allergy relief

Allergies are the result of a person's body having hypersensitivity which could be to something that is drunk, ate, or applied to the body, even something in the air around us. The substance or condition that causes the allergy is called the allergen and there is no limit to what can be an allergen as everyone reacts differently to the world around us. BTW, i found a site about skin rugs in spanish : alfombras piel.

The vast majority of allergens that cause allergies in people are those found in the foods we eat in particular, peanuts and other members of the nut family. This allergic reaction to food extends even further with everyday products such as soy, rice and milk also causing problems but these are just the better known substances.

While it isn't a huge number, a few individuals even have an allergy to chocolate and other cocoa based foods but food allergies can cause problems with the respiratory, digestive and immune system very soon after consumption. Of course seafood also causes problems with some people in particular crustaceans so they should be avoided but it is surprising how many people that know they have a an allergy to something continue to take the risk as they enjoy the food so much.

Food allergies often cause reactions which are seen initially as redness, itchy areas of skin and other irritations often quite common to the family of citrus fruits. It is peanut allergies which generally cause the most concern as the reaction to them, even a simple case of contact can be extremely serious and in some cases cause death.

Although flowers are beautiful, even these can prove harmful to those individuals susceptible to their pollen, causing respiratory problems and even damage to the airways. Getting rid of plants with flowers around that individual might also help to a great extent but of course this is only if the flowers have been detected as the actual cause of the allergy.

Drugs too can cause problems and every packet and wrapper comes with a list of problems that should be looked out for but the often hardest to spot are those that are hidden internally. As far as drugs are concerned it is normally the ingredient sulfur that causes the allergic reaction so this must be considered before and further drugs are given.

Although a reaction to nickel is not unusual to most people, a very small number of individuals even have an allergic skin reaction to silver and gold. Individuals reacting to metals are liable to break into hives or the skin starts itching along with swelling in that area, turning red or purple in the area coming in contact with the metal is another common reaction.

If you know you may have an allergy, avoiding, the substances is the first course of action but allergies can change or become more pronounced so regular allergy testing should be carried out as a form of preventative measure.

Dogs And sAllergies - The Facts

If your dog is scratching himself all of the time, the culprit may be allergies. Just like humans have allergies that cause them to feel itchy, so do dogs. Dog allergies are a most likely cause if your dog is itching all year long and does not have fleas. There are other causes as to what causes an allergic reaction in your dog:

Dog Food

People are often allergic to some type of food. Dogs can also have food allergies, although this is the lease likely explanation when it comes to why a dog has allergies. One product in foods that can cause a reaction in dogs is soy. If you suspect that food allergies are the culprit, then eliminate dog foods with soy.

Try another type of dog food that has a different source of protein. Try this for a period of six weeks to see if there is any difference in the itching.

Mold

If you live in a humid climate and have an unventilated kitchen and bathroom, you may have mold spores in the house. Mold spores can cause a dog to itch. If the basement gets flooded, you can get black mold that can make everyone in the house very sick, including pets. There are many different types of mold that can grow in the house. You should try to avoid having mold in the house by keeping the humidity at a low level, fixing any leaks and using exhaust fans in the kitchen and the bathroom. Be sure to clean out dust and mildew in the bathrooms and other areas of the house.

Other Animals

Do you have a cat? Your dog may be allergic to your cat. Just as many people are allergic to cats, so are dogs. This is especially true if the cat is male and long haired. If you find that your dog is allergic to the cat and has reactions around her, you can use products that are made for cat allergies to bathe the cat on a regular basis. Cats do not like getting bathed, but this routine can provide relief not only for your dog, but others in the house as well.

Could It Be You?

If could be you! Yes, our skin flakes off and is an allergen. A great deal of dogs are allergic to humans. If this is the case, you can see if your vet will give your dog canine allergy shots. This can help him build up an immunity to your allergens.

If your dog is scratching and itching all of the time and the culprit is not fleas or dust mites, it may be you, other animals in the house, mold or his food. You should make sure that there are no underlying problems such as mites before you start to treat your dog for allergies. As is the case with humans, many dogs will outgrow their initial allergic reaction once they have been exposed to it repeatedly. Problems such as mold, however, should be addressed immediately, not only for the safety of your dog, but also for the safety of the family.

Living With Allergies - A 5-Step Relief Plan For Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, whether they are seasonal or last all year round, chances are you've tried one or more things that you thought would be effective. But if you're reading this article, chances are you've not found the combination that spells relief for you. For some relief may mean staying indoors and waiting for the allergen producing season to be over. But what a shame that is since there are an increasing number of things that can be done to help ease symptoms and eliminate the triggers. The following five steps will bring you closer to relief from your allergies and allow you to look forward to the warm days ahead. 1. Modify Your Diet--Surprisingly many people don't even consider the idea that changing what you eat and drink can make any difference to the symptoms of allergies. But when you stop to think about it - it makes perfect sense. Your body suffers from the symptoms of an allergy because of the way in which it tries to defend itself against the allergens it perceives to be a high threat.

