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Having a Pet with Allergies

August 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Although we already know that humans have allergies, do our pets have allergies as well? The answer is absolutely they do. With millions of people suffering from all kinds of allergies we often do not think that our pets will have them as well. We may see some of the symptoms that we see in ourselves and yet never put it together that they may be suffering as well.

Dogs in particular are the most common animals to suffer from allergies. The only problem is that the dog can’t tell you whether or not he has allergies. You have to deduce it from watching how he acts and behaves. Many of the symptoms are very similar to ours but rather than humans who react with nasal symptoms, dogs react with skin conditions. They may have rashes, itching behind the ears, swelling of the legs and feet, as well as raw skin around the belly area because of the scratching.

If you see your dog itching then you can’t just assume it is fleas or dry skin. Another cause could be allergies and in that case you should take him to the vet right away. It is important to note when he started itching, and what makes the dog itch more often. Did get a new toy or new dog food? Or does the dog only itch outside? Answering all these questions before heading to the vet will allow your vet to get a better idea on what type of allergy your dog has.

There are many medications that the vet can put your pet on that will lessen their allergic reactions. Most pets do need some sort of medication either oral or topical because unlike humans, animals do not have the ability to control their itching. With humans it is more of a mind over matter thing, whereas with pets they will continue to scratch until their skin is raw and bleeding.

Your vet may prescribe an antibiotic to help just with the wound itself, or an antifungal cream for rashes. Also, your vet will describe what you need to do to remove the allergen from your home. You may have to change foods, take out certain plants or weeds, or even just wash their bedding or replace it with new bedding. Having a pet with an allergy can be difficult because of the work you will have to put into it to get rid of the allergen but in time you will find your pet healing and scratching much less often.

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Allergy Relief that is Inexpensive and Effective

August 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies you are not alone. You are also not alone if you can’t necessarily afford to buy expensive medication in order to take care of the allergies. Allergy relief is not cheap by any means, but there are some ways to get allergy relief that is affordable even if you do not have health insurance.

If you do have health insurance then by all means talk to your doctor about generic prescriptions that may help you alleviate some of the symptoms of allergies. There are many different prescriptions on the market, most of which come in generic forms which are usually less expensive than brand name medication.

If you do not have health insurance then there is no need to worry. You can still get the help that you need. There are many over the counter products that work just as well in relieving allergy symptoms. They are inexpensive and you can try different ones until you find the ones that work best for you. To figure out which one may be the best you can talk to the pharmacist who can usually help you at no charge, or you can do your research online before you head out to the store. Make sure to read all labels concerning the over the counter medicine before taking it to make sure you are a candidate for that particular medicine.

To help along with the over the counter medication you can find ways to limit your exposure to allergens. This includes finding a family member to take your pet if you are allergic, keeping your windows closed during peak allergy season and only leaving the air conditioning on, or you can find filters for your air conditioners and heating vents that contain the HEPA filters which work to take allergens out of the air. On that note you should also try HEPA vacuum cleaners and vacuum a lot to get rid of underlying pet dander or pollen that may have blown into your home.

To get rid of mold and dust which are huge problems for allergy sufferers you should clean frequently making sure to reach every spot in your home. It is a good idea to get rid of any carpeting and only use hardwood floors, and use only shades rather than blinds which accumulate the dust. Finally, keep most surfaces free from clutter that can collect dust, and by all means make sure to dry up any wet spots that may turn moldy if left untreated.

To relieve the symptoms once they are present, green tea is one natural method because of the antihistamines that are found in them. Along with green tea to actually rid the hives or rashes that you may get because of allergic reactions you should try oatmeal directly on the rash to clear it up quickly. If you suffer from allergies you know that anything that takes away the symptoms is a good choice, so search around and find what works best for you.

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Allergy Relief Recognizing Allergy Symptoms

August 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Being able to control allergies can be easy when the allergy symptoms
are well known. There are all sorts of symptoms that take place, but
some will only occur at certain points in the year. The symptoms can
also vary based on the causes of allergies. Here’s a look at some
of the symptoms that are common.

One of the most notable ways of finding causes of allergies involves
recognizing the symptoms. Allergy symptoms occur when one’s immune
system overreacts to something that does not necessarily cause any
negative reactions in other people. Allergens that are in them items
will prompt the symptoms.

