Allergies & Asthma

Types Of Allergy Medication

If you have done everything you can think of to avoid the allergens but you still continue to have problems the time has come for you to explore the different types of allergy medication.

There is allergy medication that can be bought over the counter, there is prescription medication, and let’s not forget that there is natural supplements that can boost the immune system and help to bring the body back into balance.

Antihistamines are one of the most popular allergy medication choices. Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine which is what is released when you are having an allergic reaction. They are sometime combined with decongestants. Popular over the counter choices includes Benadryl, Actifed, Tavist-D, Triaminic, and Drixoral. Prescription medicines include Allegra, Zyrtec, and Clarinex.

Decongestants are the right choice if you have stuffy nose. You might consider the oral or nasal spray for optimum relief. Decongestant allergy medication is even found in eye drops. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels which then reduces swelling. You need to make sure you don’t use them too long and then get hit with what is called the rebound effect.

Corticosteroids are an ant-inflammatory allergy medication that is used to treat swelling and itching that are a result of an allergy disorder. Nasal sprays are the most common use including Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasalide.

Cromolyn Sodium and Nedocromil Sodium are also an anti inflammatory allergy medication and it is usually in a nasal spray which can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. It prevents the release of histamine. It is available in both over the counter and prescription strength.

Epinephrine is the big guns that are used for emergency treatments in cases where anaphylaxis is occurring. It is usually administered with what is called an Epi Pen. This pen lets you self inject your epinephrine

Natural allergy medication uses nutritional supplements to strengthen the body. The use of higher amounts of various nutrients help support the body function.
To boost the immune system take CoQ10, Vitamin B12, grape seed, and AHCC. To improve adrenal function take B5, and to reduce inflammation you need Vitamin A.

Allergy medication can be taken once a day, ever four hour or as ordered b your doctor. Much depends on the medicine strength, the seriousness of the allergy what he or she is trying to accomplish.\

You might find yourself in serious condition without even thinking about it. You won’t be alone if you don’t realize the seriousness of a peanut alley or any other medication that is like the epi pen used for allergy medication treatment in serious cases.

There are so many different medications to choose from. What’s really important is that no matter what allergy you have the allergy medication is going to be expensive. They all are. So be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.

You should always consider natural supplements before trying any other medications. You might also consider mixing natural with either a prescription or an over the counter drug that will treat the symptoms while your natural works to restore your body’s health and wellness.

Your allergy medication will make you feel better but do work to treat the real cause of your allergy.

Kelly Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/types-of-allergy-medication-136992.html

How long does it take for an allergy to occur after eating a food?

Ok, I have allergies to peppers each time I get an allergic reaction it takes longer and longer for the allergy to occur last time it was nearly 10 hours after eating the food this time it was 17 hours after eating the food. Is this even possible? I thought reactions occured at max 4-6 hours after eating the food.
im 18 years old btw. Im reading lots of articles and I think I might have something called type 2 hypersensitivity.

Allergies are generally weird. One minute you could be allergic to something and the next minute the allergy disappears!

Food allergies are especially weird. I used to get sick every time I ate crab - but now I’m not anymore. Kiwi also makes my lips & tongue feel fuzzy, but this is a recent development for me.

The thing is that you can ‘outgrow’ food allergies. Other allergies can last your whole life, although they may be less severe and more severe at different points in your life.

Sounds like your body is learning how to cope with your reaction to peppers and/or you’re becoming less sensitive!

How is exercise induced asthma different to regular asthma?

My asthma only kicks in whenever I begin to run or jog, and it always last for the first 15 minutes making breathing difficult. But I refuse to use an inhaler and I push through and keep running even though the air going in to my lungs is tiny. After a while my chest loosens up and my breathing returns to normal. So how is my asthma different to regular asthma?

I have exercise induced asthma and at times I can deal with it without my inhaler but I find it’s easier just to take the inhaler if it’s not cleared out so I can breathe properly, hence a better run. I also have asthma of other triggers (dust, pets etc)

They’re the same thing, sometimes you can work it thru on your own but I just don’t see the point to ‘*suffer* if I don’t have to. I’ll do it for a few mins etc but if it’s not improving (and sometimes it can) I inhale-I don’t care how it looks. It’s not fun not being able to breathe!

Immunotherapy: The Long-awaited Solution To Your Chronic Allergy?

Immunotherapy is a viable option for the treatment of allergies. In simple terms, allergy immunotherapy is the process of desensitizing a person to what he or she is allergic to over a relatively extended period. The allergic patient’s immune system is trained to be more tolerant of that substance causing the allergic reaction, referred to as the allergen. Partly because of the time frame involved and frequency of visits to the health professional, the process requires of the person seeking treatment a good measure of patience.

