Author Archive for Dorothy Medlum

Allergic to Down Comforters?

by Dorothy Medlum

Sneezing and Coughing all night long? You could have an Allergy to Down Comforters.

Many people who have allergies don’t have a clue to why they have them. They may feel badly and have signs of discomfort, but they really don’t know what is causing there allergy attacks.

It is difficult to determine the source of your allergy or whether or not you have an allergy, unless you get tested by your allergist. If the allergy attacks come at night and you sleep with a down comforter, you may have an allergy to your comforter. If you are like most people, this thought never occurred to you.

Get Tested by a Certified Allergist

While lying in your bed at night, you begin coughing, sneezing, and worse symptoms also come, it could be literally any number of things causing you such discomfort.

If you have plants in your bedroom, it may also be cause by those. Having an allergist test you is the only certain way you will learn what your allergy is and if you are really allergic to your down comforter.

If you can’t afford to see an allergist at this time, there is still some help for you. The first thing you should do is start by switching your bed covers for a few nights. If you replace your comforter with a bed spread, and you awake to feeling great without any symptoms, chances are; you are allergic to your comforter.

The allergy to down comforters is from the down feathers that make the down so soft. This down isn’t only found in comforters, it is also found in pillows and other things made for the bed to be designed to be soft as possible.

All is Not Lost You can Still be Comfortable at Night

If after replacing your down comforter you don’t experience any allergic reactions, then you probably have an allergy to down comforters. You don’t however; have to suffer with uncomfortable bed clothes.

You can purchase an imitation comforter which is designed to be soft, produce a comfortable bedding for you, but not cause the allergic reactions oftentimes associated with the real down comforters. Keep a positive attitude, and purchase an imitiation comforter if the real down comforter has caused you allergy problems. Time to start sleeping comfortably again.

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Allergy Testing your Doctor Recommends

by Dorothy Medlum

Do you have an allergy, but are unsure of the specific allergen causing your allergic reaction? Your doctor may be able to recommend a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition.

A variety of allergens can be identified using these various tests. Since some tests will work better than others; it is a good idea to be familiar with the different methods of allergy testing available to you. Basically, the tests can fall into three categories: Scratch tests, elimination tests, and blood tests.

Scratch Tests

The scratch tests are the most common of the allergy tests that are done. This test consists of placing a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the patient’s skin, and then making a scratch or prick to allow the substance to penetrate the skin. The site is then observed closely for indication of an allergic reaction.

Swelling, redness, or itching are signs that an allergic reaction has occurred. A result can often be detected in as little as twenty minutes using this type of testing. The other advantage to this kind of test is that many different allergens can be tested together. This makes this method especially useful if the allergen is unknown, airborne, or a food allergy.

Elimination Diets

If a food allergy is suspected, the elimination diet may be performed. A variety of foods that are potential allergens are eliminated form the diet for several weeks. Each food is then gradually added back to the person’s diet, with attention being mad to see which of the selections of food is causing the allergy symptoms to return.

This method of allergy testing works best with mild allergic reactions. However, it can pose a potential danger to patients who have severe, anaphylactic allergies. If there is a severe allergy suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient. Thus, a life-threatening substance is not placed into the system of the allergy sufferer.

Blood Tests

A RAST, or radioallergosorbent test, is the final type of allergy testing that is commonly performed. This is achieved by using blood drawn from the patient. It is then examined for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ige) antibodies. This indicates whether the immune system is producing an allergic reaction to the body. These Ige’s tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain allergens, although this testing does not tend to be as accurate and precise as other methods used.

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Treating Allergy Symptoms

by Dorothy Medlum

Allergies can be in found in a variety of items in today’s world such as: chemicals, foods, flowers, grasses, and environmental products. You very seldom meet anyone who hasn’t had at least one allergy.

Being aware of your allergy symptoms and knowing how to treat the underlying causes creating them are two necessary components of finding an effective solution to increased health and wellness.

There are many solutions that people have for treating allergy symptoms, but the problem with these solutions is that they are oftentimes short-lived. They only provide a band-aid to what the real problem is. Only patience and knowledge help one overcome debilitating allergies.

What Are The Common Allergy Symptoms?

