Managing Childhood Food Allergies – Make Your Kitchen Work for You

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Discovering that your child has a food allergy is never easy. And if they have multiple allergies or a severe allergy to certain ingredients, it will probably mean making lots of changes to how you arrange your kitchen. You will want to consider everything from how you store food and prepare meals to how you plan family mealtimes. But once you get into a routine, dealing with an allergy doesn’t have to be stressful.

 

Common food allergies include allergies to dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts, fish and soy. It might not be practical to remove these from your kitchen entirely – particularly if you have other children at home. However, there are a number of simple things you can do in the kitchen to make managing food allergies easier.

 

A common concernfor parents ishow to avoid cross-contamination between different food types. This might sound like a challenge but with a little planning and clever organisation, you can protect your child from allergens whilst maintaining normal mealtimes and eating habits for the whole family.

 

Here are seven ways you can use your kitchen to help manage food allergies:

 

Clear the Clutter
Reduce the clutter on your worktops to an absolute minimum. This way you’ll be able to clearly see what ingredients and utensils you are using, making it easier to avoid cross-contamination. Less clutter also means less hidden spaces for food crumbs to lurk.

 

Create an Allergy-friendly Cupboard
Designate a cupboard, fridge shelf or storage space specifically for the person with the allergies. Here you can store everyday ingredients plus utensils, crockery and cutlery that is just for them.

 

Introduce Zones at the Dining Table
Ensure the allergy sufferer always sits at the same space at the dining table. This means even if you serve a meal before everyone has arrived at the table, you’ll know each person is going to get the right plate. It also makes cleaning the table at the end of a meal easier as you can clean their area first to avoid cross-contamination from dishcloths.

 

Keep Cleaning Products to Hand
Keep your cleaning products on your counter top so that they are easy to reach if you need them while preparing or serving a meal.

 

Know Where Emergency Medication Is
People often store allergy medication in handbags or bathrooms but it might be better to store it in the kitchen or dining room as this is usually where an allergic reaction is most likely to occur.

 

Use your Freezer
It can be frustrating for children to see their siblings arrive home with unexpected treats that they are not allowed to share so keep a stash of suitable treats in your freezer which you can quickly take out and defrost so that they don’t need to miss out.

 

Pin Up the Rules
If a food allergy has recently been diagnosed, it may take a while to adjust to a new routine. Use a noticeboard in your kitchen to keep a visible list of what is – and what’s not, allowed.

 

Remember, every individual is different so always ask your doctor or health professional for specific advice when organising your kitchen and dining routines.

 

For more information about food allergies, visit: www.allergyuk.org

 

Categories: allergies, avoid cross, Cleaning Products, cross contamination, dining table, Food, food allergies, food allergy, kitchen

Allergies in the Classroom

 

If your child suffers from allergies you’ve probably taken steps to reduce the number of allergens in your home environment. But when it comes to taking your child outside the home, you have much less control. And of course, a large chunk of your child’s time is spent in the school environment. If your child suffers from severe allergies, you may need to speak to your school about a plan to help your child deal with allergic triggers in the classroom.

According to the Journal of Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 50 percent of children in the UK suffer from an allergy. Common childhood allergies include asthma, rhinitis and eczema – all of which can be triggered by allergens found in the classroom such as dust mites and pet hair which can be carried in on the clothing of other children.

 

Carpets and Clutter

Suffering from allergic reactions whilst at school is not only uncomfortable but can also impact heavily on a child’s ability to concentrate during lessons. If your child’s allergies are triggered in the classroom, the school should be willing to help. One major problem, particularly in primary school, is that children are often asked to sit on the floor where there may be a greater number of dust mites and other indoor allergens. Some schools have taken steps to replace traditional carpets with flooring that is specifically designed to reduce allergens. Other things that the school can do include keeping classrooms well ventilated and ensuring that rooms are kept clear of unnecessary clutter.

 

Managing Medication

If your child has other serious allergies – such as food allergies or an allergy to insect bites or stings, it’s important to make the school aware of the risks they face. Make sure your child understands their allergy, its triggers and how to treat a reaction. You should also arrange a meeting with the school before the start of term to ensure that your child’s teachers know what to do if your child suffers from an allergic reaction whilst at school. It’s a good idea to give teachers written information about the allergy and an allergy management plan for your child – particularly if the allergy is less common.

Staff at the school should feel confident helping your child with medication if necessary and should know what to do in an emergency. If your child has an auto injector pen for use in emergencies, your doctor may be able to provide a training session to show school staff how to use it.

If your child has a serious food allergy, the school may write to other parents asking them not to include a particular ingredient in their own child’s packed lunch.

 

Planning for the Unexpected

Of course, the school day does not always follow the same pattern and there may be times when children take a lesson outdoors, go on a trip, or have visitors coming into the school. It’s worth discussing with your child’s teachers about any unusual lesson plans that are coming up each term so you can assess any risks and take action. Cookery demonstrations, visits by exotic animals, or craft workshops may all feature allergic triggers that are not normally found in the classroom.

 

For more information about dealing with allergies at school, visit: www.allergyuk.org

Categories: allergic triggers, allergies, allergy, Child, child suffers, classroom, Dust Mites, School

Facts You Need To Know About The Common Cold

As the colder months approach, so do the colds and flu viruses which render us bed-ridden for days. There are a number of factors which increase our risk of catching colds and viruses, such as cold weather, changes in immunity and our eating habits, and poor hygiene habits make us more susceptible to infections. It’s common knowledge that in order to fend off infections, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle of plenty of exercise, drinking enough water each day, and getting the right balance of nutrients from a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. But there are other things to consider. Here are the main factors you need to be aware of in order to stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Vitamin D deficiency

As the days become shorter, our exposure to direct sunlight also decreases. This lack of exposure to the sun can lead to a vitamin D deficiency which can weaken our immune system, leading us to become more susceptible to infections. Some food products are now fortified with this vital nutrient but there are also supplements available to help ensure you get your daily dose.

Cold air

The dry and cold air can dry out your nasal passages which can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to coughs and colds. You may even find that your struggle with your breathing during this season, as your nasal passages are often blocked. This is known as cold-induced asthma which can irritate the linings of your nose and throat which are there to protect the respiratory passages, which can trigger a cough.

