In the various seasons (spring, summer, and fall) during the year, pollen grains are dispersed from trees, weeds, and grasses. These pollen grains travel on air currents to fertilize other plants. Inhaling pollen, in some people, can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also called pollen allergy or hay fever. In this condition the mucous membranes in the nasal passages inflame, which causes swelling, sneezing, itching, irritation and a runny nose.
Allergy seasons are:
• May – July/August – Grass pollen:
• Feb – June – Tree pollen (depending on whether allergic to early or late flowering trees)
• August – September – Nettle/weed pollen
Hay fever symptoms can continue all the year round and may also occur from indoor allergens like house dust mites, pets and possibly indoor moulds.
Hay fever is actually an attempt by the body to rid itself of allergens but the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals which cause inflammation, causing:
• Itchy, watery, red eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Constantly dripping nose
Sufferers, when afflicted with this condition, have to struggle to breathe through their nose. Symptoms are often quite bad in young people and tails off in later years as the body adapts. Studies have shown that hay fever can severely affect the quality of life, disturb sleep patterns, impair daytime concentration and work performance.
Pollen once released from trees, weeds and grasses, ride on air currents with a mission to disperse and fertilize other plants. However, they rarely reach their targets. On the way they get into human noses and throats, triggering allergic reactions.
Pollen is one of the most pervasive things that can cause an allergy and cannot be avoided. Many allergy causing foods, drugs, or animals can be largely avoided but insects and household dust are inescapable. However, short of staying indoors, there is no foolproof method of evading windborne pollen. Nonetheless, ways have been established that help ease the symptoms of hay fever. Moreover, scientists are working to find better approaches to allergy treatment.
Research has helped provide a better understanding of the causes of allergy, improve the methods for diagnosing and treating allergic reactions and thereby eventually preventing them. The common signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are:
• Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose
• Itching eyes, nose, and throat
• Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses)
• The “allergic salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)
• Watering eyes
• Conjunctivitis (is inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed eyes)
In a pollen-sensitive person, as soon as the allergy-causing pollen lands on the mucous membranes of the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine. This potent chemical dilates the small blood vessels in the nose; causing the fluids to escape through the expanded vessel walls, which in turn results in swelling of the nasal passages as well as nasal congestion. On the other hand, histamine also causes itching, irritation, and excess mucus production. Similarly, other chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes also contribute to allergic symptoms.
Some people with pollen allergy also develop asthma, a serious respiratory condition, which can eventually become chronic. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath due to a narrowing of the bronchial passages and excess mucus production.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Should Toddlers Have Allergy Shots?
There has always been fear connected with allergy shots for a toddler or infant. This fear has its roots in the occasional but rare severe reaction to the allergy shot. So what are the benefits and what are alternatives
If the cause of an allergy can be detected at the outset then this of course gives the best means of defense by training the toddler to avoid contact. There are some difficulties when toddlers are outside in the open air where pollens are airborne.
With the indoor allergy causes such as molds and dust mites etc the obvious solution is to clean the house and rid the area of these causes. Yet even here there are exceptions because cleaning wont do the whole job when the smallest particle of the allergy substance will do harm to the super sensitive toddlers skin or airways. There is the further issue of insect bites and bee stings which cant always be anticipated. In such cases there needs to be planning ahead to know exactly what to do especially with any life threatening bite or sting. Added to all this is the whole matter of allergy to foods and that’s a whole other matter.
Medications for allergies are common these days and are very effective in reducing allergic reactions. Scripts containing Claritin and Singular are widely used in prescriptions these days and with the toddler must of course be administered in the correct proportions according to a doctor’s direction.
Having prescribed shots administered for a toddler are universally accepted as safe and can even have the effect of helping the young child develop immunity over time. These shots are generally most effective when given over a period of several years, which enables the Childs body to slowly develop immunity with risk.
There are two phases in the administering of allergy shots. The ‘buildup stage” where small but increasing doses of allergen are given so that the toddlers system adapts to the allergen without a reaction. These shots may be three times a week up to seven months and it has the same effect as a vaccination program
There is a time of maintenance now that follows this is to complete the immunizing process and give an close to permanent benefit. When the body has developed a high immunity to allergen then this is to be followed up with monthly shots over three years
If there are any side effects these will be minimal and can range from a mild irritation at the place of the shot to at worst colds or skin hives. There are however some rare but very serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and if this occurs which is indicated by shallow restricted breathing you need to get emergency help from doctor or hospital. If there is any history of anaphylaxis in the family or any previous testing for it then the antidote injection needle can be supplied to have on hand. The substance is simply adrenalin, which immediately relieves the symptoms
To give a toddler the allergy shots is a serious commitment and a visit to local doctor before application for some advice will be well worth your peace of mind. However to ignore the issue is to possibly leave your toddler at risk as in the case of bee stings and other insect stings, which can give strong reactions. To have a life long benefit for the toddler into his or her adult years is the benefit gained.
