Allergies affect about 20% of the US population and can affect human lives due to the discomfort they bring. Children who suffer from allergic reactions all throughout the year may miss schooldays due to the discomfort of frequent sneezing, itchy eyes, throat and nose, hives, and sometimes stomach pain and vomiting, if the allergy is caused by food. Adults become unproductive at work during allergy attacks.

Allergies can be caused by a variety of substances, from food to pollen, animal dander (cat and dog hair), dust mites, cotton fiber, and so on. Although allergens can differ from one person to the next, the physical reactions are often the same. Allergic reactions happen when the body’s immune system releases antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which secrete histamines that cause the symptoms. It is the body’s way to get rid of the allergens which it considers as invaders.

Patients are often treated with anti-histamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. However, there are some adverse side effects observed with some patients who take these medications. Some of the most common side effects observed are sleepiness, headaches, blurred vision, dryness in the throat, mouth, nose and eyes, upset stomach, dizziness, nausea and constipation.

Oftentimes, the side effects happen because of overdosing or taking the medicines with other medications prescribed for other diseases. Nasal sprays, for example often provide immediate relief, with their albuterol and beta based content, which relieves difficulty in breathing. However, a patient can also suffer from the side effects mentioned, if nasal sprays are used too frequently.

Doctors may also prescribe corticosteroids, to lessen inflammation in the bronchial area. However, some people may also have reactions to it such as blurry vision, abdominal pains, swelling of eyelids, stuffy noses, acne or skin rash and muscle cramps and general fatigue. In other instances, use of medications with corticosteroids for a long time, may also lead to weight gain and liquid retention. Cataracts may also develop as well as high blood sugar which can lead to diabetes.

Alternative Treatments For Allergy Relief

With all the possible side effects that a person can get from frequent use of anti-histamines, anti-inflammatory drugs and nasal sprays that are often prescribed for allergy relief, it is no wonder that people are looking for alternative treatments for allergies. Keeping yourself informed on the pollen level of the area where you live will also help you avoid exposure to pollen, which may trigger allergies.

A change in diet and lifestyle can work wonders for allergy relief. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables that are rich in natural vitamins can increase your body’s resistance to allergies, without necessarily taking anti-allergy medications. Avoiding foods that you know will trigger your allergies is also a practical solution. Using dehumidifiers and air filters can also clear your environment of allergy producing substances such as pollen, dust, mold and mildew.

You can also try doing some breathing exercises. These will come in handy during an allergy attack, which can severely constrict the airways and make breathing difficult. Yoga is an effective means to distress which can also teach you proper breathing techniques. Acupuncture is another alternative treatment to allergies. The main objective of using acupuncture is to keep the balance in the body, which can make it more resistant to diseases.

Regularly doing housekeeping to keep your home free from dusts and mold is the most practical solution to allergies. There are many mold and mildew chemicals, however, read the labels to make sure that there are no elements that can also trigger an allergic reaction.

Prevention still remains the best treatment for allergies. Know the causes of your allergies by getting medical attention and following your doctor’s instructions to cure allergies.

There are many people suffering from allergies. One of the most common allergies is to sneeze every morning. The level of the allergies is commonly increasing when the spring comes. Therefore, these are going to give you the information about some best ways to alleviate your allergies.

Controlling the temperature in your home is one of the best ways to control allergies. By using a thermostat, you will be able to control the temperature in your home at the 65 level during the night time and at the 70 level during the day. You have to make sure that the air is not too cold because it can lead to the increase of allergies. Do not set your humidifier too high. You have to set it not less than 50 or 40.

If you have a rug in your home, cleaning this furniture can help you to improve your health as well as prevent your allergies to come back. Make sure that the dust in your home is completely eliminated. It is because dust can become the most common cause of people to suffer from allergies.

Moreover, you have to change your sheets for at least twice a week. Changing your sheets regularly can really help you to prevent your allergies. If you let your sheets dirty, it is potential to carry dust so that you will be easily suffered from allergies. So, just wash your sheets regularly so that you can stay away from allergies.

Furthermore, since mold can also cause severe allergies, you need to clean your bathroom in order to stop the growth of mold. You have to do it for at least three times a week. Instead of stopping the growth of mold, keeping your bathroom clean will also become a great way to keep your body healthy.

