Fruit is one of the tastiest ways to get the important vitamins, minerals and fiber your body needs to be strong and healthy. However, for a small percentage of the population, fruit allergies are a way of life and can greatly inhibit the fruit portion of their diet. These allergies manifest themselves in a variety of ways and almost always people can attribute symptoms to a specific fruit because the reaction is quick.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
A large portion of people who suffer from fruit allergies exhibit mild to uncomfortable itching, tingling, burning and even swelling of the oral areas. Anywhere where the fresh fruit touches the tongue, lips, mouth and throat are subject to these symptoms. These symptoms are all a part of what is known as oral allergy syndrome.
This syndrome not only covers fruit allergies but also vegetables as well and it has to do with mixed chemical reactions of the proteins in the food as well as pollen. In fact, most people with fruit allergies also have allergies to various types of pollen. What is curious is the fact that vegetables and fruits, when cooked, do not usually cause allergies. This is likely due to the fact that the pollen and proteins present are leeched out in the cooking process.
In a small percentage of people who have fruit allergies skin rashes, redness and irritation may also result. In very rare cases, anaphylaxis can occur which is basically when your blood pressure drops, restricting oxygen flow to the brain and also mouth, throat and air passageways can swell, restricting breathing. Death can occur if this condition is left untreated.
Pollen And Fruit Associations
If you have fruit allergies, you may notice that you are not allergic to all fruits, just certain classes of them. In fact, these allergies are often times closely related to your other allergies that you might have. For instance, if you are allergic to ragweed, then chances are if you develop fruit allergies, they would likely be from bananas and various types of melons like honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon.
Birch tree allergies may precipitate fruit allergies like apple, pears, cherries, kiwi and stone fruits like peaches, apricots and plums. For the few individuals with allergies citrus, oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruits are likely to cause some symptoms, probably due to the acid content.
Treating Fruit Allergies
Avoidance is the best solution when fruits cause allergic reactions, whether it is swelling and irritation around oral areas or even skin rashes on the body. Some people have developed a tolerance of some fruits due to allergy shots but this solution does not work for everyone. Besides cooking fruit or eating them processed, like applesauce or canned peaches, there is little you can do about fruit allergies.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tying Together Allergies And Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is a common enough problem for men and women with urinary tract infections, prostate problems, diabetes and other health conditions. However, did you know that allergies and frequent urination can go hand in hand, depending on the allergic trigger? That trigger most likely is due to allergies to various types of food depending on your sensitivity.
Celiac Issues
People with celiac disease have a problem with the digestion of gluten products and any ingestion of such products can cause a variety of intestinal issues. A byproduct of this condition with some people is frequent urination. Many foods like bread and pasta contain wheat flour which has gluten properties in it and thus trigger a reaction when eaten. These wheat based allergies and frequent urination are tied together in this respect and only a totally gluten free diet can alleviate the symptoms.
High Acid Food And Drink
Your regular diet could have many potential allergic triggers which can cause frequent potty breaks. Mostly food and drink high in acids can cause allergies and frequent urination but many people may not clue into this cause for quite a while. Only through daily food and drink journals, cataloging everything consumed can the cause of these allergies and frequent urination be pinpointed.
While this food and drink high in acid may not upset the stomach, the way your body digests it could trigger some type of allergic reaction causing the excessive bathroom breaks. No one really knows why this occurs but if frequent urination is interrupting your life, you might want to consider banning high acidic foods and drinks like salsa, sodas, teas, coffee and cranberry juice.
Theories Still Guess Work
The tie between allergies and frequent urination is still somewhat nebulous and some people just seem to have atypical allergic reactions to various substances. The basic consensus is that whatever allergic trigger you have creates a chemical chain reaction in your body. Some people may form hives from eating certain foods while others have diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramping. The same food that caused the allergies and frequent urination may not do the same thing later when consumed again. Your body is really one big biological, chemical being and your immune system could have simply been malfunctioning at one point.
Allergy Medications
Allergies and frequent urination could also be tied together due to your reaction to the medication used to treat the allergies. Not all drugs are infallible and many of them come with a laundry list of side effects, one of which could be frequent urination. If frequent urination is a problem, be sure to rule out other health conditions like an enlarged prostate or urinary tract infection first before considering an allergy.