Many of those who choose to undergo allergy immunotherapy have sought relief from other treatments, with negative results. These include the person who may have tried every known drug for hay fever to no avail, or the allergy patient who exhibits reactions to medications prescribed for his or her allergic condition. In such cases, the specialist may have consequently recommended allergy immunotherapy as an alternative.

Besides patience, a cooperative approach is needed for the therapeutic course to succeed. Doctor and patient work out the requirements, and both have to be on the lookout for side-effects. The physician may ask the allergic patient to stay on after the immunotherapy shot is administered to enable him to monitor any adverse reaction.

The range of allergy sufferers who are eligible for allergy immunotherapy shot programs is wide. Persons who have had to endure chronic hay fever and reactions to bee and wasp stings are among those who may benefit immensely. Young and old alike can avail of this form of treatment, though little children may of course be averse to having injections. This shouldn’t be a problem for adults; they can easily put up with being pierced by the very small needle used in allergy immunotherapy. The procedure is virtually painless.

Pregnant women are not included in the list of persons who may avail of allergy immunotherapy. Complications arising from severe reactions to the substance injected are a real possibility. There is no point here in risking the health of the mother and her unborn child. A doctor should have no second thoughts about discontinuing this mode of treatment if his patient gets pregnant during the course of therapy.

If chronic or incurable allergies have been your bane, ask your doctor about allergy immunotherapy and get as much information about it as you can. Who knows, the long-awaited answer to your problem may be near at hand.

Evelyn Dayag
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/immunotherapy-the-longawaited-solution-to-your-chronic-allergy-131330.html

Supplements for Nasal Allergy and Sinus Infection Patients

Nasal allergy is a quite common illness that everybody can have it. It is caused by the exposure of the individual to the various types of allergens such as pollen, fungus, mold, dust mites, certain foods, latex, animal dander, volatile chemicals and others. When allergens were inhaled into the nasal cavity, it penetrated mucosal membrane and came to contact with blood serum. Individual with Immunoglobulin-A antibody deficiency will easily let the allergens penetrate mucosal barrier because deficiency of Immunoglobulin-A antibody increases the mucosal permeability. Macrophages are the first type of cells that will come in contact with the allergen particles and after processing the allergens; it will pass information about the invasion of the allergen particles into the body to B-lymphocyte cells (one type of the white blood cell). This will stimulate B-lymphocyte cells and cause them start to multiply and transform into plasma cells. Stimulation of the B-lymphocyte is controlled by T-lymphocyte cell (the other type of white blood cell). The plasma cells that have been formed will produce IgE antibodies, which after that bind with the mast cells and basophil cells around nose and cause itching and hypersensitive. Subsequently, histamine chemical will be released from the mast cells when the mast cells started degranulating

What we know that why an individual’s nose easily becomes allergy is due to the deficiency of Immunoglobulin-A antibody, which is one of our defense components in our body. Its function is scavenging of exogenous material, which is coming in contact to the mucosal membrane. Apart from this, T-lymphocyte cells, which are developed in bone marrow, work as helper and suppressor to the secretion of immunoglobulin by the B-lymphocyte cells. Malfunction or deficiency of these cells will cause over secretion of immunoglobulin-E antibodies. This may exacerbate the nasal allergy illness. All this malfunction and deficiency may due to the genetic disorder inheriting from our parent. However, it may also cause by our irregular lifestyle, unhealthy eating habit and environmental factor such as not enough sleep, eat too much fried food, smoking, alcoholic, exposure to hazardous chemicals and so on. Infection with certain virus such as HIV or utilized certain steroid or chemotherapy medicines may also cause this problem. In other words, deterioration of the body immune system will make nasal allergy illness become more critical. Due to this, in order that one can relieve from the nasal allergy torturing, he or she must have a strong immune system to defend the foreign substances that will enter into their body.

Deterioration of immune system mostly due to the attack by the free radicals that have formed in our body. Free radical is a very reactive molecule and has a strong tendency to oxidize lipid, protein and DNA in our body. Everyday, a lot of free radicals are produced in our body. Although our body itself can generate antioxidant to protect ourselves, it is still not enough. That’s why, we are all aging. Free radicals that have been generated in our body can weaken our body immune system by attacking to the white blood cells. Changing the DNA in a white blood cell is the most crucial point because it causes irreversible mutation of the cell. Due to this, white blood cells can not function properly and become malfunctioned. When this happening, nasal allergy illness will emerge in our body. To protect our body from radical and maintain our body immune system, we need to take enough antioxidant supplements to neutralize the excessive free radicals that have been produced in our body everyday.

Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant that can relief nasal allergy symptom. But the doses that we need to take to stop the nasal allergy are around five to eight gram. This is quite a large amount and it may cause stomach and intestinal upset. To prevent this, we should use ascorbate form of vitamin C. Until now, there is no solid evidence to show how vitamin C can stop the nasal allergy reaction. But scientists figured out that it may due to its antioxidant capabilities, which prevent cell damage. Research had been carried out in the department of obsterics at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn to study vitamin C and histamine levels in the blood of 400 people. They found out that, people with high levels of vitamin C in their blood have lower histamine levels. When 1000mg vitamin C supplement was given daily to those with low levels of vitamin C and high levels of histamine, their hay fever improved remarkably within three days. [Journal Nutrition, April, 1980]. When large amount of vitamin C is taken, just make sure you take calcium supplement. This is because; vitamin C in the blood will bind with the calcium in the bone and attract them out into the blood. This calcium will be discarded from the body through urination. This is because vitamin C is an organic acid that can dissolve mineral in bone. To avoid this, we should take calcium ascorbate, which is a mineral form of vitamin C.

Vitamin C is very soluble in water. Therefore, high levels of vitamin C in the blood may not be easily achieved. This is because vitamin C easily excretes from the body through urination. More frequent you urinating; less vitamin C can be retained in your body. Therefore, although we take a lot of vitamin C, the actual amount retaining in the body in very little. You may relief the nasal allergy for a while and if you want to continually remain relief from nasal allergy, you may need to continually take vitamin C. This situation can be seen after we have taken the vitamin C. The urine that we excrete after one hour taking the vitamin C is yellowish color. The color is due to the presence of the vitamin C in the urine. The following urine may still yellowish. After the urine no longer shows any yellowish color; that means the vitamin C levels in the blood has gone down already. Due to this, a lot of vitamin C has been wasted. To save cost, we need to take citrus bioflavonoids and pantothenic acid. Both of them are vitamin B complex substances. Citrus bioflavonoids alter the body’s metabolism of vitamin C and raising the concentration of vitamin C in certain tissue [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August, 1979]. Whereas, pantothenic acid can help our body absorbs vitamin C more easily.

Apart from vitamin C and B, the second supplement that can boost our immune system is zinc. Zinc is a transitional metal that is indispensable in our body. Biochemical functions in our body that involves zinc are protein synthesis, spermatogenesis, platelet reactivity and the main one is maintaining cellular immunity. Apart from these, zinc also can prevent certain type of cancer. Zinc deficiency mostly due to malnutrition, alcoholism, malabsorption, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal disease, extensive burns, use of chelating agents and genetic disorders. Our meats that contains high amount of zinc are chicken and beef. People who try to avoid red meat due to its high cholesterol have the higher possibility not enough zinc in their body. Zinc deficiency can cause growth retardation, male testerone deficiency, delayed wound healing, bullous dermatitis, diarrhea and intercurrent infection. Zinc can inhibit replication of several viruses such as herpes simplex virus, foot and mouth disease virus, poliovirus and rhinovirus. Zinc is very effective to treat common cold because it prevents rhinovirus (cold virus) from binding to the tissue surface and stabilizes the cell membranes. Subsequently, it is also inhibiting prostaglandin metabolism and inducing production of interferon gamma, which is a natural chemical that help body to fight infections. Study that had been published in the Annals Internal Medicine in 1996 showed that if an individual starts taking zinc gluconate glycine within 24 hours onset of the common cold symptoms, it can significantly reduced the illness duration.

The third supplement that has antioxidant function is virgin coconut oil. The difference between ordinary coconut oil and virgin coconut oil is that the later is extracted by wet process directly from the coconut milk or meat under a control temperature usually is 50 oC, whereas; coconut oil is obtained from the copra by dry process, which involves high temperature or sunlight exposure for several days. Due to the exposure to sunlight and application of high temperature, most of the minor components such as tocopherols, tocotrienols and polyphenols will be destroyed. This is because all these components are unstable in high temperature. Sunlight can destroy there components because sunlight contains a few percent of UV light, which is a high energy wave that can break the chemical bonding in an organic substance. Recently, study had been carried out in University Kerala in India to determine the effectiveness of the virgin coconut oil as antioxidant enzymes in male rat [Food Chemistry, 2006]. They found out that virgin coconut oil has more effect as an antioxidant and prevents peroxidation of lipids compared to the groundnut oil and copra oil. Study also had been carried in the same University to determine the beneficial effect of the virgin coconut oil to lipid components in male rat [Clinical Biochemistry, 37, 2004]. The finding that they got is that virgin coconut oil can reduce the levels of lipid in serum and tissues. Besides, it also can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased high-density lipoprotein in the blood. This effect may due to its high polyphenol content.

