Archive for the ‘exercise’ Category

Strict Avoidance is Key for Asthma and Allergies

Saturday, October 11th, 2008

“There is no cure for anaphylaxis, so strict avoidance of triggers is the only way to keep a severe reaction from occurring,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder & CEO of FAAN. “For children with severe allergies, even a small exposure can lead to anaphylaxis.” The most common triggers for anaphylaxis are:

* Foods - Any food can trigger an allergic reaction, but the most common are: peanuts, nuts from trees (e.g., walnut, cashew, and Brazil nut), shellfish, fish, milk and eggs. It is important to talk to cafeteria staff and your child about what foods to avoid and not to trade food with other children.
* Stinging Insects - Venom of stinging insects such as yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants can cause severe and deadly reactions. Recess exposes children to stinging insects. Teach your child where they are commonly located and how to avoid them.
* Medications - Any medication can trigger a reaction, but the most common drugs that cause anaphylaxis are antibiotics and anti-seizure medications. The school nurse should be aware of what medications your child is allergic to and should have epinephrine available in case of a severe reaction.
* Latex - Products made from natural latex (from the rubber tree) contain allergens that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Inspect the toys in your child’s classroom and inform their teacher about this allergy.
* Exercise - Although rare, exercise can trigger anaphylaxis after eating certain foods before beginning the activity. Inform your child’s physical education teacher of this allergy, and check to see if your child can participate in physical activity before the lunch hour.

“For students, studies show that the most severe allergic reactions, especially to food, occur in the classroom,” said Munoz-Furlong. “Parents, school administrators, teachers, and the school nurse need to develop an action plan before the school year begins to keep these students with allergies safe.”

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Severe Allergies in the Classroom

Friday, October 10th, 2008

AAAAI and FAAN educate about dangers of anaphylaxis

With the upcoming school year approaching, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) are asking every parent of a child with food allergies or a known insect sting allergy to alert their child’s school to the condition and have an action plan ready.

A potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can be triggered by exposure to one or more allergens, including foods, insect stings, drugs, and latex products. Anaphylaxis can affect multiple areas of the body (such as skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system). Symptoms can include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, sneezing and coughing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, itching all over the body, and anxiety. The most dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and shock - all of which can be fatal.

“All school staff must be made aware of the potentially severe nature of an anaphylactic reaction,” said S. Allan Bock , MD , FAAAAI, and Chair of the AAAAI’s Anaphylaxis Committee. “Parents need to work together with teachers, coaches and school nurses to avoid triggers and act quickly if a reaction occurs.”

To protect your child, and prevent anaphylaxis, the AAAAI and FAAN encourage parents to take the following steps before the school year begins:

* Work with an allergist/immunologist to identify your child’s triggers and reinforce these to your child. If possible, provide your child with a medical bracelet or necklace that identifies his or her specific allergy.
* Tour your child’s school or childcare facility before school starts, and meet with the staff to inquire about policies regarding foods and other potential triggers brought into the classroom.
* Provide staff with information and resources to educate them about your child’s allergy. Have your child’s allergist/immunologist provide clear, written instructions on recognizing a reaction early and administering medication in case of a reaction. Inform staff to call 911 immediately if a reaction occurs.
* Teach staff when and how to properly administer medications such as injectable epinephrine, encouraging them to handle the medication and ask questions. Explain to them that they cannot delay in administering medication to your child, and that they are obligated to assist your child and to include him or her in normal school activities. Children with a history of anaphylaxis should carry epinephrine with them at all times.

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Allergies and Asthma in Recess and Gym Class

Thursday, October 9th, 2008

Going back to school for the year also means recess, physical education and sports. These fun activities can take a turn for the worse if the following triggers aren’t avoided.

