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Oct
28
Is The Allergy Shot Right For You
Filed Under Medications | Leave a Comment
Alisha Dhamani asked:
If you are interested in finding out whether allergy shots might work for you, talk to an allergist certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Shots may be right for you if you have very severe symptoms that interfere with your normal activities even though you are taking appropriate medication. For more information on medications, see Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications. They are a good option for people who have severe side effects from allergy medications or who cannot take allergy medications at all.
Allergy shots are suitable for both children older than 5 years and adults. Allergy shots are generally not given to people with heart problems or severe asthma, to people who take beta-blocker drugs for heart problems, high blood pressure, or glaucoma, or to people who take drugs called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Allergy shots do not work for all allergens or for all allergic conditions. While they reduce symptoms of allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever); indoor allergies such as dust and dust mites, molds and mildews, and animal dander; and stinging insect venoms, they are not effective for food or medication allergies at this time. Generally, they are given only for allergens that are bothersome all year long or for significant portions of each year.
Before prescribing shots, your allergist will do a full evaluation. He or she will first go over your medical history and do a brief medical exam.
A full series of allergy tests will be performed to confirm your specific allergen(s). Depending on the results, the allergist may go ahead and recommend that you try allergy shots. The specific shots that you receive are based on which allergens you are found to be allergic to.
Another purpose of this testing is to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction to the very tiny amounts of allergens used in the tests. If you do, you may not be able to take the shots because you might be at higher risk of developing an unlikely, but potentially very severe and even life-threatening, reaction called anaphylaxis.
Some people refuse to consider allergy shots because they fear needles. Because the allergen extracts are injected just under the skin, the needles used for immunotherapy are very small, much smaller and finer than the larger needles used for many immunizations and medications. The discomfort associated with these very small needles is minimal. Even most children are able to tolerate the shots very well. Even shot haters can change their minds when their symptoms start to abate.
A final factor in your consideration of allergy shots is your patience. If they are to work properly, the shots must be given in a series over time. The initial series takes at least 6 months, and maintenance therapy should continue for 3-5 years. Trying to speed up the schedule can be dangerous.
Most people who have good results begin to see an improvement in their symptoms about 6-12 months after starting the treatment. You will need to continue getting booster (maintenance) shots for some time after completing the first series of shots.
While most people are able to stop the shots after 3-5 years without experiencing bothersome symptoms, others have to keep getting shots for longer periods. You need to make a commitment at the beginning to stick with the therapy or you will not see positive results.
If you are interested in finding out whether allergy shots might work for you, talk to an allergist certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
Shots may be right for you if you have very severe symptoms that interfere with your normal activities even though you are taking appropriate medication. For more information on medications, see Understanding Allergy and Hay Fever Medications. They are a good option for people who have severe side effects from allergy medications or who cannot take allergy medications at all.
Allergy shots are suitable for both children older than 5 years and adults. Allergy shots are generally not given to people with heart problems or severe asthma, to people who take beta-blocker drugs for heart problems, high blood pressure, or glaucoma, or to people who take drugs called monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Allergy shots do not work for all allergens or for all allergic conditions. While they reduce symptoms of allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever); indoor allergies such as dust and dust mites, molds and mildews, and animal dander; and stinging insect venoms, they are not effective for food or medication allergies at this time. Generally, they are given only for allergens that are bothersome all year long or for significant portions of each year.
Before prescribing shots, your allergist will do a full evaluation. He or she will first go over your medical history and do a brief medical exam.
A full series of allergy tests will be performed to confirm your specific allergen(s). Depending on the results, the allergist may go ahead and recommend that you try allergy shots. The specific shots that you receive are based on which allergens you are found to be allergic to.
Another purpose of this testing is to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction to the very tiny amounts of allergens used in the tests. If you do, you may not be able to take the shots because you might be at higher risk of developing an unlikely, but potentially very severe and even life-threatening, reaction called anaphylaxis.
Some people refuse to consider allergy shots because they fear needles. Because the allergen extracts are injected just under the skin, the needles used for immunotherapy are very small, much smaller and finer than the larger needles used for many immunizations and medications. The discomfort associated with these very small needles is minimal. Even most children are able to tolerate the shots very well. Even shot haters can change their minds when their symptoms start to abate.
A final factor in your consideration of allergy shots is your patience. If they are to work properly, the shots must be given in a series over time. The initial series takes at least 6 months, and maintenance therapy should continue for 3-5 years. Trying to speed up the schedule can be dangerous.
Most people who have good results begin to see an improvement in their symptoms about 6-12 months after starting the treatment. You will need to continue getting booster (maintenance) shots for some time after completing the first series of shots.
