You are here: Home / Archives for allergy symptoms

Is Sore Throat and Runny Nose a Symptom of Allergy?

March 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Different kinds of allergies usually have the same signs and symptoms. The most common are skin rashes, hives, breathing difficulties, runny nose, wheezing, nausea, sore throat and diarrhea. Hence the answer to the question, ‘Is Sore Throat and Runny Nose a Symptom of Allergy?’ is yes.

Sore Throats

Most people have experienced sore throat at least once in their life. There are many possible causes of sore throats such as viral infections, colds, flu, bacterial infection and allergy. Sore throat due to allergy happens usually in allergic rhinitis. The treatment of sore throat depends on the cause. For instance, in the case of sore throat due to viral infection, antibiotics are not used because they are not effective. In the case of sore throat caused by allergy, treating the allergy will also cure sore throat. There are several home care remedies you can do to alleviate sore throat. Drink lots of warm water and lemon tea. You can also gargle with warm salt water several times in a day. Throat lozenges and even hard candies can also help in alleviating sore throats. You can also use a humidifier to moisten dry throat. Sore throat can be treated at home but you should call your doctor when you experience fever, severe difficulty in swallowing and appearance of rashes.

Runny Nose

Runny nose is another common illness. Runny nose is usually a symptom of an illness. It can be a symptom of bacterial infection and viral infection such as flu and colds. In the case of allergy attacks, runny nose is caused by the release of histamines into the system. Pet dander, pollens and molds are the common allergens which can cause runny nose and sore throat. Runny nose caused by colds and runny nose caused by allergy should be differentiated to make certain that the person receives proper treatment. Runny nose caused by colds will be clear at first but later on, it will become yellowish or greenish while in the case of allergies, the secretion will remain clear.

Runny nose caused by colds will probable last for 10 to 14 days. On the other hand, runny nose caused by allergies will last as long as the person is exposed to the allergen. This means that the person will probably have runny nose for several weeks. In addition, colds will also fever and muscle pain but if you only have runny nose, you are probably suffering from allergy not colds. Colds are also contagious but runny nose caused by allergies is not.

Treatment of runny nose caused by colds depends on the cause of the colds. Nasal decongestants, antibiotics and antiviral are given. In the case of allergy attacks, antihistamines are given to inhibit the actions of the histamines. Prevention is the best cure in the case of allergies. So to avoid having runny nose, you should exert effort to avoid being exposed to the different allergens. Use air cleaners and air purifiers. In addition, limit outdoor activates. Take your medicines and wear a mask when you go out. Avoid going out in the morning because the pollen count is very high during these times.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Allergen Common Names

March 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

People who have food allergies should completely avoid the foods which trigger allergic reactions. In addition, they should also avoid the byproducts of the food they are allergic to. In addition, they should also make it a habit to read the label of everything they eat and they should also ask the ingredients of foods served to them before eating. It is often difficult to cope with food allergies but it can become easier if you have enough knowledge and information about food allergies. One way of making sure that you do not eat foods which contain food allergens is becoming familiar with the common allergen names. This is important because you might read the label but you do not know the names of the allergens you should avoid.

Egg Allergy

Those with egg allergy should be familiar with some terms in the label because they mean that the food contains egg. Examples are albumin, ovalbumin, ovovitelia, globulin, ovoglubulin, livetin and lysozyme. Other ingredients to watch out for are ovomucoid, silica albuminate, apovitelin, vitelin and simplesse. You should also avoid buying cholesterol free egg substitute, fat substitute, eggnog, eggwash, powdered eggs, mayonnaise and meringue. Other foods which may contain eggs are artificial flavoring, natural flavorings, lecithin and nougat.

Peanut Allergy

Peanuts are one of the most common causes of food allergy along with eggs and milk. In January 2006, the FDA passed a law indicating food companies to label their products ‘contains peanut’ in plain English. Unfortunately not all companies are covered by this law, so it is still necessary to be familiar with the common names of allergens related to peanuts. Some of the allergen names include Arabic oil, hypogaeic acid, arachis hypogaea and arachis. You should also avoid buying these products: artificial nuts, monkey nuts, nutmeat, peanut flour, dry roasted peanut, butter chips, mandelonas, earth nuts, penut paste and mixed nuts. Some food products which may contain peanuts and therefore they should also be avoided include candies, chocolate and fried foods.  You should also avoid chili, artificial flavoring, hydrolyzed plant protein, ethnic foods such as African and Indian cuisines and baked goods.

