Allergies in Dogs

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Allergies are one of the most common complaints among dog owners. Truly, not too many puppies have allergies their first year but many are already becoming sensitized to things in their environment. If your puppy already shows signs of allergies, and some do, don't hesitate to get it treated. You may head off a lifetime of trouble if you get a handle on it early. Allergies get worse every year if left untreated.

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Allergies usually materialize in the form of small skin eruptions, rashes, hair loss, itching, moist or oozing dermatitis, and ear infections. Dogs will over wash themselves, chew, scratch, and rub to alleviate the sensations which in turn makes them worse.

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HOW ALLERGIES DEVELOP

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Allergies are such that your dog may be exposed to a pathogen one year and show no outward signs of ailment...this time. Next time he comes in contact, it will create a reaction, maybe small at first, but each time he is getting more sensitized and each time the reaction will be a little, or a lot worse. We often hear owners saying, "he never had this problem before". Yeah, we know, that's how it works.

Dogs can develop allergies to any number of things such as grass, trees, shrubs, dust mites, molds, and most commonly...fleas. If your dog has an allergy to something, it will take very little to set of a histamine reaction in his body. Dogs are most commonly allergic to things their skin touches rather than something they inhale. They may be allergic to pollen but it is usually a contact problem, not an inhalant one like with people.

MOST COMMON CAUSE

Fleas are the most common cause of allergies by far. You may not even think your dog has fleas but it could only take one bite to set him off. One of the most important things you can do is protect him against fleas. Protect him aggressively and often. There are excellent products on the market now such as Advantage, Frontline, Revolution, and Sentinel. A couple of these require simple blood tests before they can be used because they also protect against heartworms. You must always make sure your dog is not infected before starting on heartworm medication.

TREATING FOR FLEAS

It is also vital that you treat not only your pet but also his environment as best you can. Fleas can live anywhere. They reside quite nicely in your yard, grass, sand, dirt, carpet, bedding and anywhere else you can think of. And the are resilient. Persistence is a must. One study showed fleas that were found in Arctic Turns nests which were thawed out and found to be still viable after having been frozen for a long time.

The fleas life cycle must be broken to gain any sort of advantage at depleting their population. Treat the house, the yard, and your pets. Make sure you use products that are safe for all your pets. Cats and other small animals can be very sensitive to toxins. Please NEVER use over the counter products unless they are recommended by your veterinarian. Many of the products sold in stores are very dangerous and can be deadly, especially to cats.

TREATING THE ALLERGY

There are many ways to treat your dog if he develops allergies. If it is not too bad you may only have minor flare ups in the summer which can be treated with oatmeal baths and antihistamines. The dogs who really suffer often require year round treatment, or at least aggressive treatment through their sensitive times of the year. A regimen may include injections of steroids, antihistamine and steroid tablets, a special diet, flea products, and frequent soothing baths.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Less that 10% of dogs who have allergies are allergic to what they eat. We often make that leap on our own because there are so many allergies with the human population. Not so with your dog. While it is quite possible. It is not usually the best place to start looking for solutions. Many dog food companies have created diets for those dogs who are sensitive to their diets however. Hills and Nature's Recipe are among the leaders. They make a variety of foods with ingredients that your dog won't have come in contact with. They may include venison, duck, whitefish, lamb, rice and potato.

The trick to ruling out a food allergy is to eliminate everything else they may put in their mouths and it will take up to 60 days to clear everything from their system. You must only change their diet but also eliminate treats unless they are just hand outs of the same biscuits he gets at meals. You must have him eat from stainless bowls. You must remove any chew toys, like rawhides, and cows hooves. This sounds easy but it must be maintained without hesitation or fail or else it will all be for not. Any contact will set you back to the beginning.

ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES

Dogs and usually allergic to more than one antigen. Most will react to varying degrees to a number of different things the come in contact with. While dogs are often allergic to pollens, it is not usually due to inhalation, but due to contact with the skin. If your dog has a severe sensitivity to grass for instance, you may need to wash off his feet every time he comes in from outside. Even just rinsing them will help prevent further involvement. He may need baths several times a week but only with specific types of treatments and direction from the veterinarian. The wrong things could aggravate instead of help the problem.

Dog allergies usually come in the form of dermatitis, some form of skin inflamation, itching, redness, hair loss, scratching, oozing, and ear infections. The animals are truly miserable and inconsolable. If you can get by with a few treatments in a season you should consider yourself lucky as allergies go. If you have a dog who is sensitive to something all year or hyper sensitive at certain times of the year you may need to explore allergy testing and injections.

ALLERGY TESTING

Allergy testing is the best way to determine what exactly you are battling and how best to handle it. The tests are done either in the form of skin testing where part of the dog is shaved and tiny amounts of possible allergens are injected under or applied to the skin to see what he might react to. The areas are checked regularly for signs of reaction. Another is a blood test where the dogs blood is drawn and sent to a special laboratory who just does this type of blood work. The results can take a week or two but the answers come without further insult to the dogs skin.

An blood test will tell you not only what they are allergic to, but HOW allergic they are. It will show a titer, or a number out of normal range to help you and the vet understand how severe it is. The test will cover 20 or more different possible pathogens which are prominent in your part of the country and test the blood to all of them. You can also test for food allergies this way.

One other benefit of blood testing is that you have not only the vet and his experience but you also have the laboratory to help guide him with their vast and focused expertise. The labs will guide you through the many types of treatments that may be done at home and by the vet.

ANTIGEN THERAPY

Once the blood work has determined what the dog is allergic to, the lab can make an antigen therapy which the dog will undergo to begin de-sensitizing him. The antigen vial will contain an injectable and sterile form of what the dog is allergic to. Tiny amounts are injected under the skin and regular intervals and strengths to allow the dogs body to start to build a tolerance to it. This can take months and may have to be done every so often to maintain the effect but it is the most promising form of treatment.

If your dog has severe allergies you and your vet will become well acquainted so make sure you and your dog are comfortable with them and their office. Allergies can be expensive, infuriating, frustrating, and time consuming but they can almost always be alleviated.

Allergies in Dogs

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Allergy - Honey Can Cure Your Pollen Allergies For Good!

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Every year, new allergy medicines are on the market with more hour relief for allergy symptoms. Of course, they will give you stronger side effects.

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Moreover, all over-the-counter and prescription medicines for allergies are for masking symptoms only without addressing the root cause, so you need them every season. I heard a friend said his best season is winter, because only in winter he can be pollen allergies free. During other seasons of every year, allergy medicines make his life miserable.

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I heard a remedy to cure pollen allergies.

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1. Get a bottle of local honey from farmer market or local stores (not from supermarket).

2. Chop a whole lemon to small pieces and mix the lemon pieces into the honey. And then keep the lemon honey in refrigerate for a week.

3. Eat 1 or 3 spoons of honey with lemon pieces every morning on an empty stomach for several months. Do it for several seasons.

Remember that only local honey works, since only local honey contains local pollens, which make you allergy. Supermarket honey is harvested from honey farms, where only one kind of flowers is planted to feed bees.

A friend of mine tried it and it worked for him. Also, I posted this remedy in another site. A lady commented that she used it about 20 years ago, and she has enjoyed pollen allergies free for many-many-many years. She had miserable pollen allergies twice a year before. She said it worked her.

Scientifically, I think it makes sense. Since doctors use allergy shots to treat severe pollen allergy, the shots only contain tiny quantities of pollens. With slowly exposure to pollens over time, your body will get used to them and stop reacting with allergy symptoms.

Local honey contains local pollens. And the lemon changes the honey to acid, for unknown reason, which enhances the curing power of local honey.

Now matter what the principle is, it has no side effects, it is easy to do it and it is a cure for pollen allergies.