* Pollen - microscopic, powdery granules necessary for plant fertilization. The average pollen particle is less than the width of an average human hair. With the start of ragweed season just around the corner, it is important to remember to take your medications 30 minutes before going outside. Also, ask the teacher to close the windows in the classroom to keep the pollen from blowing into the classroom. Review Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergies for more ideas to protect your child.
* Stinging Insects - severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include itching and hives over large areas of the body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach cramps nausea or diarrhea. Carry injectable epinephrine with you to help control allergic symptoms. Go to Tips to Remember: Stinging Insect Allergy for more information.
* Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) - for children with asthma it is common to experience symptoms after about six to eight minutes of physical activity. People with EIA experience coughing, wheezing, tight chest, prolonged and unexpected shortness of breath.

As many as one out of every 10 young athletes has asthma. It should not stop them from enjoying exercise or even high level of competition, but athletes of all levels need to remember to take proper precautions if they have EIA.

Patients with EIA have airways that are overly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air. During strenuous activity, people tend to breathe through their mouths, allowing the cold, dry air to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effect of the nose.

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Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Anaphylaxis is a “systemic reaction,” which means that various parts of the body are affected that are a distance from the allergen’s initial entry site (e.g., a sting site for insects or the stomach for foods). Symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary from mild to severe and are potentially deadly. Here is a list of possible symptoms that may occur alone or in any combination:

* Skin: hives, swelling, itch, warmth, redness, rash
* Breathing:
wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain/tightness, nasal congestion/hay fever-like symptoms, trouble swallowing
* Stomach: nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy mouth/throat
* Circulation: pale/blue color, poor pulse, passing-out, dizzy/lightheaded, low blood pressure, shock
* Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom,” red/itchy/watery eyes, headache, cramping of the uterus

Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure, but may be delayed. Sometimes symptoms resolve, only to recur or progress a few hours later. The most dangerous symptoms are low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, shock and loss of consciousness, all of which can be fatal.

There are a variety of medical conditions that may mimic anaphylaxis. These include heart attacks, anxiety attacks, choking and seizures, among others. If you experience any unusual symptoms, it is vitally important to seek immediate medical attention (e.g., call 911) for prompt treatment and to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Substances that trigger reactions

* Foods: Essentially any food can trigger an allergic reaction, but some of the most common ones that cause severe anaphylaxis are: peanuts, nuts from trees (e.g., walnut, cashew, Brazil nut), shellfish, fish, milk and eggs.
* Stinging insects: The venom of stinging insects such as yellow jackets, honeybees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants cause discomfort for most people who are stung. However, reactions can be severe and even deadly for people with allergies to these venoms.
* Medications: Virtually any medication can trigger an allergic reaction. Common categories of drugs that cause anaphylaxis are antibiotics and anti-seizure medicines. Medical therapies such as certain post-surgery fluids, vaccines, blood and blood products, radiocontrast dyes, pain medications and other drugs may cause anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions.
* Latex: Some products made from natural latex (from the rubber tree) contain allergens that can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The greatest danger of severe reactions occurs when latex comes into contact with moist areas of the body or internal surfaces during surgery, because more of the allergen can rapidly be absorbed into the body.
* Exercise: Although rare, exercise can also trigger anaphylaxis. Oddly enough, it does not occur after every exercise session and in some cases, only occurs after eating certain foods before exercise.
* Other: Anaphylaxis has rarely been associated with exposure to seminal fluid, hormones and exposure to extreme temperatures. When no cause is found and the reaction is definitely anaphylaxis, it is termed idiopathic anaphylaxis.

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How Athletes Can Breathe a Little Easier About Pollution

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

I’ve got exercise-induced asthma, and I’m sure it’s not helping me any that my running workouts are usually during rush hour and take me over the Brooklyn Bridge and its car-choked roadway. Pollution is a concern for all outdoor exercisers, for performance reasons and especially for its negative effects on the heart as well as the lungs.