If the cause of an allergy can be detected at the outset then this of course gives the best means of defense by training the toddler to avoid contact. There are some difficulties when toddlers are outside in the open air where pollens are airborne.
With the indoor allergy causes such as molds and dust mites etc the obvious solution is to clean the house and rid the area of these causes. Yet even here there are exceptions because cleaning wont do the whole job when the smallest particle of the allergy substance will do harm to the super sensitive toddlers skin or airways. There is the further issue of insect bites and bee stings which cant always be anticipated. In such cases there needs to be planning ahead to know exactly what to do especially with any life threatening bite or sting. Added to all this is the whole matter of allergy to foods and that’s a whole other matter.
Medications for allergies are common these days and are very effective in reducing allergic reactions. Scripts containing Claritin and Singular are widely used in prescriptions these days and with the toddler must of course be administered in the correct proportions according to a doctor’s direction.
Having prescribed shots administered for a toddler are universally accepted as safe and can even have the effect of helping the young child develop immunity over time. These shots are generally most effective when given over a period of several years, which enables the Childs body to slowly develop immunity with risk.
There are two phases in the administering of allergy shots. The ‘buildup stage” where small but increasing doses of allergen are given so that the toddlers system adapts to the allergen without a reaction. These shots may be three times a week up to seven months and it has the same effect as a vaccination program
There is a time of maintenance now that follows this is to complete the immunizing process and give an close to permanent benefit. When the body has developed a high immunity to allergen then this is to be followed up with monthly shots over three years
If there are any side effects these will be minimal and can range from a mild irritation at the place of the shot to at worst colds or skin hives. There are however some rare but very serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and if this occurs which is indicated by shallow restricted breathing you need to get emergency help from doctor or hospital. If there is any history of anaphylaxis in the family or any previous testing for it then the antidote injection needle can be supplied to have on hand. The substance is simply adrenalin, which immediately relieves the symptoms
To give a toddler the allergy shots is a serious commitment and a visit to local doctor before application for some advice will be well worth your peace of mind. However to ignore the issue is to possibly leave your toddler at risk as in the case of bee stings and other insect stings, which can give strong reactions. To have a life long benefit for the toddler into his or her adult years is the benefit gained.
Food Contaminated With Toxins.Difficult Bowel Syndrome.
Food allergy crops up when the immune system incorrectly strikes a food protein. This leads to the improper digestion of the offending food, which in turn triggers abrupt discharge of certain chemicals, leading to an allergic reaction. The symptoms of these allergies can branch out from mild to very serious. Here are some of the most common food allergies symptoms:
Remember, separate foods are associated with separate food allergies symptoms. For example, you will feel wheat and chocolates mainly cause headaches. Here is a list of symptoms and the food that cause them:
Asthma: eggs and flour
Allergies in Children: Wheat, milk, eggs, colas, beef, peanuts, chocolates, rye,
Headaches/ Migraine: Alcohol, peanuts, chocolates, milk, eggs, dairy products, tomatoes, wheat, chocolate
Eczema: oranges, tomatoes, grapes, Eggs
Nasal Allergies: chocolate, Milk, wheat, nuts, colas,
Hives: mango, Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate
Fatigue: wheat, corn, milk, Soya
Apart from these, Peanut food allergy is known to be the most common and the most fatal food allergies. Unfortunately, since the past few years the prevalence of this allergy has only doubled.Hence, If you feel that your body reacts abnormally after peanut consumption, immediately stop and go to the doctor for further clarification.
Another very common allergy is the allergy related to Egg. If you refer to the above-mentioned food allergies symptoms, you will notice that most of them include eggs. Hence, if you are one of those people who have an allergy from eggs then make sure you check the Food labels of the products that you eat.
Causes Of Food Allergy
There are several causes for food allergies to develop.