Milk Allergy

Those who have milk allergies should familiarize themselves with some terms which indicate the presence of milk protein in certain foods. Examples are butter, cheese, casein and caseinates, cream, custards, dairy product solids, half & half, ghee and galactose. In addition, do not buy products which have curds, hydrolysates, lactose, lactate solids, lactalbumin, simplesse, whey and lactic yeast. Avoid eating ice cream, sherbet, ice milk, non-fat milk, condensed milk, nougat, puddings, sour cream and yogurt.

Wheat allergy

Common allergen names related to wheat are bran, bromated flour, durum flour, couscous, gluten, fu, farina and seitan. Those with wheat allergy should avoid ingesting any kind of bread, crackers, biscuits, cereals, cookies and graham. In addition, you should also be familiar with the botanical names of the different kinds of wheat. For instance, club wheat is the same as triticum compactum while the scientific name of durum wheat is triticum durum Desf. In addition, avoid food starch, dextrin, caramel color, MSG, teriyaki sauce and artificial flavorings because they may contain wheat.

Soy Allergy

Ingredients which indicate the presence of soy in a product include edamame, kyodofu, kinnoko flour, hydrolyzed soy protein, miso, okara, shoyu sauce, tempeh, supro, tamari and yuba. Obviously, you should avoid names with the word ‘soy’ in it such as soybean flour, soy albumin, soy lecithin, soya flour, soyformula, soybean paste and soy concentrate. Some products which may contain soy include vegetable starch, gum or broth, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, artificial flavorings and Asian cuisines.

These common food allergens should be known by those who have food allergies. You should print out a list of these common allergen names so that you can memorize them. Parents with children who have food allergies should also teach these allergen names to them. Give them a printed copy of these allergen names. There are many good resources in the internet where people can see a list of the different ingredients related to food allergens. These web sites also have more information about food allergies. Many allergists emphasize the importance of not eating even small amounts of food allergens especially for those who have severe allergic reactions.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , ,

Allergies and Frequent Urination

February 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many signs and symptoms of allergies. The most common signs and symptoms for all kinds of allergy include the appearance of rashes and hives, swelling on different parts of the body, itchiness, runny nose, respiratory distress and gastrointestinal problems. What people may not realize is that allergies and frequent urination can also be related. Frequent urination can be linked to several conditions and sometimes this is actually normal especially for women. However, people with allergies should consider if there is a link between their allergies and frequent urination. After all, going to the toilet all the time can cause a lot of inconveniences. Studies have been done to establish the link between the two. Although the results of these studies are still inconclusive, several theories have been forwarded.

Wheat Allergies and Celiac Issues

It has been observed that people with wheat allergies often urinate frequently. Based on researches done this is due to the gluten content of the wheat. This means that people who have wheat allergies but who still insist to eat wheat and other products with wheat components will probably urinate frequently. Frequent urination is a result of the body’s reaction to the gluten in the wheat. In a way, this is good for those with wheat allergies because this can be a warning sign that they might have ingested wheat unknowingly.

Medications

There are many medications whose side effects include frequent urination. Allergy medications can also cause frequent urination. However, it is very important for those who are suffering from frequent urination to make sure that it is their allergic medications which are causing the condition. Do not stop taking your medicines without your doctor’s advice.

Food and Drinks

Some foods and drinks particularly those high in acids can also cause frequent urination. Examples of foods and drinks which are acidic include eggs, beef, chicken meat, lamb meat, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, pastries, pork, sugar, fish, pork and many more. These acidic foods can cause allergies and frequent urination.

Treatment

Treatment for frequent urination depends on the cause. There are other conditions which can trigger frequent urination aside from allergy reactions. Examples are urinary tract infection, diabetes, pregnancy and prostrate problems. Once the cause of frequent urination is known, it will be easy to treat it. The most common treatment is the use of medications such as anti-diuretics. In addition, bladder control training can also be done. Those with prostrate problems may undergo surgery to treat the problem.

In the case of frequent urination caused by allergies, there are also several treatment options. For instance, if frequent urination is caused by allergy medications, then you and your doctor might try using other drugs. However, do not stop taking your allergy medications without your doctor’s permission. If food and drinks are the causes of frequent urination, it is important to avoid those foods and drinks. This is necessary because you will avoid being exposed to allergens which can cause allergic reactions. At the same time, you will also prevent frequent urination. Some people recommend the use of a food diary or chart. You need to take note of all the foods and drinks you are consuming. This way when problems will occur such as allergic reactions or frequent urination, you can review your list which will help you identify the cause of your condition.