That’s especially true for athletes preparing for the upcoming Olympics, where the Beijing smog is infamous and the stakes are much higher than the personal satisfaction I get from hoofing it across the bridge within one Billy Idol song. (One scientist is even encouraging athletes to wear masks when they’re not competing, and the world record holder in the marathon said he won’t race in Beijing because of the bad air, heat, and humidity.)

I talked to Bob Lanier, a clinical professor of pediatrics and immunology at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and a guest professor at the Peking Union Medical College in Beijing, about what the Olympians might face and how exercisers everywhere can minimize their risk of problems.

So what’s the air like in Beijing?

It’s sort of like San Francisco in some respects; it’s a microclimate with a lot of fog. And like a lot of cities right now, the main issue has to do with the number of vehicles. But the main thing in the last 10 years is the unbelievable, science fiction-style construction. It produces a lot of construction dust.

Has the moratorium on new construction helped?

Yes. I won’t say that the air is perfect, but it’s now no different than Mexico City or Los Angeles. It’s got lots of automobile traffic, but that’s manageable. I think people will get off the airplane and find it’s like any large city in the middle of the week. There’s also the weather, though. The heat and humidity in August are like they are in Texas.

Do you think the effects of pollution will be as bad as some have feared?

There’ll be a smog layer, but I think folks will accommodate to that pretty quickly. When it comes to ozone issues and general pollution, people usually [perform] better than anticipated. We’re amazingly tolerant for a certain level of airborne pollutants. This is speculation, but I think you’re going to see world records and the athletes do better than expected.

And you say that athletes with allergic asthma may actually have fewer problems in Beijing?

Yes. In the U.S., the big problem is allergic asthma, which affects about 60 percent of people with asthma. But to react to an allergen, you have to have [been exposed to it] before. So if you go from this country to Beijing with allergic asthma, you may not have as many problems because the pollens are low this time of year, and they’re different from what we have in the U.S.—for example, no ragweed.

What can recreational outdoor athletes with asthma do here at home?

With allergic asthma, the prime thing to do is to avoid what causes allergies. That can be hard to do. But if allergies are a factor in your asthma, avoid [exercising] outside at the highest pollen time, which is early in the morning. Maybe run later in the day or in the evening, when things have cooled off.

And those of us with asthma that is triggered by exercise?

If you’re running and having problems, you don’t have to put up with it. We can give athletes tons of improvement in performance. Albuterol inhalers make a difference, since they open up the lungs. But it’s rare to see someone who only has exercise-induced asthma. They usually will have it at other times too, but they only notice it when they exercise.

You’ve done a ton of clinical trials on asthma treatments. What’s the latest?

The combination of steroids and a bronchodilator into one inhaler was a big breakthrough 10 years ago. Those work, but after asthma is initiated. But the major research now—and what I’ve been involved in—is to get deeper into why the disease occurs and prevent [it] in the first place. We aren’t just happy to say we can keep you out of the ER; we want to get to the root of the issue, which in many cases is the allergy antibody immunoglobulin E, or IgE. The new drugs work against the allergy antibody itself.

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Lake Water Allergies

Wednesday, May 21st, 2008

Understanding Swimmer’s Itch

If you are one of those people who simply can’t resist a good swim, you might think twice about wading and swimming into some lakes and ponds no matter how clear the water may appear to you. According to experts, lake water allergies can cause a lot of discomforts to people and may even leave some ugly marks on your skin.

Lake water allergies also known as swimmer’s itch is the skins allergic reaction to infection cause by contaminated water. Contamination in the water does not mean industrial contamination or anything of that sort. What we mean here is the natural forms of contamination which is caused by birds and mammals that are living near the lake.

Lake water allergies guide

Understanding Swimmer’ s Itch If you are one of those people who simply can t resist a good swim, you might think twice about wading and swimming into some lakes and ponds no matter how clear the water may appear to you. According to experts, lake water allergies can cause a lot of discomforts to people and may even leave some ugly marks on your skin. Lake water allergies also known as swimmer s itch is the skins allergic reaction to infection cause by contaminated water. Contamination in the water does not mean industrial contamination or anything of that sort. What we mean here is the natural forms of contamination which is caused by birds and mammals that are living near the lake. Note that many lakes in the country contain parasites of birds and mammals that can cause allergies.

