Symptoms and Treatment of Dairy Allergies

If you think you may have a dairy allergy, you are not alone. A growing number of people are realizing that they are allergic to common foods. But what exactly is a dairy allergy?
An allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a substance as harmful. In an effort to protect itself from what it perceives as a foreign body, it releases an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This sets off the allergic reaction. In the case of milk, the substances in question are the proteins casein and whey,
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, there may also be blood in the stool. When the allergic reaction is severe, anaphylactic shock can occur. If medical attention isn’t provided rapidly, this can be fatal.
It is important to realize that a dairy allergy is not the same thing as lactose intolerance. Intolerances occur when the body lacks the proper enzyme to break down a substance in the small intestine. Since it can’t break it down, it is pushed on through to the large intestine. This is what causes the bloating, gas, cramping, nausea and diarrhea. In the case of lactose intolerance, the body doesn’t have proper amounts of lactase.
Young children are more likely to have food allergies, including an allergy to dairy products. Thankfully, most outgrow their allergy and can go on to eat the foods without a problem. It is believed that only 2 to 2.5 percent of adults have true food allergies.
Another group with a higher risk of dairy allergies is those that have close family members with food allergies. Because of this, pediatricians often recommend treating young children as if they do have the allergy if their parents or siblings have it.
Many food allergies are diagnosed after patients begin keeping a food diary. This can help you associate your symptoms with specific foods. Once you have determined your suspect foods, you can then try an elimination diet. In an elimination diet, you take out all common allergenic foods from your diet. Once symptoms have disappeared, you add foods back one at a time to see which ones provoke the return of symptoms.
When doing an elimination diet to confirm a dairy allergy, keep in mind that casein, the enzyme that is most likely the problem, is found in more than just dairy products. It may also be found in breath mints, bakery glazes, ice cream, nutrition bars, infant formula, whipped toppings, coffee whiteners, salad dressings and processed meats. You need to take the time to read all food labels carefully to determine if casein is a component of the food.
There are also blood and skin allergy tests that your physician can arrange. These are generally used if it is suspected that you may have more than one food allergy or if you have been unable to determine the suspect food.
Treatment of a dairy allergy involves avoiding the allergenic substance. Extra scrutiny of food labels is necessary to ensure you don’t inadvertently expose yourself to the allergen. For parents of infants, a switch to soy-based formula may be necessary.
Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction when exposed to dairy products, it might be prudent to keep allergy medication on hand. If symptoms are generally mild, an over the counter antihistamine such as Benadryl will usually suffice.
In the case of severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe emergency epinephrine. This comes in a ready to use injector called an Epipen or Twinjet. It should be carried with you at all times. You may also want to let coworkers and family members know about your allergy and where you keep your injector. That way if you are unable to inject yourself, they can do it for you as well as summon emergency assistance.
If you do have a dairy allergy, it is important that you remember to get your calcium and Vitamin D from other sources. These are vital nutrients your body needs to function properly. Salmon, beans and green vegetables are just a few of the foods that can provide calcium. Fortified cereals, breads and juices, along with brief sun exposure, can provide Vitamin D. A supplement may be necessary to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition.
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Obtaining a New Prescription Allergy Medicine from Your Doctor

If you have allergies and you are looking to try a new allergy medication, you need to call your doctor and set up an appointment to discuss it. This is important because your doctor will have to write you a prescription for a new prescription allergy medicine.
However, before your doctor decides which prescription allergy medicine is most appropriate for you, he is going to do a few things first. For one, your doctor will do several standard tests in order to determine what kind of allergies you have, as well as determine the severity of your allergies.
It does not matter if you are looking to get a new allergy medicine for your child or yourself; you will need to have a doctor’s prescription before you can buy the allergy medicine. You can, of course, buy an allergy medicine over the counter but you should be aware that it will not be as strong as prescription allergy medicine.
If you have severe allergies, over the counter allergy medicines are not going to help you with your allergies most likely; your severe allergies will require stronger allergy medicine, which is why you need to see your doctor and have him write a prescription allergy medicine for you.
There are plenty of prescription allergy medicines available today. Most of these allergy medications have been found to be very effective in treating allergies, from mild to severe cases.
But you need to keep in mind, though, that no matter which prescription allergy medicine you buy for your allergies, it is not going to work overnight; it will take some time before it can bring you the results you want. It is not reasonable to expect any drug to fully deal with your allergies in only a matter of days. Remember that most medications take between 4 to 6 months before their full effects can be felt.
The good news is that many of the available prescription allergy medicine are very powerful. You simply need to see your doctor and have him prescribe the most appropriate prescription allergy medicine for you. Also, it is not enough that you simply take your allergy medication and rely on it to keep you from having allergy attacks. You also need to know exactly what causes your allergies and then actively avoid it so you can minimize your allergies.
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Air Filters and Allergies

If you or someone you know has seasonal allergies you are probably looking for ways to lessen the severity of the symptoms. There are many effective medications on the market today but not everyone likes to take drugs unless they are essential. You may particularly worry about the effect of medications on your child, but you don’t want to see him suffer with itchy eyes and a stuffy nose either. You may be considering buying an air filter. But do they really work?

Most experts agree that an air filter shouldn’t be relied upon as a first line of defense against indoor or seasonal allergies. That doesn’t mean they don’t have a useful purpose but it does mean if you don’t remove the source of the allergen from your home, an air filter may not do much good.

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How to Live with a Wheat Allergy

Many people live with allergies every day, and although if you don’t suffer from any yourself it can be hard to understand. People learn to live with allergies on a day to day basis, and with more and more people suffering from them learning to understand them is the key. Wheat allergies are increasing, and more people now suffer from this type of allergy. With over 40% of the population living with wheat allergies everyday it is more common than you may think.  Knowing the symptoms, and reactions to allergies, will help you determine if you are allergic to wheat.