Celiac Issues
People with celiac disease have a problem with the digestion of gluten products and any ingestion of such products can cause a variety of intestinal issues. A byproduct of this condition with some people is frequent urination. Many foods like bread and pasta contain wheat flour which has gluten properties in it and thus trigger a reaction when eaten. These wheat based allergies and frequent urination are tied together in this respect and only a totally gluten free diet can alleviate the symptoms.
High Acid Food And Drink
Your regular diet could have many potential allergic triggers which can cause frequent potty breaks. Mostly food and drink high in acids can cause allergies and frequent urination but many people may not clue into this cause for quite a while. Only through daily food and drink journals, cataloging everything consumed can the cause of these allergies and frequent urination be pinpointed.
While this food and drink high in acid may not upset the stomach, the way your body digests it could trigger some type of allergic reaction causing the excessive bathroom breaks. No one really knows why this occurs but if frequent urination is interrupting your life, you might want to consider banning high acidic foods and drinks like salsa, sodas, teas, coffee and cranberry juice.
Theories Still Guess Work
The tie between allergies and frequent urination is still somewhat nebulous and some people just seem to have atypical allergic reactions to various substances. The basic consensus is that whatever allergic trigger you have creates a chemical chain reaction in your body. Some people may form hives from eating certain foods while others have diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramping. The same food that caused the allergies and frequent urination may not do the same thing later when consumed again. Your body is really one big biological, chemical being and your immune system could have simply been malfunctioning at one point.
Allergy Medications
Allergies and frequent urination could also be tied together due to your reaction to the medication used to treat the allergies. Not all drugs are infallible and many of them come with a laundry list of side effects, one of which could be frequent urination. If frequent urination is a problem, be sure to rule out other health conditions like an enlarged prostate or urinary tract infection first before considering an allergy.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Nasal Allergies Are Nothing To Sneeze At
You can blame your own body’s immunological response as well as genetics for your tendency toward nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis. Of course, nasal allergies can also occur from prolonged exposure to certain substances called allergens or even exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke or being born with a low birth weight.
don’t really know why some people have more sensitivity to one substance over another, but they do know your body’s response to these allergens. What happens is that when an allergen gets past your nasal defenses, your immune system perceives it as an attack and will retaliate. During this retaliation, your body releases a chemical called histamine, which is the reason why your eyes will get teary and your nose starts to run. Some people may develop breathing problems, wheezing or even sneezing.
Pollen
Many causes of nasal allergies are from airborne allergens that are breathed in through the nose but the sources are vastly different. Pollen is by far the most prevalent reason why allergies are formed in the first place and different areas of the country will have different levels of pollen, depending on what is growing and flowering at the time. Ragweed travels far and wide so even if you don’t have any growing in your area, you can still be allergic to it. Grass, flowering bushes, and a variety of trees can cause nasal allergies thanks to the pollen and other natural substances they release.
Dust And Animal Dander
Dust often tickles the nose and makes people sneeze but it does not always cause nasal allergies. However, if you have dust mites, tiny microscopic organisms, in your mattress, furniture or carpeting, these could be the true culprits. You will know for certain if your allergies persist even during winter months when outside pollen is at an all time low.
Animal dander can cause real problems with allergic reactions as well. Dander settles into carpets and furniture so even if you get rid of your cat or dog, you can still experience nasal allergies. Only a thorough vacuuming and carpet and upholstery shampooing can greatly lessen the dander population.
Symptoms
Typically, the symptoms of nasal allergies start off with some nose itching as well as sneezing, which is the body’s way to try and get rid of the allergen. From there, your nose could start running which is the body’s way to wash the foreign substance away. From there, you start to develop a stuffy nose and develop sensitivity to other irritants a few hours after your initial exposure. This allergic response could potentially last for weeks or until the pollen or irritant is gone. For some people, nasal allergies are a major pain in the rear and sometimes can develop into more serious illness like sinus infections and asthma.
