteins are, in fact, “harmful,” prompting them to attack. When you have an allergic reaction after eating certain types of food, it means your immune system is responding to the substance perceived by the body as a harmful allergen. Massive amounts of antibodies are produced, binding with both the allergens and mast cells (a certain type of cell containing chemicals). When the antibodies come into contact with these mast cells, they alter the structure of its membranes, causing the various chemicals inside to leak out. One of the chemicals is histamine, which is a major player in inflammation of surrounding tissue.The symptoms of food allergy could range from mildly inconvenient to uncomfortable to complete collapse of the body, a condition known as anaphylaxis. Many people have died or have been brought to emergency rooms as a result of anaphylaxis brought about by violent allergic reactions to certain types of food.Common signs of food allergy include the following:•Tingling sensation in the mouth•Swelling of the tongue and the throat•Difficulty breathing•Hives•Vomiting•Abdominal cramps•Diarrhea•Drop in blood pressure•Loss of consciousness•Death (extreme cases)Typically, these symptoms appear within minutes or two hours after the person has eaten the food he or she is allergic to.When talking about treatment for food allergy, the best method is avoidance. If you’re allergic to certain types of food, then you ought to practice strict avoidance of these foods. Food allergy is largely symptomatic, which means that whatever medications or treatment methods are available, they are usually to prevent the onset or for treatment of the symptoms. Epinephrine, also called “adrenaline,” is the medication of choice for controlling severe reactions.While any food can cause allergies, 90% of all food allergic reactions are caused by:•Peanut•Egg•Milk•Shellfish•Wheat•Treenuts•Soy•FishPeanut food allergy is one of the most common, serious, and potentially fatal food allergies. In a survey conducted by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the prevalence of peanut allergy in both adults and children alike has doubled up over a period of five years. Peanuts are actually legumes but it is probably unnecessary to eliminate other legumes unless there is good reason to suspect that they cause problems or your doctor tells you to avoid them.Egg-related food allergy is often mild. However, there are rare cases where egg can trigger anaphylaxis. Food labels must be thoroughly scrutinized for products containing egg or albumen. It should also be noted that well-cooked eggs (as in cakes) are generally harmless. But raw and lightly cooked eggs can cause allergic reactions. About The Author&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Spoola&lt;/a&gt;  arts is the number one  &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;arts&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;crafts &lt;/a&gt;and &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;hobbies&lt;/a&gt; information site on the internet. Providing information on all ranges of &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;musical instruments&lt;/a&gt; such as the &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;accordion&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://arts.spoola.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;trumpets&lt;/a&gt; and a variety of other musical instruments.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/2920770474747010512/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/2920770474747010512' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/2920770474747010512'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/2920770474747010512'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/food-allergy.html' title='Food Allergy'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9093206151089097002.post-2776093821146482828</id><published>2008-04-11T08:08:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2008-04-11T08:10:05.233-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Allergies</title><content type='html'>This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard of them. Allergies are so common 20% of Americans have some kind of allergic reaction or another to certain external stimuli whether food, water, or air. But what are allergies? And why do we get them?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You known you’re allergic when you react to certain substances you’ve been exposed to before. For instance, you may have eaten shellfish before but the next time you eat foods containing shellfish, you develop rashes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A vast majority of people claiming they have wheat allergy may at worst have only food intolerance. Often, the case is that a person has, at one time, tried to remove a food from his diet, say for example, cheese. And the next time they eat it, they develop a headache, prompting them to believe that they are allergic to it.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/feeds/2776093821146482828/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment/fullpage/post/9093206151089097002/2776093821146482828' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/2776093821146482828'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/9093206151089097002/posts/default/2776093821146482828'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myallergy.blogspot.com/2008/04/allergies.html' title='Allergies'/><author><name>Biplab</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/03530378182042314483</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='https://img1.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>