The link between allergies and frequent urination is not yet clearly established. But studies which have been done on these two topics suggest that there is a link between the two. In addition, people manifest different allergic reactions. But to be on the safe side, you should remember the relations between these two especially if you are suffering from both of them.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Allergy to Iodine Seed Implants is Uncommon But Still Can Hit Anyone

February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Brachytherapy is one of the radiation treatments used by some doctors these days to treat some cancers such as breast cancer, cervical cancer and endometrial cancer. In brachytherapy, tiny pellets which contain radioactive materials are implanted into the organs which have tumors. An example of radioactive material is Iodine-125. This kind of treatment is becoming popular however, some doctors caution patients to be careful because they might have allergy to iodine seed implants. Before choosing brachytherapy seed implant as a cancer treatment option, there are some important considerations. Some of the factors to consider are the general health of the patient, age of the patient and accurate staging of the tumor.

Brachytherapy is not as invasive as other surgical procedures but those who will undergo this procedure must make sure that they are generally in good health. It has been noted that younger patients respond well to brachytherapy and the rate of complications is lower for them. Those with small volume tumors are also ideal candidates for brachytherapy. Aside from what has been mentioned, those who are planning to undergo the treatment should check if they have such kin dof allergy to avoid any complications later.

People who are allergic to iodine and other products which contain iodine should consider other forms of treatment. Although some studies found out that some people who have allergy to iodine seed implants do not develop any allergic reaction to the implant as long as the iodine seed implant does not burst. Some studies also prove that the brachytherapy procedure has minimal risks and as long as the seed implant does not erupt, it does not really pose any danger to cancer patients.

Some doctors and surgeons however still do not suggest people who have this kind of allergy to consider other cancer treatment options especially at the earlier stage of cancer. Cancer patients should consider all factors before choosing the kind of treatment they will undergo to make sure that they will not endanger their lives or aggravate their condition. Their treatment choice should pose little danger, low complication rate and it should have a high percentage of success of removing the tumor.

All kinds of cancer are very scary and the fact that the exact cause and cure of cancer is still unknown today is another reason why patients should think carefully before choosing a treatment for their cancer. Luckily for us living in these modern times, there are many cancer treatment options we can use such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and brachytherapy. All these treatments come with their risks and complications but there are also many cases of successful treatments.

As long as you do not have allergy to iodine seed implants, brachytherapy is a good treatment option for you. Just make sure that you talk to your doctor about it and know as much as you can about this particular kind of treatment. Be familiar with the procedure, the risks, the success rate, adverse effects and the contraindications.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , ,

Dangers of Tizanidine and Sulfa Allergies

January 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

People can die from anaphylaxis due to drug allergies. This is the reason why doctors and nurses often interview patients if they have any drug allergies to prevent anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions from happening. This is also the reason why it is a standard operating procedure in hospitals and clinics to do an allergy test for any drug especially if it will be injected before administering any medication to a patient. Tizanidine and sulfa allergies are examples of drug allergies which can be deadly.

It is crucial for people who have tizanidine and sulfa allergies to know as much as they can about these drugs and the signs and symptoms related to tizanidine and sulfa allergies to make certain that they do not suffer allergy attacks which can be fatal to them. People with sulfa allergies should ask their doctors for a list of sulfa based drugs. Sulfa drugs are common and they mainly function as antimicrobial. Examples of antimicrobial sulfa drugs are Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfisomidine, Sulfadoxine and sulfacetamide.

The sulfa moiety can also be found in other drugs such as diuretics, loop diuretics and COX-2 inhibitors. Examples of these are Acetazolamide, Bumetanide, Furosemide and Metolazone. Some sulfa drugs such as Dorzolamide and Dichlorphenamide are also opthalmologicals. These drugs are used for some surgical procedures such as lasix.

People who have sulfa allergies should remember these drugs that contain sulfa and they should notify their physician of their allergy before taking any medication. Hypersensitivity to sulfa drug can cause strong allergic reactions such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Lyell Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis which are both life threatening. These syndromes affect the skin and the mucous membranes.

Cell death occurs which causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis. These conditions are considered as dermatological emergencies. In addition, effective treatments to these conditions are still not determined. Some doctors treat people with Stevens Johnson Syndrome like burn patients. Some consider surgery and debridement but the most effective treatment still remains elusive. On the other hand, Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant which is used to treat cramps, muscle spasms and back pain. Sometimes, Tizanidine medications are also used an anticonvulsant and it can also be used for migraine headaches.