If an individual consumes a food that is contaminated with pollutants, then the body will react by generating antibodies to get rid of the food inside the system. This abrupt response of the body can cause an allergic reaction and symptoms.
Difficult Bowel Syndrome
It is a known fact that more than 6 percent of the people suffer from a difficult bowl syndrome globally. A bad bowl can be very treacherous and can cause pain and discomfort, while eating certain foods. This pain can be incorrectly mistaken for food allergy symptoms. However, the fact is, as the bodies of the victims, suffering from this problem ultimately interpret the foods that they respond to by causing pain, the allergic symptoms follow. The body will react by generating antibodies, which leads to an allergic reaction.
Allergies can be very annoying as they can hamper a normal living routine. Hence, make sure that you interpret your food allergies symptoms clearly and take medical help to get rid of them.
Remember, separate foods are associated with separate food allergies symptoms. For example, you will feel wheat and chocolates mainly cause headaches. Here is a list of symptoms and the food that cause them:
Asthma: eggs and flour
Allergies in Children: Wheat, milk, eggs, colas, beef, peanuts, chocolates, rye,
Headaches/ Migraine: Alcohol, peanuts, chocolates, milk, eggs, dairy products, tomatoes, wheat, chocolate
Eczema: oranges, tomatoes, grapes, Eggs
Nasal Allergies: chocolate, Milk, wheat, nuts, colas,
Hives: mango, Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate
Fatigue: wheat, corn, milk, Soya
Apart from these, Peanut food allergy is known to be the most common and the most fatal food allergies. Unfortunately, since the past few years the prevalence of this allergy has only doubled.Hence, If you feel that your body reacts abnormally after peanut consumption, immediately stop and go to the doctor for further clarification.
Another very common allergy is the allergy related to Egg. If you refer to the above-mentioned food allergies symptoms, you will notice that most of them include eggs. Hence, if you are one of those people who have an allergy from eggs then make sure you check the Food labels of the products that you eat.
Causes Of Food Allergy
There are several causes for food allergies to develop.
If an individual consumes a food that is contaminated with pollutants, then the body will react by generating antibodies to get rid of the food inside the system. This abrupt response of the body can cause an allergic reaction and symptoms.
Difficult Bowel Syndrome
It is a known fact that more than 6 percent of the people suffer from a difficult bowl syndrome globally. A bad bowl can be very treacherous and can cause pain and discomfort, while eating certain foods. This pain can be incorrectly mistaken for food allergy symptoms. However, the fact is, as the bodies of the victims, suffering from this problem ultimately interpret the foods that they respond to by causing pain, the allergic symptoms follow. The body will react by generating antibodies, which leads to an allergic reaction.
Allergies can be very annoying as they can hamper a normal living routine. Hence, make sure that you interpret your food allergies symptoms clearly and take medical help to get rid of them.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Food Allergies.
True food allergies affect a relatively small percentage of the population. It may be hereditary as it is found to occur most frequently in children with family histories of allergies. The term ‘food allergy’ is sometimes confused for ‘food intolerance’, but they are in fact different. The difference is in the way the body handles the offending food. Here are some facts on food allergies and food intolerance for kids which all mothers should know.
Food allergy, or hypersensitivity, is an abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune response. The most commonly affected organ systems and their symptoms include:
• Skin: hives, rashes, eczema
• Mouth: swelling of mouth, tongue
• Digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
• Respiratory tract: wheezing, asthma
In contrast, food intolerance is more common and the immune system is not responsible for the symptoms even though the symptoms resemble those of a food allergy. The problem lies with the body’s ability to digest the food, usually due to a chemical deficiency.
For example, difficulty digesting milk (lactose intolerance) due to lactase deficiency. Lactase is the enzyme required to digest milk sugar (lactose), hence deficiency causes abdominal discomfort and diarrhea after taking milk. However, people with food intolerance often can still tolerate some amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms.
To reduce the risk of your child developing food allergies, do not introduce solid foods till four months of age unless medically indicated, eg; if your baby has failure to thrive or has iron deficiency anemia. Some may even encourage introducing solids to baby at 6 months. It is prudent that a limited variety and quantity of the least allergenic foods are introduced first in the following progression.
Rice based cereal,
Pureed root vegetables (potatoes, pumpkin, carrots)
Pureed fruits (apple, pear, banana),
Other vegetables (spinach, broccoli),
Meat (pork, beef, lamb).
Only one new food should be introduced at a time and wait a few days before introducing another food. This is to enable identification of the offending food should there be any adverse reactions.