Treatment
Relief from your nasal allergies will depend on the type of medical treatment you receive. There are anti-histamines, which help with the runny nose and sneezing. Decongestants help relieve the stuffiness and can be paired with anti-histamines. Allergy shots and steroid nasal sprays are other possible treatments. Between you and your doctor, you can experiment until you find the right combination of drugs to best help relieve your nasal allergies.
don’t really know why some people have more sensitivity to one substance over another, but they do know your body’s response to these allergens. What happens is that when an allergen gets past your nasal defenses, your immune system perceives it as an attack and will retaliate. During this retaliation, your body releases a chemical called histamine, which is the reason why your eyes will get teary and your nose starts to run. Some people may develop breathing problems, wheezing or even sneezing.
Pollen
Many causes of nasal allergies are from airborne allergens that are breathed in through the nose but the sources are vastly different. Pollen is by far the most prevalent reason why allergies are formed in the first place and different areas of the country will have different levels of pollen, depending on what is growing and flowering at the time. Ragweed travels far and wide so even if you don’t have any growing in your area, you can still be allergic to it. Grass, flowering bushes, and a variety of trees can cause nasal allergies thanks to the pollen and other natural substances they release.
Dust And Animal Dander
Dust often tickles the nose and makes people sneeze but it does not always cause nasal allergies. However, if you have dust mites, tiny microscopic organisms, in your mattress, furniture or carpeting, these could be the true culprits. You will know for certain if your allergies persist even during winter months when outside pollen is at an all time low.
Animal dander can cause real problems with allergic reactions as well. Dander settles into carpets and furniture so even if you get rid of your cat or dog, you can still experience nasal allergies. Only a thorough vacuuming and carpet and upholstery shampooing can greatly lessen the dander population.
Symptoms
Typically, the symptoms of nasal allergies start off with some nose itching as well as sneezing, which is the body’s way to try and get rid of the allergen. From there, your nose could start running which is the body’s way to wash the foreign substance away. From there, you start to develop a stuffy nose and develop sensitivity to other irritants a few hours after your initial exposure. This allergic response could potentially last for weeks or until the pollen or irritant is gone. For some people, nasal allergies are a major pain in the rear and sometimes can develop into more serious illness like sinus infections and asthma.
Treatment
Relief from your nasal allergies will depend on the type of medical treatment you receive. There are anti-histamines, which help with the runny nose and sneezing. Decongestants help relieve the stuffiness and can be paired with anti-histamines. Allergy shots and steroid nasal sprays are other possible treatments. Between you and your doctor, you can experiment until you find the right combination of drugs to best help relieve your nasal allergies.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Consider Fluconazole For Mold Allergies
If you have ever had chronic sinus problems or allergies that never seem to lessen in severity even when pollen counts are low then you just might have mold to blame. Mold is everywhere and even though it can be a major problem, it is one of the last things that doctors consider when treating sinus problems and allergies. Typically a prescription of fluconazole for mold allergies is what clears many symptoms up and brings relief.
Make sure that your doctor takes a culture of your nose to determine that mold is indeed the culprit. Many times the lab that analyzes the culture can say what type of mold is causing the problem and recommend a good anti-fungal medication in addition to fluconazole for mold allergies.
The Many Forms Of Mold
Mold is a mighty fungus and its many forms run into the hundreds of thousands with some just being minor irritants while others like the dreaded black or toxic mold can be life threatening. Every home has some mold growing whether it is that lab experiment in the refrigerator or some fuzzy appearances where there was a plumbing leak in the ceiling.
Mold in the home can cause illness, especially in the very young and very old who do not have strong immune systems. Therefore, when you present symptoms of allergies, sinus issues or even asthma, tell your doctor about the possibility of mold. He will likely prescribe fluconazole for mold allergies.
Treatment
Fluconazole for mold allergies is an expected treatment once other medications have been exhausted. You might know this drug as Diflucan, which not only treats mold allergies but also infections caused by various types of yeast, which are in the fungus family, the same family as mold. Therefore, you should be able to see the relationship and the reason why fluconazole for mold allergies is a logical move.