These allergens in the water are especially common during the summer time when more birds and mammals visit the lake. Since we cannot really prevent birds and mammals from getting into the lake and it would be downright inhuman to deprive these animals of their natural habitat, the only solution here is to avoid swimming into the lake especially if you are prone to lake water allergies. The most common symptoms of lake water allergies is tingling, burning or itching of the skin within a few hours after you waded or swam in contaminated lake water. Many people also develop reddish pimples all over their bodies within 12 hours after they went into contact with the water. If not treated properly, these reddish pimples may develop into ugly blisters. Yes, things can really get quite ugly when this happen and you could suffer from a lot of discomforts for around a week or two. Fortunately, applying anti allergy cream and ointment on the affected areas of the skin will make the blisters go away within the next few days so you need not go to the hospital.

On the other hand, there are some people who develop more serious lake water allergies symptoms. Continuous or prolonged exposure to contaminated water often aggravates the situation. If you develop more serious forms of allergic reactions to contaminated lake water such as shortness of breath, huge lesions in your skin, fever and the likes, you should see your doctor immediately. You may be suffering from complications so do not ignore your symptoms.

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Allergies More Than Just Sneezing

Tuesday, May 20th, 2008

Allergies cause more than sneezing, watery eyes, congestion and itching. According to a recent survey of allergy sufferers and physicians, allergies have an emotional impact on many of the 40 million sufferers nationwide.

In a survey of 1,000 allergy sufferers, 1,000 consumers and 300 physicians, allergies were found to impact the mood of 62 percent of sufferers. According to the study, 51 percent feel annoyed, 48 percent feel irritable and 42 percent feel frustrated. Some sufferers’ self-image take a hit, with 22 percent saying that their allergies make them feel less attractive and 19 percent feel self-conscious.

According to Judy Griffin, an aromatherapist in Fort Worth, Texas, it’s only natural for allergies to affect the emotions of sufferers.

“You’re still dealing with the physical, it’s just manifesting in a different way,” she said.

Dr. Michael Carlston, a conventional and homeopathic doctor with a private practice in California, agrees.

“Homeopathically, when somebody’s sick, when someone doesn’t feel well, it can affect you in all different ways,” he said. “Different things can be different indications.”

To deal with the emotional ups and downs that sufferers may experience, Griffin suggests using essential oils that can make a person feel good.

Most women like rose, geranium or sweet orange, she said. The oils are very stimulating and uplifting.

Medical herbalist and host of “What A Relief” on VeriaTV, Amanda McQuade Crawford recommends that essential oils that “affect mood and restore integrity to boggy nasal mucosa” be used. Over time, she said, these oils will no longer be necessary.

More importantly, she said, is holistic assessment of the effect allergies have on quality of life so that allergy sufferers will be motivated to change their lifestyle, which will lessen the impact allergies have on sufferers’ lives.

If your mood has taken a hit because of allergies, you can also try these other methods provided by Dr. Carlston to restore your mood:

* Exercise - If you suffer from hay fever rather than inside allergens, be sure to exercise indoors. Swimming in salt water, if you live near or will be visiting the ocean, Dr. Carlston said, is one of the most enjoyable ways to do a nasal wash.
* Mindfulness – Self-hypnosis can help your state of mind with allergies and also probably help alleviate allergy symptoms.
* Yoga – Inverted postures can help with drainage, or aggravate sinus discomfort.

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Seasonal Allergies Don´t Have To Put the Summer On Hold

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008

Summer is really the prime of life for children. The freedom from encumbering overcoats and stifling clothes, the end of the school year and a two-month vacation, and the longer days all create a paradise for play.