If you suspect you may be one of these people, then finding out exactly what wheat allergies are is very important.  Understanding the symptoms and researching the treatments if any are available, is essential. A wheat allergy is basically a food allergy; it is your body’s reaction to the seed storage proteins of wheat. These proteins contain gluten, gliadin and globulin, and are what causes the wheat allergy in your body. Some people are only allergic to the wheat protein and others are allergic to other seeds and plant tissues as well. In extreme cases, simply inhaling flour can start an allergic reaction in your body. More and more workers in bakeries are now allergic to wheat, and over 42% have what is known as Bakers asthma.

Establishing exactly what type of allergic reaction you have to the different seeds and protein is the first step. They will cause different reactions in different people, and even if two people both suffer from wheat allergies, they can react differently. Wheat allergies will cause the same sort of reaction in your body as other food allergies. There are several different reactions, you may experience them all or just some of them. These allergic reactions can be scary and overwhelming, and they can happen a few moments or even a few hours after you have eaten the wheat product. You could experience, chest pains, dizziness, irritated eyes, nausea, a skin rash or vomiting. In a very severe case you may go into Anaphylaxis shock, this is a life threatening reaction which will need immediate medical attention.  If you do happen to have any of these reactions after eating then you will need to determine which food caused the allergic reaction.

Visiting a doctor for allergy tests is essential, they will carry out a series of tests to determine which foods or proteins you are allergic too. They will cut out one food at a time from your diet, and will wait to see if a reaction occurs. The food is then added back into your diet, until one of the foods triggers an allergic reaction. This process can take some time, and you will have to be patient whilst you try to eliminate foods. Keeping a food journal is advised, so you can refer back to it at anytime and pinpoint the reactions to a food type. Once you have established which food you are allergic to, then this food can then be avoided, and although this seems drastic cutting one type of food from your diet isn’t as daunting as it sounds.

You may have to change your diet and your lifestyle, to ensure you do not get an allergic reaction every time you eat. There are several different wheat free alternatives to your average food, you can buy and eat these if it is proven that you are allergic to wheat. You have to ensure that when you go shopping you read the labels of all products, you will be surprised what has wheat in its ingredients. Wheat can be found in bread, flour, soy sauce, starch and modified starch, to name a few products. If you don’t want to change your lifestyle and diet completely then you can take some over the counter medications. You must however consult your doctor regarding these medications. If you are considering changing your diet, to not include wheat, you may want to consult a dietitian, to ensure you are receiving all the diet requirements you need. If you have a child with a wheat allergy they will often grow out of it, but if they don’t then you want to ensure you have guided them to lead a wheat free diet. Whichever method you decide is right for you, you can live with a wheat allergy, with just some small changes.

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What are Common Types of Skin Allergies

Skin allergies can be an embarrassing and often uncomfortable situation many people. Approximately 7% if the 50 million people in the United States experiencing allergies suffer from some kind of skin allergy. As a result of these skin allergies, approx 7 million visits to outpatient centers occur. As a rule, a person won’t die from a skin allergy unless it is left untreated for a considerable amount of time.
What Types Of Skin Allergies Are There?
A person experiencing a skin allergy will be experiencing one of four types of skin allergies. These types of skin allergies can affect people differently, and a proper diagnosis can only be done by a doctor. If you believe that you or someone you know has a skin allergy, you should seek out medical attention to help find treatment options.
Atopic Dermatitis: When a person has atopic dermatitis they experience a reaction to many different items to their skin. As skin topic happens redness begins almost immediately with soreness and itching occurring within 48 hours of the allergies onset. A person experiencing this should avoid from scratching the area as it can break open and become infected. If the skin should break open during the allergic reaction it can become severely infected which will lead to cellulites, which is a potentially dangerous health concern.
Symptoms: Inflammation, small blisters, itching, flaky dry skin, skin pigmentation changes and rednessTesting Available: Skin Patch Test which can be administered by a doctor Treatment: Ice Patches, Allergy Free Product Use, Topical Treatment and oral pills Complications: Infection, Skin Thickening
Eczema: A person with Eczema typically experiences the symptoms from oral consumption of certain foods, as well as potentially coming in contact with items that may begin a skin allergy. Typically, a person experiencing symptoms will have a series of rash patches begin to form across their body. If the rash is scratched at any point, the intensity of the itchiness increases. Other causes can include an increase in stress and other triggers as well. A normal reaction can last for a couple of days to months depending on the person and the allergy. This is a chronic condition that cannot be cured.
Symptoms: Itching, patchy rashes, inflammation of the skin. Testing Available: Skin Pricking, Blood Testing Treatment: Change in diet, Allergy Free Product Use, Topical Treatment and oral pills Complications: Breaks and Lesions, Infection both bacterial and fungal, skin scaling, and blistering.
Urticaria: With this type of skin allergy, a person’s blood vessels that causes an eruption that results in bumps forming on the skin. These bumps appear similar to a bug bite but typically have a white center to them. In fact, some insect bites can cause Urticaria, but the most common causes are drug complications and certain food triggers. .
Symptoms: Skin Eruptions, Rash, Lesions, Inflammation, Tongue Swelling, Flushing, Respiratory Problems, and Oedema. Testing Available: Blood and Urine Testing Treatment: Topical Ointments and Oral Pills Complications: Infections and possible death if left untreated.
Hives: Hives are variance of Urticaria. With this condition, a person has large lumps called wheals form on their skin. The severity of the condition can be a very mild irritation and can turn into a medical emergency called an anaphylactic reaction. Bumps are typically pink to red in color and are normally irregular in shape. In some cases, the underlying condition for this skin allergy is lupus, but normally is a general allergen that affects a person. This can vary from pollen in the air, to skin contact and ingested items.
Symptoms: Fever, Wheals, Swollen Joints, Hair Loss, Lesions and Seizures Testing Available: Blood Test Called RAST (Radioallergorben Test), Lupus Test Treatment: Avoiding Known Allergies, Antihistamines, and for anaphylactic shock, epinephrine is administered. Complications: Death if severe case is left untreated, Infection in some cases
Many different people are affected by skin allergies, and there isn’t anything wrong with the person in general. In most cases, the allergy isn’t contagious and the person shouldn’t be avoided. With that in mind, most people will experience some form of dermatitis in their lifetime and find that treatment is easily found. Children are in fact more susceptible to Eczema than adults and this is often the stage of life when symptoms begin appearing.
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What Is Eczema and How Can It Be Treated

