Allergies and Types

Allergies and/or 'hypersensitivities' are overreactions of the immune system. 

These overreactions are particular to substances in some people. There are four groups of Hypersensitivities. 

The classifications are based on what parts of the immune system are activated, as well as how long it takes for a reaction to occur. In type I hypersensitivity, a particular foreign substance, 'allergen', and reacts with a specific type of antibody called immunoglobulin E - this reaction causes symptoms that will appear within minutes. In type IV hypersensitivity, the allergen reacts with a specialized type of cell called a T-lymphocyte. The reaction time of type IV is quite long it hours or days until any symptoms appear.

Type I allergic reactions can be inconstant in severity, it might appear different from time to time, causing a rash the first time and anaphylaxis the next. Type I allergies can be related to just about anything: foods, plants, insect venoms, animal dander, dust mites, mould spores, occupational substances (for example latex), as well as drugs and penicillin. There can also be cross-reactions, where someone allergic to grass pollen, for instance, may also react to melons and tomatoes. The most common food-related causes of severe anaphylactic reactions are peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.

Type IV delayed hypersensitivity reactions are most often skin reactions. Common examples include reactions to metal and jewelry. They occur when an allergen interacts with specific T lymphocytes. Type IV hypersensitivity is usually a reaction (redness, swelling, hardening of the skin, rash, dermatitis) observed at the exposure site hours to days after exposure.

Type I acute allergic reaction can cause a rash, dermatitis, and itching, while in the long term the allergy may cause atopic dermatitis and eczema. In the respiratory tract, the acute reaction causes coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing, throat tightness. This can in long term led to asthma. It can also cause red itchy eyes. Acute allergic reactions in the gastrointestinal system start in the mouth with swelling of the tongue and throat, followed by abdominal pain, muscle spasms, vomiting and diarrhea.

Any severe acute allergic reaction can be potentially life threatening, causing anaphylaxis, a reaction spread throughout the entire body that can start with agitation, a 'feeling of impending doom' pale skin (due to low blood pressure), and/or loss of consciousness (fainting). Anaphylaxis can be fatal without the rapid administration of an adrenaline or cortisone injection.

The best treatment for allergy is to be cautious and keep away from the substances that trigger your allergy. Allergies are unpredictable and might go away after a couple of years but they might as well stay with you forever.

If you fear an allergy it is of high importance to take a test and determine what substances you are hypersensitive to.

Adapted from EzineArticles.com/8336445

About Peanut Allergies

Peanut allergies is very common. Its prevalence rate is 0.6% (1.8 billion people) in the United States. Although this allergy can occur at any stage, it mainly appears in the early years of life. While allergies to milk or eggs disappear when a kid enters adulthood, peanut allergies stay with a person throughout his/her entire lifetime. 

 is it not  better to know everything about peanut allergies before it's too late?

What are the Basic Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of peanut allergies are:

• Loss of consciousness or Dizziness
• Diarrhea or Stomach cramps
• Wheezing or Coughing
• Swelling in the throat, tongue or mouth
• New rash, Eczema or Hives

What are the Common Causes?

Peanut allergies can appear in three different ways. These ways are:

• Inhalation: A reaction can take place if an affected person inhales aerosol or dust that has peanut-oil cooking spray or peanut flour.
• Cross Contact: This can happen when there is an unintentional introduction of peanuts into a product. A popular example is eating a food product that got exposed to peanuts during the processing or handling process.
• Direct Contact: The most common cause is eating peanuts or peanut-based products. Moreover, recent researches also show that skin contact with peanuts can also give rise to this allergy.

Best Ways to Avoid Peanut Allergies

#1.Prevent Exposure at Home: Home is the best place to begin the prevention procedure. If you have an affected person at home, make sure that you use peanut-free cookware and utensils while cooking his or her foods. You also need to use proper towels and wash your hands before cooking.

#2.Stay Prepared when Outside: You need to carry an epinephrine pen and the emergency contact information. You can also download special software like the allergy EHR software on your Smartphone. If you and the affected person are eating in a restaurant, make it a point to alert the servers and the chefs.

#3.Make Safer Food Choices: You need to read the labels of food products you are buying to make sure that they do not contain peanuts. Instead of peanut butter, you can use soy butter or sunflower butter. Instead of peanut oil, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil when frying foods.

Conclusively, If you take good care of yourself or the affected person, peanut allergies cannot bother a healthy lifestyle. So you need to remember all the points mentioned above, and stay strong and disciplined.

Adapted from EzineArticles.com/8362278

Weather Changes - A major Cause For Allergy Flare-Up

An allergic reaction is an immune response to any foreign object the body views as a threat. Many people suffer chronic allergies and a vast majority of them swear that the weather plays spoilsport in their lives.