But for some children and even adults, the spring and summer months present a daily challenge of living and coping with often-severe allergies. Research shows that as many as forty-five million Americans (twenty percent of the population) struggles with some form of allergy, with hay fever and asthma symptoms being among the most common.

Children usually develop seasonal allergies before their sixth birthday. While for many children allergy symptoms abate or even disappear during the summer months, some nevertheless continue to struggle with seasonal allergies. Other children will unfortunately discover new allergies that present themselves in warmer temperatures. They´ll need their parents help remaining active and even comfortable.

Summer sometimes presents new allergy problems.

Late spring and early summer make up the blooming time of thousands of plants and flowers. Tree pollens, molds and mildews stimulated by warm, wet temperatures, and grass allergies all typically last from spring through mid-summer. Making matters worse, ragweed begins blooming in mid-August and continues through October. Ragweed, among the most common allergies, often provokes hay fever and other allergic symptoms.

Pollen levels vary from day to day. Typically, pollen counts in the atmosphere are highest between five and ten in the morning. Many local news outlets publish or broadcast pollen levels each day, so parents can anticipate their fluctuation.

The three basic types of allergic reactions.

Allergic reactions are typically classified according to level of severity:

* Mild reactions affect a certain part of the body with symptoms such as watery eyes or hives. They do not spread to other parts of the body.
* Moderate reactions typically include respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing but may also include itchiness. They will spread to other parts of the body.
* Severe reactions are extremely painful and usually involve some form of anaphylaxis, a condition in which a drastic drop in blood pressure sends the body into shock. Severe reactions are relatively rare but require immediate medical assistance.

Dealing with hay fever, the most common reaction.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, hay fever is the most common allergy problem in children. Also called allergic rhinitis, hay fever carries all the classical signs of allergy suffering: sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and postnasal drip and congestion.

Hay fever also contributes to ear infections in children. Inflammation and fluid accumulation in the ear can cause infections that in some cases may lead to temporary hearing loss. Itchiness, popping, and fullness (or stopped up ears) are also common symptoms.

Skin reactions and other allergy symptoms

Children struggling with allergies sometimes breathe through their mouth to compensate for stuffed nasal passages. “Shiners,” or dark rings around the eyes, are also common.

Besides hay fever symptoms, children commonly suffer allergic reactions to the skin. Atopic dermatitis, often called atopic eczema, occurs alongside reactions such as sneezing and watery eyes (also called allergic conjunctivitis.) Its symptoms strongly resemble psoriasis and other forms of skin rash. Atopic eczema is extremely common in children and even some kinds of dogs. It´s also non-contagious.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen. Typical sources include poison ivy, poison oak, and several kinds of detergents that carry a high nickel content. Treatments include taking antihistamines and washing the infected area with soap and water. Other treatments involve applying either calamine lotion or a poultice of colloidal oatmeal.

Obviously parents whose children play in the woods or other forested areas need to advise themselves and their children about the shapes and signs of poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other allergy-inducing plant life. A supply of first aids, including non-drowsy antihistamines, colloidal oatmeal and calamine lotion should also be kept close at hand.

Indoor allergies are controllable with parents´ help.

With the hot weather days, children may be forced to spend time indoors. Unfortunately, indoor allergies are just as prevalent during the summer months. Staying indoors is often recommended to children with severe allergy symptoms if only because air conditioning systems help to filter out much of the pollen floating in the air outside.

Some of the most common indoor allergens during the summer months include dust mites, pet hair and dander, and mold spores. Hay fever is again among the most common symptoms, but in some instances allergic asthma is also possible. A persistent wheezing or noisy breath is the most frequently occurring sign of allergic asthma, and patients should consult their doctor or an allergist to obtain the right diagnosis and treatment.