Any skin condition can be worrying, not only can it be painful but it can damage your self confidence as well. One of the most common skin conditions that people suffer from is eczema; it can range from mildly uncomfortable to very severe. It can be very frustrating if you have this condition and sometimes even painful. If you do suffer then you will want to know the cause for eczema and what if any are the treatments and cures.

Causes of Eczema can be Hereditary or Environmental

The first thing you need to find out is if the eczema is being caused by the environment or if it is hereditary. When your eczema is caused by environmental reasons or external factors, you could be allergic to many different things that you come into contact with. These could be your shampoo, pollen, dust mites or even mold. Hereditary eczema is when you have inherited the factors which cause you to have eczema. This could be from one or even both of your parents if your family has a history of eczema then it are very likely. In fact there is an eighty percent chance that you will inherit it if both of your parents suffer from the condition.

You will need to speak to your doctor regarding the causes of your eczema; if there is no family history then they will need to look into it further. Your doctor may perform allergy tests to determine if that is causing the condition. Once you have determined the cause of the eczema then you can begin to find a solution and a treatment which will help you to live with the uncomfortable skin condition. If you are simply allergic to things then many can be avoided in your day to day life. Some causes of eczema are difficult to avoid such as smoke and pollution in the environment, in these extreme cases you will need to find a treatment which will help you to live with the problem.

Changes in Clothing and Nutrition Choices May Help

By changing small things in your life you will be able to keep on top of your eczema. Although it will always be there, learning how to control it is the key. By changing what you eat and wear can have huge effects on how you feel. Wool and polyester materials will irate your skin, so try to choose cotton loose clothing. Tight clothing should also be avoided as this will cause your skin to become hot and irritated. Changing your diet can also helps, and once you know which foods to avoid then it will be easier to not include them. Common foods which cause flare ups are milk, soy, shellfish, wheat and peanuts. If these are problem foods with you then you will need to avoid them or at least cut back on them a great deal.

Helping a Child with Eczema

Eczema in children can be difficult as they tend to itch quite a lot, you need to try and keep them as moisturized as possible. This will stop them wanting to itch as much, if you try to explain that if they itch they are in fact doing more damage. Placing your child in a bath of water mixed with oatmeal appears to help with the itching and irritation. It also soothes the skin which will stop your child being uncomfortable and wanting to scratch even more. Thankfully if it is food related then often children grow out of allergies and the triggers might start to diminish as they get older.

Other Eczema Treatment Options

Eczema thrives on dry skin, so you need to ensure that you keep your skin as moisturized as possible throughout the day. There are many creams and lotions you can buy to help with this and doctors often advise covering yourself in Vaseline after taking a shower. This locks all of the moisture into your body and prevents it drying out. Although it is easier said than done you need to try and not scratch, as this will make your eczema worse. If you are concerned about itching through the night them you should try to cover up as much as possible and even wear gloves if you need too.

If you want to find natural alternatives to treating your eczema then there are many ideas that have been used before. Drink plenty of water even up to 3 liters a day, and taking showers daily, will stop you from becoming dehydrated and allowing your skin to dry out. Although it is believed that having hot bathes and showers is bad for your eczema, you should try to take cooler showers if possible. Taking zinc supplements is also advised as these are great for your skin and natural oils have great properties which are good for itchy skin. Exposing your skin to fresh air and sunshine will also help, although if you are self conscious to do this, try and do it somewhere private.

You also need to decide if the harsh chemicals in your washing powders and fragrances could be triggering your eczema. If this is the case then you should only use gentle detergents to wash your clothes in, as these will not irritate your skin. Cheaper varieties tend to affect eczema suffers more and you should try to buy quality detergents if possible. Cheap soaps will also cause your skin to dry out quicker, so if you do use them then ensure you apply moisturizer afterward.

In severe cases your doctor will be able to prescribe drugs to help with your eczema, although this is not the preferred treatment. The drugs will control your body’s immune system and decrease the irritation; you should however try other alternatives as well. Some drugs have side effects and if you can control the condition yourself then it will be better for your body in the long run. You will feel healthier and happier throughout your whole body if you change your diet and lifestyle. Your overall health will be improved and you will boost your immune system.

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How to Dust Mite Proof Your Bedroom

Approximately 10 percent of all Americans are allergic to dust mites. For the most part, dust mites are harmless, unless you’ve got allergy or asthma problems. People who already have problems with asthma (especially small children) will exhibit much worse symptoms when there are dust mites living in the home. Fortunately, there are things that everyone can do in order to get rid of their dust mites.

These tiny little creatures are microscopic in size and live primarily off dead skin and other types of dander. Approximately 1/3 of all dust mites live in the bedroom, manifesting in bed covers, mattresses, and pillows. They excrete waste about 20 times per day, so not only do they feed off of your skin, but they can also leave their droppings in your bed and on your body, which can create a very violent allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals. Another popular area for dust mites to manifest and breed is in your carpet and household rug.