But the food and drink you eat is what your body uses to create its defenses in the first place. The best thing to do is to try to increase the amount of antioxidants which you eat and drink when your symptoms increase. One of the best ways of achieving this is to drink green tea, which is rich in antioxidants. Almost all teas are good for this, but green tea has the highest quantity, and it has been shown that sipping green tea throughout the day can provide real allergy relief. Increase fruits (especially blueberries) and vegetables such as red cabbage and spinach. You might also find that pinto beans, pecans, walnuts and cinnamon also provide relief. 2. Use Medication--Today there is a wealth of over the counter medication available to keep your symptoms under control. These cover most of the common allergies such as hay fever and pet allergies, and offer relief from most of the usual symptoms like runny noses, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy skin. If the problem is severe see an allergist who can prescribe medications that will work. 3. Seek Out Alternatives to Medication--Not everyone likes to take medications, and there are alternatives which have been proven to achieve incredible things for many people. One such example is acupuncture which has proven to be very successful for many people and has achieved such mainstream status these days that in many cases health insurance companies are willing to cover the costs in order to help provide allergy relief. The results from these treatments can last a good deal longer, and may consider it to be much healthier overall. 4. Plan With the Weather Forecast in Mind--Many modern weather forecasts will provide information on pollen levels. Although not everyone who has an allergy suffers when pollen is in the air, a vast proportion do, and with proper planning can be avoided.

If the pollen levels are high choose indoor activities for the day. Otherwise, many people wear a mask during high pollen count days, and restricting outdoor time to the shops to later in the day. 5. Remove Airborne Triggers From Your Home--Allergy relief should start at home, and for many people this means using a HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove dust rather than sending it airborne again.

Also, using a high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) air purifier to clean the air is recommended by allergists as a proactive, and non-invasive way to eliminate the triggers that cause the problem, thereby reducing the need to medicate once the symptoms have occurred.

Beware Of Food Allergies

Food allergy is an adverse immune response to food that the body mistakenly believes as harmful. In food allergy, our immune system releases antibody called IgE(Immunoglobulin E) to fight the food allergen. These allergens are food substances that create an allergy. Food allergy may appear more often in someone who has family members with allergies, and symptoms may occur after that allergic individual consumes even a tiny amount of the food. Allergy to food is a hypersensitivity reaction. This means that before a person becomes allergic to a certain food, he should have been previously exposed to the food, in other words, he is sensitized to food.

Peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, cows' milk, eggs, soya and wheat are the most common problem foods that can cause food allergies. Usually, allergic reactions to food happen two hours after meal. Some food allergies result in immediate, severe and even life-threatening symptoms, while others cause symptoms which may take longer to develop. Allergic reaction can affect the respiratory system, gastro-intestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system. These symptoms include runny nose, itchy skin rash, tingling in the tongue, lips or throat, swelling, abdominal pain or wheezing.

Mot people experiencing allergic reactions do not recognize that they have allergies to certain food, before they become severe therefore, that is why most food allergies go undiagnosed. Learning how to recognize an allergic reaction will help you get the medical care needed if a reaction occurs.

It would be best to get tested for food allergy now. Allergy testing is important because those that are suffering from allergies may be experiencing discomfort and symptoms that can be treated. Allergy test is also best for determining the foods that is triggering the patients' allergic symptoms. Also, some allergies are potentially dangerous, and thus knowing your food allergies can save you from allergic reactions and also from doctor's bills.

It is suggested that non intake of the problem food is the treatment for food allergy. People with allergies should identify and prevent them. Although at times the reaction is mild, reactions have the potential of causing illnesses and sometimes, can be fatal. In case you are experiencing an allergy and you do not know what causes it, go for allergy testing. This test will be very useful in order to avoid foods that you are allergic to.

Is it Allergies or Asthma When I Can't Breathe?

When you have trouble breathing, how do you know if it is asthma or allergies? It is all too easy to assume that if someone is experiencing tightening of the throat or a constriction of the bronchial passages or airway, then it must be some form of asthma.

The advice in this article in no way supersedes that of a physician, but is meant as a first step towards awareness. The following five points will help when trying to deciding whether the breathing difficulties being experienced are due to asthma or to an allergic reaction.

1. Timing--One of the first things that you should consider is when the symptoms occur. If, for example, the breathing difficulty only occurs after exercise, or at stressful times, or after laughing very hard, then the chances are that the condition is asthma based.

However, there are some gray areas where it may be hard to tell. For example, some asthmatics can find the condition triggered by strong odors, such as cleaning agents and detergents.