A strawberry allergy is an allergy to certain proteins found in strawberries. When people with an allergy are exposed to these proteins, they develop numbness and tingling in their mouths, along with other symptoms such as burning lips, intestinal distress, and congestion. In some cases, the bronchial tubes may swell and close, causing breathing difficulties and severe health problems. Many people with strawberry allergies also experience contact dermatitis when they touch strawberries or products with strawberry ingredients, which can cause the skin to turn red, puffy, and itchy.
Being allergic to strawberries is fairly common. Most people notice that they have a strawberry allergy because they experience the symptoms after eating or handling strawberries, and the allergy can be confirmed with allergy testing. The only way to manage a strawberry allergy is to avoid eating strawberries and products with strawberry flavoring. This allergy does not extend to other fruits and berries, as it involves a protein unique to strawberries.
Strawberries can turn up in surprising places. Their leaves are sometimes used in herbal teas and certain cosmetics, for example, and strawberry flavoring is used in medications and skin care products. Shampoo and conditioner may have strawberry extract, as can air fresheners and laundry detergent. Avoiding strawberry products can get tricky, but strawberries are usually disclosed on the labeling, as they are an expensive ingredient. People with strawberry allergies are safe around artificial strawberry flavoring, as this product lacks the proteins found in real strawberries.
Studies on strawberries and the blood of people with allergies to these tasty little berries seem to suggest that the protein is similar to that which causes a birch pollen allergy. Someone with a birch pollen allergy can develop a strawberry allergy over time. The red color also appears to play a role, as white strawberry cultivars do not cause allergic reactions. White strawberries are also less flavorful, and researchers are working on making them tastier so that people with strawberry allergies can enjoy these fruits.
In most patients, a strawberry allergy is not life threatening. It can be uncomfortable and irritating, especially when things like strawberry pie are served at parties and the patient must explain that he or she cannot eat the dessert. People with strawberry allergies should try to avoid the berries, however, as a more severe allergic reaction can develop at any time. They should make sure to inform hosts of dinner parties and restaurant staff about their allergy, to confirm that they will not be exposed to strawberry proteins during meals away from home.
Food allergy crops up when the immune system incorrectly strikes a food protein. This leads to the improper digestion of the offending food, which in turn triggers abrupt discharge of certain chemicals, leading to an allergic reaction. The symptoms of these allergies can branch out from mild to very serious. Here are some of the most common food allergies symptoms:
Remember, separate foods are associated with separate food allergies symptoms. For example, you will feel wheat and chocolates mainly cause headaches. Here is a list of symptoms and the food that cause them:
Asthma: eggs and flour
Allergies in Children: Wheat, milk, eggs, colas, beef, peanuts, chocolates, rye,
Headaches/ Migraine: Alcohol, peanuts, chocolates, milk, eggs, dairy products, tomatoes, wheat, chocolate
Eczema: oranges, tomatoes, grapes, Eggs
Nasal Allergies: chocolate, Milk, wheat, nuts, colas,
Hives: mango, Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate
Fatigue: wheat, corn, milk, Soya
Apart from these, Peanut food allergy is known to be the most common and the most fatal food allergies. Unfortunately, since the past few years the prevalence of this allergy has only doubled.Hence, If you feel that your body reacts abnormally after peanut consumption, immediately stop and go to the doctor for further clarification.
Another very common allergy is the allergy related to Egg. If you refer to the above-mentioned food allergies symptoms, you will notice that most of them include eggs. Hence, if you are one of those people who have an allergy from eggs then make sure you check the Food labels of the products that you eat.
Food allergy, or hypersensitivity, is an abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune response. The most commonly affected organ systems and their symptoms include:
• Skin: hives, rashes, eczema
• Mouth: swelling of mouth, tongue
• Digestive tract: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
• Respiratory tract: wheezing, asthma
In contrast, food intolerance is more common and the immune system is not responsible for the symptoms even though the symptoms resemble those of a food allergy. The problem lies with the body’s ability to digest the food, usually due to a chemical deficiency.
For example, difficulty digesting milk (lactose intolerance) due to lactase deficiency. Lactase is the enzyme required to digest milk sugar (lactose), hence deficiency causes abdominal discomfort and diarrhea after taking milk. However, people with food intolerance often can still tolerate some amounts of the offending food without experiencing symptoms.