It is very important that you do all that you can to prevent dust mites. One of the first things you can do is purchase a dust mite impervious cover to keep the mites out of your bed. You should also wash your bed covers at least once every two weeks in very hot water. The water should be approximately 130 degrees fahrenheit. For covers that cannot be washed in hot water, simply place in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours to kill the mites.

Another thing you can do is purchase an air purifier. Not just any type of air purifier will help, however. You must purchase an air purifier that uses HEPA filtration if you want to get rid of dust mites entirely. Using an air purifier that does not use HEPA filtration will only remove 50 to 70 percent of dust mites and feces, while HEPA filters remove up to 99 percent of all hazardous material.

Dust mites occur more frequently in warmer temperatures, particularly when the humidity is high. It is important to make sure that you keep your household temperature below 70 degrees at all times. Months when seasonal allergies are the worst may require that you practice a bit more housecleaning than usual. Using an effective dusting spray and keeping your carpet and bedding cleaned and washed is the most recommended way to prevent dust mites.

If you’ve got carpet and allergies are a violent problem in your household in relation to dust mites, it may be best to remove your carpet altogether and replace with hardwood flooring, particularly in your bed room. Remove all rugs and also keep your curtains cleaned on a regular basis. Wash your windows to keep levels of dust to a minimum and change your pillows every few weeks.

For an even more aggressive approach, wash your bedding and curtains in very hot water at least once per week instead of once every two weeks. If you own pillows, make sure that they are washable as well. Pillows that contain feathers may not be the best choice if you’re trying to prevent dust mites because they tend to rip and tear in the wash. Try purchasing pillows that are made with foam or cotton material instead.

Preventing dust mites doesn’t require as much effort as one might assume. All it takes is a little extra care concerning keeping your bedroom clean and dust-free. After taking the proper preventative measures, you should notice an immediate difference in your allergy-level, quality of breathing, and mood.

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What is the name of the new allergy relief nasal spray?

is milk a cure for allergy?Recent CommentsTaylor M on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?tiger man on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?sheril1205 on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?kittykid on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?A1 on What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy?funketybucket on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?Dominic on What should I do to reduce skin allergy?itsjustmecc on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?Mary Sue P on How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms?Sravanthi k on What should I do to reduce skin allergy? allergy relief November 11, 2010 5:10 am admin 4 Comments

Nasonex? That’s the only one I remember seeing commercials for lately.
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What should I do to reduce skin allergy?

What is the name of the new allergy relief nasal spray?is milk a cure for allergy?Recent CommentsTaylor M on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?tiger man on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?sheril1205 on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?kittykid on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?A1 on What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy?funketybucket on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?Dominic on itsjustmecc on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?Mary Sue P on How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms?Sravanthi k on skin allergy November 11, 2010 5:10 am admin 5 Comments

Also.could you give me the list of allergy clinics in Chennai with name,address and phone number.

A hydrocortisone cream or ointment can help reduce the reactions, but to actually get rid of an allergy is very tricky if not impossible.

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Is there a nonoxynol-9 allergy home treatment?

What should I do to reduce skin allergy?What is the name of the new allergy relief nasal spray?is milk a cure for allergy?Recent CommentsTaylor M on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?tiger man on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?sheril1205 on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?kittykid on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?A1 on What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy?funketybucket on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?Dominic on What should I do to reduce skin allergy?itsjustmecc on I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?Mary Sue P on How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms?Sravanthi k on What should I do to reduce skin allergy? allergy treatment November 11, 2010 5:11 am admin 1 Comment

Me and my girlfriend had sex yesterday with Trojan Ultra-Thin condoms with spermicide containing nonoxynol-9, Today, We

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I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?

A1:Hi,I am always impressed that there is oftentimes some good advice and good links from... how can i cure my allergy with my pet cat? 17 commentsWhat can I do to help my chocolate labs skin allergy? 15 commentsCan I Take Sinus/Allergy Medicine if you Take High Blood Meds? 14 commentsWhat happens when you get an allergy test? 13 commentsHow can you tell the difference btwn allergies and swine flu symptoms? 12 comments Recent PostsHow can I cure my allergy to periods?How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms?Can you get chest pains and difficulty breathing by allergies to mold/and or dust?What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy?Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?Is there a nonoxynol-9 allergy home treatment?What should I do to reduce skin allergy?What is the name of the new allergy relief nasal spray?is milk a cure for allergy?Recent CommentsTaylor M on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?tiger man on sheril1205 on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?kittykid on A1 on What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy?funketybucket on Do i have to take allergy test to see if i’m allergy to cat?Dominic on What should I do to reduce skin allergy?itsjustmecc on Mary Sue P on How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms?Sravanthi k on What should I do to reduce skin allergy? sinus allergy November 11, 2010 5:11 am admin 7 Comments

My nose runs alot in the morning when I wake up, some days it runs all day and others it is fine. Using a nose spray at the moment, not sure if it is helping.

It is probably allergies. If it were sinuses the mucus would be thick and sometimes green or yellow. You’d feel pressure in and near the sinuses as well.
Allergies usually cause clear runny mucus.

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Can you get chest pains and difficulty breathing by allergies to mold/and or dust?

What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy? I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?

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How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms?

Can you get chest pains and difficulty breathing by allergies to mold/and or dust? What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy? I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?

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How can I cure my allergy to periods?

How did you find out you had a gluten allergy? Symptoms? Can you get chest pains and difficulty breathing by allergies to mold/and or dust? What’s the best way to deal with a cat allergy? I have a problem with my nose not sure if it is an allergy or sinus? How do I tell the difference?

