Allergies In Winter



By Darrell Miller
When fall and winter arrive, does it seem like you always get sick? Don


By Paul Courtney
Those of us who suffer from dermatitis , the itchiness redness and flare ups wish we knew what causes it and above all how to get rid of it forever.
Unfortunately the causes of dermatitis are poorly understood and are still the subject of active research. Modern research is showing that it develops as a result of interaction between our immune system, the environment, and genetics. The immune systems of the people with this condition are very sensitive and they are more prone to react to irritants and allergens. Most people who have dermatitis have a family history of allergic conditions.
A genetic predisposition may be aggravated by factors such as infections, food allergies, temperature, irritating chemicals, stress and humidity. In response to extreme temperature and humidity, dermatitis tends to flare-up. Sweating and psychological stress are other causes of dermatitis flare-ups.
Other causes of dermatitis are irritations. It seems to have the capacity to change the epidermal structure by allowing immunoglobulin E activity to increase. Even after the exposure to allergen has ended or even after it has been systematically controlled, the chronic skin irritation will consequently continue.
The Actual Causes of Dermatitis Are Still Unknown
Since the causes of dermatitis are still unknown, several theories attempt to explain its pathogenesis. Causes of dermatitis probably represent more than one condition.
The underlying metabolical or biochemical conditions suggests that induced skin disorder is genetically linked to elevate serum immunoglobulin E levels and is one of the theories, regarding the causes of dermatitis while defective T-cell function is the other theory.
Causes of dermatitis or the triggers of dermatitis include a number of health conditions, genetic factors, allergies, and irritants, mental and physical stresses. Working in the wet is one of the main causes of dermatitis. Direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens results to contact dermatitis.
Different substances cause dermatitis to develop in different people and allergic reactions are genetically determined. When you have burns and sunburn, these will increase the risk of dermatitis. The process and causes of contact dermatitis involved are much clearer, although little is known about what makes people susceptible to allergic dermatitis.
What Are The Main Types of Dermatitis
The three main types of dermatitis are atopic, contact allergy and contact irritant. These all have different triggers, although some are similar. Atopic dermatitis is a genetic disorder that is influenced by environmental factors. But little is known what makes people susceptible to allergic dermatitis. When a highly reactive chemical substance comes into direct contact with the skin, allergic contact dermatitis occurs. Nummular dermatitis usually occurs in cold weather and is common to people with dry skin. The root causes of all these are still unknown.
As modern science continues in its research, sufferers can avail of the various medications currently available both over the counter and through prescriptions . It is also a good idea to take a close look at what actually causes or irritates your dermatitis and stay clear of it thus reducing the likelihood of flare ups etc.

By Jenny Riley
Anyone who has a drug and alcohol problem certainly will have to make a brief stay at a chemical dependency treatment center. Alcohol and drug addictions have ruined many people's life, and believe it when addicts say they are sick and tired of the whole thing, because these set of people are the ones that seek treatment on their own.
Other addicts are not fortunate to seek treatment, though they feel sober sometimes, but soon get back to ecstasy again, and they are only forced to go into chemical dependency treatment centers by court orders, loss of income, or intervention by their family. Addiction can cost people lots of money, and affects individuals physically, emotionally, and professionally.
Many chemical dependency treatment centers dots the entire landscape of the U.S, and they all specialized in treating cases of addiction to drugs and alcohols. The goal of chemical dependency treatment centers is to educate patients how to change their lifestyle and shun all activities relating to drugs and alcohol usage.
Though this cannot be achieved in a short moment, but the long term objective is to teach them how to deal with the problem in a positive way, so that it will eventually become second nature to them. The process of chemical dependency can take several forms such as outpatient

By David Cowley
If you have Cheese Allergy and we discount any possibility of this allergy being related to an allergy to milk, then you more than likely have what is call a Food Intolerance instead of an allergy. During the fermenting process the milk products are separated into Curds and Whey. Most of the proteins responsible for the allergy reactions are in the Whey byproduct produced and the Curd portion will normally have very little or none of the proteins.
Histamines sometimes occur naturally in foods and when ingested can mimic an allergic reaction. Fermented foods such as cheese, and sauerkraut contain histamine, especially Blue cheese, Roquefort, and Parmesan.
The human body contains an enzyme called Diamine Oxidase that is responsible for the metabolizing of histamines. When the histamine-metabolizing enzyme Diamine Oxidase is saturated and the enzyme cannot metabolize any more of the histamine ingested then an allergic like reaction can occur.
Symptoms are usually dose related and the amount of histamines ingested determines the severity of the symptoms. Symptom includes cramping, flushing of the skin, headache, heart palpitations and hypo tension. Symptoms are not usually life-threatening.
Another problem with eating cheese is that mold can grow on cheese. This mold can be closely related to penicillin. Penicillin allergies are usually associated with the penicillin injections but for anyone suffering from an extreme allergy to penicillin should avoid ingesting any.
If you suffer from mold allergies or if you are allergic to mold spores then mold growing on cheese can also be a problem. Never take a chance with your life. Be sure the cheese you eat is fresh and mold is not growing on it. Discard any cheese that has any type of discoloration on it that may indicate mold is growing it.
No mater what type of allergy you are suffering from their is a good chance that you can find relief from the allergy symptoms. Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Allergies such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Quercitin, and Bromellain.
Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.
Bromellain will enhance the absorption of Quercetin. Take 100 mg twice daily.
If you are Allergic To Cheese then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