A slight change in climate activates a dormant allergen and within moments they are seen sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itching, vomiting or battling severe cramps. The article explains "why" and "how" changing weather patterns affect our health.

Cold Climate
With the onset of the winter season, the image of people coughing uncontrollably, sneezing and tending to a runny nose is a common one. We often mistake the flu-like symptoms to be a cause of cold weather. However, in most cases, it is an allergic reaction to dust. Dust particles attract pollen, mites, insects and mold. It causes allergic symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and itchy skin. If you stay indoors for long periods of time, you continue to expose yourself to the allergy-causing dust particles and hence feel sick and lethargic.

Many insects such as ladybirds and bugs enter houses to seek shelter from the chilly climate. The fluids they release cause allergic reactions in humans.

Warm Temperature
Warm climate is no lesser a culprit than a dip in temperatures. Increased humidity is the cause of summer allergies. As temperatures rise, the capacity of air to hold moisture also increases. A rise in the relative humidity impacts indoor air quality.

Warm temperatures coupled with damp conditions create a perfect breeding ground for mold and other disease-causing bacteria. It also grows in homes where there is a lot of darkness and improper ventilation. Mold is one of the factors responsible for allergies. High home humidity results in chronic cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. There are different indicators of high moisture levels in the house. These include damp spots on ceilings, peeling wall paint, condensation on water pipes, mold growth, wood decay and bad, musty odor.

Spring is another season that brings in warm temperatures. The abundance of flowers increases the amount of airborne pollen. The weather related triggers - mold and pollen also worsen asthma. Asthma sufferers report that their symptoms exacerbate during thunderstorms.

Measures to Minimize Adverse Allergy Symptoms
One can take certain precautions to prevent the onset of or lessen the severity of symptoms. You should keep a record of the substance you are allergic to. It will help you determine if you are sensitive to weather changes or environmental allergens triggered by inclement weather. You should visit your doctor.

 He will guide you on how to manage allergic reactions and symptoms. 

Read the weather forecast daily.

Humidity trapped in the walls and other dark recess can also result in damage to your home. 

Different methods to decrease humidity if the heating and air-conditioning ventilation is not available. This includes improving home ventilation. Open the windows to allow the air to circulate. 

Use exhaust fans in high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Avoid hanging or drying wet clothes in the house.

 Hang them in an open space such as a balcony or on the terrace. One can use swamp coolers and dehumidifiers to decrease the amount of moisture in the air.

Adapted from EzineArticles.com/8184794

Ways Of Treating Allergies

According to research findings, the number of people suffering from allergies are on the rise, with half of the number affected being children. The most common allergies are associated with pollen, pets (such as dogs & cats), mould, house dust mites, bees & wasps, foods (such as peanuts, milk & eggs) and industrial & household chemicals. They are also reported cases of people being allergic to fruits, metals (such as iron and nickel jewelry), rubber and medication (such as penicillin). The common allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy skin rashes, running nose, coughing and wheezing.

Ways to Treat Allergies

Allergic reactions can be mild, moderate or severe, and in some unique cases, they can be life threatening (anaphylaxis), requiring prompt medical treatment. Some allergic symptoms, such as hay fever, asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic eye disease and urticaria are in fact illnesses. Before taking an over-the-counter allergy drug to treat your condition, it is advisable to check with your doctor. This will help to avoid any drug interactions.

When you visit you doctor he/she will be able to pinpoint the exact trigger for your allergies. This will help a great deal in avoiding the triggers. In addition, the doctor will recommend a more targeted remedy for treating allergies. The doctor can also recommend some natural ways of treating your allergy, including:

· Keep windows/door closed

Pollen is a major cause of allergies. Therefore, it is important to minimize the pollen indoors by keeping the windows and doors closed. In addition, clothes which are covered with pollen should be left outside. Taking a shower after coming from the outdoors can also help. Furthermore, it is advisable to consider washing your towels, bedroom sheets and blankets regularly, in hot water. This can help a great deal in reducing dust mites and pollen in the home.

· Invest in a good vacuum cleaner

You may also consider investing in a high-efficiency particulate air filter for your vacuum. This will help to get rid of any allergens trapped in the carpet.

· Take enough rest

Fatigue often provides additional stress to the body and thus undermines the healing abilities derived from sleep. Therefore, it is important to get 6-8 hours of good night. This can help a great deal in giving your body rest to repair itself after a long, active day.

Eat and Stay Healthy

It is equally important to eat a healthy, balanced dish. A good diet will help to strengthen your immune system for purposes of contending with allergens.

Adapted from http://EzineArticles.com/8257711