Egg Allergy Signs and Symptoms
One of the most common of all food allergies, especially amongst children. Most people will eventually outgrow their allergy but for a small percentage of people it will remain. Egg allergy symptoms are basically the same as the symptoms caused by any other food allergy.In general most people have fairly mild reactions to eggs but like all allergies they can produce severe symptoms in some people.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
Egg allergy symptoms are pretty much the same as the symptoms for any other allergy however in the vast majority of cases the main symptom is eczema. Egg allergies are the leading cause of eczema outbreaks. Eczema isn't caused by an allergy but it is usually triggered by one. Eczema is actually a skin condition; most people develop it during childhood. It will remain with you throughout your life causing periodic outbreaks of a rash. These outbreaks can be caused by a number of different things but allergies are the leading cause, particularly egg allergies. It is also possible that eggs will cause hives; this is skin condition that is caused directly by the allergic reaction. It will appear fairly quickly and disappear again in a couple of days. Hives are a much less common egg allergy symptom then eczema.
Allergies Medication
The other most common allergy symptom would be gastric distress. This is a generic term that covers anything unusual that happens in your intestines. Most commonly this would be excessive flatulence or diarrhea. In some case it might also include nausea and even vomiting. These reactions can occur with egg allergies but they are much more common with other food allergies.
Allergies Medication
One possible egg allergy symptom is asthma. This can be a dangerous reaction so if you are prone to asthma precautions must be taken. Asthma will cause an inflammation of your airway, making it difficult to breathe. In extreme cases you may find your airway completely blocked and be unable to breathe at all. Asthma is an allergic reaction and can be caused by any allergen. That being said it really isn't that common with egg allergies. Nevertheless if you are prone to asthma attacks you are going to want to be careful around eggs.
The most severe allergy symptom would be anaphylaxis. Again this is very rare, especially with egg allergies but it can happen. Anaphylaxis is a whole body allergic reaction caused by the dilation of your blood vessels. This cause swelling and might make it difficult to breathe. You will also experience a drop in blood pressure. Some foods like nuts and shellfish cause anaphylaxis in a lot of people. Eggs on the other hand will rarely cause it. Again, any allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis and some people are more prone to it than others. If you are one of those people you are going to have to be careful. Your doctor will likely have you carry an Epipen so that you can inject yourself with the medication in the event you do have a reaction.
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Egg Allergy Signs and Symptoms
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7:41 AM | Labels: allergy, Fashioned, Florida, Orlando, Paddlewheel, symptoms | 0 Comments
Autism or Allergies - Or Both?
Could there be a link between autism and allergies? Could severe allergies cause an autism misdiagnosis? Could allergies themselves contribute to autism? A lot of things are still unknown about autism but as a parent of a child who was diagnosed at the age of three and by the age of 11, no longer displaying symptoms of autism, the above questions are important ones for me and my family.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
Autism is a disorder that affects the brain development in children and is usually diagnosed by age three or four. It affects the child's social interaction and communication skills and it can limit behavior patterns. Autism is believed to be genetic but there are also environmental factors that are believed to influence the disease.
Allergies Medication
In recent years, reports of several studies done (mostly in alternative medicine) have suggested the idea that diet and food allergies could play a role in either causing or worsening autism. In particular, gluten (a wheat protein) and casein (a milk protein) were both believed to worsen the symptoms of a child with autism. It is believed that these food proteins are broken down into smaller proteins called peptides, that will function like narcotics in autistic children, worsening the symptoms.
Allergies Medication
My son's food allergy diagnosis came after his initial autism diagnosis. It was later found that all 4 of my children had allergies to gluten and casein with the older ones outgrowing it around ages 6-10. However, only one of the four ever displayed the symptoms and signs of autism. He now no longer displays symptoms of autism, although he is not on the same behavior maturity level as his peers. He has outgrown most of his food allergies and intolerances but still receives treatment for seasonal and environmental allergies.