In doctor’s offices throughout the world, common allergy symptoms are seen daily. The most frequent sign of an allergy is chronic sinusitis. In this ailment, the nasal passages are constantly clogged and/or draining, and headaches are apparent. Red, itchy, watery eyes can be another common allergy symptom which is not only painfully irritating but worsens with continued scratching.

A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to help stop these reactions and inflammation. Eye drops are often used to take the redness and irritation away from the eyes.

Natural approaches can also be used as an option to allergy symptoms. When dealing with allergies, a variety of herbs can be most affective. An example of a helpful herb is milk thistle which is used to cleanse the liver and help it function more properly.

Other allergy symptoms cause more delayed-type reactions that can occur even weeks after an exposure. Having this type of allergy is not only difficult to diagnose it can also cause problems for the sufferer for years to come. Allergy symptoms of this type include gastro-intestinal issues such as: irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or diarrhea. Many of these are caused by certain foods that the body is reacting against and need to have eliminated from the diet.

Allergy symptoms to certain chemicals or food additives can be equated to mental problems such as attention deficit and depression. By using dietary intervention or acupuncture, the root causes of these allergy symptoms may be found. This is helpful in providing long-term relief. There is not always a “quick-fix” answer to allergy symptoms, the underlying cause has to be discovered and then dealt with no matter how long. This eventually leads to better health for a longer period of time, at last!

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Allergy Supplements Can Really Help

by Dorothy Medlum

If you have had allergies, no doubt, you are aware of allergy supplements. If you don’t know of them, you don’t know what you are missing. Anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction or allergy attack knows how uncomfortable it can be.

What would you say to something that can help alleviate your pain and suffering from those pesky allergies? Wait no more! Call your allergist and ask if there is an allergy supplement that will help your particular allergy problem.

What Kinds of Supplements are Available?

The types of allergy supplements that are available depend on the kind of allergy you suffer from. An example of this might be, if you are allergic to dairy products or milk, you may just have to take a lactose intolerance pill and that would be your allergy supplement.

Any product that helps to alleviate or stop an attack or symptoms is called an allergy supplement. Your doctor can further explain the benefits of the allergy supplements to you and he will base it on your exact allergy history.

Get Tested Today

Contact your allergist and see if there is an allergy supplement that will help you with your allergy malady.

Maybe, you are allergic to your cat or your dog, or could it simply be all the pollen that has been in the air around you? Could it possibly be any of these things? Certainly, or it could be all of these things. It might also be none of these things. The point here is, your allergist is going to be the one to tell you what is bothering you, and what your allergy really is. After having determined this information, he or she will be able to further help you by suggesting some allergy supplements that may help you.

These supplements can help eliminate your problems or make your allergies easier to live with, so please don’t ignore the possibility. Trust your doctor, your allergist, or those who supervise your health. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Don’t ignore the possible help you could receive by using these supplements. Your allergist or doctor can be of help to you. Depending on the severity of your allergy, this could mean the difference between life and death. Knowing that allergy supplements can benefit you and that you need not suffer as much would combat you to help eliminate your allergy symptoms and attacks. Thus, you would experience a better life. With the allergy supplements, you can’t go wrong.

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Allergy Research Group - Making Life Better

by Dorothy Medlum

If your have allergies, despite what kind they are, they can make you miserable. This can be even truer, if your allergy is a common factor you are in contact with daily. The pollen in the air, a plant in your house, or your grass growing on your front lawn, all may be the very things that keep you in your house, hating to be outdoors.

While some people are allergic to the foods they eat, others may be allergic to their deodorant. No matter what your allergy may be, it should bring you much comfort to know that there is a group whose purpose is to make your life more comfortable.

This group helps you to learn how to live with your allergies without experiencing all the bad reactions that you have had in the past.

What Does an Allergy Research Group Do?

An allergy research group approaches all types of allergies in a different method. They make certain of the origin of the allergy and then find ways to help the person live with the allergy normally. Thus, the suffering and pain are no longer a part of the person’s daily life.

This group will test people who have allergies. They will then determine the severity of the reactions the people are having. These tests will allow them to see if they can pinpoint the exact culprits people are allergic to, and then begin a regime to help. Medications, supplements, or other products will then be given to help alleviate the allergic symptoms completely.

