Posts Tagged ‘Allergies’

A Higher Blood Folate Levels, Reduced Risk of Allergies

AllergyPeople with high levels of folate, or folic acid in blood are reduced risk of allergic reaction or wheezing, concluded a team of doctors. According to experts said the School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University in a breakthrough in Internet Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, who have a high amount of folic acid in blood tend to have lower levels of IgE antibodies, the body produces in response to allergic disease.

The reduction of folic acid is associated with a variety of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore it is possible that folate mitigate, rather than promote, allergic diseases, which are also inflammatory in origin.

The study included data from 8083 people aged 2 and over 85 years (38 on average) who had participated in the National Survey of Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006. All of them had measured the blood folate levels of total IgE and IgE antibodies to dust mite, cat, dog, cockroach and Alternaria, a type of rust fungus.

A high total IgE level should exceed 100 kU L. Allergic sensitization was defined as at least one value to an allergen specific IgE of 0.35 kU/L or more. The probability of having a high total level of IgE, an allergic response and wheezing during the previous year decreased as they increased blood folate levels, which ranged between 0.7 and 171 ng/mL.

After controlling for sociodemographic factors, the potential for high total IgE levels, allergic responses and wheezing were between 0.60 and 0.70 for the highest quintile of folate in blood, compared with the lowest quintile.

The team recommended further studies to define the relationship between blood folate levels, allergy and asthma, as well as to determine whether these associations cause allergy or wheezing, or if they occur by other mechanisms.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Postmodern Allergies

AllergiesApparently, comfort and development have a downside. At least that’s what various investigations suggest that they attribute to the comfort and good environment for many of today’s homes in the western world an increase in allergic diseases.

Allergies are a global public health problem. In fact, allergic rhinitis, which is the most frequent haunts one in ten people and it is estimated that only in the United States, more than fifty million people with this problem.

While allergic rhinitis is not a serious health condition affects the quality of life of the sufferer, causing complications such as mouth breathing, sinusitis, asthma, ear infections with hearing loss and poor performance in school life by chronic condition status.

According to allergists, this condition has increased in recent years a serious degree. One possible explanation is the degree of comfort with the social housing of a certain segment of the Western world. It appears that environmental allergens, especially house dust mites and fungi atmospheric multiply more and better in warm, comfortable homes.

Scientific definition

An allergy is a reaction of disagreement between the agency and some substances. This varies from person to person. Substances that cause allergies for an individual may not have the same effect in another. In conclusion, it is your body’s hypersensitivity to certain substances and physical agents.

The allergy manifests itself in various ways. One is the itching and hives. They are known by doctors as contact dermatitis. It is an allergy caused by direct contact with skin. The objects most common causes are: watches with bracelets plastic, metal or leather, glasses, metal buttons and elastic panties and bras. The symptoms are accompanied by itching, inflammation, similar to insect bites.

Vomiting, cramps or diarrhea, may be reactions of the organism against a type of food eaten. Foods that commonly cause this type of reaction are shrimp or prawns, spices, seafood and chocolate.

The bloodshot eyes are symptoms of allergy to substances found in the air. Lacrimal secretion is the symptom that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva. Allergy Attacks of this type occur commonly with sudden temperature changes or high levels of pollution.

Cough and shortness of breath are symptoms of respiratory allergy. It can be caused by many substances, but the most common is the dust, where the mite. This case also triggers bronchial asthma, in addition to temperature changes.

Powder, disinfectants, insecticides, perfumes are the most common causes of allergy. The constant sneezing are the body’s primary reactions against these allergens before they reach the lungs. The mucus-producing sneezing and produce allergic rhinitis.

Pollution and Allergies

Rhinitis, asthma or another allergic condition may be aggravated due to the quality of air we breathe. Since the beginning of this century, had already perceived the relationship of allergic box, however the Effective environmental control measures gained in importance only after several years. On one hand, several doctors and patients and are a little more attentive to environmental conditions, on the other, the process of increasing urbanization and industrialization contributes to the problem.

Several epidemiological studies show that the incidence of allergic problems increased in the last two or three decades and is proven that this increase is due to the constant increase in air pollution. Increased air pollution, mainly in large urban centers and highly industrialized regions contributed to the increase of respiratory diseases.

With increased environmental degradation and exposure of people in highly industrialized areas, we can note the emergence of occupational diseases as a result of direct exposure to agents pollutants. These groups are exposed to many environmental contaminants in an acute or chronic. People breathe 10 to 15 thousand liters of air per day, each liter contains several millions of particles in suspension, as well as volatile organic compounds.