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Cookies Recalled Due To Undeclared Allergens

ViewTalk Submitted by Ruzanna Harutyunyan on 2009-09-01 All about: Allergy Relief

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The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) advises consumers of molasses cookies that may contain peanut butter and milk. These two items are considered undeclared allergens.

People who have an allergy to peanuts and/or milk can have a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they eat these cookies.

This voluntary recall affects 167 cases of Stop and Shop Home Town Bakery Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (net wt. 8.9 oz.) with UPC 6-88267-08457-7 and a “sell by Feb. 22, 2010 A” printed on the side of the package.

This product is sold in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Maine and New Jersey.

No other Stop and Shop brand products are affected by this recall, and there have been no reports of illness or allergic reactions. Consumers can return any affected product to the store where it was purchased and receive a full refund.

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Ten Allergy Tips For Breathing Easy This Fall

ViewTalk Submitted by Armen Hareyan on 2009-09-02 All about: Allergy Relief

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Fall is right around the corner and allergens are in full force. Pollen, ragweed, and mold are still taking their toll on allergy sufferers. These are harmless substances for most; but for some they take the enjoyment out of Fall. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, roughly 20% of Americans suffer from allergies and another 20% suffer from hypersensitivities to food, environmental substances, or stimuli.

So what can you do if Fall allergies make you miserable? ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Wahl, who specializes in the treatment of children and adults with allergies and hypersensitivities, brings relief to sufferers with 10 tips breathing easier this season:

1) Take a whole food based Vitamin C.

Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. Dr. Richard Podell, author of When Your Doctor Doesn't Know Best: Errors That Even the Best Doctors Make and How to Protect Yourself, recommends 1000 milligrams of vitamin C (Ester-C) twice daily to help with allergies and asthma.

2) Magnesium eases breathing

Some immunologists suggest taking 400 milligrams of magnesium daily helps with nasal allergies and breathing problems. Taking more than that can cause diarrhea. If you want to supplement your diet with magnesium–rich foods, the best sources are nuts, beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and bananas.

3) Wear sunglasses when going outside

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, creates a certain amount of photosensitivity. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce your sensitivity to light and thus helps your eyes from excessive watering.

4) Bring a cold pack

When you are at an outdoor sports event, periodically place a cold pack over your eyes and on your face to reduce inflammation and help relieve some of your symptoms.

5) Drink a lot of cool water

Rehydrating is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from your body. It cools you down and provides some symptom relief.

6) Stay away from dairy

If you have hay fever, eating dairy will produce even more phlegm and make you feel worse.

7) Use your bathroom exhaust fan when taking a shower

This will help prevent to growth of mold in the shower. Replace your liner every month or two, if you have mold sensitivities or asthma.

8) Keep your dryer vent clear

Build-up of lint in the dryer vent will cause an excess of dust in your house. Have your vents cleaned regularly to avoid aggravating your allergy symptoms.

9) Get rid of clutter

Allergy sufferers need to be especially careful about controlling dust in their homes. Clutter is a major source of dust and dust mites.

10) Get tested for food allergies

Many people who have allergies are also sensitive to different foods. These multiple sensitivities build on each other and stress the immune system. Find out what foods you are sensitive to and either eliminate them from your diet or get treated for them so you can eat those foods symptom-free.

Source: ChicagoHealers.com

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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Health Canada Updating Food Allergen Regulatory Proposal

ViewTalk Submitted by Ruzanna Harutyunyan on 2009-09-22 All about: Allergy Relief

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In July 2008, Health Canada published in Canada Gazette, Part I proposed regulatory amendments for the labelling of food allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites. The department has now reviewed the comments received and is publishing documents detailing some of the changes being made to the proposal as a result of the consultations.

As a result of the over 140 comments received up until early December 2008 following the publication of the proposed regulatory amendment in Canada Gazette, Part I in July 2008, Health Canada has made several decisions and changes to its regulatory proposal to address concerns raised by stakeholders and Canadian consumers. These include:

* The development of Canadian criteria for the establishment of new priority food allergens;

* The decision to add mustard as a priority allergen in the regulations based on this criteria document;

* The decision to not add onions and garlic to the list of priority allergens in the regulations based on this criteria document; and

* The decision to remove the proposed exemptions of declaration for fining agents and wax coatings on the labels of pre-packaged food products.

The department is now working on updating the regulatory proposal to reflect these decisions and other comments received during the consultations in order to move forward in the regulatory process. The goal is to have the updated regulations published in the Canada Gazette Part II in the spring of 2010.

The current Food and Drug Regulations require that ingredients of food products be declared on the labels of most prepackaged foods. However, components of certain ingredients are exempted from declaration in the list of ingredients. While the Canadian Food Inspection Agency does have the ability to recall foods exempted from the labelling requirements if a health risk is identified with undeclared allergens, the strengthened labelling regulations will provide manufacturers with clear labelling rules for allergens to be followed in a systematic and consistent manner, aimed at reducing the number of food recalls and allergic reactions.

It is estimated that up to six per cent of young children and three to four per cent of adults suffer from food allergies. Nearly one per cent of the population is affected by celiac disease, a serious sensitivity to gluten.