Additionally, it is very common for people to keep their books from college that they thought the books were important. As the time goes, these books are dusty so that they increase allergies. Thus, it is better if you donate some of your books to the library. Or, if your books are not useful anymore, you can just throw them away.

For those who like to keep many foods on refrigerator, do not forget to clean the refrigerator in order to avoid the mold grows. Also, do not leave your foods expired for many days in your refrigerator. Cleaning your refrigerator every weekend can improve your health and keep you away from allergies.

Mold: The Pervasive Fungus Among Us
As a relative of mushrooms and yeast, mold serves nature well by decomposing dead organic matter like leaves and wood. However, when mold grows in your home, its powerful enzymes eat through wallpaper, wood, and other materials. Scientists have identified over 200,000 species of mold, and they continue to find more.

Mold reproduces with mold spores, which are like microscopic seeds. At about three microns in size, mold spores are invisible to the human eye. For comparison, the period at the end of this sentence is roughly 300 microns in size – that’s 100 times larger than the typical mold spore! Not only are they invisible, but mold spores are virtually indestructible, and many species release chemical toxins (mycotoxins) into the air as a self-defense mechanism. The more you learn about mold spores, the more they sound like extraterrestrial invaders in a sci-fi flick.

Mold & Your Health
In 2006, a University of Cincinnati study found that infants who were exposed to airborne mold spores were more likely to develop allergies to mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods as they grew older. Tina Reponen, author of the study, says, “It turns out that the health effects of airborne fungal spores are more complicated than we thought.”

Over 80% of allergy sufferers are sensitive to mold spores, and a 1999 Mayo Clinic study discovered allergenic fungal sinusitis among 93% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Like other allergens, mold can cause sneezing, chronic cough, runny nose, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes, sinus headaches, and respiratory problems.

But you don’t have to be an allergic individual for mold to adversely affect your health. Mold can also act as an infectious agent, like bacteria and viruses. Additionally, some species of mold produce chemical toxins called mycotoxins. Stachybotys (pronounced “stack-ee-BOT-ris”), also known as black mold, is the most common and dangerous species of toxic mold. Symptoms of toxic mold exposure may include memory loss and other cognitive disorders, nose bleeds, dizziness, nausea, anemia, difficulty breathing, and death.

How to Prevent Mold Growth
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that half of all U.S. buildings contain areas damp enough for mold growth.

Your Home + Moisture = Mold Growth

It’s as simple as 1 + 1. If there’s not enough moisture in the air, then mold cannot grow. Therefore, if you suffer from mold allergies (or if you don’t want mold to decompose your home), you must monitor your relative humidity with a humidity gauge and use a dehumidifier to to remove excess moisture. Keep your relative humidity below 50 percent to prevent mold growth.

Mold flourishes on your bedding, feeding off moisture from your body. Sleep on allergy relief bedding that prevents the growth of mold and other microorganisms to avoid breathing in allergens while you’re sleeping.

Specialized cleaning products can both clean and also prevent mold growth on surfaces like tile, shower doors, furniture, mattresses, wallpaper, ceilings, walls, and many more. Finally, if your home experiences water damage from a leak or flood, be sure to dry out all damp materials within 24 – 48 hours.

Modern houses and apartments are sealed up tightly for energy efficiency; however, those tight seals trap allergens and pollutants inside your home. Air out your home as much as possible and use air purifiers to remove mold spores and other allergens from the air. Hidden mold often grows inside HVAC systems. An allergy relief vent filter will trap mold spores before they have a chance to enter your lungs.

For allergy sufferers, frequent cleaning can transform misery into relief. While dead human skin makes up the majority of household dust, mold spores are present in dust as well. Vacuum thoroughly and regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove mold spores from your carpet.

According to the EPA, if you find a mold colony that’s 10 square feet or smaller, you should be able to handle the cleanup job yourself. Scrub the mold off hard surfaces with water and a specialized cleaning product. But be careful! Cleaning mold releases spores into the air, so if you are sensitive to mold, you’ll need to wear goggles, gloves, and an allergy mask for protection. Make sure the area is well ventilated, and wash all supplies and clothing after cleaning.