Many parents often believe a clean house or sterile indoor environment will help alleviate allergy symptoms. While that´s a noble goal, many of the substances that form common household dust (made from dozens of different biological and chemical sources) cannot be removed through normal cleaning procedures. Vigorous housecleaning can even make allergy conditions worse by forcing long-settled dust in corners and buried deep within carpeting to rise into the house´s air.

Understanding house dust and mold as a source of allergies.

House dust is principally caused by dust mites, a very tiny member of the arachnid family whose population peaks during July and August. Dust mites often continue to present allergy problems during the fall as well, as their body parts and waste often decompose into matter that further contributes to house dust.

Mold levels in the home usually peak in the summer months but may also continue year round in tropical or more humid areas like the American Southeast. Mildew and other forms of lichen may also pose allergy problems in children especially.

Scrubbing the air and minimizing dust mite growth

While completely removing allergens from the home is virtually impossible, parents can reduce airborne and other pollutants by aggressively limiting their capability for exposure. This can include installing a HEPA filter in the air conditioning system and covering mattresses with plastic sheeting that traps dust mites.

Parents can also seal the home by making sure windows and doors are kept closed during the daytime, when pollen counts are highest. Parents should also keep the house relatively free of humidity, as this too can inflame allergic symptoms.

If all these measures are still insufficient, there are a variety of medications to consider with the guidance of an allergist.

Treating allergy symptoms in children

The most common means of fighting allergic reactions is to use medications that block the body´s production of histamine, the source of most adverse allergic reactions such as sneezing and watery eyes. These antihistamines are available both in prescription and nonprescription strengths. Dosages range from several times daily to every day or two. Doctors may also prescribe weekly allergy shots.

Decongestants, another widespread treatment, work to prevent many allergy symptoms by shrinking blood vessels along nasal tissues.

Many antihistamines and decongestants cause severe drowsiness as a side effect. Parents should make sure such drugs aren´t given before children play outside, as such drowsiness may impair their awareness of conditions around them.

A new generation of combination antihistamine/decongestants is currently available by prescription. Doctors will assign these medicines to children only after careful inspection.

Some forms of nasal steroids are available, but should be used consistently to achieve results. However, prolonged use among children may result in slower growth rates.

Testing for allergies and their symptoms

The best means of determining allergies, especially in children, remains the specific pinprick testing used by most allergists. A trained testing specialist will administer very small doses of common allergens to the child´s skin via the head of a pin. If the exposed skin shows an adverse reaction, the allergist will reasonably deduce an allergy to that substance. Skin diseases and exposure to antihistamines will distort test results, however.

Besides testing, parents can also reasonably assume a certain allergy to some substances when known allergies are taken into consideration. For example, allergies to pollen likely indicate an allergy to ragweed, and vice versa.

Allergies have a strong hereditary component. Adults who suffer from their effects are up to 50% likely to pass allergy susceptibility (though not necessarily a specific allergy) to their children. Parents with allergies can anticipate them in their children and move quickly to minimize allergens in the nursery, child´s bedroom, and play areas.

Preventing allergy flare-ups in summertime and all year round

As noted above, the best means to avoid allergic reactions is simply to help children avoid the allergens that provoke symptoms. Parents should work to remove or minimize the presence of allergens in the child´s daily life through whatever means necessary.

Parents will probably not be surprised to learn that eliminating smoking inside the home can drastically reduce a child´s susceptibility to allergies. Upgrading the filters on vacuum cleaners will also reduce, but not eliminate, the amount of dusts and dust mites in the home atmosphere.

Finally, a certain amount of exercise that helps condition the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is also an important means to build up stamina and respiratory strength.

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Allergies and How to Protect Yourself from Them

Monday, April 7th, 2008

Spring is coming! To some people it mean the arrival of warmer weather, of more sun into nature, and to others this season is real nightmare, as they have to face different allergies which appear with the blossoming of different plants.