Humid weather

In the summer, the hot weather leads to you sweating a lot more – this increases the chance of respiratory infections developing due to dust particles and sweat triggering a sore throat and a dry cough. Breathing is naturally affected because of congestion, particularly in crowded places.

Smog

Allergies due to breathing in smoggy air are common in the summer months, because smog contains a pollutant known as ozone which directly attacks your lung function. This causes inflammation of the protective lining of the lungs and can trigger asthma.  Coughing due to smog is often very painful as it causes uneasiness of the chest and throat.

Weather changes

Because of the way we naturally react to  weather changes, coughs triggered  during the summer months don’t go away easily. For example, during the winter we tend to keep warm, rest a lot and drink hot fluids to help encourage recovery. But in summer, we drink cold drinks and these increase the chance of a cold infection. It may even worsen your gastroesophageal reflux disease causing a cough.

Rainy season

It’s more common to catch a cold  during a rainy season, as the common cold during this season comes accompanied by headaches and sore throats which are due to damp weather. It’s during rainier months that we need to be more on our guard in terms of preventative measures and leading a healthier lifestyle, to try and  fight off any possible infections.

Climate changes

Because of erratic climate changes taking place all the time, people with a healthy immune system also catch respiratory infections. For example, with monsoons after heavy rainfall the weather can sometimes turn very hot. This can lead to a cough or cold due to infections, allergies and breathing problems, all made worse by the weather. changing so drastically.

Categories: allergies, colds, common, Infections, nasal passages, rainy season, respiratory infections, season, summer months, Throat, weather

How to Identify the Source of Your Tired-Looking Eyes

At what point in your life did the woman staring back at you in the mirror look so old? You don’t feel any older, so why is it reflected in those tired eyes? You might think all you need is to get more sleep, but according to New York dermatologist Charlotte Clark, even a full-night’s sleep isn’t enough to get your anti-ageing wellness back on track. While sleeping more is good for your wellbeing, and may help to diminish the appearance of tired eyes a little, to truly target tired eyes you need to first consider their source.

 

So why do you get tired-looking eyes? Anti-ageing wellness expert Jolene Edgar explains, ‘Genetics are the biggest culprit. If you inherit fair or thin skin under the eyes, it’s more obvious when blood pools there (often because of slower circulation from lack of sleep). This accumulation causes fragile capillaries to stretch and leak. Age is another factor. Over time, skin loses collagen and thins, so veins show through more prominently. Sunbathing speeds up this process by breaking down collagen and mottling skin colour.’ Your eyes may suffer even more if you have seasonal allergies. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston, points out that seasonal allergies ‘trigger the release of histamines in the body, which in turn inflame blood vessels and cause swelling.’

 

But how do you workout your individual source of tired-looking eyes? ‘To determine why your circles happen, gently stretch the skin under your eyes,’ Edgar advises. ‘If that area becomes darker, the circles are probably due to genetics or ageing. If the colour doesn’t change, UV rays or allergies are probably the cause.’ Once you’ve found out the culprit behind your tired-looking eyes, you can then move on to treating them. Luckily, we’ve got the solutions you need:

 

1. Vascular Issues: ‘If your circles are the result of vascular issues, double up on pillows at night to stop blood from building up under your eyes,’ recommends Edgar. ‘In the morning, apply a cold compress for about five minutes to constrict the blood vessels…Use an eye cream with caffeine, which helps constrict vessels (try Lancôme Rénergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Intense Repositioning Eye Lifter; $72, lancome-usa.com for info). Other smart alternatives: Arnica-based creams (found at health-food stores), which are considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce the appearance of darkness. And eye creams with green tea or grape seed oil help strengthen capillary walls (try Replenix Intensive Eye Lightening Serum, $59, dermstore.com). You can tweak your diet, too. Flavonol-rich dark chocolate (an ounce a day) and foods full of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts) may improve blood flow to the skin.’

 

2. Seasonal Allergies: Edgar suggests, ‘For allergy-induced circles, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before allergies begin to abate shadows.’

 

3. Thin Skin: Using a collagen-building cream can help to conquer your thin skin issue. Hirsch notes, ‘One of my top go-to ingredients is retinol. It helps increase collagen production.’ For this, you might like to try ROC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment. Edgar adds, ‘Vitamin C also encourages production and can help brighten skin tone (find it in a product such as Renée Rouleau Vitamin C Eye Serum). And wear sunscreen daily…or you’ll cancel out the benefits from any of these treatments.’

 

Once you’ve got these foundations in place, don’t forget to conceal any under-eye problems with clever make-up! Edgar comments, ‘For quick circle camouflage, apply eye cream and let it dry for a few minutes. Then pat on a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone. Top with a layer of loose powder, which helps prevent makeup from caking in creases.’

Categories: ageing wellness, allergies, anti ageing, blood vessels, Eye Cream, eyes, seasonal allergies, skin tone, thin skin, tired eyes, vascular issues

Easy Ways to Keep your Asthma and Allergies from Flaring Up

Allergies and asthma attacks are a fact of life for many, but they don’t have to make life totally miserable. If they get out of hand, allergies or asthma can not only cause discomfort, but they can lead to hospitalizations and other medical complications. Fortunately, there are ways you can try to keep asthma and allergies from flaring up.

 

1. Contain pet dander

We love our pets, so it’s tough to blame them for our problems. Pet dander is a common allergen. If something at home triggers asthma or allergy symptoms, first try restricting the animal. Keep them from the area where you spend the most time, especially the bedroom. If this does not bring relief and the pet is indeed the issue, you may need to resort to a pet-free home. Allergy shots and medication are also an option for people who can’t bear to part with their pet, but don’t want to live with uncomfortable allergy symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes.

 

2. Fix leaky pipes

Are there water leaks under the sink, in the bathroom or in the basement that need repair? These areas are prone to grow black mold, one of the most serious health risks. Mold spores love moisture which can trigger allergic reactions and make some people severely ill. Be sure the bathroom has an exhaust fan in good working order, and take care of all leaks. Children are most likely to run health risks from mold because their immune systems are still not fully developed.