Zanaflex and Sirdalud are the most common brand names of Tizanidine. Allergic reactions to Tizanidine are not as serious as sulfa drugs. Common allergic reactions to Tizanidine are itching, development of skin rash and swelling of the lips, tongue and face. The dangers posed by tizanidine and sulfa allergies are lethal which is why people who have allergic reactions to these drugs should be very careful.

These days there are many sources of information about tizanidine and sulfa allergies such as the internet, books and of medical practitioners. Since these sources of information are very accessible, allergy sufferers should be knowledgeable about drug allergies. They should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of an allergic attack. More importantly, they should always remember to remind their physician of their drug allergies to prevent allergic reactions which might lead to further health problems.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Forms for Allergy and Immunology Offices

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

These days there are many people who are suffering from different kinds of allergies. There are many forms of allergies which can affect everyone not just those who have a family history of allergy and those who have weak immune system. In order to facilitate better allergy and asthma treatment for patients who have allergies, there are forms for allergy and immunology offices allergy sufferers should fill up when they go for a checkup. Allergy and asthma associations, allergy and asthma centers and allergy centers all require their patients to complete the different forms especially during their first visit.

Examples of these forms are patient registration form, consent to treatment, new allergy patient intake forms, new allergy patient instructions, medical permission form, immunotherapy consent form and many more. These forms are available in allergy asthma clinics, hospitals and other health centers which cater allergy sufferers. The forms for allergy and immunology offices are also available online for some clinics and hospitals which have websites. All patients need to do is download them then fill them up at home before going to the clinic. Completing these forms is necessary for record purposes.

In addition, these forms can also give your physician an idea of your medical history. Some of these forms are also helpful financially because these can be the basis for financial assistance the hospital or clinic can give you whenever you receive treatment. One thing that people should always remember when filling up forms is that they should always be honest. Putting wrong information is illegal and punishable by law.

More importantly, allergy specialists and allergy doctors need you to be honest with your medical history. Wrong information can lead to misdiagnosis which can result to patients receiving wrong treatments. In addition, in the case of people with drug allergies, if they do not tell their doctors of their allergies, their physician might give them drugs which they are allergic to. People should always remember that allergy attacks can lead to death. If you are having problems filling up your forms you can always ask for assistance. If there are questions which are difficult to understand you can always ask your doctor or the clinic and hospital employees to explain the questions to them.

Furthermore, you should also ask your doctor to explain fully any consent forms you will sign. This is necessary for your protection. You might give your consent to a procedure or medical treatment you do not like unknowingly. Another importance of these forms for allergy and immunology offices is that they are very helpful in case you move to another place or in case of medical emergencies. Doctors and nurses can just look at your medical records and the forms you have completed which can help them determine the course of treatment they will take. If you move to another place, you can always ask for a copy of the forms so that you can show them to your new doctor for continuity of care.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why do I Turn Red? – What Food Allergy Causes Red Cheeks and Neck?

January 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are several reasons why the skin, especially in the neck and cheeks area reddens. One of the most common reasons is the reaction of the skin to some unfamiliar or strong chemicals like those found in lotions and moisturizers. Others suffer from red cheeks and neck due to some drugs and food allergies. For some reason, food is the number cause why the skin can be encounter some skin rashes or allergies that is why it is good to know what food allergy causes red cheeks and neck.

More often than not, a simple reaction of the skin to certain foods or chemicals is deemed to be an allergy due to misdiagnosis. Good news is that, with the use of the new technology in allergy diagnosis and its accurate results, one is able to know what causes the redness in the skin and get proper treatment.

Aside from drugs, food commonly causes the skin allergy or redness on its surface. Though skin allergies are not really fatal, they could cause too much discomfort. When you experience some changes in your skin after ingesting food, especially red rashes, see an allergist immediately. Seeing an allergist would educate you on what food allergy causes red cheeks and neck.

While there are some topical over the counter drugs that could be applied on skin allergies, it still is better to have an expert’s advice to avoid any adverse effect. Few of the foods that usually causes allergy on skin are eggs, shellfish, dairy products and nuts.

Knowing what food allergy causes red cheeks and neck is your best guard against taking in food with allergens. After knowing what food allergy causes red cheeks and neck, try your very best to get rid of them to avoid any unpleasant conditions.

It is also important that the people you regularly eat with know what food allergy causes red cheeks and neck in you so they would not mistakenly serve them. When invited on parties or when dining out, make sure that the food is gluten free. For you to avoid red cheeks and neck, make sure that you check the label and it is important that you do it religiously.

