How to Manage and Treat Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Photo: Pixabay

Do you find yourself feeling miserable, coughing, or sneezing at about the same time each and every year?  If you do, it is important to note that you may be suffering from seasonal allergies.  Although it is possible to suffer from seasonal allergies all year round, many individuals find that their symptoms are worst during the spring and fall.

As for how you can go about seeking relief from your seasonal allergy symptoms or at least how you can manage them, there are a number of important steps that you will want to take.  These steps, a few of which are actually recommended by those in the medical field, are outlined below for your convenience.

One of the first things that you will want to do when looking to manage or treat your seasonal allergy symptoms is known what your trigger factors are...  When you experience a runny nose, stuffy nose, a cough, or chest congestion, there is likely something, in particular, that is triggering it.  For many, the culprit is pollen, ragweed, as well as mold.  As far as a mold is concerned, many believe that it is only found inside homes and other buildings, but mold is actually quite common outdoors, especially after rainfall.

Another one of the many ways that you can go about seeking relief from seasonal allergies is by seeking the proper treatment.  Although some individuals are able to manage their symptoms on their own, many more need to seek relief from prescription medications or at least over-the-counter products.  This is where visiting a doctor may be a good idea, especially if your seasonal allergy symptoms cause you pain or discomfort.  As previously stated, your doctor will likely prescribe allergy relief medication to you, especially if he or she thinks that your allergy symptoms are severe enough.

If you decide to seek relief from your seasonal allergies without the use of a doctor, but still with medication, you will likely turn to over-the-counter products.  Before taking an over the counter product, be sure to read all warning labels and all information that is provided to you.  Some over-the-counter medications can react with others or have side effects.  If you want reassurance that you will be trying a safe product and one that is known to produce results, you may want to speak to any other seasonal allergy sufferers that you know, a pharmacist, or you can read reviews on over-the-counter products online.

In addition to the above-mentioned steps, which all involve the use of some form of medicine, it is also important to know that many individuals are able to seek relief from their seasonal allergies with natural steps or other small easy steps.  For example, The Weather Channel is known for outlining high pollen counts in certain areas. They often do so on live broadcasts as well as on their website.  If your area is impacted by high levels of pollen, it may be a wise idea to stay indoors or at least wear a protective mask.  Checking any pets that you may have is another great tip that many do not think of.  Longhaired cats and dogs can get pollen and ragweed stuck on their hair, which can later result in it making its way into your home.

As highlighted above, there are a number of steps that you can take to seek relief from your allergy symptoms.  The good news is that most of these steps are all easy to implement.

---

---

Foods That May Help Those with Allergies

Hives on DLdoubleE's back from an allergic reaction (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you suffer from allergies?  If you do, you may be looking for natural ways to seek relief.  The good news is that you do have a number of different options.  One of those options is food.  Did you know that there are some food products that can help you reduce or seek relief from many common allergy symptoms?  There are.

Before focusing on a few of the specific foods that you can eat, as way to reduce or seek relief from your allergy symptoms, it is important to know and understand the benefits of eating a good, healthy diet.  When you eat healthy foods, your body and immune system should be in top-notch health.  This cannot only prevent you from developing the common cold, but it can also help to reduce your allergy symptoms or at least make them more easier to manage.

As for the foods that you may want eat to seek relief, lime can be used. When using lime, many allergy sufferers recommend taking one lime or a half a lime and squeezing the juice into a cup of room temperature water.  Drinking this mixture daily for a month or two can provide you with relief.  Some individuals also recommend adding in about a teaspoon of honey.  Honey is another food that can help to provide you with relief.

Vegetable juices are also advised.  In fact, some studies found that vegetable juices are effective with the treatment of allergies.  There are also many medical professionals who encourage their patients to drink vegetable juice.  Some juices, like carrot juice, can be taken alone.  However, many have also seen success with creating their own mixed vegetable juices.  Carrot juice that is mixed with cucumber juice and beet juice is recommended by many.

Bananas are another food that many can eat to seek relief from allergies.  When using this natural food approach, it is recommended that you eat at least one banana, although two is recommend, daily for a month or two.  Although bananas can provide relief to most who suffer from allergies, they tend to provide the most relief to those who suffer from skin allergies or skin rashes that develop because of a small allergic reaction.