 

3. Replace AC filters

Air conditioner filters trap allergens. Pollen, dust, mold spores and animal dander will remain in the filter until it is full. Depending on the type of filters you use and the environment in and outside your home, a good rule of thumb is to replace the filters every 3 to 6 months. If you live in a climate like Arizona where you rely heavily on your air conditioner, you may need to contact a professional of duct cleaning in Phoenix on a more regular basis. Clean filters mean the allergens continue to be trapped and are not circulating around the house where you can breathe them in.

 

4. Control the dust

Dust, pollen, mold spores and animal dander circulate around the home in the air, and lodge in furniture and carpeting. Dust tables, entertainment centers, shelves and other furniture often and regularly wipe down windowsills with a damp cloth. Rather than dusting with a dry cloth, try using a wet cloth to trap the dust effectively rather than spread it around the home again. Furniture and carpets should be vacuumed once or twice a week. When cleaning, be sure to wear a dust mask.

 

5. Cover bedding

Most asthmatic attacks are attributed to dust mites. The microscopic bugs like warm, humid environments with a special preference for bedding and carpeting. Pillows, mattresses and box springs can be protected with airtight covers. Bedding should be washed weekly in hot water, and sheets and covers dried in a hot dryer.

 

There are ways to minimize allergy symptoms. The trick is to learn which irritants affect you and avoid the triggers. Keeping a clean and well maintained home will ensure that your family stays healthy without having to suffer from daily allergies or asthma attacks. Although there may still be things in your home that trigger symptoms, basic cleaning and maintenance is a good place to start.

Categories: Air Conditioner, allergies, Allergy Symptoms, animal dander, Asthma, Asthma Attacks, dust, health concerns, Health Risks, Home, mold spores, Pet Dander, pets

Top Asthma Triggers That Could be Making You Ill

Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects your breathing, as the lungs swell and tighten in response to various triggers. If you have such a condition, it’s vital that you speak to your GP or an allergist to receive the right medication – it’s a dangerous illness that could be fatal if left to worsen. Around 60 per cent of asthma cases are allergic asthma, which means that underlying allergies make it hard for you to breathe. This could be cats, pollen, dust or chemicals in the air, but a skin-prick test can determine what is making your asthma worse. Once you know what the triggers are, you can avoid them to ensure you don’t exacerbate your condition. The seasons are one of the most common causes so you should be aware of the seasons, specifically if you have allergies to grasses, weeds and pollens. Allergic symptoms can start as early as February when the trees start blooming, grasses can make your symptoms worse right through summer, and weeds will continue to affect you until autumn. So be aware of the signs and get your treatments sorted ahead of time. Once you know that pollen is your trigger, you can keep an eye on your risk by checking the daily pollen count in your local area. If you know what you’re sensitive to, this will help you read the rankings a little more clearly and you’ll know what to avoid for future summers to keep allergies at bay.

Seems to simple to be true? Maybe, but closing your window could actually be the answer to some of your problems! You can use an air conditioner to filter out pollen that does find its way into your home, especially on high pollen days. There is a chance that your allergies are worse in the evening because pollen gets trapped on your clothes and hair. So make sure that you change your clothes, shower and wash your hair of an evening so that you don’t exacerbate your problem. This goes for your nose – believe it or not, but your nostrils trap pollen too, and this can lead you to have worse allergies when you’ve been out all day. You can try using a saline rinse, or a herbal nasal spray to reduce the risk of pollen getting trapped in the nasal cavity. If these don’t work, you can speak to your GP who may be able to advise of a prescription treatment that will do the job more effectively. Antihistamines can be bought over the counter and can work with your asthma medication to keep your symptoms under control. There are plenty you can buy over the counter, but if they don’t work there are stronger ones that your GP can prescribe for you. Some people find that their allergic asthma gets worse when they workout outside, so opt for an indoor workout instead. If you really must exercise outdoors, try to avoid the late morning or early afternoon as pollen is released at sunrise and tends to peak just a few hours later. You should also aim to keep your home temperature in the mid to low 60s and the humidity between 40 and 45 per cent, as dust mites thrive in homes that are warmer than 70 degrees. These are known to make allergies worse, so keep an eye on this and make sure that you keep your home at a temperature that sends them packing.

Categories: allergic asthma, allergies, Asthma, avoid, Pollen, worse

Raining Cats and Dogs: Plenty of Pets for Allergy Sufferers

A pet can do wonders for family wellness, but not so much if you’re allergic to animals. Your allergies may put you off even risking your wellbeing in the first place, or else walking that endless tightrope of medications and hand-washing just so you can pet your furry little friend now and again. Unfortunately, veterinarians assert that no dog or cat is 100% hypoallergenic, but there are still breeds that incite less of a reaction. We have a list of some animals that are a little friendlier to your allergy wellness:

 

1. Portuguese water dog: While you may have a misconception that your allergies are caused by fur, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is quick to point out, ‘People with pet allergies have supersensitive immune systems that react to harmless proteins in the pet’s dander (dead skin that is shed), saliva or urine.’ No fur mentioned there, and, in fact, some animals are better tolerated because of their fur as they either don’t shed a lot or they require so much grooming that their dander is washed away more frequently. As the Portuguese water dog – as owned by Barack Obama – is in this latter category of requiring regular maintenance, it may be able to accommodate your allergies.

 

2. Sphinx cat: If you’re allergic to cats, the chances are this is due to the Fel d 1 glycoprotein present in cat saliva and skin excretions. Southern California-based company Allerca claims to have bred a hypoallergenic cat with modified versions of the Fel d 1 glycoprotein. However, The Scientist has since reported, ‘Allerca published no scientific proof that their pets are in fact hypoallergenic, and subsequent investigations conducted by The Scientist found several disappointed customers who were essentially told that they were too allergic to receive Allerca cats.’ That said, Sphinx cats are recommended by certain breeders are they don’t have any allergen-laden hair to shed.

 

3. Kerry blue terrier: Originating from County Kerry in Ireland, the Kerry blue terrier is considered a low-allergy dog because it sheds less dander than some other breeds. If you’re looking for an energetic and fun-loving animal that fits easily into your family, this may be the dog for you. However, if you have a cat be warned; the Kerry blue terrier is known for its hunting instinct.

