Posts Tagged ‘Allergy’
Gluten Allergy Could Be a Hidden Cause of Illness
Gluten is a special type of protein that is commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. Gluten, as you’ve probably guessed, is found in most types of cereals and in many types of bread. Unfortunately for many, gluten seems to have an ill effect on health. In fact, many nutritionists and healthcare providers are recommending that patients with digestive troubles, diabetes and even mood disorders adopt a gluten-free diet, to improve not only their nutrition health, but their overall health, too.
If you’re sensitive, or even allergic to gluten, you may experience any of the following:
–Diarrhea
–Weight loss
–Nutritional deficiencies
–Nausea
–Muscle cramps
–Joint and/or bone pain
–Skin rash
–Irritability
–Depression and/or anxiety
–Fatigue
If you suffer from any of these symptoms and have yet to figure out what is causing them, you might want to consider this health advice: gluten sensitivity may be responsible, and adopting a gluten-free diet may be the best alternative therapy out there when it comes to feeling better.
Adopting a gluten-free diet may be an alternative cure that could reduce or eliminate nagging symptoms.
It’s worth a try — going “gluten-free” doesn’t mean you have to start taking pills that are expensive and cause prescription side effects: you just have to eat foods that don’t have gluten in them.
In one clinical trial, researchers at Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, found that a gluten-free diet helped kids with type 1 diabetes.
They recruited 21 children with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, and 38 individuals with diabetes alone. They found that adopting a gluten-free diet may provide symptom relief for individuals with celiac disease, and potentially those with type 1 diabetes.
In another interesting study, a boy with autism, growth and developmental retardation was brought to a clinic where various therapies were introduced when he was five months old. Medical experts there found that his developmental delays persisted despite treatment. Gastrointestinal problems such as frequent vomiting and severe constipation were noted in the boy as well. Then the doctors started the boy on a gluten- and casein-free diet. Soybean milk and rice were substituted for cow’s milk, bread, and noodles. After two and a half months, interpersonal relations, including eye-to-eye contact and verbal communication, improved. At five and a half months, the boy was capable of playing and sharing toys with his sibling and with other children. In addition, less vomiting led to a significant improvement in body weight and body height.
This all seems to be proof that a gluten-free diet could have a substantial effect on mental and physical development and overall health.
If you have lingering health issues and want to give a gluten-free diet a try, here are lots of delicious healing grains and starchy foods you can eat that don’t contain any gluten:
–Rice
–Buckwheat
–Quinoa
–Corn
–Potato flour
–Sorghum flour
–Soy flour
Mix these with a healthy, balanced diet including fruit, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, unprocessed meat, poultry and fish, and dairy products, and you could be on your way to healthier living. Don’t forget to check the labels of all processed foods, sauces and flavorings carefully, as many items contain wheat or added gluten. Note that something can be labeled as “wheat-free” but still contain gluten.
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type 1 diabetes celiac kidsLinkage Between Allergy and Rhinitis
Are there any complications with Allergic rhinitis?
At first glance, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis may not appear unduly troublesome, and may even be trivialised. However, they do have a significant effect on a patient’s quality of life. Apart from the obvious discomfort and social embarrassment of the rhinitic symptoms themselves, patients must also endure:
- the secondary effects of sleep disturbance:
- impairment of concentration
- mood changes
- fatigue
- headache
the secondary effects of nasal obstruction:
- recurrent sinus infections
- recurrent sore throats
- recurrent ear problems
Rhinitis and polyps
Rhinitis is often complicated by nasal polyps. These are grapelike structures which ‘grow’ like a grape on a stalk. The stalk is usually out of sight, high up inside the nose.
The body of the polyp may become quite large, large enough to push the sides of the nostrils out, giving the nose a swollen and deformed appearance. The problem with polyps is that they quickly cause obstruction. Even small ones strategically placed can block a sinus. Once again, obstruction leads to infection. Topical application of steroid may help to shrink the polyp(s), but surgical removal is often necessary. Polyps tend to recur, so make sure to treat the underlying allergies aggressively.