There are various symptoms that are common in all allergies. Runny or
itchy nose, sneezing, pressure in the nose, ears and cheeks, watery eyes
and itchy eyes are common. Dark circles underneath the eyes and hives on
the skin are symptoms in some cases.

The causes of allergies as they start can be genetic or hereditary, but
in some cases allergies can develop over time. However, there are
certain items that cause allergy symptoms and it helps to know about
them so that it will be easier to work on controlling allergies. Pollen
from trees and other natural items are common. Most of these allergens
come around in the spring but in some cases the late summer will have
these allergens. In the fall ragweed allergens can be common.

Symptoms from mold allergies can be worse at humid or rainy parts of the
year. These allergies come from mold that is collected on places like
window moldings and shower curtains. Natural items like compost piles
and peat moss.

Animal dander also contains allergens that create symptoms. These dander
allergens are found in the saliva and urine or animals.

Dust also causes allergies to occur. Dust mites can live on dead skin
cells and on house dust and can create allergies in people, including
sneezing.

These symptoms can be handled with ease. Cleaning the home is important.
It helps to shower off pollen or other allergens before going to bed. It
also helps to clean places in the home where mold is common. Also,
staying indoors during dry or windy days can help because pollen and
other allergens that are airborne can easily spread at these times.

These are all helpful ways to go about handling allergy symptoms. There
are many different types of allergies, but the best thing to do is know
about what allergies are around and what the symptoms are. This can help
in that it will be easier to see what one is allergic to and what to do
when one is in contact with allergens.

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When You Are Allergic To Your Dog

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When you first bring your dog home you are probably very excited about your new family addition. However, after a few days when you notice that you are having allergic reactions to your dog you may realize that you are allergic to your dog. This is much more common than you may think as there are a lot of people that have dog allergies. There is nothing worse then realizing that you are allergic to your pet but there are some things you can do about it.

First, you want to make sure you really do have a dog allergy. Since dogs are constantly going outside they may be bringing in with them what you are really allergic to such as pollen and mold. Keep an eye on them while they are outside and take a wet paper towel and wipe them down when they first come in. If you are still having allergies then you may want to look for other symptoms that happen frequently when your dog is in the house.

Symptoms of a pet allergy are much like with any other allergy. You may feel congested, have watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, skin rashes or you may have a hard time breathing when your dog is around. Before just getting rid of your dog take a trip to your doctor or allergist to determine if it really is a dog allergy. They are able to do a prick test to determine if the dog is causing your problems.

If it was concluded that you are allergic then your next step is to remove the allergens from the home the best you can. This includes keeping your dog off your bed and out of the bedroom. You will need to find them an allergen free dog bed or just allow them to sleep on the floor. If you have carpets it is best to remove them completely so that there is not a lot of dander on the floor. You should give your dog a bath weekly and brush his coat outside to keep much of the fur and dander out of the house. An air purifier will help keep the air in your house cleaner, as well a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove a lot of the dander and allergens out of the house.

By limiting your exposure you may notice a lessening in the allergies. However, if you have tried everything and are still having moderate to severe allergic reactions then it may be time to consider removing the dog from your home which is the only real way to get rid of your symptoms. Try to find a trusted family or friend to take the dog in so you can still visit every once in a while. It is tough to have to give up a “member of the family” but in some cases it may be the only relief you have from these symptoms.

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Natural and Traditional Ways to Treat Allergies

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Allergies have many symptoms; all of which can be uncomfortable to deal with. The most common allergy symptoms are a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, hives, and difficulty breathing. The good news about allergies is that they are treatable. There are many options in treating allergies such as prescription medication, over the counter medication as well as natural methods. Also, limiting your exposure to allergens also works to lessen the symptoms that you do have.

Limiting your exposure is actually the best way so that you can avoid medicine altogether. With food allergies you simply do not eat the food you are allergic to which means checking all the labels of the food you do eat to make sure the allergen isn’t present. If you are allergic to mold then you should stay out of damp dark places such as your basement and if you are allergic to dust you need to clean on a regular if not frequent basis. You can also try air purifiers to take the allergens out of the air you breathe.