 

4. Poodle: As the hair-growth cycle of the standard poodle is long, it will shed less than other dog. This pooch is usually advised if you have an allergy because their ‘coats tend to be both tightly curled, and usually lacking in undercoat. This combination tends to keep dead hair from detaching and floating in the air, and it tends to retain the dander, which is the most common source of allergens.’

 

5. Devon rex cat: Many experts assert, ‘While no cat can be truly hypoallergenic, many people with allergies to cats discover they can live comfortably with a Devon rex.’ This is because the Devon rex has less fur than some other breeds, which means they don’t need to lick themselves so frequently.

 

6. Bichon frise: In the same way as poodles, the Bichon frise is a lower-allergen dog because it has a curled coat, making it harder for their dander to escape. These pups require frequent grooming, but this does mean they shed less dander into a home environment.

 

7. American Labradoodle: This is probably the most popular low-allergen dog on this list and, as you may have guessed, is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. However, be careful because an Australian labradoodle is not the same thing, and may be worse for your allergies.

Categories: allergen dog, allergies, bichon frise, blue terrier, devon rex, hair, kerry blue, nbsp, Pet Dander, portuguese water, water dog

Is Extreme Hygiene to Blame for Increase in Child Allergies?

These days it seems as though every other kid is allergic to something, which can make family wellness complicated. Even if your own child’s wellbeing isn’t affected by allergies, chances are that he or she will bring home a friend who is, and so you still have to deal with the problem. And the situation is only getting worse according to a recent study from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which found that allergies are on the rise. One in 20 children have food allergies today, which is a 50% increase from the 90s, while the number of children with skin allergies or eczema has risen by 69% to a whopping one in eight.

 

The odds are that you know a young child who has a food or skin allergy, which is why it’s now common practice for childcare settings and schools to ban potential allergens like tree nuts from all children’s lunches, in order to protect the wellness of these affected children. However, it’s difficult to determine whether these allergies have actually increased, or whether we’ve simply become more aware of what to look for, and so are just reporting more allergies in kids than we used to. Even the CDC study was based on parents’ self-reports of allergies in their children, and didn’t clarify whether or not the allergies were diagnosed by medical professionals, so some cases may have been misdiagnosed by hypersensitive parents.

 

Nonetheless, wellness experts seem to agree that recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in instances of both food allergies and hereditary atopic disorders such as eczema and asthma. This is at least evident in so-called developed countries, and herein lies a potential clue: we’re experiencing more allergies in the West because our culture is too good at controlling or eliminating exposure to microbes. As microbes are central to training our immune system to deal with allergens, excessive hygiene may be the cause of increased child allergies.

 

However, researchers like SF Bloomfield of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine warn against too simplistic a reading of this so called “hygiene hypothesis,” as broader, societal change is a more likely culprit. In their paper “Too clean, or not too clean,” Bloomfield et al argue, ‘The increase in allergic disorders does not correlate with the decrease in infection with pathogenic organisms, nor can it be explained by changes in domestic hygiene. A consensus is beginning to develop round the view that more fundamental changes in lifestyle have led to decreased exposure to certain microbial or other species, such as helminths, that are important for the development of immunoregulatory mechanisms.’

 

The researchers continue, ‘Although this review concludes that the relationship of the hypothesis to hygiene practice is not proven, it lends strong support to initiatives seeking to improve hygiene practice. It would however be helpful if the hypothesis were renamed, e.g. as the “microbial exposure” hypothesis, or “microbial deprivation” hypothesis, as proposed for instance by [Bengt] Bjorksten [professor emeritus at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden]. Avoiding the term “hygiene” would help focus attention on determining the true impact of microbes on atopic diseases, while minimising risks of discouraging good hygiene practice.’

 

This broader, societal reading of the “hygiene hypothesis” is seemingly backed up by studies, as, for example, kids are less likely to develop asthma if they grow up on farms. Moreover, if your child lives in a city, he or she is more likely to have a food allergy than kids who reside in the country. This is possibly because of increased exposure to air pollution in cities, and so we can see that it’s not as simple as blaming good hygiene.

Categories: allergies, broader societal, Child, child allergies, food allergies, hygiene, hygiene hypothesis, hygiene practice, hypothesis, Research

How to Reduce Your Allergies by Avoiding Certain Flora

Hay fever isn’t actually anything to do with a fever, rather being associated with your body’s over-reactive immune system which sees pollen and dust to be a dangerous foreign body in the respiratory system. As a result, it creates a reaction in the form of watery eyes, sneezing and a sore throat. The pollen and dust most commonly arrives around spring or summer time, when flowers and trees are budding, but people with hay fever can suffer throughout the year depending on what they’re allergic to. The most allergenic plant is known as ragweed, and this can be found in fields, by the roadside and in more rural areas. It’s believed that over 75 percent of Americans who are allergic to plants have an allergy to this specific species – it is more common in summer and autumn, so it is best avoided around this time to reduce your symptoms. Certain trees can also emit pollen which can make your symptoms worse. These usually pollinate in spring, so be prepared with antihistamines during this time of year if you’re allergic to tree pollen.

 

Found in meadows and dry lawns, rye-grass is particularly problematic for allergy sufferers – in fact, given the abundance of grasses everywhere you look, grasses in general can be an issue if you’re allergic to them, as it means you never really get time off from your condition. There is no allergy-free grass and if you mow it, the mold spores from the grass also come up into the air and can make your symptoms worse. Elm trees are common in America, and in the UK too, and pollinate in the spring. Dutch Elm disease killed around 100 million elm trees between 1930 and 1980, but in the late 90s the trees made a comeback meaning terrible symptoms for allergy sufferers. Mulberries may not be the most common of fruits, but from winter to summer they come out in full force as a surprising contender for allergy sufferers. Flowering plants don’t usually create potent allergens – a general rule of thumb is if it creates a pretty flower, such as crab apple trees and cherry blossoms, then it probably won’t irritate your allergies. However, studies show that mulberries do contribute towards hay fever so these are best avoided if you’re one of the unlucky ones for whom pollen is the enemy.