Rhinitis and other allergies
Finally, patients with allergic rhinitis (and asthma), as a group, are more likely to develop allergies to food.
What can we do about allergic rhinitis?
In treating allergic rhinitis you will want to:
1. Identify your relevant allergens and reduce your exposure to them.
2.
Understand your non-allergic triggers.
3. Reduce nasal inflammation with medication.
4. Treat complications if and when they occur.
5. Consider a course of desensitisation to switch off your allergies.
Check out the allergies!
The most helpful investigation for the patient with rhinitis is a detailed clinical history together with physical examination of the nose and a series of skin-prick tests. This will give very reliable information on allergy to airborne allergens. Allergens commonly tested by skin-prick test include house dust mite, pollens, moulds and animal danders. Once you know which allergens are causing your trouble you can take measures to reduce your exposure to them. The most common culprit by far is the house dust mite.
Medical treatment for rhinitis
1. Nasal decongestants
Are to be avoided at all costs (see below).
Having said that, they may be used for a few days at the start of treatment to allow topical steroid into the otherwise blocked nose.
2. Antihistamines
Will reduce the immediate symptoms of allergy (itch, runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes).
With one notable exception (Zirtek), they will have no effect whatever on the late symptoms of allergy, namely blocked nose.
Are now available over the counter in your pharmacy. Ask for a non-sedating one!
3. Topical nasal steroid sprays
Are quite effective.
Are quite safe.
Must be continued for at least two weeks before you decide that they have not worked for you.
Must be taken every day for best effect, irrespective of symptoms.
4. Intramuscular steroid injections
Remain an option for patients with severe disease not responsive to the above.
May be considered in patients facing important events, e.g. exams, weddings, etc.
Allergy Doctor ? Whom to Approach
Though we know, there is no permanent cure for allergy; still an excellent allergy doctor can help you reduce the trouble that is excruciating. As people born with allergy or can get it hereditarily, so this repulsive disorder can suffer you at any stage. However, whenever you realize it that you have allergies, you should immediately approach a good physician so that you get rid of the trouble and can reduce it by knowing the allergens. Before meeting your doctor, you should have some information on allergy. It will help you many ways such as getting better treatment, reasonable treatment cost, use of technology and many more. Well, now to know it briefly, I am trying giving some useful information.
Allergy is a kind of immune reaction. Generally, immune system protects human body and keeps it strong.
It produces antibodies to find, identify and fight with the foreign microorganisms or particles or antigens. The antibody and antigen reaction leave a series of chemical reactions that protect you from infection. However, sometimes this reaction happens out of harmless substances such as foods, dust, pollen and animal dander. And the antibody here is called immunoglobulin type E (IgE).
If you guess allergy in your body, you should first observe the allergens. If you are careful, you sure can do it at home. Finding the allergens can help you consult with a doctor. However, you must consult a doctor to have medicine. If you find some asthma symptoms, then you are always advised not to waste your time finding the allergens, as it may be a serious situation.
Now, you must not randomly access to any hospital or health center; before entering, you must take a pause to select the best doctor.
What factors will you count to consult a doctor? Well, the first thing might be the good treatment. You must check the reviews on the doctor, quality, degree, specialization, also if necessary; you can meet some patients to confirm the manner of treatment. Secondly, having variety of doctors such as adult allergy doctor, pediatric allergist, and other experienced technicians is a good sign of quality treatment. Finally, though not low cost, you must check the price as some doctors charge too high a cost.
If you need a good recommendation, then Premier Allergy is one of them. You will find the best doctors around you over there, where you will be treated as effectively as possible. Especially, doctor Summit Shah. MD. Dr. Shah over there can save you from any type of allergy at any condition. Meet him at premierallergyohio.com.