After having the allergy pinpointed, the group will then test medications, supplements, and other products to determine which ones will best help the allergy sufferer. Then they will be able to offer suggestions to help alleviate or rid the symptoms completely.

You should feel good to know that there is an allergy research group designed to help you, the allergy sufferer. Needing further information? You can contact an allergy research group in your area. Sometimes, they need volunteers. By being a part of this, you can find out more information on your allergy and also be in contact with products or substances to help you live a more normal life, in spite of your allergies.

So, don’t wait! Contact your local allergy research group near you and begin learning all you can about your malady and what is available for help to you. Begin to live again, as an allergy-free person. And, be sure to thank your allergy research group.

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Receiving Allergy Shots Is No Fun!

by Dorothy Medlum

Living with debilitating allergies can be most painful for millions of people because their quality of life revolves around irritating symptoms caused by their allergies. Some of the symptoms that they may experience may include: sinusitis, skin disorders, gastro-intestinal upset and chronic ear infections.

Finding treatments for these allergies that are effective can be a tremendous struggle. Many therapies are only for short -term.

One treatment many people use is taking allergy shots. These contain a small amount of the allergen that the person is allergic to. They range from ragweed, trees, to pollen. The proof of this approach is debatable, yet may believe them to be good, over an extended period of time.

Allergy Shots: How Do They Work?

Allergy Shots: How Exactly Do They Work?

This in turn causes the symptoms to become less severe. Relief will then begin to come with time and the time will become longer lasting that you are without pain.

The most common reason a person takes allergy shots is to have relief from pollen allergies. These can be found in hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Some have said that asthma can also be improved by using allergy shots.

These shots should only be considered as a last means, when other treatments have failed to help.

If someone is suffering from severe asthma or heart disease, then allergy shots are not recommended for them. Also children under five should not receive them either. If pregnant, it is not know how the shots would effect the unborn child. If you are already on shots, you must consult your doctor before you continue them. If it is recommended that you take allergy shots, you will have to have a allergy test, skin test, and blood test as well. Most shots are started by going twice a week and then after six months, one can begin maintenance of once a month. The decision about allergy shots should be discussed with you and your doctor. Life can be easier through better medicine. Maybe allergy shots are what are right for you.

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Allergy Drops Replace Shots!

by Dorothy Medlum

For persons being treated for allergies, it is sometimes painful to be subjected to weekly shots. Today there are alternatives that allergists are looking into for their patients.

The sublingual allergy drops are taken at home by the patient and have shown similar benefits to the weekly injections.

Allergy shots are composed of diluted versions of allergen which the patient reacts to. This is usually a ration of about 100,000 to one. In many cases, the ear, nose and throat allergists use a dilution of about a million to one.

The allergens are injected into patients who then wait about a half-hour to be sure there is no detrimental reaction to the injection. Then, they are allowed to leave the doctor’s office.

Those who have a health insurance that covers the cost of the injections still are required to pay a co-payment which adds up quickly when you have weekly visits. In addition to the costs, the time spent going to the doctor also adds up for the patient.

With the use of the allergy drops, the number of doctor visits decreases immensely. The most a patient would need to go to the doctor is now about 2-3 times a year. Once you have your prescription, you can now treat yourself, by placing the drops under your tongue.

No longer does the patient have to make those weekly visits to the doctor. And all the patient is required to do is place the drops under the tongue once a week as directed.

In a number of patients using the drops, there have been rare times when a patient reacts to the drops as they react to the injections. But, compared, the advantages to the drops far outweigh the need to be in a doctor’s office every week receiving an injection.

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Cat Allergy Symptoms: Feline Making You Sneeze?

by Dorothy Medlum

It isn’t very hard to determine if you are allergic to cats or not. Many people are allergic to these animals and already are aware of that fact, although they have never gone to the allergist.

They know that they are allergic to cats because when they are around the cat, they have an awful allergic reaction. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that it is your cat that is causing you the discomfort. But, what exactly are the cat allergy symptoms and how do you alleviate them, without getting rid of the family pet?