Oak trees are common and pollinate in spring – they produce less potent pollen but in vast quantities, as well as producing it for the longest season. Parks and natural areas often have oak trees so these are best avoided in the height of spring so that your allergies can be reduced. Lastly, mold is a serious contender for this issue and is commonly found in the spring after several months of cold weather and rain. In order to reduce this in your home you need to air your home out regularly by keeping your windows open where possible to allow fresh air to circulate. In places where there is a lot of steam, such as the kitchen or bathroom, be sure to leave the window open slightly at all times so that cool air can reduce condensation in the home. If you do suffer from allergies, though, don’t be the one to clean mold in the home – pass that job on to a family member or friend if possible, as your symptoms will flare up. Try to keep your home dust and mold free if possible, and shower after being outdoors in high pollen seasons as pollen can cling to your hair and skin and make your symptoms worse.

Categories: allergies, allergy sufferers, elm trees, Hay Fever, oak trees, Pollen, spring, Symptoms, symptoms worse, Trees

Could Your Child’s Egg Allergy Disappear as They Get Older?

More and more parents have health concerns for their children that are linked to food intolerances or allergies. The good news is that new research is indicating a positive step forward for those whose children are affected by egg allergies.

 

Egg allergy is one of the most common allergies, affecting the wellness and wellbeing of thousands of children around the world. New studies are being carried out, however, that indicate that these allergies may be less serious than previously thought.

 

One such study, for example, suggests that children who are allergic to hen eggs could still safely consume the eggs if they are baked at a high temperature for a long time. Further research revealed that parents who were prepared to do this, and to incorporate those eggs into their child’s diet over a period of time, could actually help to immunise their child against their egg allergy, and thus cure them altogether. The outcomes for this method were far greater than for those who simply avoided egg allergies altogether.

 

Another study has indicated that many children who are allergic to foods actually grow out of their allergies by the age of 10, allowing them to safely increase the range of foods that they can eat as they get older.

 

Experts warn, however, that parents should be extremely cautious when introducing allergy-causing foods back into their children’s diets, and say that this should only ever be done under the close supervision of a medical expert.

 

A leading expert who carried out the research said that upwards of 600,000 children in America are allergic to hens’ eggs, but that most of them will grow out of it by the time they hit their teens. Egg avoidance in the meantime, however, can lead to significant dietary limitations and can impact on the child and family’s quality of life.

Categories: Age, allergies, allergy, Child, Children, egg, egg allergies, egg allergy, Eggs, nbsp

Sexless Symptoms: Are Allergies Ruining Your Sex Life?

Look at your allergy symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy watery eyes and fatigue – feeling in the mood? I guess not. Although you may not be aware, allergy symptoms really take their toll on your sex life, with 83% of those polled in an Allergy and Asthma Proceedings study reporting this to be the case. As with any medical condition, it’s important to consult your doctor. Tell your GP about the changes you’ve experienced in your sexual activity, as you can then work together on ways to inject a little more va va voom into your bedroom. There are plenty of avenues that you can explore with your doctor and your partner, so ask yourself the following questions:

 

1. Could you use a little help to fight fatigue? Whether you get them on prescription or over-the-counter, non-drowsy medications can help to guard your wellbeing against fatigue.

 

2. Are you suffering from an allergy? An allergist can test you for – as you might guess – allergies, while health food shops can test for intolerance. Identifying the culprit is an important step, as it is only then that you can create your plan of action.

 

3. How is your environmental wellness? Allergens that thrive in your home and grow in the soil can make everything worse, so limit your exposure to dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander.

 

4. What’s today’s pollen count? If you monitor daily pollen counts in your area, you can guard your wellness against them on days that they’re particularly high. This means shutting your windows and turning off the air conditioner.

 

5. Does your dog need to sleep at the end of your bed? You or your partner may like to have your furry little friend on or even in your bed, but your pet may be playing havoc with your sex life if you have a pet dander allergy or intolerance. You don’t need to get rid of your pooch, just keep him or her off the bed or – even better – out of the bedroom altogether.

 

6. Is everything squeaky clean between the sheets? They call it getting down and dirty, but this doesn’t mean your bed has to follow suit! If you regularly replace your pillows, and wash your bedding in hot water, you can keep your boudoir as allergen-free as possible and promote a dust mite-free sex life.

 

7. Are you inviting pollen round for tea? Just because you expose yourself to pollen outdoors, you don’t have to bring it into the bedroom. Leaving your clothes at the front door helps to ensure that you’re not tracking it in the house and, who knows? It could be a sexy starter if you strip and hit the shower together.

 

8. Are you prepared for the big event? Although planning and preparation aren’t the sexiest things you can think about, neither is an allergy-ridden sex life. Take care of your sexual health by taking allergy medicine a good half an hour before getting down to it. It’s not the end of the world if it’s not exactly 30 minutes in advance, but planning ahead in this way helps you to make sure your allergy medications are raring to go when you are.

 

9. Are you (and your partner) educated? Education and communication is key here, as a lot of people don’t even realise that their allergies (or their partner’s) are getting in the way of their sex life. You need to understand your wellness, and how everything is connected. If you and your partner are aware of the issue, it makes it so much easier to solve together.

Categories: allergies, allergy, Allergy Symptoms, libido, life, Medications, nbsp, partner, Pet Dander, Pollen, sex life

How to Ease Your Allergies in the Summer Season

By summertime, anyone with allergies will be feeling the brunt of their condition – noses streaming, eyes watering, and a constant supply of coughs and sneezes. It doesn’t necessarily need to be this way though – there are some things you can do to limit the effect allergens have on your body, so that you can get through allergy season relatively unscathed. If your symptoms appear around February, chances are it is trees and grass pollens which aggravate your body. If this is the case, try to stay indoors where possible or avoid parks and tree-laden areas which will make your symptoms worse. You may want to keep a check on the pollen counts on your local news so as to avoid heading outdoors if they are particularly high. It may not be chic, but if you do need to do the gardening or need to head into a park when the pollen is high, a mask which covers your nose and mouth will help you to avoid the pollen entering your respiratory system.