This could easily be confused as being an allergic reaction, and so unless the cause is very obvious, make no further assumptions as to whether it is asthma or an allergies, but check the next four points on this list.

2. Flaky/itchy skin--Check the skin for any flaky or irritated patches. You may not have associated the breathing difficulty with the itchiness of the skin, but the two may very well be twin reactions to a common cause. Eczema is a condition that causes flaky, damaged, and irritated skin. If this occurs at roughly the same as the breathing difficulty it tends to indicate allergies.

3. Nasal Discharge--The body's main way of getting rid of any foreign body or unwanted irritant is to flush it out, which results in a discharge. This is exactly what happens if you have a cold for example - the body tries to flush out the harmful bacteria by causing your nasal glands to work overtime.

With allergies, the body over reacts to a harmless allergen, and this can result in a excess mucous in the nose. If you find your breathing difficulty occurs as a result, this is highly suggestive of an allergic reaction.

4. Discharge from ears--This isn't always easy to spot because we can't look in our ears. But if you do notice that need to clean your ears more frequently, that there is extra wax build up, or even that your hearing is deteriorating slightly, then this can also suggest an allergic reaction.

If you notice any discharge from the ears, either one or both, this may be indicative of an allergy, and needs to be checked immediately by a physician.

5. Watery Eyes--Watery eyes can be the result of your eyes attempt to flush out irritants, or a sticky discharge which may be yellowish in color usually indicating infection. Either of these may be strongly suggestive of the body over reacting to some form of allergen, and is likely to mean that any breathing difficulty you experience is the result of an allergic reaction.

Asthma very rarely occurs in conjunction with other symptoms. The only exception tends to be the fact that many asthmatics have a tendency to suffer from eczema, though this does not usually happen at the same time. Eczema may occur quite independently of any breathing difficulty, and will last for much longer than any allergic reaction would.

Knowing and understanding these different symptoms and whether they indicate asthma or allergies will help you to ensure you get the right treatment for the right condition.

Labradoodle Dogs - Shedding and Allergies?

Contrary to popular opinion, people do not have allergies to dog's hair. People are actually allergic to a protein that is shed from the surface of the dog's skin. When a dog begin shedding, it spreads the protein into the air witch in turn causes an allergic reaction to dogs for some people. So if you are looking for a dog that has low or non-shedding, you should really consider the Labradoodle for your perfect home pet. (If you have Saliva Allergies you will react to any dog.) Labradoodles are becoming increasingly popular because they are the best dog for someone that has allergies but has always wanted the opportunity to own a dog. Labradoodles are very dependable, lovable, playful, intelligent, and allergy-friendly pets.

The breeding of Labradoodles began in Australia sometime in 1988 or 1989. It all started with a woman in Hawaii that was visually impaired. She needed a guide dog, but her husband had severe allergies to dogs. Upon her request, she began her search for an allergy free, non shedding dog. Over a two year period she was sent roughly thirty Poodle hairs and saliva samples to test for allergy friendliness on her husband. Unfortunately, none of these samples proved successful. Upon these unfortunate failures, a man named Wally Conren suggested the Australian Guide Dog Association to cross breed a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Finally, approval was granted to cross breed these two quality dog breeds. In the first litter there were only three puppies, and Wally gave them the name we all use today as Labradoodle. The hair and saliva samples were sent to Hawaii to also be tested. These test proved remarkably successful. Afterward, Mr. Conren, bred a Labradoodle to another Labradoodle, and called them Double Doodles. But Mr. Conren did not stop there. He crossed the Double Doodles and then called those puppies Tri Doodles. The Tri Doodles finally because what we call today a Multi-Generational or Multi-Gen Labradoodle.

Labradoodles have a very unique coat which in turn typically havcauses them to have little not body odor. They are not your typical dog. They rarely require bathing. I give my Labradoodles a bath about once a week and that is not because they stink. That is normally because that have went out and rolled in the mud. That is the only way that my 3 babies have ever really needed a bath. You also rarely have an attraction for fleas. I have but once seen a flea on any of my Labradoodles. Not having an odor or attracting fleas is a great type of dog for any potential dog owner. Labradoodles are an ideal pet for asthma or allergy sufferers. My husband, Justin, has asthma and he has never once had a problem with the dogs being in the house 24/7. Because Labradoodles have a more wool or mostly fleece coat, they rarely shed. Even though they rarely shed its still good to get them groomed at least twice a year

World Asthma Day- May 5, 2009; remodeling can reduce allergens and improve the air quality in the home.

Over 22 million Americans suffer from asthma and 1 out of 5 Americans are suffering from allergies each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). World Asthma Day, observed May 5, 2009, promotes awareness and highlights a significant health issue facing many American families.