To reduce the risk of your child developing food allergies, do not introduce solid foods till four months of age unless medically indicated, eg; if your baby has failure to thrive or has iron deficiency anemia. Some may even encourage introducing solids to baby at 6 months. It is prudent that a limited variety and quantity of the least allergenic foods are introduced first in the following progression.
Rice based cereal,
Pureed root vegetables (potatoes, pumpkin, carrots)
Pureed fruits (apple, pear, banana),
Other vegetables (spinach, broccoli),
Meat (pork, beef, lamb).
Only one new food should be introduced at a time and wait a few days before introducing another food. This is to enable identification of the offending food should there be any adverse reactions.
A strawberry allergy is an allergy to certain proteins found in strawberries. When people with an allergy are exposed to these proteins, they develop numbness and tingling in their mouths, along with other symptoms such as burning lips, intestinal distress, and congestion. In some cases, the bronchial tubes may swell and close, causing breathing difficulties and severe health problems. Many people with strawberry allergies also experience contact dermatitis when they touch strawberries or products with strawberry ingredients, which can cause the skin to turn red, puffy, and itchy.
Being allergic to strawberries is fairly common. Most people notice that they have a strawberry allergy because they experience the symptoms after eating or handling strawberries, and the allergy can be confirmed with allergy testing. The only way to manage a strawberry allergy is to avoid eating strawberries and products with strawberry flavoring. This allergy does not extend to other fruits and berries, as it involves a protein unique to strawberries.
Strawberries can turn up in surprising places. Their leaves are sometimes used in herbal teas and certain cosmetics, for example, and strawberry flavoring is used in medications and skin care products. Shampoo and conditioner may have strawberry extract, as can air fresheners and laundry detergent. Avoiding strawberry products can get tricky, but strawberries are usually disclosed on the labeling, as they are an expensive ingredient. People with strawberry allergies are safe around artificial strawberry flavoring, as this product lacks the proteins found in real strawberries.
Studies on strawberries and the blood of people with allergies to these tasty little berries seem to suggest that the protein is similar to that which causes a birch pollen allergy. Someone with a birch pollen allergy can develop a strawberry allergy over time. The red color also appears to play a role, as white strawberry cultivars do not cause allergic reactions. White strawberries are also less flavorful, and researchers are working on making them tastier so that people with strawberry allergies can enjoy these fruits.
In most patients, a strawberry allergy is not life threatening. It can be uncomfortable and irritating, especially when things like strawberry pie are served at parties and the patient must explain that he or she cannot eat the dessert. People with strawberry allergies should try to avoid the berries, however, as a more severe allergic reaction can develop at any time. They should make sure to inform hosts of dinner parties and restaurant staff about their allergy, to confirm that they will not be exposed to strawberry proteins during meals away from home.
Food allergy crops up when the immune system incorrectly strikes a food protein. This leads to the improper digestion of the offending food, which in turn triggers abrupt discharge of certain chemicals, leading to an allergic reaction. The symptoms of these allergies can branch out from mild to very serious. Here are some of the most common food allergies symptoms:
Remember, separate foods are associated with separate food allergies symptoms. For example, you will feel wheat and chocolates mainly cause headaches. Here is a list of symptoms and the food that cause them:
Asthma: eggs and flour
Allergies in Children: Wheat, milk, eggs, colas, beef, peanuts, chocolates, rye,
Headaches/ Migraine: Alcohol, peanuts, chocolates, milk, eggs, dairy products, tomatoes, wheat, chocolate
Eczema: oranges, tomatoes, grapes, Eggs
Nasal Allergies: chocolate, Milk, wheat, nuts, colas,
Hives: mango, Strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate
Fatigue: wheat, corn, milk, Soya
Apart from these, Peanut food allergy is known to be the most common and the most fatal food allergies. Unfortunately, since the past few years the prevalence of this allergy has only doubled.Hence, If you feel that your body reacts abnormally after peanut consumption, immediately stop and go to the doctor for further clarification.
Another very common allergy is the allergy related to Egg. If you refer to the above-mentioned food allergies symptoms, you will notice that most of them include eggs. Hence, if you are one of those people who have an allergy from eggs then make sure you check the Food labels of the products that you eat.
Peanut allergies are on the rise worldwide among children.
......and even though awareness is increasing there is still a great risk of exposure for young children and others who suffer. Peanut butter is a universal and cheap source of protein that many families rely on for lunches, making it tough to avoid. Its unlikely that peanut butter and peanuts will disappear so perhaps the best hope for people with peanut allergy symptoms lies in changing the peanut itself.