Your Illness May Be Caused by a Milk Allergy
If you are described as ‘lactose intolerant’ it means you lack the enzyme ‘lactase’ needed to break down milk sugar, or ‘lactose’. People who are lactose intolerant often get bloating, indigestion and diarrhea when drinking and eating milk products. Other digestive illnesses which result in a generalized reduction of digestive enzymes can also lead to the development food intolerance’s including milk.
If you are Lactose Intolerant, Avoid the Following Foods
Foods which contain lactose which must be avoided include: milk, cream, butter, cheese, fromage frais, ice cream, milk powder, condensed milk, buttermilk, custard, most margarine. Some biscuits, cakes, breads (and mixes), sauces, soups, dressings, sausages, luncheon meats, tea/coffee whiteners, malt drinks, chocolate. Avoid any packaged foods, including tins, which contain milk solids, skimmed milk, milk proteins, non-fat milk – these are all milk products.
Unfortunately goat’s and sheep’s products contain lactose too.
What is a Milk Allergy?
A milk allergy is different from being lactose intolerant. It means your immune system is not tolerant of certain proteins found in milk products-it is nothing to do with missing digestive enzymes. These proteins are called allergens if a person reacts to them; the commonest one in milk and milk products is called casein. Common symptoms are digestive problems, catarrh, skin rashes, lethargy, irritability, blocked nose, sinus problems and excessive mucous production.
Foods for People who are Lactose Intolerant
If you are lactose intolerant you may be able to tolerate fermented cow dairy products such as yogurt, cottage cheese or lassi (Indian yogurt drink).
This is because they contain ‘friendly’ bacteria which breakdown lactose – saving you the trouble.
A small amount of organic butter can also be tolerated well by many who are lactose intolerant.
Lactose intolerant people can usually also tolerate micro-filtered whey and whey protein isolate products because the lactose has been filtered out.
Other dairy alternatives which can be used include Soya produce, Tofu, nuts milks, rice and coconut milks.
Unfortunately sheep’s and goat’s products contain lactose so need to be avoided.
What must you avoid if Milk Intolerant?
If you have a milk allergy you need to avoid all the foods classified as containing lactose above as well as all butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, lassi, whey and whey related products. Goat’s and sheep’s products however are OK as they contain only trace amounts of casein.
Alternatives:
Use oat, rice or hemp milk with cereals. Add cinnamon and a splash of apple juice to flavor. You can also make a healthy smoothie fruit and super foods.
Use hummus, guacamole or nut butters such as almond or cashew instead of butter.
Use olive oil, palm oil or coconut oil to cook with instead of butter.
Use coconut milk in a Thai green curry or in smoothies.
Natural Soya yogurt, blend with your choice of fruit.
Fresh nuts and seeds, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
All fruit and vegetables are naturally dairy-free great snacks.
Tahini is a sesame seed based spread which can be found in health food shops and some supermarkets as an alternative to butter.
Quinoa Milk – is another milk alternative.
Fighting Off Food Allergy Reactions
All this cautiousness is due to the fact that there are individuals out there that are highly allergic in which even a tiny amount of allergens can cause major symptoms. Plus, there are also food preparations that contain some common food allergens which the average person would not usually link together.
To prevent exposure to foods that you may be allergic with, self-awareness is very important. You should know the food culprits that are causing these uncomfortable reactions. Knowledge can help you and your physician in formulating a management plan for your allergy. You should also make it a routine to scrutinize food labels when checking for possible food allergens included in the ingredients. During eat outs, do not hesitate inquiring about the ingredients of the meal you are planning to order.
Another precautionary measure, especially for those who manifest severe allergic symptoms when exposed to a food allergen, is the wearing of necklaces or bracelets provided by a medical institution to alert other people about your allergies in case of an accident, for example, to a state of unconsciousness.
Patients are also advised to constantly bring with them epinephrine self-injectibles which are prescribed by their physicians. Their physicians will instruct them how to self-administer the medication during an episode of allergic reaction.