If you suspect that the mold may be releasing toxic chemicals or if the mold colony is larger than 10 square feet, you should consider hiring a mold remediation professional.

In a short and non-descriptive sense, yes – sinusitis can cause dizziness. How? Of course you already know that sinusitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages preventing you from discharging as well as promoting build-up of mucus. Whether chronic or acute, most cases usually originate from one of the three major causes; fungus infection, common colds and allergies. But what causes dizziness? Simple, the fluid blockage caused by sinus problems can be enough to affect your ears, causing vertigo or imbalance.

Most individuals tend to experience vertigo in the early morning after they first wake up. This along with the combinations like facial pain and throbbing headaches can be very troublesome. Other symptoms that may join the fray (adding more to your misery) may include; coughing, reduced sense of taste and smell, nausea, ear pain and even fatigue. Symptoms may sometimes be solitary but for most times they appear in two or even more combinations.

Sinusitis dizziness is not a very serious condition and light to moderate care will even be enough in handling the problem. But it does require care nonetheless. Setting the problem aside to fester can cause it to become worse (even complicated in some instances). Since the dizziness is caused by the inflammation of your nasal passages taking the necessary medications will ease dizziness as well as all the other symptoms.

When talking about treatment there are basically two avenues of relief that you will be able to count on – herbal or conventional options. Conventional methods will usually give you relief when you need it the most and can be very effective in taking care of the condition. The problem is that aside from delivering relief, they may also deliver something else; side effects. Side effects of sinus medications like drowsiness, nausea or upset stomach are very tolerable of course, but they will still affect you one way or another.

Herbal alternatives on the other hand offers you relief by working with your body’s natural immune system, meaning; no side effects, making them a better option as compared to conventional medication. But even with this fact, you will still need to practice care as not all herbal remedies will suit you. Some herbs may contain compounds that you are allergic to which can worsen the situation even further. Sinusitis dizziness can also be treated with the use of herbs.

Dizziness along with all the other symptoms can be easily taken care of, as long as you are willing to take the necessary steps. With proper knowledge and information, you will be able to find effective treatment methods that will handle the problem safely. If you suspect that you may have sinusitis, learn as much as you can about the condition first, then the right steps to handle it. This will help clear that cloggy nose of yours in no time.

Spring has sprung. The birds are chirping, the flowers growing, and the gentle “achoo” of allergy season is here. If you are a seasonal, chronic or environmental allergy sufferer, acupuncture and Chinese herbs might be the key you are missing to resolve or lessen your symptoms. Allergies arise from a misplaced immunity. Acupuncture naturally boosts your immunity. If you are sick of the amount of money you are spending on over-the-counter medication, acupuncture looks at the root of the problem as well as the symptoms that can arise. Many dislike OTC drugs simply due to side effects such as drowsiness or ineffectiveness.

When you visit your acupuncturist let them know when your allergies began. Did the allergies start when you were young? Did they start after a few stressful years in college? or perhaps after some other combination of life changes? Other useful information is finding out if you get frequent colds and flus or if you have related conditions such as asthma, wheezing, etc.? Additionally, seemingly unrelated information (which is very related) such as stress levels, quality of sleep, and dietary issues that might contribute to allergies – and your Oriental Medicine practitioner will most likely ask.

Consider trying acupuncture for allergies several months before the season hits you. This will help build up your immune system. Your practitioner may also recommend Chinese herbs. If you are a year-round sufferer, you can begin treatment at any time. If you didn’t get a chance to prepare your immune system, acupuncture is great to relieve nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms. You’ll be amazed that if you come in with a stuffy nose, you’ll walk out being able to smell the flowers.

Best of all you will be able to enjoy the season and breathe a little easier.

Metal allergy refers to a type of hypersensitivity reaction of the body against metal substances. One of the most common types of metal allergy is skin allergy against nickel especially in women who are using cheap jewelries that are made from nickel or with high nickel alloy. It has been said that 10 percent of the population unknowingly suffer from some sort of metal allergy. This cell-mediated type of hypersensitivity reaction can irritate the skin, causing rashes, eczema and inflammation with every close contact with a metal allergen.