When you consider natural ways to help with your allergies, the list is long on the options that you have. Natural, or home remedies, are affordable, have no side effects, and safe for most people to try. Most of the time, you even have all the ingredients at home that you need. For example, if you have hives putting oatmeal on the hives is an excellent way of drying them up and making them less itchy. Other natural remedies such as green tea are good for your allergies because they have antihistamines in them which stop many of your symptoms from starting. They help you breathe better and stop the runny nose.

For tougher to deal with allergies prescription medications may be needed. These are usually given out by your doctor and can be very effective. They work within the body to stop many of the symptoms from coming on. Presently there are many different types of allergy medications on the market so the best way to figure out which one will work best for you is to talk to your doctor and let them decide. Prescription medications are good if you have insurance because they can be rather expensive.

If you don’t have insurance and choose just to get over the counter medications those can be very helpful as well. You can find over the counter medications at any pharmacy, drug store, supermarket, and discount store. They have allergy medicine for all kinds of symptoms so that you can treat all or just one symptom. They are especially helpful if you have seasonal allergies such as pollen.

Whichever one you choose will depend largely on the type of symptoms you have, the severity of the symptoms and what you feel most comfortable with.

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The Most Common of the Food Allergies

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Food allergies are not only growing in popularity, they are also growing in severity. There are many children and adults in the world that suffer from food allergies. There are some very common ones that you or your children may face. More than likely if you are not afflicted then you will know someone who is. Unfortunately they can be very serious if not handled in the proper way.

One of the most common food allergies is milk. Considering that milk is in so many of the items that you eat you will constantly be exposed to it. Whether you eat bakery items, any type of dairy, or any number of other foods you may encounter milk. The good news regarding milk is that it is easily replaced in most food items so you can easily work around it. You can drink goat’s milk which does not contain the allergens that cow’s milk does for certain people. Soy milk is another alternative. Or you could simply avoid any foods that have milk in it. The problem that people usually face is going out to dinner. Since you never really know if something has milk in it you should be very clear that you are allergic and need to avoid it.

Eggs are another food allergy that many people are afflicted with. Although it doesn’t cause anaphylactic shock in most cases it can cause a lot of unwanted symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. Eggs can be found in many items so you need to read all the labels of the foods you buy and find out if they contain eggs. You should also use only egg substitutes that you can find in your refrigerated section next to the traditional eggs. There are many cookbooks that are made specifically for people with egg allergies so you can still enjoy the foods that you love.

Peanut allergies are probably the most prevalent and the most dangerous. As you may already notice, all labels are instructed to say whether something has peanuts or is made in a factory where other peanut products are made. Considering that so many foods contain peanuts or are made nearby to peanuts it can be a tough road if you are allergic to peanuts. Make sure to check every single label of every food that you pick up, and always tell your server if you are allergic to peanuts before ordering so that they can make a special note to tell the chef. Peanuts or peanut derivatives can be found in everything from oil to bakery items so you need to be especially cautious.

Other food allergies to be considered are fish and wheat allergies. In most cases you can avoid the foods that you are allergic to, but in the case of wheat you have to go with gluten free products and avoid eating any bakery items that are not gluten free. Living with any food allergy is going to take some work, but getting sick is not a great alternative so check labels, tell people about your allergies and make it known what you can and cannot eat.

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Allergy Symptoms You May Face

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When trying to decide if you have allergies it may be as simple as looking at your symptoms. There are many common symptoms that come along with being allergic to various things. Before heading to the doctor to see if something else is the cause, take a look at some of the most common allergy symptoms.

Most people do not consider their allergies to be a problem because the symptoms are so mild or they only happen a few times a year. Most people have the moderate symptoms such as sneezing, runny or clogged nose, coughing, postnasal drip, dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses, rubbing of the nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing, red or itchy skin, or hives.

Some people can have just one of these symptoms or they may have all of them. Depending on the severity you may find that your symptoms are only seasonal such as during the spring and summer when flowers and weeds are in full bloom. You may only have these symptoms during the winter when your house is completely closed up especially if you have mold growing in your home. It may even be that you only have certain symptoms when you are around pets. Whatever the case may be, most people find that a simple over the counter remedy is enough to treat the symptoms.