Fluconazole comes in both pill form as well as oral suspension and typically adults will receive the pill form while children receive the liquid. If you are on any other medications, you should let your doctor know before you fill the prescription fluconazole for mold allergies. Some diabetic medications as well as those for insomnia and high blood pressure can cause reactions and there may be some over the counter remedies that can also be a problem.
Of course, fluconazole for mold allergies can also present some side effects in a small percentage of people but most do go away on their own. Diarrhea, nausea and even loss of appetite are temporary effects but anything more serious should be reported to your doctor.
Make sure that your doctor takes a culture of your nose to determine that mold is indeed the culprit. Many times the lab that analyzes the culture can say what type of mold is causing the problem and recommend a good anti-fungal medication in addition to fluconazole for mold allergies.
The Many Forms Of Mold
Mold is a mighty fungus and its many forms run into the hundreds of thousands with some just being minor irritants while others like the dreaded black or toxic mold can be life threatening. Every home has some mold growing whether it is that lab experiment in the refrigerator or some fuzzy appearances where there was a plumbing leak in the ceiling.
Mold in the home can cause illness, especially in the very young and very old who do not have strong immune systems. Therefore, when you present symptoms of allergies, sinus issues or even asthma, tell your doctor about the possibility of mold. He will likely prescribe fluconazole for mold allergies.
Treatment
Fluconazole for mold allergies is an expected treatment once other medications have been exhausted. You might know this drug as Diflucan, which not only treats mold allergies but also infections caused by various types of yeast, which are in the fungus family, the same family as mold. Therefore, you should be able to see the relationship and the reason why fluconazole for mold allergies is a logical move.
Fluconazole comes in both pill form as well as oral suspension and typically adults will receive the pill form while children receive the liquid. If you are on any other medications, you should let your doctor know before you fill the prescription fluconazole for mold allergies. Some diabetic medications as well as those for insomnia and high blood pressure can cause reactions and there may be some over the counter remedies that can also be a problem.
Of course, fluconazole for mold allergies can also present some side effects in a small percentage of people but most do go away on their own. Diarrhea, nausea and even loss of appetite are temporary effects but anything more serious should be reported to your doctor.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tattoo Allergies – An Uncommon But Real Problem
Once seen as something only the bad boys did, tattoos have gone mainstream in the past decade or two. Now it is seen as something cool, a way to express yourself in the most permanent manner. While most people have no lingering side effects once the tattoo scabbing and healing process is over, there are a small percentage of people who experience some type of allergic reaction. Tattoo allergies are often the result of the type of inks used.
Ink Ingredients
Most tattoo artists don’t really read the ink labels to see what ingredients are in there but if you are prone to allergies, chances are your tattoo allergies will be the result of red or yellow ink. In the past, many brands of tattoo ink used mercury in them but this practice has greatly declined because of its harmful effects.
However, inks today that can cause tattoo allergies contain such elements as nickel, cadmium and chromium. While you may not really run across cadmium or chromium much, many earrings and other pieces of jewelry have nickel, so if you have ever had a reaction to it, chances are that you will develop some type of reaction to a tattoo.
Telltale Signs
It is important to note that not everyone who will suffer from tattoo allergies will exhibit signs immediately. Some people won’t develop a rash or inflamed redness for a month or two or even years later, which is the reason why a skin patch test is not really conducive to detecting allergies before getting a tattoo.
For people with tattoo allergies that present themselves years later, the reaction could be itchiness and even raised bumpy areas in certain colored parts of the tattoo. Sometimes, it is the weather that can cause a reaction or even a raised body temperature. The heat, whether it is from body temperature or the weather can cause the skin to swell slightly, which could affect the tattoo. If your own tattoo feels particularly itchy during hotter weather, this could be the reason for your tattoo allergies.
Treatment
If you develop tattoo allergies not long after you get your inked masterpiece, you can apply over the counter treatment onto the rash or affected area. Antibiotic ointment or hydrocortisone creams often bring relief, as do regular anti-itch creams and cold compresses. If the area does not clear itself within a week or so, it would be wise to visit a dermatologist who will likely prescribe some type of steroid to combat your tattoo allergies.