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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Food Allergies in U.S. Children Have Risen in Past Decade

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Sanofi-Aventis Purchases Chattem, Moves into Over the Counter Market

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New Blood Test for Peanut Allergy More Accurate

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Children with Severe Food Allergies May Need Two Epi-Pens Nearby

ViewTalk Submitted by Denise Reynolds RD on 2010-03-25 All about: Allergy Relief

Children with severe food allergies and at an increased risk for anaphylaxis should carry two doses of self-injectable epinephrine, brand name Epi-Pen or Twinject, rather than just one according to a new study published in the April journal Pediatrics.
In a large six-year review of the emergency department data of 1,255 children under the age of 18, the researchers from Children’s Hospital in Boston found that among patients with anaphylaxis following food exposure, 12% needed more than one dose of epinephrine.
Common symptoms of anaphylaxis are trouble breathing, skin rashes, swelling, and gastrointestinal problems.
Those who needed the extra medication were more often older than ten years or were treated at another facility before transfer to the emergency department and had a resurgence of symptoms. 44% of the children knew they were allergic to the food source, but ate it accidentally.
The researchers also found that “food-related anaphylaxis continues to be under-recognized and inadequately treated in the [emergency department] setting.” About half of the children in the study were not treated appropriately either before or while in the ED. Less than half were prescribed epinephrine, considered the first-line treatment for food-related anaphylaxis, and even fewer were referred to an allergist or given instructions on how to avoid suspected foods.
Food allergies have increased in recent years in the US by 20% since 1997, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is estimated that 3 million school-children are allergic. The top three food triggers are peanuts, tree nuts, and milk. Current guidelines for allergists are to prescribe self-injectable epinephrine, or Epi-Pen.
Most of the exposure to the food allergens was in the children’s homes, but about one-third were in other locations, emphasizing the necessity of keeping the syringes available and nearby at all times.
"Until we're able to clearly define the risk factors for the most severe reactions, the safest thing may be to have all children at risk for food-related anaphylaxis carry two doses of epinephrine," says Susan A. Rudders MD, lead study author. To offset the added cost, Rudders suggests that school nurse offices carry un-assigned extra doses of injectable epinephrine for the children who need them.
Source reference:
Rudders S, et al "Multicenter study of repeat epinephrine treatments for food-related anaphylaxis" Pediatrics 2010; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-2832.
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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Hope May Be Coming for Peanut Allergy Sufferers

ViewTalk Submitted by Denise Reynolds RD on 2010-02-21 All about: Allergy Relief

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Those who suffer from peanut allergies (and the parents of children with peanut allergies) are in constant fear of even a trace of the nut bringing about an anaphylactic reaction. A new study from Cambridge University in the United Kingdome and presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science may have found hope.

In a trial of 23 children that lasted two years, researchers from Cambridge University used “desensitization therapy” or “immunotherapy” in which tiny doses of peanut flour were given each day, gradually increasing the dose until they can now eat five or more nuts a day. The study lasted for six weeks with most children tolerating it well, except for some temporary mouth itching or abdominal pain.

Twenty-one of the 23 children (91%) were able to safely eat at least five peanuts every day without any reaction. After six months, 19 of the children were able to increase intake to 12 peanuts at a time.

Earlier attempts at this unusual approach of exposing allergic children used injections of peanut extract or oil and caused serious reactions. It is thought that the approach worked this time because small doses of flour were put into yogurt which was eaten.

The news is very exciting to those with severe food allergies. An estimated 30,000 Americans are treated in emergency rooms each year because of allergic reactions and new research shows that the number of children with food allergies has risen 18% in just 10 years.

For those 3.3 million Americans allergic to nuts, extreme care must be taken to read food labels and to research restaurant menus to avoid peanut ingredients. Even an event like going to a ballgame where peanut shells and fibers can travel through the air can be a dangerous situation. Unlike other food allergies, such as those to milk and eggs, children do not often outgrow peanut allergies.

There are still many unknowns about immunotherapy and it is not clear how permanent the state of the desensitization will last. A larger trial of 104 children will begin next month and last about three years.

This type of desensitization therapy should never be attempted except in a controlled setting under the strict supervision of professionals, as peanut allergies are extremely serious and can be fatal.

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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Sublingual immune therapy could cure milk allergies in children

ViewTalk Submitted by Kathleen Blanchard RN on 2010-02-28 All about: Allergy Relief

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Placing a few drops of milk protein under the tongue of children could be an easy cure for milk allergies. The findings are the result of a small study from Johns Hopkins Children's Center and Duke University. Cow milk allergies can be difficult to manage and can even be confused with lactose intolerance.

According to experts at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, "Milk allergy is the most common type of food allergy. Three million U.S. children have food allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

The cure for milk allergies studied involved giving children increasingly larger amounts of milk and foods that trigger allergy under the tongue. The treatment is known as SLIT (sublingual immune therapy), and differs from oral immunotherapy because milk protein rather than being consumed is placed under the tongue.

The authors of the study say more research is needed to compare sublingual to oral immune therapy, but both methods could be effective. Either can trigger severe allergy, and should be done under medical supervision, but sublingual immune therapy is less risky because small amounts of the allergen are given. The study compared both types of therapy for treating milk allergies in children age 6 to 17.

"We are very excited to see that both approaches can achieve significant improvement in children with milk allergies, but we continue to see slightly better tolerance in children on oral immunotherapy," says lead investigator Robert Wood, M.D., director of Allergy & Immunology at Hopkins Children's. "Nonetheless, SLIT emerges as a new, if slightly less powerful, weapon in our arsenal."

The small study involved 30 children who were given drops of milk protein under the tongue for several weeks, and then either sublingual milk protein (10 children), or ingested in the form of milk powder (20 children). All experience some sort of allergic reaction during the study. After three months they were given a “milk challenge”.

The group who received milk protein drops under the tongue improved significantly and was able to drink seven times more milk with minor allergy symptoms than at baseline. All but one of the children given milk protein drops under the tongue was also able to do the same. During the study, milk allergy symptoms were mild for all of the children, and respiratory symptoms that can signal a severe allergy attack occurred infrequently.