 

When allergy season hits, be sure to wash your hair regularly – pollens get trapped in your hair which can then continue to irritate even once you’re indoors. Washing your hair and having a shower or a bath will get rid of this and help you avoid watery eyes and sneezing sessions of an evening. Studies also suggest that people who are stressed will react more strongly to pollen and allergens, so be sure to stay calm. Try getting plenty of sleep and taking a relaxing bath to rid your daily stresses from your mind and help your body to react more appropriately to allergens. It may seem like a simple thing to do, but keep your nose clean! Pollen will stick to your nose, making your symptoms worse, so try to use a nasal spray where possible to protect this delicate area or use a saline solution from the pharmacist to clean your nose and remove the pollens. Antihistamines are a great way to reduce the effect pollen has on your body, as these will protect your immune system from having an overt reaction to the allergens in the first place.

Keep your home clean as well, as pollen and dust can gather in your home and make your symptoms worse. This means using a damp cloth to clean window sills and doors, so that dust can cling to it rather than just being dispersed into the air, as well as vacuuming regularly to pick up any dust which may get kicked up into the air. However, if your allergies are particularly bad, outsource your housework to another member of the family until your symptoms calm down a little. Be watchful of mold spores in the home, which can develop in bathrooms or kitchens where moisture levels are high. This can make your symptoms worse, and should be cleared as soon as possible. When it comes to cleaning your bedding and cushions, try to wash them on the highest setting they will allow so as to kill any dust mites.  If you still can’t seem shift your symptoms, try acupuncture – it’s been shown that this age-old art could have a massive effect on conditions such as allergies. It works by fine needles being inserted into pressure points in the body to decrease stress hormones and reduce inflammation. Many people have found that it works wonders on their allergies, so this could be the answer to your coughing fits in the spring and summer seasons where pollen counts are higher.

Categories: allergies, allergy season, body, nose, Pollen, pollen counts, Symptoms, symptoms worse, treatment

Is Your Child Being Bullied Because of a Food Allergy?

While food allergies are already a health concern for children, if your child does suffer with allergies their wellbeing may be under threat in other ways; bullying. This is according to a new study, published in the journal Paediatrics, which found that many children with food allergies may be bullied at school – sometimes with potentially dangerous threats to their physical health.

 

As a result of the study, which focused on 251 families at a New York City allergy clinic, the researchers found that about one-third of kids said they’d been bullied specifically because of their food allergy. More often than not, the bullying took place at school in the form of teasing. However, there were many cases in which bullies threatened their victims with the food to which they were allergic – waving it in front of them, throwing it at them or saying they would sneak it into their other food. Dr. Jay Lieberman, an assistant professor of paediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, in Memphis, who was not involved in the study, explained, ‘With food allergies, that kind of bullying does carry a theoretical physical risk.’

 

If a child with a food allergy eats the offensive food, their wellness can be affected by hives, swollen lips, stomach pain and even potentially life-threatening reactions in which the child can’t breathe and their blood pressure plummets. Fortunately, these severe reactions are rare, says lead researcher Dr. Eyal Shemesh, an associate professor of paediatrics and psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City, as parents of food-allergic kids are usually vigilant about avoiding the culprit foods. She explains, ‘What really affects these children’s lives is everything that surrounds the allergy – the food avoidance, the anxiety,’ and the bullying.

 

If other children have to avoid bringing peanut butter to school, for example, they may resent the child who’s allergic. Even in small amounts, peanuts can cause a serious allergic reaction, even through simple skin contact with a peanut. Therefore, both Shemesh and Lieberman note the importance of parents, schools and doctors being aware that food allergies can make kids a target for bullying. When the researchers asked the children about their quality of life – including their emotional wellbeing and how they were getting along at school – children who were bullied reported a lower quality of life than their food-allergic peers who were not targeted.

 

The interesting distinction was that, among the kids who were bullied, those who’d told their parents reported a better quality of life. As to why that was, the researchers remain unclear. Shemesh comments, ‘I don’t know if the parents did something about the bullying. I just know they knew about it.’ Whether the parents called the school or otherwise helped their child, or the kids just felt better after talking with their parents, Shemesh recommends that parents ask their children if other kids have ever bothered them about their food allergy. He also advises educating all children on how serious food allergies are.

 

Dr. Mark Schuster, chief of general paediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, agrees that education about food allergies – for kids and adults – could help. ‘When it comes to food allergy, people often roll their eyes,’ Schuster says. ‘They think that kids are just trying to avoid a food they don’t like. And they may not understand that food allergies can be serious.’ He adds that parents of the children with food allergies also need to be aware of the signs of bullying, such as your child not wanting to go to school, appearing down, and complaining of chronic stomach aches or headaches.

Categories: allergies, bullying, Children, Food, food allergic, food allergies, food allergy, Kids, Parents, Research, york city

Bites, Allergies and Food Poisoning: Ayurveda Has it Covered

You may think that things like snake bites, allergies and food poisoning always need good old-fashioned Western medicine, but the complementary wellness practice, Ayurveda, provides a treatment stream considered equivalent to toxicology; Visha Chikitsa. You may also hear it referred to as Aganda Tantra, but, whatever you call it, the branch has a specific treatment and diagnosis for each category of intoxication, be it from plants, insects, birds, reptiles or other animals. Let’s take a look at how Visha Chikitsa can save your wellbeing from toxins.

 

Snake bites – Ayurveda has detailed descriptions about the most dangerous poisons caused by snakes, the treatments for which can last anywhere from three to 90 days, depending on the Ayurvedic tradition. Practitioners can identify the type of snake just by observing the type of bites and the symptoms you have, but as a snake bite can cause quick death, it needs urgent attention and so you may be better off seeing a doctor if you’re unsure about your Ayurvedic practitioner’s snake bite knowledge. If you know your practitioner is qualified and knowledgeable in this field, he or she will quickly use the Hrudayavarana technique, which protects your heart from the poison and provides ample time to administer medication and treatments.

 

Skin allergies – In Ayurveda, many skin diseases and allergic conditions are identified as the poison of creatures such as spiders, lizards, rats and cats. The kind of symptoms you have, and the kind of treatment they require, will depend on the specific animal that has caused the skin allergy. Ayurveda recommends antidotes, as well as clearing your body of the poisons using various methods. In this branch of Ayurveda, there is also a focus on natural toxins originating from wild animals, birds, insects, plants herbs, vegetables and minerals, as well as air and water pollution, as these are the basic causes of various dangerous epidemics.