Ink Ingredients
Most tattoo artists don’t really read the ink labels to see what ingredients are in there but if you are prone to allergies, chances are your tattoo allergies will be the result of red or yellow ink. In the past, many brands of tattoo ink used mercury in them but this practice has greatly declined because of its harmful effects.
However, inks today that can cause tattoo allergies contain such elements as nickel, cadmium and chromium. While you may not really run across cadmium or chromium much, many earrings and other pieces of jewelry have nickel, so if you have ever had a reaction to it, chances are that you will develop some type of reaction to a tattoo.
Telltale Signs
It is important to note that not everyone who will suffer from tattoo allergies will exhibit signs immediately. Some people won’t develop a rash or inflamed redness for a month or two or even years later, which is the reason why a skin patch test is not really conducive to detecting allergies before getting a tattoo.
For people with tattoo allergies that present themselves years later, the reaction could be itchiness and even raised bumpy areas in certain colored parts of the tattoo. Sometimes, it is the weather that can cause a reaction or even a raised body temperature. The heat, whether it is from body temperature or the weather can cause the skin to swell slightly, which could affect the tattoo. If your own tattoo feels particularly itchy during hotter weather, this could be the reason for your tattoo allergies.
Treatment
If you develop tattoo allergies not long after you get your inked masterpiece, you can apply over the counter treatment onto the rash or affected area. Antibiotic ointment or hydrocortisone creams often bring relief, as do regular anti-itch creams and cold compresses. If the area does not clear itself within a week or so, it would be wise to visit a dermatologist who will likely prescribe some type of steroid to combat your tattoo allergies.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
About Sun Allergies
Not only vampires are allergic to the sun. Although we don’t often hear cases of sun allergies in the country, this type of allergy is actually common. In most cases, people who have mild sun allergies do not even realize that they have this type of allergies. In most cases, people who have a mild case of this type of allergy would think that they are suffering from sunburns after spending a short period of time under the sun.
Understanding Sun Allergies
Sun allergies can be attributed to the immune system reaction to sunlight. There are some people whose immune systems have problems coping with excessive sunlight that they end with itchy red rashes after spending a few minutes under the sun. In most cases, the itchy red rashes appear at the back of the hands, the surface of arms and legs and in the neck area.
These itchy red patches usually go away after a couple of days so there is really no need to be alarmed over the situation. There is no need to rush to the hospital and demand for treatment or something. Just buy some over the counter anti allergy lotion or cream and spread it on the affected area. A nice warm bath can also help sooth the itchiness away. Do not scratch the itchy skin to avoid causing more damage.
On the other hand, although most people who suffer from sun allergies do not really develop severe symptoms, some people do develop small blisters and hives not only in the skin areas that are exposed to the sun but also in those areas which are clothed. In cases like these, it would be better to see a doctor before you put something on your raw skin.
Yes, over the counter creams and medicated lotion may work but it is always better to be safe. Note that blisters and hives can become infected so be sure to get medical help before you develop something serious. Besides, you do not really want to cause more damage to your skin. Always remember that damages skin on your legs and arms can look really ugly.
For people who have the tendencies to develop severe reactions to the sun, it is not really safe to do some sun bathing even for just a few minutes. People with sun allergies who need to work outdoors must wear protective clothing and sun block to minimize the effect of sunlight on their skin.
Understanding Sun Allergies
Sun allergies can be attributed to the immune system reaction to sunlight. There are some people whose immune systems have problems coping with excessive sunlight that they end with itchy red rashes after spending a few minutes under the sun. In most cases, the itchy red rashes appear at the back of the hands, the surface of arms and legs and in the neck area.
These itchy red patches usually go away after a couple of days so there is really no need to be alarmed over the situation. There is no need to rush to the hospital and demand for treatment or something. Just buy some over the counter anti allergy lotion or cream and spread it on the affected area. A nice warm bath can also help sooth the itchiness away. Do not scratch the itchy skin to avoid causing more damage.