While most people are able to stop the shots after 3-5 years without experiencing bothersome symptoms, others have to keep getting shots for longer periods. You need to make a commitment at the beginning to stick with the therapy or you will not see positive results.
Oct
28
Types Of Allergy Medication
Filed Under Medications | Leave a Comment
Kelly Johnson asked:
If you have done everything you can think of to avoid the allergens but you still continue to have problems the time has come for you to explore the different types of allergy medication.
There is allergy medication that can be bought over the counter, there is prescription medication, and let’s not forget that there is natural supplements that can boost the immune system and help to bring the body back into balance.
Antihistamines are one of the most popular allergy medication choices. Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine which is what is released when you are having an allergic reaction. They are sometime combined with decongestants. Popular over the counter choices includes Benadryl, Actifed, Tavist-D, Triaminic, and Drixoral. Prescription medicines include Allegra, Zyrtec, and Clarinex.
Decongestants are the right choice if you have stuffy nose. You might consider the oral or nasal spray for optimum relief. Decongestant allergy medication is even found in eye drops. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels which then reduces swelling. You need to make sure you don’t use them too long and then get hit with what is called the rebound effect.
Corticosteroids are an ant-inflammatory allergy medication that is used to treat swelling and itching that are a result of an allergy disorder. Nasal sprays are the most common use including Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasalide.
Cromolyn Sodium and Nedocromil Sodium are also an anti inflammatory allergy medication and it is usually in a nasal spray which can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. It prevents the release of histamine. It is available in both over the counter and prescription strength.
Epinephrine is the big guns that are used for emergency treatments in cases where anaphylaxis is occurring. It is usually administered with what is called an Epi Pen. This pen lets you self inject your epinephrine
Natural allergy medication uses nutritional supplements to strengthen the body. The use of higher amounts of various nutrients help support the body function.
To boost the immune system take CoQ10, Vitamin B12, grape seed, and AHCC. To improve adrenal function take B5, and to reduce inflammation you need Vitamin A.
Allergy medication can be taken once a day, ever four hour or as ordered b your doctor. Much depends on the medicine strength, the seriousness of the allergy what he or she is trying to accomplish.\
You might find yourself in serious condition without even thinking about it. You won’t be alone if you don’t realize the seriousness of a peanut alley or any other medication that is like the epi pen used for allergy medication treatment in serious cases.
There are so many different medications to choose from. What’s really important is that no matter what allergy you have the allergy medication is going to be expensive. They all are. So be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.
You should always consider natural supplements before trying any other medications. You might also consider mixing natural with either a prescription or an over the counter drug that will treat the symptoms while your natural works to restore your body’s health and wellness.
Your allergy medication will make you feel better but do work to treat the real cause of your allergy.
If you have done everything you can think of to avoid the allergens but you still continue to have problems the time has come for you to explore the different types of allergy medication.
There is allergy medication that can be bought over the counter, there is prescription medication, and let’s not forget that there is natural supplements that can boost the immune system and help to bring the body back into balance.
Antihistamines are one of the most popular allergy medication choices. Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine which is what is released when you are having an allergic reaction. They are sometime combined with decongestants. Popular over the counter choices includes Benadryl, Actifed, Tavist-D, Triaminic, and Drixoral. Prescription medicines include Allegra, Zyrtec, and Clarinex.
Decongestants are the right choice if you have stuffy nose. You might consider the oral or nasal spray for optimum relief. Decongestant allergy medication is even found in eye drops. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels which then reduces swelling. You need to make sure you don’t use them too long and then get hit with what is called the rebound effect.
Corticosteroids are an ant-inflammatory allergy medication that is used to treat swelling and itching that are a result of an allergy disorder. Nasal sprays are the most common use including Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasalide.
Cromolyn Sodium and Nedocromil Sodium are also an anti inflammatory allergy medication and it is usually in a nasal spray which can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. It prevents the release of histamine. It is available in both over the counter and prescription strength.
Epinephrine is the big guns that are used for emergency treatments in cases where anaphylaxis is occurring. It is usually administered with what is called an Epi Pen. This pen lets you self inject your epinephrine
Natural allergy medication uses nutritional supplements to strengthen the body. The use of higher amounts of various nutrients help support the body function.
To boost the immune system take CoQ10, Vitamin B12, grape seed, and AHCC. To improve adrenal function take B5, and to reduce inflammation you need Vitamin A.