Johns Hopkins Children's Hospital

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Talk Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Managing Your Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

ViewTalk Submitted by Denise Reynolds RD on 2010-03-11 All about: Allergy Relief
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With spring just around the corner, and trees and plants beginning to bloom, are you ready for the sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes? While there are a lot of factors that can’t be controlled, Pollen.com and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation have tips that can make the season more bearable.
More than 35 million Americans suffer from allergy symptoms. An allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance, called an allergen. Normally, the immune system wouldn’t react to a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust, or mold. However, in those with seasonal allergies (commonly called “hay fever”), the immune system overreacts and produces histamines and other chemicals to fight the invader.
Allergies appear to have a genetic component. Children of people with seasonal allergies have a greater likelihood of having them also. Most people develop allergies before the age of 20.
Allergies to tree pollens tend to strike more in late winter and early spring while grass allergies are more common spring through summer. Ragweed is the most common allergen in the fall.
Prevention
When pollen counts are high, it is best to stay indoors if possible. Pollen.com offers a 4-Day weather and pollen count may that can be created for a specific location. Pollen counts tend to peak between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. each day.
Medical Treatments
There is a variety of both over the counter and prescription medications that can help those with seasonal allergies. Most OTC medications are antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist. These can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Nasal decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may help relieve the stuffy nose that come with allergies, but it will not help sneezing. Allergy shots may be necessary for those with severe reactions.
Natural Treatments
Dr. Mary Hardy of the Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles says that nature-based products can be useful for mild allergies and may help more severe allergies when used in conjunction with standard medical treatments. One such herbal product that has been studied is called butterbur (Petasites hybridus). A study from the British Medical Journal found that one tablet of butterbur four times daily was as effective as an antihistamine in controlling seasonal allergy symptoms. Remember not to add any herbal product to a medicine regime unless first approved by an allergist.
Some naturopathic doctors believe that certain nutrients may be helpful in easing symptoms. The flavonoid quercetin may control the release of histamine that initiates the allergic response. Foods rich in quercetin include capers, apples, tea, red onion, red grapes, citrus fruits, tomato, broccoli and some berries. The herb Nettle also contains quercetin.
Other changes to the diet may also be useful. Those allergic to weed pollen, especially ragweed, should avoid eating melon, banana, cucumber, and sunflower seeds, as these plants belong to the same family. Herbal products with chamomile and Echinacea should also be avoided.
In a small study in the journal American Journal of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture gave relief to a small group of season allergy patients without side effects. Acupuncture is based on the idea that stimulating points outside the body can initiate a reaction in the immune system, where the allergic reaction begins.
Should you move?
If allergies are severe, and you have the flexibility, some areas of the country may be better suited for those who suffer. Desert climates, Arizona and Nevada for example, tend to have fewer pollen-producing plants. Mountainous areas tend to have little weed pollen, but they do have considerable amounts of tree pollen. Areas of the Pacific Northwest have a smaller amount of ragweed, but does have other tree and grass pollens.
Weather and location makes a difference as well. According to today’s map at Pollen.com, the worst cities for allergy sufferers are in the south: Oklahoma City OK, Yuma AZ, West Palm Beach FL, Fort Smith AR, and Laredo TX. Northern regions are still feeling the colder weather, and therefore have fewer traveling pollens. The best cities today are Duluth MN, Des Moines IA, Aberdeen SD, Fargo ND, and Grand Forks ND.
Unfortunately, pollen grains can travel over long distances, so the allergen cannot be completely avoided. Also, researchers have seen that if people relocate to avoid one particular allergen, they may acquire a sensitivity to another type within the same family.
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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Allergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow Device

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Study: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food Allergies

ViewTalk Submitted by Denise Reynolds RD on 2010-05-12 All about: Allergy Relief

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The term “Evidence-Based Treatment” or “Evidence-Based Medicine” refers to an approach for health interventions based on scientific research and guidelines that are consistent, regardless of where you seek treatment. Food allergy diagnoses are no different, and a recent review of past studies finds that there is a lack of an accepted definition or evidence-based guidelines for determining true allergic reactions to food. Researchers say that this is hindering efforts to determine their prevalence among both children and adults, and in evaluating new treatment options.

“Right now there are just too many different definitions of what food allergies are,” study researcher Jennifer J. Schneider Chafen, MD, of the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System tells WebMD. “A true food allergy can be life threatening, but many people who just can’t tolerate a particular food are told they have food allergies.”

The most common foods that cause allergic reactions are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. These eight foods account for about 90% of all food-related allergic reactions, according to information from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

* Read: Egg or Milk Allergy Kids May Have Greater Risk for Peanut Allergy

The study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), reviewed 72 past studies on food allergies that were published between January 1988 and September 2009.

According to author Dr. Marc Riedl, allergist and immunologist at the University of California, although about 30% of the population believes that they have a food allergy, true incidence is only about 8% for children and less than 5% for adults.

* Read: Food Allergies in US Children Have Risen in Past Decade

Part of the confusion is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. Headaches from sulfites in wine or gastric distress from lactose in milk are examples of intolerances and not true allergies.

According to the research, a food challenge in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional, either in a doctor’s office or a hospital setting, is the most reliable way to confirm a specific food allergy, but this can be costly, time-consuming, and dangerous, as it can result in anaphylaxis.

Most physicians use either a “skin prick” test or a blood test, which is less reliable and often leads to overdiagnosis. The skin test, which looks for IgE antibodies that are associated with allergies, is only about 50% accurate, according to Dr. Schneider-Chafen, because these antibodies can be transient and not necessarily diagnostic of a true allergy.