We're unsure if he was misdiagnosed in the first place or if the food allergies somehow played a role in the severity of his autism at a young age. Diet change alone was not the only thing we did for him. Years of counseling and therapy on all levels- speech, behavioral, family, etc., have helped him learn to overcome many of the challenges he had when he was younger and when he carried the diagnosis of autism. The doctors will say nothing more than "Before he displayed the signs and symptoms of autism and now he doesn't". While he still has some symptoms on the spectrum, they are not enough for him to be considered autistic.
Autism is a touchy subject and a condition that still asks a lot of questions. Each time I write about it, I get my fair share of hate mail telling me to "check my facts" but the fact of the matter is that even the experts disagree on many aspects of autism, what causes it and what might treat it. I write from my 10-year experience with a child who was diagnosed, as well as my experience coaching children with autism and Asperger's. I'm not claiming to be an expert; only looking to share information and experiences.
I can't say it's fact that there is a link between allergies and autism but in my experience there is, on some level. My children's allergist as well as other medical professionals seem to think there is some type of link as well, even if we are not all 100% certain of what the link is yet.
The bottom line is this: if it helps a child to live a more productive and functional life, does it really matter who is right and who is wrong? I want what's best for all of my children, regardless of labels or conditions. If changing their diet helps, I'm going to do it.
Note: Changing and/or restricting your child's diet should only be done under the supervision and advice of your doctor. This is especially true when limiting important nutritious foods such as milk and wheat. It's important to be sure you are replacing these omitted foods with something equal so that your child does not suffer from malnutrition due to restricted diet.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. The author is not a licensed medical professional.
Sources and references:
Personal Experience
Millward C, Ferriter M, Calver S, Connell-Jones G. Gluten- and casein-free diets for autistic spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003498.
Kidd PM. Autism, An Extreme Challenge to Integrative Medicine. Alternative Medicine Review. 2002; 7(6):472-99.
Sun S, Itokazu N, Le HT, et al. Innate Immune Responses and Cytokine Production Against Dietary Proteins in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Those with Dietary Protein Intolerances. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002; 109:S222.
Autism or Allergies - Or Both?
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Dust Mite Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
If you are not familiar with dust mites, these are microscopic bugs living in your home, feeding off the unseen cells of dead skin and pet dander. Though you may not see them, they are present on surfaces throughout the home, and are especially troublesome in an infested mattress.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
The bug's waste material causes many people to develop a dust mite allergy, which includes sneezing, itching, congestion and runny noses. Asthmatics have it even worse, as a reaction to dust mites can exacerbate their condition.
Allergies Medication
Reducing the Infestation
Allergies Medication
These tiny bugs are attracted to dust-filled pockets of humidity and warmth; such as where you sleep, but also in the cozy furniture in living rooms. While completely eradicating these pests may not be possible, a thorough and regular cleaning can help reduce the number of mites in the home.
Once a top to bottom cleaning is finished, it is important to seal any potential hideouts for these bugs, starting with the mattress and bed linens. This is the most common area of concentration, so wash bedding weekly in hot water. To discourage dust mites, cover the mattress and pillows in hypo-allergenic, dust-proof covers, and wash these regularly as well. Temperature is important in order to kill the mites in the wash.
The next area to look at is living room furniture and rugs, as well as carpeted areas of your home. If these areas seem to be a problem for you, remove the cushion covers and wrap the inner foam in dust-proof covers, washing all removable pieces in the same manner as the bedding.
For area rugs, consider steam cleaning, or dry cleaning if necessary. If the bedroom area is carpeted, look into replacing it with tile or wood floors to decrease dust mite living space. Since not everyone can simply tear out the carpet, the other option is to hire a professional carpet cleaning company once a month, or rent a steam cleaner and do it yourself.
Common Allergy Symptoms and Prevention
Some people develop an outright allergy to dust mites, making it miserable for them to be in their homes when there is an infestation. This hypersensitivity can cause asthmatic symptoms and even aggravate skin problems like eczema.
Unfortunately, the excretions from these critters can be left everywhere, flying into the air and causing reactions in sensitive people much like pollen. These reactions are made worse by typical pollutants such as cigarette or other tobacco smoke, fireplace or cooking smoke, and fumes from gasoline.