There are several types of skin allergies and their symptoms and treatments are also treated separately. Here are some of the types of allergies that you should be familiar with so would know how and what to do when it inflicts you or any family member or friends.

Oats, wheat and barley have gluten in them which is a good source of protein but this same nutrient which is needed by the body to be healthy causes some discomfort to some people. Gluten allergy results to bloating, diarrhea, weight loss and constipation are the symptoms of such allergen in adults while abnormality in stool, impairment in growth, poor appetite and irritability are common manifestations to children with gluten intolerance.

In case of gluten allergy, the doctor surely recommends a gluten free diet. Since gluten is also an important nutrient needed by the body, patients should also be treated in case they are suffering from phosphorous, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, niacin, selenium and chromium deficiency. Educate yourself about allergens and know what food allergy causes red cheeks and neck.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oral Antihistamines and Weight Gain and Loratadine: Can Loratadine Really Cause Weight Gain?

December 25, 2010 By 1 Comment

Loratadine is one of the most common oral antihistamines used to treat allergies like allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Loratadine blocks the actions of the substance called histamine and relieves symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching of the eyes among other things. People suffering from allergies, however, are concerned with the effects of such medications, saying that oral antihistamines, particularly Loratadine, cause weight gain. But is there really a relationship between oral antihistamines and weight gain and Loratadine?

Various studies have been done to determine the relationship between Loratadine and weight gain. Some studies revealed that antihistamines are manufactured with similar chemical structures that psychiatric drugs have. Psychiatric drugs are known to be associated with weight gain and obesity. Some studies also revealed that weight gain can probably be associated with drowsiness, a common side effect of antihistamines. Drowsiness results to reduced energy, resulting to inability of a person to do exercises, which then results to weight gain. Some studies also showed that antihistamines can increase one’s appetite.

The studies done may have reaped different results, but one thing that’s really common among them is that they indicate a significant relationship between oral antihistamines and weight gain and Loratadine. The studies all seem to say that oral antihistamines, particularly Loratadine, can cause weight gain. Of course, more research needs to be done to confirm this.

In the meantime, if you suffer from bouts of allergic reactions, it’s not really necessary to stop taking such medications. However, it remains important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle if you are afraid of gaining weight. There are many ways that you can control weight gain when taking oral antihistamines.

The best and most recommended option is to visit your doctor and ask for an alternative medication. Doctors would usually prescribe steroid-based nasal spray, which is an effective treatment for stuffy nose but does not cause weight gain. To relieve itchy eyes, doctors may recommend antihistamine eye drops, which certainly won’t cause weight gain as they are not taken systemically and won’t significantly affect the entire body.

Another option is to do home remedies and take precautionary measures. Taking fresh fruit juices can strengthen your immune system and make you less susceptible to allergens. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits can also help. Taking chamomile tea is also a good alternative to taking oral antihistamines. Of course, you also need to avoid getting in contact with allergens like pet dander and pollen. When pollen is at its peak, stay inside your house as much as possible to keep them from getting into your system. Carpets at home should be vacuumed regularly to avoid buildup of dust.

As different studies have shown, there is a significant relationship between oral antihistamines and weight gain and Loratadine. And although there is no one explanation as to why people who take oral antihistamines are more likely to gain weight, it is best to take precautionary measures and alternative medications if you are experiencing weight gain when on oral antihistamines, particularly Loratadine.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Phthalate Allergies from CPAP Skin Flushing Conditions: How Patients Can Better Address CPAP Mask Side Effects

December 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine, more commonly known as CPAP machine, is a device used to treat people suffering from sleep apnea. While this is considered the best and most effective treatment method for such medical condition, many patients find the machine, particularly the CPAP mask, very uncomfortable and irritating after long use. In fact, a recent study revealed that the compliance rate for using the mask among sleep apnea patients is only about 60%, mainly because patients are faced with phthalate allergies from CPAP skin flushing conditions. Phthalates allergies and skin flushing, however, can be prevented and treated simply with the help of a health professional and with basic knowledge on proper management of the condition.

There is only one reason why sleep apnea patients suffer from CPAP mask side effects and that is because the mask does not fit properly and is too tight for the patient. This, of course, can be easily remedied with the help of a doctor. Doctors can help patients achieve the right fit so as to keep the mask from creating discomfort and pain during sleep and from causing phthalate allergy and skin flushing.