It is when your symptoms are worse that a problem could be emerging. Specifically with food allergies or allergies to hair dye, you may have a very mild reaction to something once but the more you come into contact with a particular allergen the worse it can get. At some point it may cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. This is a severe reaction to an allergen that will cause swelling of the lips or joints, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, anxiety, severe itching, nausea, diarrhea, convulsions, cheat pain, cramping, and can even at the most severe level cause death.

Most people again never have this type of reaction but it is possible, especially in food allergies. They are very dangerous though if they do happen and you will need to be properly evaluated by the doctor rather than just making a home diagnosis of the problem.

So, the next time you have an allergic reaction to something take care in figuring out all of the symptoms you are facing and rating them as mild, moderate, or severe to see what you need to do. If they are mild you can get away with a natural or over the counter medication. If they are moderate to severe you should seek the advice of a doctor or allergist.

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When You Are Allergic To Your Cat

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Pet allergies are some of the most common allergies in both children and adults. If you have a cat and you have allergies you may find that it is the cat that is causing the allergies. Before you run out and get rid of the cat you have to look at all of your symptoms to see if the cat may be the cause of them.

First, identify your symptoms. Do you have a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or hives when you are near your cat? When you pet your cat and then accidentally rub your eyes do your eyes start burning and become dry and itchy? If the answer is yes, you may very well be allergic to your cat. You may also have wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a rash within minutes of petting your cat. All of these things point to a pet allergy.

After figuring out the symptoms and when they happen you may want to make an appointment with an allergist who can test you for cat allergies. By pricking your skin with a cat dander you will notice immediately if the area starts to swell and becomes itchy. They may test you for other allergens at the same time to see which one affects you the most.

If you do find that you are allergic to the cat then unfortunately removing the cat from the home may be the only way to relieve your symptoms. However, there are steps you can take before doing that to see if perhaps something else lessens the symptoms. There may be prescription medication that you can take to help with some of the symptoms if they are not severe. In other cases you may have to do things like stop cuddling with your cat, washing your hands after touching them, and only allowing them to sleep in one particular room.

This can be difficult with cats as they are very independent and like to be exactly where they want to be. So keeping your cat secluded in one area of the house may not be an option for you. By keeping them off your furniture your symptoms may lessen as well, as will vacuuming daily to remove all pet dander from the floors and rugs. When you vacuum it is advised to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter so that you can really remove all of the allergens. Air purifiers are another choice depending on how bad the symptoms are. Air purifiers can also take away some of the allergens from the home so that you can breathe easier.

If this still doesn’t take care of the symptoms or make them tolerable for you then the next step would be to place the cat with a trusted family or friend. Although this may be difficult it might be the only step to living allergy free.

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Allergy Relief Using Avoidance For Peanut Allergies

August 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Proteins that are found in peanuts can be allergens in many cases, and
they can be especially strong to people who are allergic to them. In
fact, there are more cases of this type of allergy than ever before.
However, this can be controlled with a few simple methods.

The peanut is a legume that is related to beans. It contains proteins
that are similar to that of other proteins that are found in common food
allergies. With this in mind it can be seen that peanuts can create some
dangerous reactions.

In fact, peanut allergies have become more common. The Food Allergy and
Anaphylaxis Network states in a 2003 study that the number of children
with peanut allergies has doubled in the five years before the study.

Also, the United Kingdom based David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research
Centre states that allergies to peanuts have become more common among
food allergies. It was found that among children born between September
1994 and August 1996 that about 3.3% of the 1,246 children tested had
positive reactions to peanut allergies. This includes a higher level of
atopy, which is a tendency that causes one to develop allergies and
asthma. This is higher than the 1.1% of children who tested positive in
a 1989 study. It can be seen here that this is one of the highest
growing food allergies in the world.

There are a few causes that may have occurred for this food allergy.
Scientists believe that the consumption of peanuts by pregnant women or
infants being exposed to peanuts through breast milk may be problems.
Breast milk may contain some peanut based allergens. Also, there has
been an increase in the amount of families who are vegetarian families
or ones that supplement diets with vegetarian foods that include high
levels of nuts like peanuts.