Allergy medication can be taken once a day, ever four hour or as ordered b your doctor. Much depends on the medicine strength, the seriousness of the allergy what he or she is trying to accomplish.\
You might find yourself in serious condition without even thinking about it. You won’t be alone if you don’t realize the seriousness of a peanut alley or any other medication that is like the epi pen used for allergy medication treatment in serious cases.
There are so many different medications to choose from. What’s really important is that no matter what allergy you have the allergy medication is going to be expensive. They all are. So be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.
You should always consider natural supplements before trying any other medications. You might also consider mixing natural with either a prescription or an over the counter drug that will treat the symptoms while your natural works to restore your body’s health and wellness.
Your allergy medication will make you feel better but do work to treat the real cause of your allergy.
Oct
16
Debbie Davis asked:
Wonder how I was led to look for redeeming qualities of the dust mite? It was quite by accident! My daughter was watching Charlotte’s Web when Charlotte, the spider, announced how much better off the world is because of all the insects spiders eat. Otherwise, said Charlotte, the world would be overtaken by insects. Even though spiders are not my favorite insect, it was reassuring to know that these little creatures - regardless of how irritating, and yes, sometimes frightening they are - help with the “big picture” by doing something good for the world. This started me wondering if the dust mite was really getting a bum rap, and does, in fact, also do some good in the greater scheme of things! Here’s the scoop.
The household dust mite, nicknamed by allergists as HDH, is able to be seen only with magnification, and is considered to be one of the most common allergy and asthma triggers know to the world. The mite flourishes indoors in places like your bedroom, bathroom or under the kitchen sink, and are killed when exposed to direct sunlight, temperatures over 140 degrees or below 32 degrees. The male lives anywhere from 20-30 days, while a pregnant female can live up to 10 weeks, and produce as many as 60 to 100 eggs. They are so prolific that they can cause a significant health threat.
And if this isn’t discouraging enough, having a clean house will not eliminate the problem. Bleach and even industrial-strength soaps have little effect, and they take up residence in mattresses, carpet, and pillows where they climb down low enough to avoid sunlight, or the vacuum, but climb up again to feed off dead skin cells, dander, or dust.
So, unfortunately, the answer to the question is No–the dust mite does not have any redeeming qualities! Here’s how to deal with it.
If you are diagnosed with a dust mite allergy, the only solution is to minimize the number of mites making themselves comfortable in your home. Since dust mites can easily become airborne from normal activities in your home, one sensible approach to mite control is buying a hepa air purifier. While a hepa air purifier may not be able to kill the mites or rid your house of them entirely–and nothing can–an air purifier significantly reduces the amount of food available to the mites, decreasing their numbers in your home. How?
A hepa a purifier works by taking the room air in and passing it through a series of filters, trapping not only the pesky dust mite, but dust particles, pet dander, and other allergens that would trigger your allergy and/or asthma and that also serve as potential food for the mites. The purifier would be a constant solution and not one that would need to be reapplied or remembered. After all, shouldn’t you be the one to choose who’s sharing your pillow and your mattress?
Take good care,
Debbie Davis
President of Purer Air
http://PurerAir.com/healthmate_hm400.html
(800)997-2989
Wonder how I was led to look for redeeming qualities of the dust mite? It was quite by accident! My daughter was watching Charlotte’s Web when Charlotte, the spider, announced how much better off the world is because of all the insects spiders eat. Otherwise, said Charlotte, the world would be overtaken by insects. Even though spiders are not my favorite insect, it was reassuring to know that these little creatures - regardless of how irritating, and yes, sometimes frightening they are - help with the “big picture” by doing something good for the world. This started me wondering if the dust mite was really getting a bum rap, and does, in fact, also do some good in the greater scheme of things! Here’s the scoop.
The household dust mite, nicknamed by allergists as HDH, is able to be seen only with magnification, and is considered to be one of the most common allergy and asthma triggers know to the world. The mite flourishes indoors in places like your bedroom, bathroom or under the kitchen sink, and are killed when exposed to direct sunlight, temperatures over 140 degrees or below 32 degrees. The male lives anywhere from 20-30 days, while a pregnant female can live up to 10 weeks, and produce as many as 60 to 100 eggs. They are so prolific that they can cause a significant health threat.
And if this isn’t discouraging enough, having a clean house will not eliminate the problem. Bleach and even industrial-strength soaps have little effect, and they take up residence in mattresses, carpet, and pillows where they climb down low enough to avoid sunlight, or the vacuum, but climb up again to feed off dead skin cells, dander, or dust.
So, unfortunately, the answer to the question is No–the dust mite does not have any redeeming qualities! Here’s how to deal with it.
