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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Showing posts with label Symptoms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Symptoms. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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.
View the Original article
Share
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.
Get eMaxHealth News On Twitter! Subscribe to Emaxhealth: Health News by Email
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.
View the Original article
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