 

Food poisoning – As well as using various methods to eliminate the food poison from your body, Ayurveda explains how consuming food that have opposite qualities has certain disadvantages to your wellness, and so should never be eaten together. In this tradition, there are also foods you should avoid if you’re on certain medications as, again, the combination could be detrimental to your health.

Categories: allergies, bites allergies, Food Poisoning, snake bite, Snake Bites, visha chikitsa

Could Variants in Your Genes Increase Your Allergy Risk?

For a long time, allergies such as eczema, hay fever and asthma have been known to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, wellness experts have been unclear about which genes are responsible – until now. According to a new study, published in Nature Genetics, there are ten genetic variants that increase your risk of developing allergies, and the more variants you have, the more likely it is that these health concerns will affect your wellbeing.

 

You develop allergies because your immune system incorrectly believes a harmless substance called an allergen – which includes dust or pollen – is a threat. A particular type of cell from your immune system, B lymphocyte, then produces antibodies against an allergen. This process, known as sensitisation, often happens when you’re very young and from then on, every time you are exposed to that allergen the antibodies produced by the B cells will bind to the allergen. This is what triggers the inflammation on your skin (eczema), nose (hay fever) or lungs (asthma), and causes symptoms such as itching, sneezes and wheezes.

 

According to study leader Manuel Ferreira, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, ‘We believe there are many genes that determine who becomes sensitised to an allergen and who doesn’t. If you inherit from your parents enough “faulty versions” of these genes, then not only are you more likely to become sensitised to an allergen as a child, but you will also be at an increased risk of developing eczema, hay fever or asthma later in life. Our study – the largest of its kind – compared the DNA of 12,000 people with allergies and 20,000 people without allergies. We found 10 regions of the DNA that were different between people with and without allergies.’

 

However, Ferreira explained that this research has only just begun. ‘In this study we have only identified ten regions of the DNA that increase the risk of having allergies, but there are hundreds more yet to be identified,’ he said. ‘We will conduct larger, similar studies to identify the remaining regions. For most of these ten regions, we still don’t quite understand how or why the faulty versions of the genes increase the risk of allergies. How do these genes work? Are there specific environmental factors, such as smoking or diet, that turn on the faulty gene? We will be conducting new studies to answer these questions.’

Categories: allergies, Gene Variants, Research

Could Your Asthma Actually be Caused by an Allergy?

Studies have shown that over 25 million children and adults in America are diagnosed with asthma. Although it has previously been thought that underlying allergies were only the cause of asthma in children, it is now believed that many adults may also be suffering from allergies that are at the root of their asthma.

In childhood asthma, almost 80 percent of the cases are thought to be caused by underlying allergies, but it has always been believed that adults’ wellbeing is not at risk in the same way. A new study that has just been published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has revealed that this is not the case, and that the wellness of adults with asthma may be directly related to allergies.

The study showed that around 75 percent of asthma suffers in the 20 to 40 age bracket have a least one confirmed  type of allergy, and this is also the case for the 55 and over age bracket, where around 65 percent of adults have one or more confirmed allergies.

Interestingly, older asthmatics are more likely to suffer from an indoor allergy such as dust mites (36 percent) followed by an allergy to cats (27 percent) and dogs slightly below that at (24 percent). Cockroaches were the least common type of allergy at just 11 percent.

This is different to the younger patients who are most likely to be affected to dogs and to mites commonly found in house dust.

Asthmas is often under diagnosed in adults, as the causes of it amongst older members of the population have often been unknown. This latest study highlights the importance of looking for allergies as a trigger for any kind of respiratory problems in older patients.

Could Your Asthma Actually be Caused by an Allergy?

Categories: allergies, Asthma, trigger

How Can You Spot A Gluten Intolerance?

There are over 55 diseases associated with gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. 99 percent of the people who have a gluten intolerance or coeliac disease are never diagnosed, which means they spend a lifetime suffering with the symptoms without ever receiving treatment for them. Below are some of the top symptoms of this condition that you should be aware of.

1 – Digestive complications are common with gluten intolerance symptoms, which include gas, diarrhoea and bloating, even constipation. The latter is particularly common in children.

2 – The skin on the back of your arms can sometimes become rough and bumpy – this is known as Keratosis Pilaris. This is a result of a deficiency in fatty acids and vitamin A, which is secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut.

3 – You may become more tired and feel fatigued after eating a meal with gluten in it.

4 – There are various autoimmune diseases which have been connected to gluten intolerances, including Lupus, Psoriasis, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

5 – You may find you get dizzy often and feel off balance, which can be a sign of neurological complications.

6 – Gluten intolerances can be shown through hormone imbalances, which could lead to conditions such as Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PMS.

7 – People who suffer with gluten intolerances often complain of migraine headaches.

8 – Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia could be a sign that your GP can’t pinpoint the cause of your fatigue or pain, which can be a sign that it is connected to an intolerance.

9 – As with the previously mentioned arthritis, many people suffer with pain or swelling in the joints, hips and knees.

10 – Hormonal problems such as mood disorders and anxiety can be a sign of gluten intolerances.

The sensitivity associated with gluten intolerances can be easy to ignore, but determining what they are when you have several of them can be tricky. Medical tests often fail to pick up on these symptoms, meaning they go unnoticed. But traditional gluten intolerance blood tests looks for just one of the six polypeptides in wheat, known as giladin. There are five others which can be identified which are wheat germ agglutinin, glteomorphin, gltueinin, prodynorphin and omega giladin – any one of these combinations can result in a reaction to gluten and wheat. The symptoms above are commonly associated with this condition, so being aware of them can help you be ahead of the game when it comes to self-diagnosis and seeking treatment. Often these symptoms arise after meals and don’t last for very long, so it can be tricky to spot them.

It may help to keep a food diary though so you can keep track of the symptoms and after which meals you get them. This will help you and your GP determine if you have an intolerance, or whether you have symptoms pertaining to another condition. When keeping the diary, list every aspect of the side effects you feel, even if it seems trivial – it may be something of note when you get tested. Then try going on a gluten free diet for 60 days – if you feel too attached to the gluten in your diet, this could be flagging up the sign of an addiction, as we are often allergic to the things we are addicted to. This diet that’s free of gluten should cut out rye, barley, wheat, kamut, oats and spelt – you can replace them with buckwheat, quinoa and sorghum grains, as well as rice. Be careful with packaged foods as well, as they often use wheat or flour as a thickener for things, so be sure to read the labels of foods that you haven’t prepared from scratch.