If you are diagnosed with a dust mite allergy, the only solution is to minimize the number of mites making themselves comfortable in your home. Since dust mites can easily become airborne from normal activities in your home, one sensible approach to mite control is buying a hepa air purifier. While a hepa air purifier may not be able to kill the mites or rid your house of them entirely–and nothing can–an air purifier significantly reduces the amount of food available to the mites, decreasing their numbers in your home. How?
A hepa a purifier works by taking the room air in and passing it through a series of filters, trapping not only the pesky dust mite, but dust particles, pet dander, and other allergens that would trigger your allergy and/or asthma and that also serve as potential food for the mites. The purifier would be a constant solution and not one that would need to be reapplied or remembered. After all, shouldn’t you be the one to choose who’s sharing your pillow and your mattress?
Take good care,
Debbie Davis
President of Purer Air
http://PurerAir.com/healthmate_hm400.html
(800)997-2989
Oct
13
vintageyellow71 asked:
Stop sleeping with dust mites. I can help you with a removal system.
allergies allergens shed skin cells
Oct
8
If my only symptom when exposed to dust is mental fog(loss of concentration), could that still be an allergy?
Filed Under Medications | 1 Comment
Joe Jevers asked:
I experience mental fog (reduced ability to concentrate) when exposed to certain types of dust/particulates, and this occurs on a consistent basis - particularly if I enter a dirty room or area. But I have no other symptoms (no runny nose, itching, watery/red eyes, etc..), so could this still be allergy/hypersensitiivty related? Should I use any medication for this or just use air filters?
I experience mental fog (reduced ability to concentrate) when exposed to certain types of dust/particulates, and this occurs on a consistent basis - particularly if I enter a dirty room or area. But I have no other symptoms (no runny nose, itching, watery/red eyes, etc..), so could this still be allergy/hypersensitiivty related? Should I use any medication for this or just use air filters?
Oct
5
Ben Anton asked:
Summer is probably the first season that comes to mind when one thinks of allergies, and for good reason. Combined with the heat, summer allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander can cause some of the worst allergic reactions in sufferers and make what are supposed to be the best months of the year downright miserable. Prescription medications can help calm or prevent allergic reactions, but the best way to reduce summer allergies is to reduce your exposure to summer allergens. There are a number of simple ways to do this and, luckily, none of them require a visit to the doctor.
Understand Your Allergies
The first step towards reducing your exposure to allergens is to recognize the types of allergens that aggravate your symptoms. If you’re like most allergy sufferers in the United States you experience hay fever or asthmatic symptoms. These symptoms are a result of your body’s immune system releasing antibodies into your bloodstream. These antibodies in turn create histamine, the agent that acts on your eyes, nose, throat, skin, lungs, and even gastrointestinal system to produce your allergy symptoms. The allergens that induce this reaction in your body are generally environmental allergens -airborne particles such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. It is virtually impossible to completely avoid these types of allergens. They exist inside and outside your home, at work, and anywhere else you might think of enjoying your summer months. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the amount of environmental allergens you come into contact with.
Reduce In-Coming Pollutants
The easiest way to avoid contact with allergens inside your home is to keep your windows and doors closed. A clean air filter or air conditioner can help cut down your in-home exposure to allergens tremendously. If keeping your windows closed during the summer is not an option, invest in a good screen. Make sure you keep your window and door screens clean, too. Pollen that accumulates on your screen can be tracked into your home when you open and close the doors or windows.
Avoid Peak Pollen Hours
If you are particularly sensitive to pollen you may want to stay indoors during peak pollen times. Pollen counts tend to peak during the morning, and are especially high on dry, windy days. It’s best to avoid going outdoors until late afternoon or evenings, when the temperature has cooled off a bit.
Dry Clothes Inside
Inhaling pollen isn’t the only way to experience its affect. Pollen can also irritate your skin, causing dry, itchy rashes. Clothes, towels and bed sheets that are hung to dry outdoors can collect pollen spores and cause fairly severe allergy symptoms. It is best to use a clothes dryer if you can; if not, hang your clothes in the evening, when pollen counts are low.
Keep House Clean
There are other summer allergens beyond pollen you will probably want to avoid as well. Dust mites and pet dander can also cause severe reactions in allergy sufferers. Dust mites cause allergic reactions by producing waste products that irritate the linings of the nose, throat, and lungs when inhaled. The easiest way to control the amount of dust mites in your home is to dust surfaces and wash bedding and clothes often. Vacuuming a few times a week can also help reduce the amount of surface dust mites. Make sure your vacuum has a clean air filter, and if you develop symptoms while cleaning you might want to leave the house for a few hours or consider wearing a pollen-proof facemask.