Because of the growing concern for phthalate allergies from CPAP skin flushing conditions due to use of CPAP masks, manufacturers of such masks have found ways to address this huge concern. Today, there are now different types of CPAP masks that sleep apnea patients can use. There are those that are manufactured with gel cushions, which are actually considered the most comfortable type of CPAP masks, and there are also masks with standard padding.

Aside from choosing between masks that have gel cushions and those with padding, there are some other considerations that doctors need to check during evaluation and fitting of the mask. One of them is the right size of mask to use. There are basically masks designed for patients with all types of faces, from patients with small face to those with wide face. Doctors will also determine the right type of mask to use. Types of CPAP masks vary from nasal mask that covers the patient’s nose to full face and total face masks.

When selecting a CPAP mask, it’s always best to seek help and assistance from doctors. Doctors will help patients find a particular CPAP mask that is according to their fit and comfort. While doctors may also consider the patient’s choice of CPAP mask, it remains their responsibility to ensure that the chosen mask provides a tight seal around the patient’s nose while still providing perfect fit and comfort.

The occurrence of red marks is the first sign that the mask may be too tight for the patient. Red marks are generally the start of more intense symptoms like phthalates allergies and skin flushing. Indeed, prevention can keep patients away from developing phthalate allergies from CPAP skin flushing conditions.  It is important that patients consult their doctors to have their masks checked and evaluated to prevent allergies and skin flushing. Aside from having the CPAP masks checked, consulting the doctors is also the perfect opportunity to ask for some alternative treatments for sleep apnea, most especially if patients continue to suffer from phthalates allergies and skin flushing despite trying out different types of masks.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

About Allergies Drug Reactions Sjogren Patients: How To Get the Best and Most Appropriate Allergy Medications for Sjogren Patients

December 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Sjogren syndrome is a type of immune system disorder that occurs when the body’s mucus membranes and glands are attacked by white blood cells, resulting to dryness and pain in body areas that are supposed to be moisture-rich, such as eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. There are a lot of treatment methods for Sjogren syndrome, such as creams, moisturizers, and oral lubricants. Oral drug medications may also be required but a doctor’s consultation is crucial as Sjogren patients are very much susceptible to drug allergies. Consulting specialists, like immunologists or allergists, and asking them about proper management and treatment methods for allergies drug reactions Sjogren disorder is crucial. This is the best way to ensure you get relief from the allergy while not exacerbating Sjogren disorder.

Statistics showed that there is approximately one to four million people in the US suffering from Sjogren syndrome. Females are the ones that are mostly affected; although there has also been a noticeable increase in the number of men and children suffering from this disorder during the past few years.

Sjogren disorder is often characterized by dry eyes as well as dry mouth and swelling of the parotid glands. This can also affect the normal functioning of the nose and ears as dryness around the ears can cause Eustachian tube problems while dryness inside the nose results to the development of crusts, resulting to reduced sense of smell.

Aside from dealing with the pain and abnormal dryness of moisture-rich parts of the body, another concern that Sjogren syndrome patients often have to deal with are allergies, whether they are food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and other types of allergies.  Knowing the right approach and medication for such medical conditions is not just a challenge for the patients but for their doctors as well.

Unlike normal individuals experiencing bouts of allergic reactions, evaluation, management and treatment of allergies in patients with Sjogren syndrome is not easy. This is because common treatment drugs for allergies, which include antihistamines, intranasal steroids, and decongestants, are known to exacerbate mucosal dryness. In cases when topical creams, moisturizers, and lubricants no longer work, taking oral medications like antihistamines may already be necessary. This, however, can bring allergies drug reactions Sjogren patients to critical conditions, that’s why consulting a doctor is necessary.

Doctors would have to perform physical examination, which includes evaluation of the eyes, nose, oro-pharynx, and ears, which are the common areas hit by Sjogren syndrome. While doing so, doctors will also have to check whether such areas, particularly the nose and oro-pharynx, indicate allergies. Only then will they be able to determine the right approach to treating the allergy while not really aggravating the Sjogren syndrome. Their job as doctors, however, doesn’t end from providing proper treatment methods to patients. They are supposed to still monitor their patient’s responses to the treatment method or medication that was given.

For both Sjogren patients and doctors, dealing with such critical conditions is certainly a challenge. But, of course, proper evaluation and management of the condition, as well as prevention of allergy symptoms, is the best way to address and provide relief to allergies drug reactions Sjogren patients. Making their homes dust-free and avoiding foods that cause them allergies are recommended. Meanwhile, patients who are allergic to pollen, weeds, and grasses should stay indoors especially during peak seasons to avoid getting the allergies.

Filed Under: allergy symptoms Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Older Posts