Allergic reactions are more common occurrences than you might otherwise believe. They can encompass anything from a sty in the eye to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. An allergic reaction is the body’s way of responding to a perceived “invader”. These foreign substances are called antigens and they trigger the immune system. In the case of individuals who suffer from allergic reactions this response is often a hypersensitivity reaction. This means that the reaction is above and beyond what is necessary in order to protect the body from a particular antigen.

Almost anything can be an allergen, such as dust, pollen, medication, insect venom, animal dander, viruses and bacteria. Reactions will also vary between a small skin rash and itchy eyes to an all over body rash. The reaction can also include one or several symptoms.  Read more...

Hayfever Recipe

2 parts Elderflowers, 1 part Ephedra, 1 part Eyebright, 1 part Goldenseal. Mix all herbs together. use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water, let steep 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup up to 3 times a day.

The term eczema is applied very broadly to a group of persistant skin conditions that are characterized by dryness, recurring rashes, redness and, cracking, oozing and bleeding. Individuals who experience eczema may also have temporary skin discoloration which often disappear over time. They are a result of heeled lesions and scarring is very rare.

Interestingly, the prevalence of eczema will peak in infancy, meaning that the majority of individuals who are treated clinically start with their eczema when their infants. Girls are predominantly affected and also present during their reproductive years, between the ages of 15 and 49. Since The Second World War the number of individuals who are diagnosed with eczema has increased significantly. This is true both in the United States and in data collected in the UK.

There are at least four common types of eczema which have been reported- atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, xerotic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. Much less commonly are diagnosed: Dyshidrosis, Discoid eczema, venous eczema, dermatitis herpetiformis, neurodermatitis, and autoeczematization.  Read more...

Dust mites are a microscopic insect from the arachnid family. This family also includes spiders, scorpions and ticks. This little critter commonly live in mattresses, pillows and dark corners. It is their that day attached, grow, eat, mate and lay eggs. They are sometimes referred to as an unwanted guest in human habitation because they are never invited in. The live off of off the dead skin cells our body sheds and we inhale their droppings which is what causes allergic reactions.

Dust mites are the most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis or allergies which occur year-round. The reaction that an individual has is to proteins which trigger inflammation in the lining of the nasal passages. This causes sneezing, runny nose and other signs and symptoms associated with hayfever.

For a few people this allergy is the primary cause of the inflammation in the Airways which can trigger asthma and results in wheezing, shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include itchy and red eyes, itchy nose, itchy roof of the mouth or throat, post nasal drip, facial pressure or pain, swollen skin under the eyes and frequent awakening at night.  Read more...

Cats are a popular pet. They are great indoor pets for those living in the city as well as those living in the suburbs or the farm. But those with allergies to cats aren’t able to enjoy them. About 10% of those living in the US have pet allergies and cats are the most common culprits. They are twice as likely as dog allergies.

But it isn’t the hair or fur that’s the issue for people who are allergic but rather the saliva, urine and dander. If you are sneezing, sniffling or have never ending cold symptoms you just might be allergic to the cute little kitten you just gave to your daughter for Christmas.

There are tiny little protein molecules that cause a great big allergic reaction in the body. The allergic response in the body is caused from the hyperactivity in the immune system that recognizes these protein molecules as invaders. Immune system fighters, Immunoglobulin E, attack these molecules, injuring mast cells in the meantime. When the mast cells are injured they release histamine which causes the allergic response in the body.  Read more...

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction which happens when the body is exposed to a protein molecule that the immune system perceives as threatening. And the anaphylactic reaction can happen instantaneously or within minutes of exposure to a protein molecule which your body is hyper allergic to.

Some of the more common allergies which results in an anaphylactic reaction can be peanuts, these sayings, egg allergies and latex. The allergen, protein molecule which the body perceives as threatening, releases a severe attack mediated by the immune system. A flood of chemicals is released, the blood pressure drops, airways narrow, pulse quickens and many become nauseated and vomit.

Any evidence of an anaphylactic shock reaction necessitates an immediate trip to the emergency room. Individuals who have a previous history of a severe allergic response often carry epinephrine shots with them in case of an emergency. These shots will only support the body for a short period of time and give the individual enough time to get to the hospital. These are not a cure and will not the the only treatment necessary during a severe allergic response.  Read more...

Allergy symptoms can vary from very mild to life-threatening. The symptoms that you experience will help to give your physician clues about what is causing the allergy as well as potential treatment protocols and medications which can be used to successfully alleviate your symptoms.