Some Symptoms to Look out For

If, when you are in contact with a cat or cat fur, you begin sneezing uncontrollably or your eyes begin watering, these are the most common forms of cat allergy symptoms.

Depending on the severity of your cat allergy, you may exhibit some cat allergy symptoms which are worse than the above mentioned maladies. An example, some people can have such bad cat allergy symptoms, they require immediate medical attention. These cat allergy symptoms are so severe, that they must avoid cats completely.

If you don’t want to get rid of your cat and you are having the cat allergy symptoms there may be certain medicines or supplements that you may take to lessen the severity of your attacks. If you have tried many things and still find no relief, you may have to give your cat to a family member or friend.

However, if you have tried everything and are still having the allergic reaction to the cat, then it is time to give the cat to another home, or give it up for adoption. Another family is sure to love your pet and take good care of it.

Do not punish your cat for your cat allergy; it is not the fault of the pet. Your body and your system simply cannot tolerate being around cats. When you are in contact with the cat, your system gives symptoms that you are allergic.

If being around the cat continues to give you symptoms you have a choice, you can try to live with the cat and your allergies to the animal, or you can try to take medicine to combat your allergies and keep the cat. The decision is yours to make. Are you going to learn to deal with your allergies and keep the cat? Or are you going to get rid of the cat and live allergy free?

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Allergies and Deodorant: What Is The Deal?

by Dorothy Medlum

People use deodorant because they want to escape from odor. They don’t like to smell sweaty to others. They place the deodorant under their arms and when they perspire, there is a much more pleasant odor to behold.

The deodorant user may experience bumps, or red rash, or a burning sensation due to their deodorant. If this happens, it does not automatically mean that they are allergic to their deodorant.

Having an allergy would mean that you would probably see some visible signs such as: red rash, bumps, or inflamed bumps. If there is anything out of the ordinary occurring with the usage of your deodorant; that may also be an allergic reaction you are having.

By changing deodorants, the wearer may now find that all is well. If however, there is still a problem with the use of the deodorant; that can be eliminated. There are other alternatives to wearing a deodorant.

If you have tried several other brands, and the reactions to deodorant are still occurring, you may have to stop using deodorant completely.

If changing brands or using baby powder still are not the answers you wanted, you may try going to an allergist. After careful testing, your doctor should be able to tell you if you are allergic to your deodorant or not. He/she will also be helpful by suggesting what other options you may have.

This may not be as effective as the deodorant was, but it will not cause you the same reaction as the deodorant. Therefore, you smell better, without the problems the deodorant created.

You can find several options to staying fresh all day. So, don’t let them see you sweat!

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Allergy Products: Stop The Sneezing!

by Dorothy Medlum

Allergies are never fun, especially true if your symptoms are severe. If you have an allergy that is severe, whether allergic to certain foods or to other substances, you have probably tried numerous allergy products.

Just trying to find something that will alleviate your symptoms, or free yourself from your allergies altogether can be a major undertaking.

It is hard to determine which allergy products are good for your and which ones are just worthless. It all depends on the allergy itself. The very best way to determine which products are right for you is to schedule an appointment with your allergist immediately.

Have You Had an Allergy Test?

Your allergist will make small injections under the surface level of your skin to test you for potential allergies. These will be done with various substances, and will be located around the area of your spine. What he is looking for is some kind of inflammation, showing that you are allergic to a certain substance.

Once your allergist determines your allergy, he can then recommend some products that are suited to your particular malady. Your doctor may even suggest your taking a product that you have no knowledge of. Worry not, they research daily, and they are the experts in this field. They know which products are good for people and which ones aren’t.

Is an allergist not in your realm of reality, due to costs? You can look up your symptoms online to see if others are having similar symptoms to yours. This may be a good way to determine your allergies, but it’s not as good as talking with your doctor.

If money is scarce, and you can’t afford those tests the allergist does, then you can look up your symptoms on the internet. Many may have the same symptoms that you are having. This is a good way you can determine what your allergies, but not necessarily the way of finding a good cure for your allergies.

There are many people out there who would love to recommend something for you to take who are not in the medical profession. Be leery of them, please. Just because one product worked for them, does not mean it will work for you. In fact, there are products that can be harmful. Use good discretion when finding a product suited to you and your specific allergy.

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