By David Cowley
If you have a Sulfite Allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Sulfites have been used for centuries as a preservative for drinks, foods and medication. They preserve the color and flavor and increase the shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth. About 1 percent of the populations are allergic to sulfites. Sulfite allergy reactions tend to manifest in respiratory symptoms.
Prior to seeing any allergy specialist for testing you will need to stop taking any anti-allergy medication or over the counter antihistamines 2 to 3 days before the test are to be performed. Talk to the allergy specialist if you are unsure about any medications that need to be stopped and for how long.
Patients allergic to sulfite rarely show a positive allergic response to skin testing. The most reliable way to test for this allergy is commonly called The Food Challenge. You are told to avoid all sulfite-containing foods for several weeks.
Avoidance can be very difficult because sulfite is often hidden in other foods. Read the labels of every food that you bring into your home. Because the manufacturing processes change continuously re-read the labels each time you purchase a product. On January 1, 2006 a new law was passed stating that all labels should be designed in such a way that a 7-year-old child could read and understand the ingredients.
The doctor will then have you take pills containing sulfite under close supervision. If symptoms appear after ingesting the sulfites then you are allergic to sulfites and will need to avoid anything that has it on the label.
The USFDA requires the labeling of foods containing 10 ppm or more of sulfites and in 1986 the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw.
A growing awareness about food allergies is becoming well known in the United States. Food manufactures and restaurants are becoming more understanding and willing to accommodate people living with food allergies.
Living with any food allergy is no longer a major undertaking; it is now just a minor adjustment to your life-style. You will need to avoid baked goods, Soups, jams, canned vegetables, pickles, potato chips, dried fruit, trail mix, most condiments, shrimp, guacamole and anything that has sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium bisulfite and potassium metabisulfite on the label.
Some of the common vitamins used to treat sulfite allergy symptoms are Vitamins C, Quercetin, and Bromelain.
Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.
Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.
Bromellain will enhance the absorption of Quercetin. Take 100 mg twice daily.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.


By Samuel Murray
Pets definitely help us live longer and healthier lives. This is especially true of the elderly and those of us who live alone. Pets make wonderful and faithful companions. They are always there for us. However, this relationship can become strained, and sometimes even be broken when someone in the household develops an allergy to a beloved pet.
Studies show that approximately 15% of the population suffers from an allergy to a dog or cat, and about one third of those with an allergy to cats choose to live in a household with a cat despite the allergy. Some allergy suffers live happily with a pet for a year or two before an allergy starts.
There are sometimes long term health ramifications of repeated allergy flair up's, especially for children. Repeated flair-up's can cause permanent lung damage in children. This should be carefully and thoroughly discussed with your physician. One of the ways to live happily with an animal you are allergic to is to decrease your exposure to the animal. Keep the animal outside if possible.
If the allergy sufferer only has a mild reaction to the animal there are ways for the two of them to live together in harmony, but it takes work. The animal should not be allowed in the allergy sufferers bedroom or on the bed. Keep the animal off of any upholstered furniture in the house as dander can be transferred to upholstered furniture. Use a room purifier to remove airborne animal dander. Remove carpets from the home if possible and replace with wood floors. Wash area rugs on a regular basis with warm water. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter in order to trap dander. The allergy sufferer should wash his or her face and hands after handling the animal. The animal can be bathed weekly in specially formulated shampoo that removes dander.
In some cases where the above methods and the use of over the counter antihistamines and decongestants do not help, the allergy sufferer may need to seek the help of an allergist. Immunotherapy can be thought of like a vaccination against your allergies. Given on a regular basis as shots, immunotherapy helps your body build up a natural tolerance to specific allergens.
With the use of the above methods you'll be able to live a long and healthy life with your pet!