Mild symptoms include rash, itchy watery eyes and nasal congestion. These allergic reactions do not spread to other parts of the body and are very commonly found in individuals who suffer from pollen allergies or seasonal allergies. In these individuals the symptoms occur at the same time of the year every year which gives a good indication to the physician of the exact triggers.

Moderate symptoms will spread to other parts of the body and will include the skin. Some individuals suffer from dry, scaly, red skin, or itchy raised hives. In other circumstances allergies will cause an outbreak of eczema. Moderate allergy symptoms will also include the gastrointestinal tract where individuals may experience nausea, abdominal cramping or diarrhea. The respiratory system can also become involved in the individual may experience difficulty breathing or a flareup of their asthma.  Read more...

Both allergies and asthma have a maddening ability to make anyone miserable. Most of the time allergies and asthma occur together and in fact, allergy induced asthma is the most common type of asthma diagnosed in the United States. When you have both allergies and asthma the same triggers that start your allergy symptoms will also lead to asthma, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.

Allergies is actually a disease of the immune system that causes an over reaction to substances commonly known as “allergens”. Most of the time these allergies are grouped together by the type of trigger, time of year or where the symptoms occur. For instance, indoor and outdoor allergies are also known as seasonal or perennial, food and drug allergies, latex allergies, skin allergies and eye allergies are among the most common types of allergies diagnosed.

Indoor allergies are often called nasal allergies and are a reaction to those allergens which are commonly found in the house, such as cat and dog dander, dust mites and mold spores. Outdoor allergies are also called seasonal rhinitis and hayfever and happen when allergens that are commonly found outside, such as weed pollen, mold spores, and tree grass.  Read more...

You’ve probably heard a lot of things in your lifetime about food allergies, some of it true, some that didn’t really seem too true. Here are just a few of the myths people believe about food allergies and the real truths behind them.

Myth 1: You don’t need to go to the doctor if you simply avoid the food you’re allergic to.

You may know a food doesn’t make you feel good, but if you’re not a doctor you’re much more likely to make an incorrect assessment. You could be attributing your symptoms to the wrong ingredient in a food, or you could be thinking you have a food allergy when it’s really another allergy or a digestive disorder. A doctor will be able to determine the true cause of your problems.

Myth 2: You are allergic to all foods that make you sick.  Read more...

In most cases, allergies are little more than annoying and inconvenient. They may cause us to break out in an itchy rash, sneeze constantly or get sinusitis. But some allergic reactions are much more serious, requiring immediate medical attention. Such a severe reaction is known as anaphylaxis, or more commonly, anaphylactic shock.

Almost anything that a person is allergic to can cause anaphylactic shock. Some of the most common culprits include:

* Bee stings and insect bites
* Medications
* Foods, particularly shellfish, nuts, fruit, wheat, milk, eggs and soy
* Latex
* Blood used in a transfusion

In most cases, the initial exposure to the allergen does not cause a reaction. But the immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance, and the next time the allergy sufferer comes into contact with the allergen, it reacts quickly. The body begins to produce the antibody Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers the release of histamines. The histamines have an adverse effect on the body’s tissues and organs, resulting in a severe allergic reaction.  Read more...

Put 1 drop each of Chamomile and Lemon Essential Oils onto a  tissue and inhale. Add the following combination to baths:

Chamomile 2 drops
Lemon 2 drops
Lavender 1 drop

Massage the neck, chest, and back with:

Chamomile 2 drops
Geranium 1 drop
Lemon 1 drop

Dilute mixture in 1 teaspoon Massage Oil

This recipe is from “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy” by Valerie Ann Worwood

Herbs for Hay Fever

Internally

* echinacea
* elder bark
* goldenrod
* goldenseal
* eyebright
* ground ivy
* ribwort – infusion, tincture

Good combinations:

* Eyebright with elderflower

* Ground ivy with cudweed, ribwort and goldenrod in tincture or with chamomile in an infusion

Many people get sick when they eat certain foods, but that doesn’t mean they actually have a food allergy. If you’re having problems that seem to be caused by what you eat, pay attention to the symptoms to determine if you have a food allergy. That way, you can have your problem properly treated.

While very uncommon, anaphylaxis is probably the most well-known symptom of food allergies. This is when several allergy symptoms come on very quickly and occur all at once. This can be very dangerous, and if not treated immediately, can even result in death.

When most people think of food allergies, they usually think of something serious. While most people who are strongly allergic are very aware of when they are having a reaction, there are people with mild allergies who don’t even know they’re having one. Here are some of the more common, but less severe food allergy symptoms:

* Itching
* Rash
* Headache
* Itching, watery eyes
* Upset stomach  Read more...