A solid diet of fruits and vegetables is also advised.  As stated above, bananas and lime are known to provide relief to those who suffer from many allergies.  Others fruits and vegetables that you may want to consume include apples, grapes, and carrots.  Some individuals recommend starting out slow, like by eating one fruit or vegetable first and then adding something else in a few days or a week later.  This recommendation is most commonly made when a fast is also used.

Although the above mentioned food products will likely provide you with relief, it is important to proceed with caution.  It will all depend on what type of allergy you have.  For example, bananas was sited above as a great way to help those who develop skin rashes, like with pet allergies.  With that in mind, those who suffer from food allergies may not be able to eat a banana without having an allergic reaction themselves.  That is why caution should always be used, especially with food allergies. If you do have a food allergy, do the proper amount of research first.  This may involve scheduling a visit with your doctor or using the internet, namely trusted medical websites like WebMD, to do your own research.

---

---

Related articles

• Do I Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?(thecut.com)

  ---

• Expert reveals WHY this year will be bad for hay fever sufferers as UK hit by POLLEN BOMB(express.co.uk)

  ---

A Remedy For Seasonal ALLERGIES

Allergy skin testing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you one of the millions that suffer from allergies? Are you looking for information on allergy remedies? If you are a chronic victim of the distressing effects of allergies then it’s high time you found an effective allergy remedy. There are several allergy remedy medications available on the market.

In order to effectively treat your allergies, you need to find the allergy remedy most aligned with your symptoms and needs. You have several avenues to choose from when searching for an allergy remedy. These avenues include home remedies, allergy medication, environmental modifications, and a consultation with an Allergist.

Let’s start with home remedies. Home allergy remedies were used before allergy medications surfaced on the medical scene. Be wary of many home remedies. Many of these remedies are based on “old wives tales”.

However, there are some steps you can take at home that do work. For example, if you have an allergy to pollen you can minimize its effects by washing your clothing and hair when coming home. Make sure to do this before you go to bed so that you won’t spread any of the pollen onto your bedding.

Allergy medications are a wonderful allergy remedy. You can use over the counter antihistamine pills, lotions, and ointments. If you have a chronic allergy you can consult your physician for a stronger prescription allergy remedy. Nasal sprays are also a great tool against allergies. They act as a direct allergy remedy to your nasal passageways.

There are a few environmental modifications you can make as an allergy remedy. Wash bedding in hot water to remove dust mites. Use mattress and pillow covers to fight against dust mites. Keep your home clean and carpets vacuumed. 

If you have severe allergies that can’t be managed with basic allergy remedies then head to your physician or allergist. They can take you through a series of allergy testing and provide the best treatment options for your situation. This may involve removing the allergy culprit from your environment, food plate, or clothing drawer. They can provide prescription allergy medication to knock your allergy out cold.

---

---

---

NASAL ALLERGIES - What They Are And What You Can Do

Photo: Flickr

Nasal allergies are better known by its common name, allergic rhinitis. This type of allergy is extremely common.

But, if these reactions only happen during specific periods of the year, then you have a seasonal allergy, usually caused by pollen grains being spread out in the air at about the same time as your allergies.

There are also perennial allergies that can happen no matter what day of the year. But the good part is that you and your doctor can work out a treatment for you that will minimize the occurrences and keep your allergy in check.

Nasal Allergy Manifestations

A nasal allergy reaction is a bit like getting a sudden bout of the colds. You’ll sneeze, have watery eyes, have a runny nose with a clear liquid discharge, and all the other unpleasant side effects coming in with colds like having a sore throat and cough. This may seem like just an irritation, but there’s more to your nasal allergies than just that.

Common Causes

All allergy attacks are triggered by an allergen, which is the substance that your body recognizes as an outside threat and will attempt to block it. A common allergen during the summer months when flowers are in bloom is pollen, which can float around in the air and end up entering your respiratory tract.

Mold also does the same thing, so you can really feel like you’re having a mix of irritants, which is probably also the case. The last common sources of nasal allergies are animals, whether it’s from dust

mites or pet dander from your dog. These can all trigger allergic reactions from your body.

Diagnosis of Allergies

A simple evaluation by your doctor of your nasal symptoms can define the best way on how to diagnose if you have a nasal allergy. Then you can undergo tests to determine the best method of treatment for your case.

It would also be very helpful to your doctor if you provide some medical background and history of your allergies, such as when it started, which periods of the year it occurs, and heredity factors.