Categories: allergies, diet, gluten intolerance

Milk Allergy or Intolerance: What"s The Difference?

We often hear remarks about milk and dairy intolerances, but what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? Is one more serious than the other, and how can you identify between the two? A milk allergy is when your baby’s immune system reacts to the proteins in milk – this is commonly a childhood allergy and affects around two percent and seven percent of infants. If your baby has eczema, they’ll be more likely to develop an allergy to milk. A lactose intolerance, however, occurs when your baby can’t digest the lactose, or sugars, found in milk. This is rarer than an allergy and isn’t necessarily confined to childhood. Your baby can consume milk proteins through your breast milk if you’ve drunk or eaten dairy produce, or they may react to milk formulas which are made up of cow’s milk. Babies are sometimes allergic to the casein in milk, which is the curd which forms when the milk turns sour; they may be allergic to the whey, which is the watery substance which is leftover when the curd is removed; they may sometimes be allergic to both. If your child has an allergy to milk, they’ll often have outgrown it by their teenage years – some even by the age of three. However, around half of babies and children who have a reaction to milk will develop an allergy to something else later in life. Studies show that around 80 percent will develop asthma.

Some children or infants have immediate reactions after drinking milk or having eaten dairy, which could show up as a flushed face, a rash on the skin, or watery eyes and a runny nose. They may feel sick, vomit or have diarrhoea, or in extreme cases have anaphylaxis – an extreme and rare reaction to an allergen. A simple skin prick test or a blood test can help determine if there are any allergies in your children. Though most reactions are immediately obvious, delayed allergic reactions are not uncommon either. This may arise in the form of eczema, colic, constipation or diarrhoea, or failure to gain weight – also referred to as a failure to thrive. These symptoms are common in early childhood though, and a milk protein allergy is just one possible explanation. It’s for this reason that getting your child tested if you suspect an allergy is important, in order to determine if this is actually the case. Delayed reactions make diagnosing the condition more difficult, as they involve parts of the immune system which are slower to respond.

Your GP or a dietician can work through a diet plan with you which will involve cutting out milk and dairy to see if the symptoms disappear or resurface. However, before cutting anything from your child’s diet, speak to a GP first to check it is safe. This is the same if you suspect your child is allergic to the formula you’re feeding them – get medical advice beforehand, as it may not be as simple as simply switching to a soya-based product. A lactose intolerance is quite different to an allergy in that your baby will not have the enzyme, lactase, they need to break down lactose found in dairy products. This is rare amongst babies in the UK, but it doesn’t happen. It tends to occur in places where adults don’t typically drink or cook with cow’s milk, such as in Asia. As before, speak to your GP if you suspect this is the case who can run tests and identify the problem.

Categories: allergies, intolerance, milk

Have Your Allergy Symptoms Worsened? Blame Climate Change!

If you’ve found that asthma or allergies have particularly taken their toll on your wellbeing lately, you might want to take a look to climate change for a culprit. Environmental wellness experts have noted a link between carbon dioxide, a heat-trapping greenhouse gas emitted by burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels, and increased allergy symptoms. Tests show that the more CO2 in the atmosphere, the more plants generally grow and the more pollen they produce.

‘My allergies are much worse than they used to be. I used to be able to take a Benadryl or Claritin and be fine,’ says Amanda Carwyle, a mother of three who lives 95 miles south in Pontiac, Illinois. Now, however, Amanda’s eyes are still watery and her head still stuffy despite three medications and allergy shots that make her feel a bit like a zombie. ‘I’m so miserable,’ she laments.

According to Brian Rotskoff, of the Clarity Allergy Centre, ‘We’ve definitely seen a big increase in patients,’ with kids coming in at younger ages and some adults having worse symptoms or problems for the first time. ‘The severity is affecting their quality of life,’ he says, noting they’re having trouble sleeping and focusing at work or school due to symptoms such as congestion, shortness of breath, coughing, runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.

Lewis Ziska, a weed ecologist at the US Department of Agriculture and a top researcher in the field, argues, ‘The link between rising carbon dioxide and pollen is pretty clear.’ This is based on his own research, which proves that pollen production rises along with carbon dioxide. When CO2 in the atmosphere rose from 280 parts per million (ppm) in 1900 to 370 ppm in 2000, pollen production doubled from 5 grams to 10 grams per plant. If carbon emissions continue to climb, Ziska believes that pollen production could double again by 2075.

George Luber, associate director for climate change at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adds, ‘There’s clear evidence that pollen season is lengthening and total pollen is increasing. It’s one of the ways climate change is already affecting your community.’

Categories: allergies, Climate Change, Symptoms

Warning: Food Skin Allergies in Children Are on The Rise

Allergies of all kinds are on the increase, but two of the biggest reported problems, in terms of family wellness, are skin and food allergies, according to a large survey carried out by the government recently.

Experts can’t be sure what is causing this increase, although they do have several theories. One such theory is that children are now growing up in households that are too clean and sanitised, leaving them more sensitive to the outside world and meaning that the smallest amount of allergen can then trigger an allergy.

Another theory is that parents these days are far more ‘hands on’ and are more likely to take their child to the doctor for every little rash or reaction that their child experiences, and therefore diagnosis is at a much higher level.

The answer is unclear, but whatever the root cause, it cannot be denied that the reported allergy level is at an all-time high. This survey suggests that around 1 in 20 children in the U.S. suffers from a food allergy, which marks a 50 percent increase since the late 1990s. In terms of eczema and a variety of other skin allergies, the rate is around one in eight children, which shows an increase of around 69 percent. Surprisingly, there has been no increase in the reported rates of hay fever or of any other of the respiratory types of allergy.

Schools and nurseries have already been implementing strategies to help reduce incidences of allergy flare-ups, doing things such as banning peanuts and making sure that they always have a stock of anti-allergy medication to hand. Food allergies are often the most feared type of allergy, as severe cases can cause anaphylactic shock, which, in its worst form, can even lead to death, as it causes the airways to swell and shut down the respiratory system.

Categories: allergies, Food, skin