Working to prevent reactions means taking the cleaning precautions above, and sealing every possible surface with a cover designed to repel dust. Eliminate carpeted areas where possible, and air out the house to create an unfriendly environment for the mites.
Once you have spoken to a medical professional and determined the problem to be dust mites, more changes in the home can be made to prevent infestations. These include thoroughly cleaning dusty surfaces with a moist cloth, using washable rugs, and buying furniture with more air flow underneath it.
Eliminate fabric where you can; if you have fabric curtains, consider replacing them with plastic or wooden blinds. Replace bedding and blankets made from synthetics or natural cotton, and always avoid wool, as it creates the perfect place for mites to settle.
Dust Mite Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
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The Sweet Smell of a Perfume Allergy
Ah....the sweet, smell of perfume! Today's market is flooded with hundreds and hundreds of different fragrances ranging from floral to woodsy. Most women love the smell of perfume, wearing it even when going to the grocery store. The problem is that perfume allergy for some women, is anything but nice.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
Keep in mind that a perfume allergy is not limited to the woman who wears it. For some people, men and women, just being around someone wearing perfume can have a devastating effect. Even regular household cleansers, air fresheners, fabric softener, scented candles, potpourri, hair spray, and shampoo can produce the same reaction. Although the smell of perfume might trigger a headache or rash, the more severe problem is a full-blown asthma attack.
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Having a perfume allergy is not something new. Unfortunately, many people are affected by the smell of perfume, especially when in a confined space. For instance, individuals working in an office environment might not have a choice but to be around someone wearing perfume. In this case, the only real solution is to request those individuals to stop wearing perfume to work (some may) or to ask if your desk can be seated in a different area. The problem is that not all companies are accommodating, meaning a new job must be found.
Allergies Medication
The good news is that because a perfume allergy can produce such a serious reaction as asthma or an anaphylactic shock, you will find a number of products now on the market that are fragrance free. Many of these items are found in organic stores although traditional grocery stores are now trying to cater to all customers. Because you cannot control who does and does not wear perfume, you have to take steps to protect yourself if you have a perfume allergy. This might include letting a job interview know, wearing a mask, or perhaps taking medication.
If you notice that you have symptoms of itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, or coughing when wearing perfume or being around other people that do then chances are you are having a reaction. Interestingly, many people have a perfume allergy but blame it on other things, never even considering that fragrance could be the problem. Sometimes, even doctors miss a perfume allergy simply because they are more accustomed to treating seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and other forms of allergy.
In addition, remember that while you might be allergic to some perfumes, it is possible that not all fragrances will create a reaction. The reason is that performs are made up of varying chemicals so while one chemical may trigger a reaction, other chemicals might not. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to your surroundings, taking note if you can pinpoint these symptoms specific to fragrance.
The Sweet Smell of a Perfume Allergy
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7:37 AM | Labels: allergy, Perfume | 0 Comments
Treating Summer Allergies Using Natural Remedies
If you are suffering from summer allergies, there are several natural remedies you can try to treat the same. The worst thing that allergies usually do is that they upset the lifestyle of the sufferers. For example, you may have running nose and you may feel embarrassed to go in public - so you slowly start becoming introvert. Some of the most common symptoms of these allergies may include congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, and pain. With these symptoms, you obviously cannot focus on your work.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
You will not be able to enjoy your outdoor activities with such symptoms. Most of us prefer to try some over-the-counter drugs for instant relief. Some of the medications sound to be very effective also. But, they unusually carry certain side effects. For example, it may relieve you from a runny nose, but it may also result in difficult breathing for you. That is the reason why many people now prefer to go for natural remedies. Following is a brief rundown about it.
Allergies Medication
Local Honey
Local honey is one of the best natural remedies for summer allergies. It is the honey produced locally in your general area. However, you may not find it in your neighborhood general store. If you want to buy pure local honey, you should visit your local farmer's market. In most cities of the United States of America, a local farmer's market is organized at least once a week. The local honey is the honey that the bees collect from vegetation in your area. So, they are more effective in relieving your allergic symptoms rather than packaged honey from other areas. In order to build up the resisting power of your body against the local allergens, all you have to do is just to take one tsp of local honey at least 3-6 times a day.