Orthopedic patients who have implants in them may suffer from metallic allergies in one way or the other and may manifest the same signs and symptoms of cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction. These manifestations will only stop when the implants made of metal are removed.

Back in the Victorian era, the aristocratic women of Europe were fond of white creams to make their faces powdery white. This back then was trend of beauty and refinement. However, this powder caused poisoning because the powder itself was made of lead. For women who used this on themselves who had suffered from lead poisoning also suffered severe cases of metal allergy from using lead.

Metal undergo a process called corrosion. Corrosion is a process of metal deterioration, gnawing away layers of metal from the metals surface. Rusting is the most common type of corrosion that leave no visible marks on the metal surface.

When two kinds of metal are in close contact with each other, or when these metals are subjected to a friction, these metals corrode more easily. In patients who have undergone total hip replacement friction takes place upon moving. The site where there friction may occur between two different metals is the taper junction. It is during corrosion that metal allergies take place.

Another factor that facilitates the process of corrosion of the metal is when the piece of metal is divided into small particles. These particles then corrode more easily when they fuse with other metal substances. The byproducts of corrosion may enter the circulation that may cause metallic toxicity such as cobalt and chrome.

The history of determining the type of metal allergy id detected through tests to determine the type of metal allergen. It is through a test called patch testing that metallic salts are mixed with non allergenic ointments to be placed on the skin and be tested for 48 hours. It is a simple and inexpensive, however, the implications of the test may not be enough to precisely determine the main cause of allergy. Several medical experts believe that that the test is not accurate when it comes to studying the development of allergies in patients with artificial implants made of metal. This test, however, can detect common metal allergies such as cobalt, nickel, mercury, silver, lead, chromate and other metallic alloys.

Whenever a positive response comes up that implicates metal allergy, it is necessary to be given detailed information regarding the specific type of allergy that came out positive. You should stay away from any type of allergen or an further contact with them. To make sure that you do not ingest or apply anything that has metal that you are allergic to, it is a good idea to read the ingredients and substances labels carefully. Using barriers like gloves if and when its possible can decrease your exposure to allergies as well. Finally, in any diagnostic procedure that is invasive, inform your physician immediately before these procedures are done.

Spring is a beautiful time during the year and most of us can’t wait for sunshine and flowers after the long, cold winter. However, if you have deal with allergies, the season might be downright miserable time for you.

There is a world of spring allergens, which are literally in the air! Allergy sufferers may be sensitive to pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander too. However, you can significantly decrease your symptoms and sometimes eliminate them altogether. Find out how!

While at home, it is advisable to keep your home’s doors and windows closed. Although it is not possible to completely seal off your home from outside, don’t be tempted to open the windows to let “fresh” air in if you are prone to allergies. Also, if you dust your home regularly, ensure that you wear a mask while dusting. You should limit your outdoor activity, especially early in the morning as the pollen counts are high between 5 am to almost 10 am. Don’t forget to take Vitamin C supplements during the spring season and invest in a good quality air filter.

If you’ve been careful and followed all these precautions but still experience allergies and sinus problems, it is time to meet a doctor. There are a variety of medicines available, such as, antihistamines, nasal steroid spray, nasal antihistamine sprays, leukotrienes inhibitors, decongestants, which will help reduce or block allergy symptoms. For cases, which are harder to treat, allergy evaluation and immunotherapy is an effective option.

Allergy Evaluation: Allergies are caused due to a host of ear, nose and throat symptoms. Your doctor can help determine the specific allergens, which cause the symptoms and treat it accordingly. RAST blood work, which is a method using your blood sample and skin testing are common means to determine allergies.

Allergy Immunotherapy: If you choose immunotherapy to treat your allergies, it helps build blocking antibodies, reduce the allergic response and help in complete elimination of the allergies. Normally, shots or oral drops are used. It reduces the need for injections and frequent clinic visits too.
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What are respiratory allergies? We must have all asked this question sometimes. We are all effected in one way or another, whether it is summer or we are cleaning our basements. These type of allergic reactions are those that affect the organs and the airways that help us to breathe. In this article, I will be sharing with you some specific symptoms and causes of this sensitive condition.