On the other hand, although most people who suffer from sun allergies do not really develop severe symptoms, some people do develop small blisters and hives not only in the skin areas that are exposed to the sun but also in those areas which are clothed. In cases like these, it would be better to see a doctor before you put something on your raw skin.
Yes, over the counter creams and medicated lotion may work but it is always better to be safe. Note that blisters and hives can become infected so be sure to get medical help before you develop something serious. Besides, you do not really want to cause more damage to your skin. Always remember that damages skin on your legs and arms can look really ugly.
For people who have the tendencies to develop severe reactions to the sun, it is not really safe to do some sun bathing even for just a few minutes. People with sun allergies who need to work outdoors must wear protective clothing and sun block to minimize the effect of sunlight on their skin.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
About Dairy Allergies
Dairy allergies are becoming one of the most common causes of ailments in both children and adults. Although some people do not really experience strong symptoms from dairy allergies, there are some people who react strongly to dairy products that they end up with some incapacitating symptoms and may even have to be hospitalized for a few days. If you are one of those people who have strong allergic reactions to dairy products, here are some of the things that you should know about dairy allergies.
What Is Dairy Allergies?
Medical professionals define this type of allergy as hypersensitivity to milk or egg protein. The allergic reaction to these otherwise harmless types of food can be quite crippling for some people. The most common symptoms of this type of allergy are diarrhea, wheezing and vomiting. Children who are prone to dairy allergies should never be given these types of foods to avoid any medical complications. Milk is known to be mucus forming, thus, people who are suffering from asthma should limit their intake of milk or simply do away with milk.
Shouldn’t children be given milk and eggs to help them grow? Yes, your children needs eggs and milk to help them grow but if they are allergic to these food, you just have to find other types of food for your children. Instead of giving your children milk based products, you might want to give them more fresh fruits and vegetables. There is really no point of tempting fate is so if your children manifest allergic reactions to milk and eggs, ovoid giving them these types of foods to reduce the possibility of allergic reactions and medical complications. Always remember that it is best to be safe than sorry.
Lactose Intolerance Versus Allergies
Many parents mistake lactose intolerance for dairy allergies. According to medical professionals, these two are really not the same. While dairy allergies are the negative reaction of the body against the nutritional components of dairy products, lactose intolerance is simply the inability of the body to digest the sugar found in milk.
In most cases, lactose intolerance will cause stomach cramps but it does not really trigger the other symptoms associated with allergic reactions. However, although the symptoms of lactose intolerance are not really serious, the effects of lactose intolerance can be quite uncomfortable. To avoid discomforts, especially when you are traveling or working in the office, it would still be a good idea to avoid milk based products if you have lactose intolerance.
What Is Dairy Allergies?
Medical professionals define this type of allergy as hypersensitivity to milk or egg protein. The allergic reaction to these otherwise harmless types of food can be quite crippling for some people. The most common symptoms of this type of allergy are diarrhea, wheezing and vomiting. Children who are prone to dairy allergies should never be given these types of foods to avoid any medical complications. Milk is known to be mucus forming, thus, people who are suffering from asthma should limit their intake of milk or simply do away with milk.
Shouldn’t children be given milk and eggs to help them grow? Yes, your children needs eggs and milk to help them grow but if they are allergic to these food, you just have to find other types of food for your children. Instead of giving your children milk based products, you might want to give them more fresh fruits and vegetables. There is really no point of tempting fate is so if your children manifest allergic reactions to milk and eggs, ovoid giving them these types of foods to reduce the possibility of allergic reactions and medical complications. Always remember that it is best to be safe than sorry.
Lactose Intolerance Versus Allergies
Many parents mistake lactose intolerance for dairy allergies. According to medical professionals, these two are really not the same. While dairy allergies are the negative reaction of the body against the nutritional components of dairy products, lactose intolerance is simply the inability of the body to digest the sugar found in milk.
In most cases, lactose intolerance will cause stomach cramps but it does not really trigger the other symptoms associated with allergic reactions. However, although the symptoms of lactose intolerance are not really serious, the effects of lactose intolerance can be quite uncomfortable. To avoid discomforts, especially when you are traveling or working in the office, it would still be a good idea to avoid milk based products if you have lactose intolerance.
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