Most common cause or triggers of allergens are in the home, which includes dust mites, pet danger, mold, pests, and rodents. Outdoor allergens, such as pollen, enter the home through cracks in walls or window screens. Because most people spend over 90% of their time inside, maintaining a healthy home by reducing allergens is the best way to control asthma and reduce the allergen triggers

According to Debra Nolan, owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral, as homes become more energy efficient and airtight, "humidity levels tend to increase, causing mold and mildew." In conjunction with World Asthma Day, Westmoreland Contractor Referral is offering consumers a free Healthy Home Guide, found at www.westmorelandcrs.com, which provides tips on reducing allergens in the home. These simple inexpensive tips can make a big difference in the home environment.

Homeowners can do a simple home diagnostic evaluation to identify and formulate a home improvement / remodeling plan to reduce the impact of allergens in the home. The home evaluation can be divided into three categories: Air Filtration, Dust Control, and Moisture Prevention.

The best way to improve the Indoor Air Quality in the home is to clean your home's air with a central air filter. The two primary options for effective air filtration is a portable room filter system or a central air filter that works in conjunction with your furnace. If you're planning to build a home or upgrading you're heating and cooling system, that is the perfect time to improve the indoor air quality. A good ventilation system will minimize the outdoor pollens from entering the home, while an upgrade will also improve your heating and cooling energy efficiency. Choose a good central HVAC system with a replaceable HEPA filter and make sure the air ducts throughout the house are unobstructed and large enough to circulate air throughout the house. Keep the HVAC system well maintained and replace the filters frequently will increase the overall efficiency.

A common household allergen associated with allergies and asthma is dust mites. These tiny house invaders are attracted to moisture and warmth and they thrive in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. A few simple solutions to reduce exposure to these allergens are to use special mite-proof bedding, including pillows and mattresses. Another solution is to remove all carpeting and install hard surface flooring, such as wood, tile, vinyl or linoleum. In addition keep fresh caulk around windows, doors, chimneys, roofing, and tubs and showers.

Moisture in the home is the major factor in mold growth; other factors are heat and time. Mold is a problem that many people experience and if not taken care of, it can become a real problem, especially for allergy sufferers. Mold loves any place where there is moisture such as the bathroom, basement, around the refrigerator, and so on. To eliminate the problem, the mold has to be removed and then treated so it does not grow back. The key however is finding the cause of the mold and then eliminating the root cause. Prevention is the real key, which can be done by reducing the amount of moisture in your home. Make sure your home also has good ventilation. As an example, your bathroom fans and range hoods should vent to the outside of the home. Other things homeowners can do to eliminate the cause of mold is increase the amount of insulation in the attic and walls.

Natural Cure for Eczema- Treating Eczema with Home Remedies

czema is a condition that is not only unattractive it also makes its victims very itchy and uncomfortable. It is basically a very sever rash that occurs when something triggers it such as an allergy or being too hot. Mostly eczema is found in children and dissipates as the child grows up but some adults do still have the condition. For those people that don't want to continue paying for lotions and ointments, there are homemade natural cures for eczema right for them. Our grandmothers have had kitchen recipes over the centuries that worked at healing the redness, inflammation, peeling and scaling of dermatitis rashes.

Ointments and lotions can actually be very soothing which is important for people suffering from eczema; however most lotions and ointments sold on the market have chemicals that a person might not want to use on their child or themselves. A person who wants a more natural approach can actually make their own lotions. A simple base cream, which can be found in stores, can be mixed with citrus oils to provide relief to the skin. Olive oil can also be used with citrus oils as a way of getting it into the skin. Moisturizing is critical for eczema skin and it is an important element in any approach to clear eczema rashes.

Another way to moisturize the skin is by using coconut oil. Vitamin E can also applied to the skin during the day and it is available in cream forms in natural food stores.Be sure when you read the ingredients for moisturizers that they don't contain lanolin or alcohol in case you may be allergic to those ingredients. The eczema skin benefits best when moisturizing is done right after a shower or bath. Remember to not bathe or shower in very hot water due to it's drying factor. Also treat the skin gently and do not use anything abrasive on it such as harsh loofah sponges or wash cloths.

Since eczema is triggered by external factors, one of the best ways to treat it is to avoid what those external factors are. An allergist can usually administer tests that will determine what allergies might cause the inflammation. When the problem isn't allergies a person usually has a good idea about what it is that agitates their skin. Changing one's diet can also help since having more fruits and vegetables in the body keep it more alkalinic and healthy. A great natural cure for eczema after the rash has started is to take an oatmeal bath to soothe and heal the rash. There are many other natural remedies that can be found in local health food stores as well as vitamin centers. Keep a list of what you eat to see what triggers may cause the eczema redness.