The thing with people with allergies is that they are overly sensitive to certain things that most people don’t have a problem with. This would include pollen from plants, mold, dust, cockroaches and food.

When a person that is sensitive comes in contact with what causes them to be sensitive, the allergen, the immune system releases a large amount of a chemical called histamine. A large amount of this histamine causes tissue swelling or inflammation or the tightening of muscles.

Symptoms:

Some people are allergic to different things. One person may be allergic to pollen, somebody else may be sensitive to something else.

1 ) Itchiness
2 ) Watery or red eyes
3 ) Coughing
4 ) Sneezing
5 ) Stuffiness in the nose
6 ) Shortness of breath
7 ) Wheezing
8 ) Airways that are constricted and swollen (in extreme cases – called anaphylactic shock)

Common Allergies That Affect The Respiratory System:

1) Hay Fever – This affects many people all over the world. Hay fever usually happens in the summer from pollen such as from the grass or even flowers.

2) Food and Drug Allergies – You can get this situations from eating such things such as fish and shellfish. You will usually develop an upset stomach or even a skin reaction and breathing problems. Medications can also cause some problems. Sometimes, you may develop a reaction if you eat peanuts, milk or eggs.

3) Insect Allergies – Insects such as cockroaches is another major cause of problems. This usually takes place in cities. It also affects children in big urban cities. Bees stings for example can be very dangerous to overly sensitive people.

4) Allergic Asthma – Asthma is a fast growing disease all over the country. This problem is a major cause of hospital admission for children each year.

Causes Of Respiratory Allergies:

1) Family history
2) Exposure to air pollution
3) Exposed to some workplace substances
4) Second hand smoke
5) Some health conditions – If you had infections when you were a child growing up

Treatment:

The best way to avoid an attack is to prevent the allergen. Not always easy to do at times. You could place pets in another room where you are not in all the times. You should also make sure to regularly clean your home, so that you do not have a build up of dust. Also, make sure you do not spend a lot of time being in damp areas. This will definitely expose you to mold. If the problem gets worse, make sure to see your doctor or pharmacist.

Allergies in toddlers and small children are a growing problem for parents and children alike. A recent poll of parents from an association of ear, nose and throat doctors indicated that parent’s primary concern for dealing with their child’s allergies is “giving them medications“. They are worried that their child may face years of having to ingest medication to deal with their allergic symptoms which may eventually lead to side-effects. More than 50% of the parents polled also commented that they wish their doctor could give them non-medication alternatives or recommendations as part of their child’s treatment.

Fortunately, there are a few steps a parent may take to ease their child’s allergy symptoms while at home.

• Be more cognizant of potential indoor pollutants and their relation to allergy symptoms. Look for patterns of symptoms within hours of an event or potential allergy trigger being introduced into the indoor environment.
• Limit the use of all aerosol and other strong household cleaners. Chemicals which are sprayed from an aerosol can or hand sprayer are common allergy triggers. Consider using household cleaners and chemicals which are sold as allergy-proof and non-toxic. Apply the solutions directly to a clean cloth instead of spraying to limit airborne particles from invading the indoor environment. Use liquid-based furniture polishes applied directly to a polishing cloth in lieu of aerosol products.
• Controlling the airborne particles in the indoor environment can make the greatest impact on allergy related symptoms. Many allergy triggers are in the form of a particulate which can become airborne easily only to be breathed in by a small child. A toddler or infant can breathe in over one hundred cubic feet of air each minute. Every cubic foot of air may contain thousands of potential allergy pollutants. The allergy pollutants which fall below 10 microns in size will stay in the lungs for the body to process. When an infant or toddler breathes in too many microscopic particles, they may start to exhibit respiratory symptoms such as allergies or asthma.
• Use only true HEPA (high efficient particulate air) purifiers and vacuum. The vacuum is the most effective allergy prevention device available and vacuum which do not utilize HEPA filtration should be immediately replaced. Do not use ionizing or ozone producing devices in a small room occupied by a child with severe allergies or asthma.

Understanding the methods and technologies available to control these airborne pollutants in the home can help transform the home environment into an allergy-free haven for any allergy sufferer.