* Read: New Blood Test for Peanut Allergy May Be More Accurate

Lynda Mitchell, president of “Kids with Food Allergies, says ““We tell parents that about half the time a skin prick or blood test may not be accurate and that patient history, physical examination, and other factors need to be considered.”

The NIAID is currently working on guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergies which should be released in the late summer or fall. “Having a basic framework for diagnosing food allergies will help us better interpret studies evaluating diagnosis and treatment,” says Schneider-Chafen.

Source reference:
Schneider Chafen JJ, et al "Diagnosis and managing common food allergies" JAMA 2010; 303(18): 1848-56.

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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableFood Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Food Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic Esophagitis

ViewTalk Submitted by Deborah Mitchell on 2010-05-14 All about: Allergy Relief

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If you think you have a food allergy - and more than 30 percent of Americans think they do - a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association says the figure is less than 10 percent. Don't worry, you are not imagining things. However, you are likely experiencing some other condition, such as irritable bowel or eosinophilic esophagitis.

That is the word from Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist who has many patients who come in complaining that they have food allergies, he told FoxNews.com. Often, however, what they have “is a case of irritable bowel syndrome,” he said. Another is eosinophilic esophagitis, which is inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause symptoms similar to those of an allergic food reaction.

Irritable bowel syndrome affects about 20 percent of the adult population in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, which some people may mistake for a food allergy reaction, as well as constipation, cramping, and diarrhea. It is one of the most common disorders diagnosed by physicians.

One of the main ways to control irritable bowel syndrome is by making changes in the diet—eliminating certain foods—which is one reason why people may think they have a food allergy. If they stop eating a certain food and they begin to feel better, they may think they were allergic to the item. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome often includes changing the diet, stress management, and use of medications.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic inflammatory disease that is characterized by elevated levels of white blood cells called eosinophils in the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. According to the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, these eosinophils damage the esophagus and persist even when people are treated with acid-blocking medications.

Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis vary among individuals and may differ depending on age. Common symptoms include reflux that does not get better after taking acid reflux medication, difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck in the esophagus, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or chest pain, and in children, failure to thrive, poor growth, and refusing to eat.

Eosinophilic esophagitis can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, although males are more commonly affected than females. People who have eosinophilic esophagitis often have other allergic diseases, such as asthma, eczema, or rhinitis. Eosinophilic esophagitis can be driven by food intolerance or allergies. Sheth noted that eosinophilic esophagitis is becoming more common.

If you think you have a food allergy, you may really have irritable bowel syndrome or eosinophilic esophagitis. Only a knowledgeable healthcare professional can give you an accurate diagnosis. It can be very helpful if you take careful notes of what you eat, any symptoms you experience and when they occur, and what treatment attempts have been helpful, if any, before you go to see your doctor.

SOURCES:
American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders
FoxNews.com May 14, 2010
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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Talk Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but TreatableStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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Kissing and Sex Allergies Spell Trouble, but Treatable

ViewTalk Submitted by Kathleen Blanchard RN on 2010-11-14 All about: Allergy Relief

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Kissing and sex can trigger allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe. Allergist says itching, rash and wheezing after kissing or intimacy might be more common than known, spelling trouble, especially for those who don’t know where the problem is coming from.

According to Sami Bahna, MD, president of the American College of Asthma and Immunology, “If you have food allergies, having an allergic reaction immediately after kissing someone who has eaten the food or taken oral medication that you are allergic to isn’t highly unusual. But some patients react after their partner has brushed his or her teeth or several hours after eating. It turns out that their partners’ saliva is excreting the allergen hours after the food or medicine has been absorbed by their body.”

If kissing leads to itching, hives, rash or wheezing for your partner, the allergists recommend avoiding the offending food for 16 t 25 hours before smooching. To make kissing safer, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, but for some even that might not work.

For one 30-year-old doctor, kissing his girlfriend repeatedly induced an anaphylactic reaction even though his girlfriend ate peanuts two hours before kissing him. She had brushed, rinsed her mouth and chewed gum. When kissing turns dangerous, it’s time to see an allergist for the right treatment.

Lubricants, Spermicides and Semen can Cause Allergies Too

Intimacy can also lead to allergic reactions related to lubricants, spermicides, latex and a partner’s semen. The sheer act of sex can produce hives from natural chemicals released during physical exertion and excitement.

"There may be more who are suffering from this than we know because people may be embarrassed to bring it up," said Dr. Bahna. "But allergists can help determine what's causing the allergy and find the right treatment. No one has to suffer."

For mild semen allergies, the allergy specialists suggest anti-histamines before sex might help. Don't take anything too strong that can lead to drowsiness. Other treatments include using a condom or desensitization treatment, like the kind given for ragweed and other seasonal allergies. Kissing and sex allergies could be more common than known, but are treatable and worth a visit to an allergy specialist for treatment.

ACAAI

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Add new comment Health Categories  EMAXHEALTH HOME AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE DIET & WEIGHT LOSS FITNESS & EXERCISE MEN'S HEALTH WOMEN'S HEALTH BEAUTY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CANCER TREATMENT AGING DISEASE and CONDITION MENTAL HEALTH GENERAL HEALTH PERSONAL HEALTH GOURMET FOOD & HEALTH HEALING & SPIRITUALITY MONEY AND HEALTH Similar Stories Food Allergy Could be Irritable Bowel, Eosinophilic EsophagitisStudy: We Need Evidence-Based Guidelines for Food AllergiesAllergy Symptoms Reduced with a Pillow DeviceWill Georgia's Record Pollen Count Affect the Masters? Health RSS FeedsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerAbout UsEditorial Review ProcessAdvertiseContactContributors Copyright eMaxhealth.com 2005-2010. All rights reserved.

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