Allergies Medication
Vitamins
There are several types of vitamins - some of them can be very effective in treating summer allergies, such as vitamin E and vitamin B5. You can take 400 mg of Vitamin E and 100 mg of Vitamin B5 at least once per day for two months. They are wonderful antioxidants and contain powerful anti-allergen properties.
A Special Fruit Juice For You
You may also like to prepare a special fruit juice for you. It is a non-alcoholic mixed drink - half liter in quantity. You can prepare it by mixing 3 parts carrot juice with 1 part cucumber juice and 1 part beet juice. You have to drink this mixed juice just once a day for one month to one-and-a-half months. This is a powerful mixture that contains a ton of antioxidants and vitamins. It will help relieve your miseries very fast.
Besides using the above natural remedies, there's one thing that you must do. Otherwise, you wont be able to get optimum benefits of your efforts. You must chill out. In order to relieve summer allergies, it is very important for you to keep yourself stress-free. Stress does not only worsen allergies but they may also result in several other diseases.
Treating Summer Allergies Using Natural Remedies
Allergies Medication
Energy Medicine and a Natural Solution For Allergies
There are many types of allergies, from serious food allergies to annoyances like hay fever and minor skin rashes. This article is about a method I use for the less serious type allergies which I am prone to being afflicted with; sensitive skin, mild hay fever and a few specific allergies such as to feather pillows. Most of my allergies are relatively mild in nature, not life threatening, and so for me a simple over the counter anti-histamine has always taken care of things. But in the last several years I have taken to using a deceptively simple energy medicine technique that almost immediately stops my itchiness of skin and eyes so that I do not need to take antihistamines. The method? Tracing the Triple Warmer Meridian.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
Meridians are energy patterns that flow through your body. Acupuncture points lie along these meridians. Acupuncturists and other practitioners of energy medicine techniques and Eastern medicine techniques use the meridians and points on them to treat imbalances in the energy systems of the body.
Allergies Medication
Each meridian governs some organs and systems in the body. The meridian that governs immune system response is called the Triple Warmer. When allergies or autoimmune responses from the body are causing problems, balancing and flushing the Triple Warmer meridian can often take care of the problem and calm the body's response.
Allergies Medication
This technique is ridiculously simple so it certainly merits exploration.
When you trace a meridian you are simply running your hand along the path of that meridian on your body. Your hands are a part of your body where the energy is strong and easy to feel. Simply rub your hands together for a couple seconds and then hold them facing one another a few inches apart. Now slowly move them father apart and bring them closer together again. With a little practice you will begin to feel the energy between them as a force or resistance. When you run your hands along a meridian pathway you are using the energy in your hands to help the energy in the meridian to flow more smoothly and strongly in the direction it is supposed to be running. Or you may need to flush the meridian by tracing it backwards and then forwards a few times to get it flowing in the right direction.
To trace the Triple Warmer meridian and calm allergic irritation, simply begin with either hand at the back of the ring finger of the opposite hand. Run your hand along the backside of you hand, up the back of your arm, up the side of your neck to the bottom of your ear, then around the back of your ear, over the top of it and ending at the outside corner of your eye. Repeat on the other side. Do both sides a couple of times every time you feel some allergic reaction happening and see if it helps to settle it down. What I find is that I almost immediately stop itching and forget all about it! You may have to repeat this regularly for awhile but if it helps balance your system and keep you from taking pills, how wonderful! And when you balance one meridian it helps balance its neighbors as well and your whole system benefits.
Energy Medicine and a Natural Solution For Allergies
Allergies Medication
How to Determine If You Have Allergies - Allergy Symptoms
Allergy is a term broadly used in describing a reaction of body tissues that is unusual to a substance that has no distinctive or noticeable effect on other humans. According to studies, about 17 out of every 100 Americans are allergic, or hypersensitive, to some substances which are known to cause unusual reactions.Allergies Medication
Allergies Medication
These substances, more known as allergens, range from various irritants, such as pollens, mold spores, insect venoms, animal dander, and house dust. There are some who are allergic to substances in soap. Some react differently to the smell of a flower.