Allergy - Honey Can Cure Your Pollen Allergies For Good!

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Skin Allergies - Itching and Discomfort

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Skin allergies to foods as well as cosmetics, fragrances and substances that the body is in contact with can cause eczema or hives problems. It is also possible to have an allergic reaction when inhaling perfumes or sprays in the environment. One of my doctors told me that she always get migraines from certain fragrances if she is around them. But she said many people will manifest allergic reactions in the form of skin bumps and eruptions.

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Sensitivity isn't always easy to identify because of how much we are exposed to each day. But, there are some foods that are common allergens. If you are suffering from a rash that is hives or dermatitis, check out if these reactions arise in relation to consuming dairy products, eggs, wheat or nuts. Certain nuts can be hard for children to digest and can even lead to severe breathing problems.

Grass Allergies

Other things to be aware of are substances that touch your skin such as your cell phone, jewelry, specific fibers and cosmetics. Some people will get a reaction to nickel and this can occur on the waist due to a belt buckle, on your ear from your cell phone or around your neck from a necklace. Contact dermatitis can cause a lot of itching and reddening of the area. Be sure to avoid the irritant once it is identified.

Grass Allergies

Moisturizers, oils and cortisone creams all can give relief but it is important to analyze the causes to avoid recurrences. There are delicious food substitutes for milk products available now and your children won't feel deprived by using them.

Skin Allergies - Itching and Discomfort

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Food Allergies on the Rise

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One thing is clear. Food allergies are on the rise in the U.S. and in most western countries for reasons that are unclear. There is a fair amount of confusion about food allergies and why they are more prevalent. True food allergies are triggered by a protein in the respective food that provokes a strong reaction by the immune system. A reaction can occur in only a few minutes or up to a few hours after ingestion of the food. Skin reactions like profound itching, rash or hives are present with food allergies 90% of the time. Wheezing and shortness of breath are also very common. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea is much less common. Severe reactions can progress rapidly in children or adults. Significant food allergies usually begin within two hours after ingestion of the food. Anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction, can progress rapidly and be profoundly dangerous without prompt medical attention.

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Food poisoning from eating tainted or contaminated food is much more common and is easily confused with a true allergy. Food poisoning is typically a one time event that is not reproducible. It can occur as a mini-epidemic affecting more than one person at a time although a single person can obviously be the only victim. Individual reactions to food like a migraine after eating chocolate is not an allergic reaction. Lactose intolerance manifested by cramping and diarrhea after eating dairy products is not an allergy. An adverse reaction to a number of different foods or processed food ingredients is not a true allergy.

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Although peanut is the allergen most often associated with severe or fatal reactions, any food has the potential to cause anaphylaxis. The most common food allergies in childhood are milk, egg, and peanut. Most children outgrow their milk, egg, wheat or soy allergies. The most common food allergies in adulthood are peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Peanut allergies tend to last a lifetime. In recent years more attention to food manufacturing practices and labeling have acknowledged this problem. Many variables can affect the severity of food allergies. How a food was prepared, the amount ingested, presence of an acute or chronic illness, medications, alcohol, or even exercise can affect a reaction. There can be other mitigating circumstances. Severe reactions do not usually occur from mere touching a food, nor from the smell of food. Ingestion is necessary. However steaming or roasting the food product so it was aerosolized could create enough exposure in selected individuals through inhalation.

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Confirming a reaction as allergy to a specific food can be difficult. The history of a reaction within the appropriate amount of time is probably the most helpful clue. Both skin and blood tests have some problems. Although they can be very sensitive in detecting an allergy they do not correlate to the specific reaction more than half of the time. A negative test is more valuable that there is not a true allergy, but not a guarantee. The predictive value of a positive test is murkier and must be correlated carefully with the history. Consulting your health care provider or an allergy specialist may be necessary to sort this out. As there is no cure for food allergies, prevention relies largely on avoidance of the particular offending food.