A physical exam could also test your body parts for faults. Once it’s all finished, you and your doctor can plan a way on how to treat your allergies with medication, allergen avoidance, and possibly immunotherapy so that you won’t have to endure those allergies forever.

The most effective treatment for allergies, however, is to avoid being exposed to it as much as possible. If you’re allergic to pollen grains, then it might be a good idea to limit your time in parks during the summer, where there are lots of trees and other plants who spread pollen quite well.

Depending on the medical advice your doctor gives, you just have to follow it to make sure that your nasal allergies are minimized and possibly avoided entirely.

Animals are also good sources of nasal infection, so keep your surroundings clean of pet hair and other materials by cleaning and vacuuming often.

You won’t have to do so many complicated things just to avoid a simple allergen material, and common sense still applies. Wherever your allergen is bound to be grown or found, better keep yourself away from it.

---

---

ALLERGY and Mental Disease

Photo  by Care_SMC 

The following will come as a surprise to most people, including most medical doctors.

The most mental disease is caused by unsuspected brain allergies!

This fact was illuminated for me by Dr. Marshall Mandell in the early 80's.  He appeared on the Phil Donahue show and had videos of persons with mental problems caused or worsened by allergen testing.  He was the first to name such as "brain allergies".

In 1982, Dr. Von Hilsheimer introduced the first End-Point-Titration allergy testing into Florida, and I worked with him at an allergy clinic in Orlando.  We amazed several MD allergists in that clinic with depression and many other cases being solved.

During that time, I studied allergy/sensitivity extensively.  I found a list of mental diseases caused by allergens that surprised me.  None of my previous experience with psychology had prepared me for such.  If was the following:

Schizophrenia, depression, hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD), Emotional instability or hypersensitivity, Insomnia, Chronic fatigue, crying jags, stuttering, excessive daydreaming, anxiety, panic attacks, withdrawn, listless, seizures, aggressive behavior, anger, irritability, silly, tense, restless, excited, agitated, behavior problems in children, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, poor comprehension, confusion, impaired attention, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, feelings of unreality, disorientation, false beliefs or delusions, hallucinations, suicidal, feel like hurting self.

While giving a 4-day orthomolecular seminar in Soviet Georgia in 2000, I was introduced to the latest EEG biofeedback therapy of raising the amplitude of the brain waves just above Alpha, in the range of 12-15 Hz.  In the discussion, I remembered that list of mental diseases caused by allergens and proposed the theory that raising that brainwave somehow changed the effect of allergens on the brain.

When I returned to the US, I started the first leasing of EEG BF equipment for home use.  As you can imagine this did not endear me to the clinicians who were charging up to $250 per half hour for the service.  The actual operation is so simple that anyone with a high school education can easily learn how to do it, although the learned clinicians will (as usual) protest the necessity of a professional approach.  (This in spite of no harm being done to anyone, and no license is required to practice this simple therapy.)

In 2001, Dr. Jiri Tyrl of the Czech Biofeedback Society listed papers about EEG biofeedback that showed the following mental diseases as being either cured or greatly improved by this feedback:

Epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Academic-Cognitive Enhancement; Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Sleep Disorders, Depression, Hemispheric Asymmetry, Anger, Addictive Disorders, Brain Injury, Stroke, Coma, Spasticity, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune Dysfunctions, Headache and other Pain, Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Parkinson's Dystonia, Tourette's Syndrome, Autism; Cognitive Decline with Aging, Asthma Hypertension Dissociative Disorders, Creativity, Optimal Functioning, Criminal Recidivism.

This list was further proof (to me at least) that allergens were involved in much mental more mental disease that was suspected, and that this particular EEG biofeedback (now known as raising the SMR brain wave), DID somehow relieve this allergen susceptibility.

In 2004, one of those comic light bulbs went on above my head, and I realized that it should be possible to do the same thing - namely raise the SMR brain wave - by use of subliminal messaging.

I put out a call for volunteers and got over 20, who sent me weekly emails.  Most were various types of ADD/ADHD, with a few depressives and insomniacs mixed in.  The results definitely showed both that my allergen theory was correct, and my subliminal theory was also correct.

In 3 more volunteer tests since that time, we have shown that this therapy (named Neuroliminal Training) is at least as effective as EEG Biofeedback (aka Neurofeedback) for ADD/ADHD, depression, insomnia, autism, and epilepsy.