Researchers are using the protein of the peanut that is responsible for causing allergies to develop immunotherapy programs to combat peanut allergy symptoms.
Another hope is in altering the peanut itself. By identifying which proteins in peanuts are responsible for causing peanut allergy symptoms researchers hope to modify the peanut and eliminate the proteins that are harmful to some. The problem is that there are so many different types of peanuts, the end result might be a peanut that is more of a soy based peanut.
Hopefully researchers will be able to come up with some sort of help as there is currently far to much risk for those who suffer from peanut allergies and even though awareness and education are increasing the peanut is still king of the school lunch. Many product also still contain trace amounts of peanuts and even foods that are produced in the same plant as those that use peanuts can be problematic. A peanut free world does not seem to be possible so science will have to have come up with a solution.
Researchers are using the protein of the peanut that is responsible for causing allergies to develop immunotherapy programs to combat peanut allergy symptoms.
Another hope is in altering the peanut itself. By identifying which proteins in peanuts are responsible for causing peanut allergy symptoms researchers hope to modify the peanut and eliminate the proteins that are harmful to some. The problem is that there are so many different types of peanuts, the end result might be a peanut that is more of a soy based peanut.
Hopefully researchers will be able to come up with some sort of help as there is currently far to much risk for those who suffer from peanut allergies and even though awareness and education are increasing the peanut is still king of the school lunch. Many product also still contain trace amounts of peanuts and even foods that are produced in the same plant as those that use peanuts can be problematic. A peanut free world does not seem to be possible so science will have to have come up with a solution.
Peanut allergy ,symptoms.Living with a peanut allergy
The peanut problem continues to grow and that’s partially a result of peanuts being a cheap source of dietary protein. At one time it was mainly found in peanut butter but because it is so cheap it is used in many different products. Since there are so many people suffering from a peanut allergy here’s what you need to know.
The problem is as much about it being used in so many products. Rather it is about the labeling and how difficult it is to recognize that there are peanuts in it. Sometimes it is marked as hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Other times as ground nuts. It’s important to understand that a peanut allergy will not go away. In fact as you age it could get worse.
Most of us know about a peanut allergy because it gets so much attention for its seriousness with anaphylactic shock reaction. The peanut allergy can move really quickly and occasionally in just minutes it can prove fatal.
A peanut allergy needs to be treated with epinephrine immediately when the first signs of a reaction. After administering the epinephrine you still must monitor as the reaction can re-occur and another shot will have to be administered.
Possible cof a peanut allergy may include the following which are not listed in any specific order:
1. sense of foreboding, apprehension or fear
2. flushed face, hives, swollen or itchy lips, mouth, eyes, or tongue
3. tightness in chest, throat, or mouth,
4. difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, drooling, coughing, choking, running nose, voice change
5. vomiting, , stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea
6. dizziness, sudden fatigue, rapid heartbeat, unsteadiness, chills
7. loss of consciousness, coma, death
There are many factors which contribute to the peanut allergy being a fatal reaction.
1. Improper Labeling – sadly even though the peanut allergy can be so deadly packaging labeling is still inadequate.
2. Lack of understanding by schools that serve food and restaurants who don’t properly notify customers of a peanut possibility.
3. Nuts marked incorrectly with peanuts being sold as some other type of nut.
4. Failure to carefully read the labels.
5. Failure to inquire at restaurants and places where a problem may arise.
6. Sharing food or utensils that can cross contaminate.
7. Kissing someone that has been eating peanut products.
8. Failure to understand that a very small amount of peanuts can kill.
9. Denial of symptoms that you have a peanut allergy.
10. Not wearing a medical bracelet identifying your allergy.
Thankfully there is a treatment that works well for a serious peanut allergy. But problems still occur which can be fatal. Epinephrine or your Epi-Pen may be outdated. Sometimes a person will wait too long to take their epinephrine. Another problem is not having a second dose of epinephrine with you. Allergy suffers often carry one pen. Another problem is failure to report to emergency after taking epinephrine. All of these issues may be little if the peanut allergy wasn’t so serious.
Living with a peanut allergy is like living with any allergy or illness. The big difference is the seriousness of the peanut allergy. Make sure you understand and make appropriate lifestyle changes.