Finally, what we know immunoglobulin-A (IgA) antibodies are the main antibodies that can prevent allergens from entering our body through nasal mucosal membrane. Therefore, nasal allergy and sinus infection can be prevented by increasing this antibody level in our body. Nutrients that can boost this antibody level in our body are monounsaturated oleic acids and vitamin A. Monounsaturated oleic acids can be found in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut or filbert oil (or the whole nuts), green and ripe olives, and almonds. Whereas, vitamin A can be found in cod liver oil, pumpkin, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes/yams, squash and other yellow or orange vegetable

Alexander Chong
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/supplements-for-nasal-allergy-and-sinus-infection-patients-91000.html

What is the best allergy medicine for allegies that affect the skin? Rashes, itching and such?

Zyrtec? Clariton? SIngulair? Anyone out there get itchy rashes on face or hands and had it helped by allergy medicine?

The best advise I can give is identify the allergen or cause and get rid of it or avoid it completely.

If you don’t mind getting drowsy - take Benadryl (I advise taking it just before going to bed)

You can also apply some anti-itch lotion or cream on affected areas.

Zyrtec will also help clear away the rash, and it won’t make you drowsy.

Singulair is another class of anti-inflammatory/anti-allergy (generic name Montelukast), will also help.

If the rash doesn’t disappear or becomes persistent and is accompanied by difficulty of breathing, dizziness, headache, fainting, consult the nearest ED.

How can I tell if my asthma inhaler worked?

Hello, I was diagnosed with asthma and got an inhaler yesterday. It is asmanex, it says that the powder is so fine that I might not be able to taste or feel it, and being the first time I used it I am really not sure if anything happened. I breathed in and felt nothing, but I am not even sure if I used it correctly or if it did anything because it says I might not taste/feel anything.

Can anyone give me any advice on whether it worked or not? Thank you!

Also, it would be helpful if anyone has any tips to using it. Thank you again!

I’ve been using Asmanex for a few months, and you can’t feel anything at all when you use the inhaler. This is because it is a dry powder inhaler, not an aerosol. To use it, first twist the inhaler until it clicks into place. Then take a breath and let it out as completely as possible. Put the inhaler in your mouth and sharply inhale, then hold the medicine in your lungs for as long as you can. Exhale and breathe normally. Rinse your mouth with water to remove excess medicine (the pamphlet says it can cause sores or oral thrush). It take 2 or 3 weeks before Asmanex will prevent asthma symptoms, but it has helped me. If you have an actual asthma attack, you should use your rescue inhaler (usually albuterol) for immediate relief.

Allergy Diagnosis Help

Diagnosing your allergy can be challenging. Allergies affect many people worldwide. If you have never had an allergy you can’t imaging the toll it can take on the quality of your life. It can affect your productivity at work and at home. It can affect a child’s ability to concentrate and therefore learn. Many people don’t want to admit they have an allergy particularly when they’ve tried over the counter treatments and they haven’t worked. The good news is that an allergist can help you but only if you help them identify what is causing your allergy.

What is an allergic reaction?

Many times the reaction itself can point an allergist to the cause. Allergies occur when the immune system recognizes a non-harmful substance as harmful and causes your body to react. When the body comes in contact with the perceived harmful substance, the body will produce a large number of antibodies. These antibodies will cause the body to release chemicals. The most known chemical is histamine that results in itching, increased nasal secretions, swelling and tightening of the airways. The symptoms that you feel as a result include coughing, watery eyes, runny nose,and possibly hives. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment. It is caused when the swelling and the tightening of the airways cause severe difficulty breathing as well as dizziness.

There are many types of allergies. Allergic reactions can be caused by airborne substances like pollen that cause hay fever. Depending on the allergen (the substance that causes your allergic reaction), hay fever can be seasonal or year-round. Another allergen also associated with asthma are dust mites, which live in dust and other fibers in things like bedding and rugs. Pet dander is another frequent cause of allergy symptoms, as is mold, latex and some types of foods (food intolerance). In my mind a chocolate allergy can be the most tragic.

If you are lucky you will have an allergy to one or two allergens. Unfortunately some of us will be allergic to a wide range of sources. If your parents have allergies you will be predisposed to having them. Ironically though they may not be to the same things. Asthma and eczema sufferers also seem to be more likely to get allergies.

How can you treat these allergies?