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Below are the most common types of allergies.
Allergies Medication
- Food Allergies - ignited by certain food types
- Anaphylaxis - triggered by drugs, food, or insect stings
- Respiratory Allergies - triggered by allergens which are airborne
- Contact Allergies - triggered by skin-affecting allergens
- Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by insect venom
Here are mild as well as severe symptoms that are associated with these common types of allergy.
Since each person may have unique reactions from these allergies, your symptoms might vary or may have some or all of the listed reactions. Consult your doctor if the symptoms have become persistent or severe.
Food Allergies
Symptoms of an allergy caused by certain food types usually happen within some minutes after you ingested food allergens, although there are some that would only occur after several hours. The symptoms may only happen to areas around the lips, mouth, and digestive tract, or could also involve other body areas. Foods that commonly result to allergic reactions are eggs, nuts, milk, fish, soy, shellfish, and wheat.
Mild Symptoms:
- Tingling, itching, or swelling of your mouth, tongue, lips, or throat
- Tightness feeling in your throat
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Nausea
- Indigestion and abdominal cramps
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Coughing, congestion, wheezing, or sneezing
- Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose
Severe Symptoms:
- Breathing difficulties
- Sweating, dizziness, and faintness
- Rapid or sudden heart rate increase
- Sudden inability or hoarseness to speak
- Extreme and sudden facial itching and swelling
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, sudden, and potentially fatal reaction that has symptoms affecting various body areas. Symptoms commonly manifest very quickly after some exposure to allergens and may include extreme itching all over your body, total swelling of the body, respiratory distress, swelling, and may cause shock that is life endangering. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. The reaction is most commonly a result of drug, insect sting, or food allergies.
Symptoms include:
- Skin flushing
- Itching or tingling around your body
- Mouth swelling as well as in the throat area
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Tightening of your chest
- Agitation, confusion, or lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
In some severe cases shock might occur. The swelling of your body's bronchial tissues might cause you to choke before losing consciousness. An abrupt drop in your blood pressure as a result of dilated blood vessels might also cause you to lose consciousness.
In cases that cause anaphylactic shock, it is necessary that you get treatment immediately. Without prompt medical attention, anaphylactic shock might prove fatal.
Respiratory Allergies
Symptoms of respiratory allergies frequently occur after a few hours of exposure and usually trigged by allergens that are airborne like animal dander, plant pollens, mold spores, and dust mites.
Mild Symptoms:
- Wheezing or coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy throat or nose
- Postnasal drip
- Smell sense is impaired
- Hoarseness in the throat
- Congestion
- Red, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes
- Clogged or runny nose with thin and clear mucus
- Conjunctivitis
- Fatigue
Severe Symptoms:
- Shortness and difficulty in breathing
- Chest tightness and pain
Contact Allergies
Symptoms that occur as a result of contact allergies usually happen within a few minutes after your allergen exposure, although there are symptoms that may occur after several hours. Common allergens are poison ivy and poison oak, rubber, nickel, latex, preservatives, dyes, fragrances, medications, and cosmetics like perfume and hair dye. Nickel, a metal frequently used in buttons, jewelry, hairpins, zippers, metal clips and snaps, is the frequent source of the allergy. Sun exposure might also give you reactions.
Mild Symptoms:
- A bumpy or itchy rash
- Fluid-filled bumps on your skin
- Swelling or redness of your skin
- Hives
- Eczema
Severe Symptoms:
- Anaphylaxis
Insect Sting Allergies
Symptoms caused by insect sting allergies usually happen after a few minutes after you got stung, although there may be symptoms happening after some hours. Insect venoms cause these allergic reactions, like those from wasps, bees, hornets, fire ants, and yellow jackets.
How to Determine If You Have Allergies - Allergy Symptoms
Allergies Medication
7:33 AM | Labels: allergies, allergy, Determine, symptoms | 0 Comments