The problem is as much about it being used in so many products. Rather it is about the labeling and how difficult it is to recognize that there are peanuts in it. Sometimes it is marked as hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Other times as ground nuts. It’s important to understand that a peanut allergy will not go away. In fact as you age it could get worse.
Most of us know about a peanut allergy because it gets so much attention for its seriousness with anaphylactic shock reaction. The peanut allergy can move really quickly and occasionally in just minutes it can prove fatal.
A peanut allergy needs to be treated with epinephrine immediately when the first signs of a reaction. After administering the epinephrine you still must monitor as the reaction can re-occur and another shot will have to be administered.
Possible cof a peanut allergy may include the following which are not listed in any specific order:
1. sense of foreboding, apprehension or fear
2. flushed face, hives, swollen or itchy lips, mouth, eyes, or tongue
3. tightness in chest, throat, or mouth,
4. difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, drooling, coughing, choking, running nose, voice change
5. vomiting, , stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea
6. dizziness, sudden fatigue, rapid heartbeat, unsteadiness, chills
7. loss of consciousness, coma, death
There are many factors which contribute to the peanut allergy being a fatal reaction.
1. Improper Labeling – sadly even though the peanut allergy can be so deadly packaging labeling is still inadequate.
2. Lack of understanding by schools that serve food and restaurants who don’t properly notify customers of a peanut possibility.
3. Nuts marked incorrectly with peanuts being sold as some other type of nut.
4. Failure to carefully read the labels.
5. Failure to inquire at restaurants and places where a problem may arise.
6. Sharing food or utensils that can cross contaminate.
7. Kissing someone that has been eating peanut products.
8. Failure to understand that a very small amount of peanuts can kill.
9. Denial of symptoms that you have a peanut allergy.
10. Not wearing a medical bracelet identifying your allergy.
Thankfully there is a treatment that works well for a serious peanut allergy. But problems still occur which can be fatal. Epinephrine or your Epi-Pen may be outdated. Sometimes a person will wait too long to take their epinephrine. Another problem is not having a second dose of epinephrine with you. Allergy suffers often carry one pen. Another problem is failure to report to emergency after taking epinephrine. All of these issues may be little if the peanut allergy wasn’t so serious.
Living with a peanut allergy is like living with any allergy or illness. The big difference is the seriousness of the peanut allergy. Make sure you understand and make appropriate lifestyle changes.
Environmental issues affecting a person while asleep
We spend so much of our lives sleeping that it only makes sense to consider the impact our sleeping environments have on allergies or MCS. The most frequently advice given to a person with either of these conditions is to avoid the offending substance. As it relates to their sleeping environments, individuals with extreme allergy or chemical sensitivities should evaluate the surface they sleep on. The two primary environmental issues affecting a person while asleep, include:
Dust Mites - People sleeping on mattresses containing dust mites are prime candidates for allergic reactions. However, a non-porous mattress covering will help facilitate sleep for those who are allergic to the common dust mite.
Chemicals - For MCS sufferers, the chemicals contained in and released from mattresses can trigger severe toxic reactions. Mattress foam is treated with fire-retardants, which pose a great health risk.
Mattress foam poses a great health risk because it is treated with fire-retardants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), one class of fire-retardants, present the most dangerous health risk of all. PBDEs are similar in makeup to PCBs; they are chemical cousins that have been banned for nearly three decades because they cause immune suppression, endocrine disruption, cancer, behavioral problems and other undesirable effects. In lieu of sleeping on a chemical-free mattress, frequent vacuuming, ventilation at night and running a HEPA air filter will significantly lower the level of exposure of any dangerous chemicals.
Dust Mites - People sleeping on mattresses containing dust mites are prime candidates for allergic reactions. However, a non-porous mattress covering will help facilitate sleep for those who are allergic to the common dust mite.
Chemicals - For MCS sufferers, the chemicals contained in and released from mattresses can trigger severe toxic reactions. Mattress foam is treated with fire-retardants, which pose a great health risk.
Mattress foam poses a great health risk because it is treated with fire-retardants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), one class of fire-retardants, present the most dangerous health risk of all. PBDEs are similar in makeup to PCBs; they are chemical cousins that have been banned for nearly three decades because they cause immune suppression, endocrine disruption, cancer, behavioral problems and other undesirable effects. In lieu of sleeping on a chemical-free mattress, frequent vacuuming, ventilation at night and running a HEPA air filter will significantly lower the level of exposure of any dangerous chemicals.
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