Those have to arm themselves with packets of handkerchiefs because their nose is constantly blocked. They always have to be careful not to forget to take anti-allergy medicine with them and to avoid green areas, flowers and any kind of plants. Who could ever enjoy in nature with having to think about all this?

In order to defend you from these irritant symptoms, we first have to explain the notion of allergy.

What is allergy?

We call allergy an excessive reaction of the organism to some precise, usually not dangerous, substance or several ones, which we call allergens, and the do not have to be in big quantity.

Its cause is an exaggerate reaction of the immunity system of our body which usually creates antibodies in order to protect our organism. In the case of a person who has an allergy, the immunity system defends the body from usually innocuous natural substances, as if it was some kind of infection.

The allergens which cause the allergy are substances which carry proteins, organic substance which are an important part of any organism.

In nature, we can also find no protein allergens which you can find also in medicines like penicillin, and which need to bind to proteins in order to cause an allergic reaction.

When the immunity system thinks that the organism contains a dangerous allergen, it produces antibodies whose aim is to attack the allergen. So further biochemical reactions start, and they cause irritation and inflammation, and in the end we have the symptoms of allergy.

Some allergens are: maggots and house dust, black beetles’ excrements and poisons from different insects, animal hairs and feathers, mould spores, pollen from weeds, grass and collect trees and some types of food, even milk.

Types of allergy

Due to such a high number of allergens we have different types of allergies. We have allergic disease of the respiratory system and allergic reactions of the skin.

Allergic disease of the respiratory system: rhinitis, allergic asthma and conjunctivitis.

Allergic diseases of the skin: allergy to insect poison, allergy to vaccines and medicines, nettle rash, allergy to food, and to atopic and contact dermatitis. Some allergic reactions in sensitive people can even be cause of death.

Prevention of allergic reactions

The first smartest way is, once you find out to which substances you are allergic, simply avoid them.

As to easily avoid the season allergy, do not spend time in places where vegetation is thick and avoid the time when the concentration of pollen in the air is the highest, which is usually in the morning.

You should also avoid drying your clothes and bed linen in open places because they will be exposed to allergens.

If you are sensitive to allergy the whole year, you should reduce the concentration of dust in your house by constantly ventilating and vacuuming your place. You should avoid pillows and bed linen with feathers and contact with house pets. If you already have some, you have to take particular care to their hygiene.

Nothing, however, guarantees that you will avoid allergy, because it is almost impossible to avoid allergens constantly. However, some of this advice may help you to enjoy the coming spring like your relatives and friends do.

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Rare Allergies You Have Never Heard of Before

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Allergic to Jogging or Walking?

Do you develop rashes, hives and extreme itchiness when you jog after some period of time? It feels like million of needles are poking your legs. When you walk, your legs becomes so itchy. Jogging or walking becomes so unbearable that you just have to stop. The hives go to other parts of your body after a few minutes. It goes to your arms, torso or neck. You feel very distracted. You just want to scream.

At other times, you wonder if it is the textile of your clothing that is really irritating you. You switch to a 100% cotton material. But, it sometimes does not help. There were times you tried to ignore the symptoms and after a few minutes you feel out of breath and sick.

Do not take the symptoms for granted. If you are at risk for an anaphylaxis reaction, it may progress to passing out or closing off of your airway.

Yes, you are not a whiner. You are actually experiencing a physical allergy. It is also called vibration allergy or exercise-induced allergy. It is also known as “itchy leg syndrome or itchy pants syndrome”. Sometimes, it is also called Exercise Urticaria. Some people who have this allergy also itch when sitting on a massage chair, using a lawnmower or a powertool, or go horse-back riding.

The causes of this kind of allergy seem confusing because very little studies have been done. There are really no known causes for it.

Michael Kalinar, in his article on “Allergic and Respiratory Disease in Sports Medicine” indicated that the “exact incidence of exercise-induced anaphylaxis is unknown.” He reported that in a survey conducted at Mayo Clinic in 1994, there were 7% of patients, out of the 179 patients that suffered from exercise -induced anaphylaxis.