In a majority of cases severe reactions to peanuts are common among
those with allergies to it. Some of these people will end up being
prescribed with epinephrine, which is a drug that is used to control
allergic reactions that may be deadly.

It is also suggested in studies that less than half of the people who
suffer allergy attacks after consuming peanuts bother to get medical. It
is strongly recommended that a person who has an allergy attack reports
to a doctor immediately.

A majority of deaths and emergy room visits from food allergies are the
result of peanuts. About a hundred deaths and about fifteen thousand
emergency room visits are caused.

The best thing to do about peanut allergies is to watch for what one
eats. It is important to look for items that have peanut ingredients or
have been processed in factories that handle peanuts. Also, it helps to
watch for the diet that a child or pregnant woman has so that peanuts
can be avoided at an early age.

A peanut allergy can be very dangerous. By knowing about the various
dangers of the allergy it can be seen that it is important to watch what
one does with food, as it can be a matter of life and death.

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What are Peanut Allergies And How It Affects The People Who Have Them

August 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Allergies of any kind can be very difficult to live with, and although the world allergy make bring about visions of a runny nose and incessant sneezing, food allergies, such as peanut allergies, can actually be quite dangerous and cause health problems that are very serious. So, you may be wondering, what are peanut allergies? Well, basically, a peanut allergy is when a person has an allergy to the proteins that can be found inside peanuts. Even cooking does not get rid of these proteins, so cooked peanuts and fresh ones alike can cause a bad reaction. Instead of the body treating the food normally, it thinks that the peanut is going to be harmful, so it begins producing antibodies that release histamines into the body causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The Causes of Peanut Allergies

Now that you have the answer the question, “What are peanut allergies,” it is also important that you understand the causes of these allergies as well. Basically the peanut allergy is caused by coming into contact with some small amount of peanut, causing the body to go into an allergic reaction. Some doctors feel that a mother eating peanut products while pregnant or while breastfeeding in the early months can cause babies to develop peanut allergies. For this reason, many doctors are now recommending that mothers avoid eating peanut products during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and even avoid giving your child these products until they are at least three years old.

Symptoms of a Peanut Allergy

There are a variety of different symptoms that can occur when someone has a peanut allergy and they can vary, depending on the person. Many people have common symptoms that include runny nose, itchy skin, tingling lips or tongue, hoarse voice, coughing, throat tightness, nausea, wheezing, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The Danger of an Anaphylactic Response

In some very serious cases, a peanut allergy can cause an anaphylactic response. This is a very severe form of an allergic reaction and usually there are several serious problems that occur all at one time. When people have an anaphylactic response, they can experience low blood pressure, a swelling tongue, facial swelling, collapse, problems breathing, and more. This is a serious issue that needs immediate medical attention and some people need to have medications administered right away.

Foods to Avoid

Not only do you need to know “what are peanut allergies,” but you also need to know the foods to avoid if you do have an allergy to peanuts. Of course you need to avoid peanuts, peanut oil, and peanut butter. Also, candied peanuts, beer nuts, peanut brittle, and mixed nuts should be avoided. Watch out for sauces that have crushed nuts in them, Asian foods that use peanut products, pesto, and Marzipan, which contain nuts. Avoid bouillons, Worcestershire sauce, and various pastries and cakes that you don’t know the ingredients for. Also, candies that have nuts, gravy mixes, and salad dressings should be avoided as well.

Dealing with an Emergency

For those who have bad peanut allergies, it is important that you know how to deal with an emergency. Children need to have proper medications at school and adults need to make sure that they carry the proper medications with them at all time. Those who have anaphylactic responses often need to carry epinephrine shots with them, so you need to decide on someone who can give you this shot if a problem occurs. Also, if you have a milder form of allergy, you may want to carry antihistamines with you as well.

Avoiding an Allergic Reaction

Understanding “what are peanut allergies” is important if you are going to avoid having an allergic reaction. Avoiding an allergic reaction is important if you have a peanut allergy. You need to be sure to read all labels very carefully and avoid sharing foods as well. Make sure that you notify key people if you have an allergy or if you have a child with an allergy, be sure that the people around your child area aware of it. Also, using a medical bracelet can be helpful in case a problem occurs and you need medical attention.

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