If symptoms seem to be getting intense, emergency medics should be called to help transport the individual to the nearest hospital. Severe and sudden allergic reactions are also called anaphylactic reactions. Anaphylaxis may be fatal if not treated quickly.
Other than epinephrine injections, there are still other medications that can be prescribed by the physician to deal with allergic reactions to food. These medications would include bronchodilators, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and adrenergic agonists.
Bronchodilators relieve symptoms that are associated with difficulty of breathing. It basically dilates the bronchial air passageways of the respiratory tract that have become inflamed due to the allergic reaction which eventually helps the patient breathe normally. Highly allergy-sensitive individuals should carry with them fast-acting bronchodilators if they also experience asthmatic attacks from time to time that may be triggered by the allergic reaction.
Antihistamines alleviate symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, hives, rashes, and gastrointestinal discomforts. And corticosteroids lessen the severity of skin irritations and other inflammation caused by the allergic reaction. Antihistamines can be available in syrup or chewable tablet for easy access when a sudden allergic episode occurs.
Adrenergic agonists are utilized during emergency treatment for anaphylactic reactions. Results are immediate and highly effective. Adrenergic agonists typically alleviate symptoms of angioedema, cardiovascular collapse, bronchospasm, and hives.
In addition to medications that fight off symptoms of food allergies, there are treatments that are causing quite a stir in the medical world although there are not enough studies that have been conducted to prove that these treatments are effective.
One these revolutionary treatments includes the desensitization of the patient by administering injections of small amounts of the food allergen on a regular basis. This treatment claims that it can eventually make the patient endure the food allergen in the long run. Another is the introduction of a diluted substance that contains the food allergen underneath the tongue thirty minutes before the actual food intake. This treatment works in a way that it will defuse the symptomatic manifestations of the consumed food allergen.
Lastly, bear in mind that there is no cure to food allergies. All the aforementioned are only there to help alleviate the symptoms of allergic reactions.
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allergic adrenergic reactionAllergy Shots to Treat Asthma
These days, immunotherapy is the popular treatment to increase your tolerance to the allergens that provoke allergy symptoms. Often the therapy is suggested for people who suffer from severe allergies. In many people, these allergens are active for more than three months each year. Although allergy shots do not cure allergies, but reduce your sensitivity to certain substances.
It may be quite surprising that to know allergies and asthma have any common factors besides making you miserable. When you go to dig out, it turns out a lot. Generally, asthma and allergies are occurring together. A person suffering from asthma is seen facing symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. This is called as the allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.
When it comes to treat asthma, recent studies have proved that allergy shots are the best solution.
Pediatric Allergist recommends this treatment to children with allergies. This treatment will help children not only to improve their allergy symptoms but also lesson the possibility of developing asthma. After studying some cases, it is observed that some children experience long-term relief after a few years of getting shots. But these shots are not suitable for everyone. For some children it is not useful. Generally for children under 2 years should avoid it.
For the patients suffering from allergic asthma, immunotherapy works the best. When someone is suffering from difficult symptoms and medications are not effecting, in such cases, going for immunotherapy will be the best option. People, who do not want to take regular medications, prefer to use immunotherapy.
Allergy shots for asthma include shots for:
• Pollen
• Mold
• Dander
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
Before getting those allergy shots, your doctor should have to test the allergy you are going through. This is just a way to find out what allergens are affecting you. Probably, it includes skin testing, in which small amount of the allergen is scraped onto or injected in your skin. In this way, immunotherapy is used to treat asthma.
Apart from asthma, to treat sinus infection, doctors recommend immunotherapy. It works the best and improves your immunity and enables your body to face such infectious attacks strongly. It prevents your body from such attacks.
So, if you are going through some allergies and afraid of it can be harmful for you. It is better to make attest and get to know what type of allergies is. For this, Premier Allergy are the experts who are able to test for a wide variety of allergens, chemicals, medications/drugs and foods. If you want to get to know more about things you may be allergic to, visit them at: http://www.premierallergyohio.com.