Luckily there are many treatments available today. These can include antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays that can provide you with some relief of your symptoms. If these typically over the counter treatments don’t work you can try immunotherapy (desensitization), allergy shots as well as the new allergy drops can help you manage and sometimes cure your symptoms. Your allergist can decide what your best course of action should be because it all depends on what you are allergic to.because it all depends on what you are allergic to.

Marilyn Franklin
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/allergy-diagnosis-help-130027.html

Allergy Drops Provide Freedom

Are you chained to your weekly allergy shot treatments? Typically shots need to be given once a week and require not only time but money as well. Allergy drops which have been used in Europe for some time are now being offered here in the United States. These drops are given at home and therefore can reduce the cost of doctor office visits even if you only have a copayment.

Allergy shots and allergy drops are both immunotherapy treatments allergists use for their patients. The “new” sublingual allergy drops(not to be confused with eye drop treatments) have the same goal of slowly making the sufferer immune to whatever allergen is causing their problems. This is sometimes referred to as desensitization.

Disadvantages of Allergy Shots

Allergy shots can be inconvenient because they require a weekly trip to the doctor’s office. Typically, shots consist of diluted versions of the allergen to which the patient reacts. The patient then has to wait approximately 30 minutes after the injections to make sure there is no adverse reaction before leaving the allergist’s office.

Allergy shots can be costly. Even if you don’t count the time lost out of work or school there is usually a cost associated with the office visit itself. Even if the shots are covered by your medical insurance typically there is a copayment with each visit. I know my copayment for an office visit is $15. If you have to go every week that adds up to a whopping $780 per year out of your pocket.

Advantages of Allergy Drops

Save time - the patient visits the doctor only two or three times a year versus as many as 52
Save Money - reduced patient visits equals reduced copayments
Much More Convenient - patient received the prescription at the office and places the drops under his or her tongue at home

Some patients have experienced adverse reactions to sublingual allergy drops. The risk is similar to that of taking allergy shots but you can see that most people would think that the advantages far outweigh the risk of having to deal with a reaction on their own. Typically you would seek medical treatment immediately.

Many allergists will begin a patient’s treatment using both shots and allergy drops and if the drops show a reduction in symptoms similar or better than the shots the allergist will most likely suggest that the patient move to just the drops. Given the convenience of this course of treatment it has been shown that more people will take the drops on a regular basis in comparison to the injections.

Treatments get better every day, rumor has it that allergy pills are around the corner that will treat more than the symptoms of allergies but will act as replacements for the allergy drops and allergy shots that exist for immunotherapy therapy treatments that exist today. Though immunotherapy does not work for everyone if it does the effects can seem miraculous.

Marilyn Franklin
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/allergy-drops-provide-freedom-129131.html

Information About Allegra Allergy Medicines

Allegra allergy medicine is fast gaining popularity among people afflicted with seasonal allergy or allergic rhinitis. This is especially evident during spring and fall where allergens like pollens are widely disseminated by the air. Allegra medicine is also effective in treating uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It can also reduce pruritus and the number of wheals and flares.

Allegra medicine is an antihistamine with active ingredient fexofenadine hydrochloride. Allegra comes in 30, 60 or 180 mg. For children 12 years old and above and adults, one 60mg twice daily or 180mg once daily is recommended. For children 6 to 11 years old, one 30mg twice daily is the recommended dosage. Allegra allergy medicine is not approved for use for children below 6 years old. Allegra is best taken in the morning and in the evening.

Before you take allegra it is best to inform your doctor of any serious ailments you are suffering especially if you have: kidney, heart or other chronic disease. Or, if you have allergic reactions to fexofenadine. Pregnant or planning to get pregnant women should take necessary caution in using Allegra allergy medicines. Allegra is classified as FDA pregnancy category C, meaning its effects, whether it could harm the unborn baby or not, could not be ascertained. In all of the above cases, it is beneficial to approach a doctor first before using allegra. Doctors could lower the dosage or monitor your progress with allegra allergy medicines. Allegra medicine is taken orally with a full glass of water and could be taken with food.

If you happen to miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, then take only one dose. You shouldnt take Allegra allergy medicines 15 minutes after taking antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum like Maalox, Mylanta or Milk of Magnesia as they could lessen the effect of allegra allergy medicine. Allegra medicine also reacts with other drugs such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, rifampin, St. Johns Wort and others. Taking extra doses of allegra allergy medicine is not allowed. Possible side effects for taking allegra allergy medicine are minimal and mild. Some of the effects are: menstrual changes, stomach pain, nausea, tiredness and vomiting.

Allegra is an effective antidote to the recurring seasonal allergies that plague millions of people worldwide. With Allegra allergy medicines aid, many of those afflicted are able to lead a normal life.

T J Madigan
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/information-about-allegra-allergy-medicines-92451.html