To better understand the effects of pollution on respiratory diseases is necessary to understand the function of the nose in filtering and air conditioning. The air passes through the airways to be cleansed of its contaminants and conditioning, that is moistened, warmed and filtered to reach the pulmonary alveoli of purest way favoring gas exchange. When found in the nasal cavity, air is compressed air passages narrow, 2 mm.

These narrow passages not only facilitate the exchange of heat and substances, but also provide the contact of pollutants with the mucosa and local lymph organs.

In childhood and in old age

Allergies are a serious pediatric problem which seeks an explanation is hereditary, because it is transmitted from father to son in families for generations.

But while most of allergic diseases occur in childhood, not a few elderly patients with such conditions, more so today, when the longevity increase.

One of the most common allergic disorders at this stage of life are contact dermatitis, mainly caused by prolonged skin exposure to potential allergens and the elderly because the skin alterations in the per-cutaneous absorption of various allergens, which can be in cases such as the use of hair dyes, for example.

As with any chronic disease-such as allergies-compliance with treatment is essential to achieve success. The availability of drugs that do not interfere with the quality of life of patients receiving it is a key for it to comply with prescribed therapy.

The allergy most modern, which have the advantage of being used by people suffering from allergies without them alter their daily activities are a step in that direction.

To date, the allergy is characterized by having one of its major side effect of drowsiness. This made them unsuitable for the workplace, specifically in work related to automobiles, airplanes or intellectual activity, such as schooling.

Popularity: 20% [?]

Signs and Symptoms of Sinusitis

Some of the signs and symptoms of bacterial sinusitis are:

  • Stuffy or runny nose with a daytime cough that lasts 10 to 14 days or longer without improvement
  • Abundant mucus in the nose (this can occur in both viral sinusitis and in the bacterial but dense and continuous mucus are more common in bacterial)
  • Persistent dull pain or swelling around the eyes
  • Sensitivity or tenderness in or around the cheekbones
  • A feeling of pressure in the head
  • Headache on waking in the morning or when bending
  • Bad breath even after brushing teeth
  • Pain in the upper teeth
  • Fever over 39 ° C (102 º Fahrenheit)

Some people also have dry cough that makes it difficult to sleep. Others are upset stomach and / or nausea.

Although many of these symptoms are similar to those of viral sinusitis or allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose and sinuses caused by allergies), is a good idea to go to the doctor just in case. The viral and allergic sinusitis are more frequent, but the bacteria should be treated with antibiotics, which are available only by prescription.

How is it treated?

If the doctor prescribes antibiotics for bacterial sinusitis, you may need to take them for three weeks. It is possible that the doctor will also prescribe a decongestant, whatever type of sinusitis you have. If your sinusitis is allergic in origin, the doctor may also recommend you take a daily antihistamine.

Can it be prevented?

You can reduce the chances of getting sinusitis by making several simple changes in your home environment. Try using a humidifier when it’s cold to keep warm, dry air irritates you heating sinuses, which can make them more susceptible to infections. Clean the humidifier regularly because mold, which can trigger allergies in some people, forms easily in moist environments.

If you suffer from allergies, make an extra effort to keep it under control because allergies can make a person more likely to develop sinus infections.

Although sinusitis is not contagious, is usually preceded by a cold, it spreads very easily among family and friends. The most effective way of preventing the spread of germs is to wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Steer clear of used tissues and, when someone sneezes, you try to get under cover.

Signs and Symptoms of SinusitisWhat can I do to feel better?

If the doctor prescribes antibiotics or other medication, be sure to follow his instructions to the letter. Otherwise, it can cost much to get rid of sinusitis. Also, when it is not right the first time, relapses are frequent. Although you feel better, it is important that you complete the antibiotic treatment prescribed by your doctor. That can help you destroy all bacteria that are causing your infection.

Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to keep your immune system can work closely with antibiotics to combat infection.

Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and inflammation. The wet steam humidifiers help relieve sinus congestion. And the pads or hot packs usually relieve facial pain. Some doctors also suggest using saline drops for sale without prescription to lubricate and moisten the nasal passages.

The most important thing to remember about sinusitis is that although most likely not have a more severe form of sinusitis, it remains important that you see a doctor. If you had a bacterial sinusitis, early treatment would help prevent the infection from worsening or spreading, in addition to help you feel better faster.

Popularity: 14% [?]