The allergy was first described in the 1980’s by Sheffer and Austen according to an article. Until recently, no doctor will understand you when you say that you itch extensively when you exercise. They will always say that it is contact dermatitis, a skin reaction from irritants or foreign substance.

What is a physical allergy?

The Merck Manuals Library Online Medical Library defines it as “an allergic reaction triggered by a physical stimulus. The physical stimulus can be cold, sunlight, heat, other stimuli that cause sweating (such as emotional stress or exercise), vibration, a minor injury (such as that due to scratching), or physical pressure.”

Theories on the Causes

In an article entitled “Physical Allergy” from www.merck.com, there is one theory on this. One theory suggests that “the physical stimulus changes a protein in the skin. The immune system mistakes this protein for a foreign substance and attacks it. Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) is sometimes triggered by the use of drugs, such as antibiotics, or other substances, including some cosmetics such as skin creams, lotions, and oils. A few people who are sensitive to cold have abnormal proteins (called cryoglobulins or cryofibrinogen) in the blood. Sometimes the presence of these proteins indicates a serious disorder such as cancer, a connective tissue disorder, or chronic infection.”

Treatment

An antihistamine can usually relieve itching. About.com article on “Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis” explains that “immediate symptoms of EIA should be treated in much the same way anaphylaxis from any cause (such as from a food or insect sting allergy). This may require the use of inject able epinephrine, such as with an Epi-Pen or Twin-Ject device.”

Tips for Exercise-Induced Allergy Sufferers

1. Avoid exercising alone.

It is never advisable to jog or walk alone for those that suffer with exercise-induced allergy. Find an exercise buddy. This person must be familiar on how to recognize and respond to this emergency situation. Wear a Medic-Alert bracelet at all times before heading out the door. It should describe your medical condition and the need for injectible epinephrine.

2. Avoid exercising in cold weather

When people who are sensitive to cold are exposed to cold, they may develop hives, asthma, a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, or swelling of tissues under the skin (angioedema). This may exacerbate your allergy.

3. Avoid triggering food, lotions and certain medications

Exercise on an empty stomach. Some food you may be allergic too may trigger an allergic reaction just because you’re exercising. Shellfish, wheat, hazelnuts, grapes, are foods that trigger an allergic reaction. Michael Kalinar in his book noted an incident when a 31 year old runner almost died when he exercised after eating shrimps.

Do not use any cosmetics and skin creams, lotions and oils. It may worsen your hives and itchiness after jogging or walking.

4. Wear loose, cotton-only clothing

Wear pre-washed, cotton-only blue jeans. If your legs are still itchy, you might consider wearing a skirt while jogging.

Wendy Bumgardner, in an article on About.com:Walking entitled “Itchy Legs for Walkers” revealed that there are pants that make your legs feel itchy especially in the thighs. The cause is thought to be the fabric finishes or formaldehyde that remains in the cloth. ” Still, some people have itchy legs wearing anything other than 100% plain cotton denim.”, according to Ms. Bumgardner.

Conclusion

Many children suffer from this type of allergy. Their parents and even their family physician cannot understand their symptoms and their complaints. They suffer years of anguish thinking that they are chronic whiners or just avoiding exercising altogether. Athletics departments of schools must have screening for this type of allergy for preventive measures.

If you have been diagnosed with exercise-induced allergy, you will be tempted to refrain or avoid exercises all together. You may also have to change your lifestyle. The fear of another unbearable itchy episode will most likely occur in your mind. It is important to tie up with an allergist-immunologist for an exercise plan. Sometimes, a reaction may be caused not only by exercise in itself but a combination of other triggers such as cold weather, medications, creams and trigger foods that you ate 24 hours prior to your exercise.

Do not be surprised if you come across a physician who does not understand your symptoms. Ask your family doctor to refer you to an allergist. Remember, it can be life-threatening.

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