We're going even further with a current test that includes Alzheimer's cases, PTSD cases, OCD/anxiety and other severe depression cases, autism and epileptic (longer testing), and even some anaphylaxis cases.  Anyone interested in this test should contact me at the website below.

Dr. Bate is the retired orthomolecular psychologist who invented Neuroliminal Training, the affordable way of changing brain wave amplitudes. http://drbate.com - Phil@drbate.com

---

---

---

Important Things To Know About MILK ALLERGIES

Capillaritis with acute hemorrhage associated with milk allergy in an infant - Photo: Wikimedia

Milk allergies occur because the immune system mistakenly sees milk protein as something that is

dangerous for the body and tries to fight it off. It starts as an allergic reaction causing a child to be

fussy and irritable along with an upset stomach and other symptoms.

Breastfeeding lowers the risk of the child developing a milk allergy. In many cases, however, the allergy is said to be genetic. Normally, by the time a child reaches the age of three to five years old, the allergy goes away all on its own.

People who have milk allergies should really pay good attention to what they are eating because a lot of foods nowadays are made up of milk and other milk products. A milk allergy is different from lactose intolerance and without extra caution, a milk allergy may turn into a severe illness due to direct contact with foods that cause it.

Milk Allergy And The Immune System

A person who has a milk allergy reacts to the proteins in the milk. The substance known as Curd which forms the chunks that can be observed in sour milk contains 80% of the milk’s proteins while Whey which is the watery part holds 20% of the milk’s content.

If a person who has allergic reactions to milk eats food that contains milk products, the immune system will fight the milk proteins because it mistakenly sees them as invaders thus harmful to the body. The immune system protects the body from these milk proteins by creating antibodies known as immunoglobulin that trigger the release of chemicals into the body such as histamine.

The release of these chemicals affect the different parts of the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system which then causes the allergy symptoms like nausea, headache, wheezing, itchy hives and stomachache.

The Common Symptoms

Just like any other food allergy reactions, the symptoms occur within ten minutes to a couple of hours

after eating the food that caused the allergy. The symptoms may sometimes last for less than a day affecting any of these three body systems: the skin, the gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract.

Milk allergy manifests in the skin in a form of red rashes, redness, and swelling in the areas of the mouth or eczema. The gastrointestinal tract, on the other hand, is affected in the form of belly cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The respiratory tract has symptoms ranging from itchy and watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing to asthma attacks coupled with wheezing and coughing.

A severe reaction known as anaphylaxis may also occur to some patients. It causes the swelling of the mouth as well as the throat and airways that lead to the lungs leading to the inability of the patient to breathe. There is also a dangerous drop in the blood pressure which causes the dizziness and passing out and sometimes immediately lead to shock.

Going To The Doctor

Once your doctor suspects that you might be having a milk allergy, you will be referred to a specialist

that is equipped to better treat your allergic reactions. The allergy specialist will then ask you some questions that may cover information about how often these reactions occur and the time that it usually takes before the allergy manifests itself in your system. He or she will also ask you if there are members of your family who has the same case of allergic reactions that you have.

An allergy specialist performs a skin test on you and this test will involve a placing of liquid extracts of milk protein on the patient’s forearm or back. The skin will be pricked a bit and the allergist waits if there would appear reddish spot forms thus indicating the allergic reaction.

---

---

The Most Common Food ALLERGIES

* Milk *

Being allergic to cow’s milk isn’t the same as being lactose intolerant.

* Eggs *

You can be allergic to either the whites of the yolk. This type of food allergy is more prevalent in

children, but does affect some adults.

Food types likely to cause allergic reactions in adults in Sweden: drupe, cheese, nuts, wine, apples, and shellfish.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* Peanut *

Most people, adults, and children with food allergies, are allergic to peanuts too.

* Tree nut *

More children have nut allergies than adults. The symptoms of nut and peanut allergies are the same, but being allergic to one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to the other.

* Seafood *

This is more common in, but not limited, to children. The fish allergens can be passed through the air by people eating or cooking fish near you.

* Shellfish *

Similar to seafood allergies. But having one doesn’t mean being allergic to the other.

* Soy *

People allergic to soy need to be especially careful when eating Asian foods or using Asian sauces.

* Wheat *

This is most commonly a food allergy, but can also be a respiratory contact allergy.