Protect Your Sleep
Aside from simple cleaning, another way to avoid allergen symptoms in your home is to use mattress and furniture protectors. Mattress protectors are one of the best ways of protecting yourself against dust mites and pet dander. These impermeable covers provide a barrier between your mattress and allergy causing dust mites and dander. Covers are good options because they can be easily cleaned and reused regularly where as vacuuming or cleaning a mattress is difficult and doesn’t always remove harmful allergens. Waterproof mattress protectors are also available for children’s beds and baby cribs. These covers reduce the chance of your mattress developing troublesome mold growth, another cause of allergies.
Summertime can be particularly problematic for allergy sufferers. Runny noses, sneeze attacks, itchy eyes, and burning throats can easily ruin any fun-filled summer activity. By simply planning ahead, however, you can easily avoid most environmental allergens and have an exciting, allergy-free summer.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Summer is probably the first season that comes to mind when one thinks of allergies, and for good reason. Combined with the heat, summer allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander can cause some of the worst allergic reactions in sufferers and make what are supposed to be the best months of the year downright miserable. Prescription medications can help calm or prevent allergic reactions, but the best way to reduce summer allergies is to reduce your exposure to summer allergens. There are a number of simple ways to do this and, luckily, none of them require a visit to the doctor.
Understand Your Allergies
The first step towards reducing your exposure to allergens is to recognize the types of allergens that aggravate your symptoms. If you’re like most allergy sufferers in the United States you experience hay fever or asthmatic symptoms. These symptoms are a result of your body’s immune system releasing antibodies into your bloodstream. These antibodies in turn create histamine, the agent that acts on your eyes, nose, throat, skin, lungs, and even gastrointestinal system to produce your allergy symptoms. The allergens that induce this reaction in your body are generally environmental allergens -airborne particles such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. It is virtually impossible to completely avoid these types of allergens. They exist inside and outside your home, at work, and anywhere else you might think of enjoying your summer months. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the amount of environmental allergens you come into contact with.
Reduce In-Coming Pollutants
The easiest way to avoid contact with allergens inside your home is to keep your windows and doors closed. A clean air filter or air conditioner can help cut down your in-home exposure to allergens tremendously. If keeping your windows closed during the summer is not an option, invest in a good screen. Make sure you keep your window and door screens clean, too. Pollen that accumulates on your screen can be tracked into your home when you open and close the doors or windows.
Avoid Peak Pollen Hours
If you are particularly sensitive to pollen you may want to stay indoors during peak pollen times. Pollen counts tend to peak during the morning, and are especially high on dry, windy days. It’s best to avoid going outdoors until late afternoon or evenings, when the temperature has cooled off a bit.
Dry Clothes Inside
Inhaling pollen isn’t the only way to experience its affect. Pollen can also irritate your skin, causing dry, itchy rashes. Clothes, towels and bed sheets that are hung to dry outdoors can collect pollen spores and cause fairly severe allergy symptoms. It is best to use a clothes dryer if you can; if not, hang your clothes in the evening, when pollen counts are low.
Keep House Clean
There are other summer allergens beyond pollen you will probably want to avoid as well. Dust mites and pet dander can also cause severe reactions in allergy sufferers. Dust mites cause allergic reactions by producing waste products that irritate the linings of the nose, throat, and lungs when inhaled. The easiest way to control the amount of dust mites in your home is to dust surfaces and wash bedding and clothes often. Vacuuming a few times a week can also help reduce the amount of surface dust mites. Make sure your vacuum has a clean air filter, and if you develop symptoms while cleaning you might want to leave the house for a few hours or consider wearing a pollen-proof facemask.
Protect Your Sleep
Aside from simple cleaning, another way to avoid allergen symptoms in your home is to use mattress and furniture protectors. Mattress protectors are one of the best ways of protecting yourself against dust mites and pet dander. These impermeable covers provide a barrier between your mattress and allergy causing dust mites and dander. Covers are good options because they can be easily cleaned and reused regularly where as vacuuming or cleaning a mattress is difficult and doesn’t always remove harmful allergens. Waterproof mattress protectors are also available for children’s beds and baby cribs. These covers reduce the chance of your mattress developing troublesome mold growth, another cause of allergies.
Summertime can be particularly problematic for allergy sufferers. Runny noses, sneeze attacks, itchy eyes, and burning throats can easily ruin any fun-filled summer activity. By simply planning ahead, however, you can easily avoid most environmental allergens and have an exciting, allergy-free summer.
~Ben Anton, 2008