In the United States these are referred to as "the big eight". Over 90% of U.S. food allergies consist of

these foods.

Allergens differ in other countries, but these 8 make the top 10 in many places through out the world.

Food allergies may be based on contact. In East Asia where rice makes up a large part of the diet, rice

allergies are more common, as are celery allergies in Central Europe.

---

---

Types Of ALLERGIES

It’s estimated that 60 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy. That’s 1 out of 4. It’s the 5th highest chronic disease in America and the 3rd most common chronic disease in children.

Many people suffer from more than one allergy type.

Oedema of the conjunctiva due to hay fever allergy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pollen from trees, grass and weeds are in the indoor/outdoor allergy category. Other common

indoor/outdoor allergy triggers are mold spores, dust mite and cockroach allergen and cat, dog and rodent dander.

About 75% of people with allergies have indoor/outdoor allergies. The most common pet allergy is cat dander.

Skin allergies are another common allergy. The most common causes of skin allergies are plants like poison oak, ivy and sumac.

Allergic reactions can also be caused by skin contact with latex, cockroach and dust mites and even some foods. Skin allergies are the main allergy for about 7% of allergy sufferers.

While we here a lot about food and drug allergies, they’re the primary allergy of only about 6% of

allergy sufferers. Food allergies are more common in children.

Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish are responsible for 90% of all food

allergies. Food allergies claim over 200 lives yearly. When it comes to common drug allergies, penicillin is the winner.

Almost 400 Americans die every year from allergies to penicillin.

Latex and insect allergies both claim around 4% of allergy sufferers. Latex allergies result in 10 deaths a year and nearly 100 deaths a year are the result of insect allergies.

Natural ALLERGY Relief: Is It Possible?

Food types likely to cause allergic reactions in adults in Sweden:
drupe, cheese, nuts, wine, apples, and shellfish.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you suffer from allergies?  If you do, you may have been prescribed prescription medication by your doctor.  If not, you may have still tired a number of over-the-counter allergy relief medications and products.  Unfortunately, medicine does not always work for all allergy sufferers.  That leaves many individuals wondering if there is a way that they can seek more natural relief, without the use of medicine.

As for whether or not you can seek allergy relief without the use of prescription medication or over-the-counter products, you will find that you can.  In fact, you will find that you have a number of different options.  Some of these options are not only safer than using medicine, but they are also much cheaper.

If you do not suffer from food allergies, you can use food as way to seek relief.  As for why you should avoid this approach if you suffer from a food allergy, it is because you may have another allergic reaction, which you are trying to prevent.  With that said, if you are suffering from seasonal allergies, pet allergies, mold and mildew allergies, certain foods may be able to provide you with relief.  These foods include the juice from a lime, namely when mixed with lukewarm water, eating one or two bananas a day, as well as drinking vegetable juices.

Another more natural way to relive some of the symptoms that are associated with allergies is with vitamin B5.  Although many sometimes consider vitamin supplements to be medicine, they aren’t really.  Even though you will be taking a supplement, it is still much more natural than many allergy relief medications.  For how much vitamin B5 should be taken, most recommend one supplement a day for around two or three months.

Despite the fact that natural ways to seek relief from allergies are most commonly associated with natural remedies that involve certain foods, vitamins, and herbs, there are other steps that you can take.  For example, you can remove yourself from your trigger factors.  For example, if you have allergies that are due to mold and mildew, avoid areas in your home where mold or mildew is present, like your basement.  If you suffer from allergies due to dust, consider hiring a professional cleaning service or you can clean more often, which should reduce the amount of dust that accumulates overtime.

As it was previously stated, it is advised that you display caution if you suffer from a food allergy.  This is because many food allergies are more severe than other allergies, such as pet allergies.  Those who are allergic to peanuts can actually go into shock and die within a matter of minutes.  For that reason, if you suffer from food allergies, you will not want to just limit your consumption of foods, but you will want to completely eliminate the food or foods that you are allergic to from your diet.  This is important to know as some sufferers do get other allergies confused.  For example, those who suffer from pet allergies don’t always need to find a new home for their pets, but they should limit their contact.  However, it is important to remember that food allergies and pet allergies are not the same.

As previously stated, there are a number of different ways that you can natural seek allergy relief.  If you are looking for more steps that you can take, perform a standard internet search online.  Also, consider investing in natural remedy books or guides that are designed to help those living with allergies.