After many years pediatric experts recognized that food allergies have continued to rise in spite of recommendations to avoid highly allergic foods during the first 1 to 3 years of childhood. Research has left a difference of opinion about how to best avoid allergic problems in children. Some experts suggest introducing small amounts of foods such as peanuts at an earlier age. Some think that regular small amounts may allow the individual to acclimate to the food in question. At this point there is no consensus about when and how much is appropriate. Going slowly and being a patient parent when it comes to introducing new foods to your young child seems sensible. There is no evidence that delaying foods makes a difference in allergic reactions once a child is older than six months and is physically mature enough to handle and swallow soft or thick food products. Family history of reactions may be a clue of what to expect in your young child. Adults or children who demonstrate other conditions related to hypersensitivity such as eczema and asthma may be more likely to have food allergies.

Understanding the hallmarks of severe allergic reactions and how to get prompt medical attention remain very important. Thoughtful attention to dietary challenges is the key to avoidance in allergic individuals. Consult your health care provider to maintain balanced nutrition in your diet. Food allergies need not cramp your style too much.

Food Allergies on the Rise

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Allergies - Understanding Perfume and Cologne Allergies

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There are a lot of individuals that have allergies to irritants and allergens in the air such as second hand smoke, winter chimney smoke, dust mites, animal dander, parts of roaches, mold and pollen. They can have an allergic reaction at any time when they come in contact with these allergens. But wait, there are more allergens that you need to understand about.

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Schools can be a perfect location where a student who has Asthma can have some serious problems trying to concentrate on their school work. A lot of students will wear perfumes and colognes to school and not realize that their fellow students can have a neurological allergy to their fragrances. I have several clients who have to Home School their children because of this phenomena in the Public and Private School Systems. Their childrens behavior was affected by these fragrances but changed dramatically when they were no longer in the School Systems.

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America has a violence problem in the School Systems. Has anyone even looked at the possibility of the discipline problem being related to Perfumes and Cologne Allergies. Lab tests have been done on rats which when exposed to certain chemicals, they become very aggressive in their behaviors toward other rats in the same population. That is a pretty strong argument to have research funded to do this to help our children. Our children are the future and they need to be protected.

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Parents who have children attending schools should request to see a copy of the MSDS Report, also known as the Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet from the Perfume and Cologne Distributors. They are required to have it available to all consumers. It will tell you exactly what is in the product. This can help you pinpoint the source of the allergy for your child. Parents need to be proactive and not reactive to violence in the School Systems.

In conclusion, chemicals such as acetone, ethanol, linalool and ethyl acetate have all been found in trace amounts in certain brands of Perfumes and Colognes. Do an Internet Search on Google or Yahoo for these chemicals. You will be surprised. It is important to check out what your children are wearing because of all the imitations that are sold in Flea Markets and elsewhere. Most of these products are from China and have not been tested properly to our standards here in the US. If your child is having a severe reaction to any fragrances, it is important that you consult with your Doctor immediately.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us or visit our website.

Allergies - Understanding Perfume and Cologne Allergies

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Allergies Can Cause Chest Congestion Symptoms - Cure Allergies

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Allergies this time of year can cause a lot of major health issues so it is important to find a remedy that help you prevent it. You need to make sure if you have an allergy it is not from something like mold that can be inside your house. It is important that you take vitamin D because this is a natural way that you can prevent any allergies from occurring. If you contract a cough or congestion you need to go to your doctor so that you can treat it before it gets worse. The quicker you take action on the allergy the faster you will be able to get over it.

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Certain times of year there is more things in the air that can cause you to have issues. Spring time is especially bad because there are many flowers and plants that are blooming. It is a good idea if you try to eat healthy foods and get plenty of liquids because this can increase your immune system and prevent you from getting any symptoms. If you feel like you have an allergy coming on then you need to be proactive because this will allow you to make sure your allergy does not turn into something worse.

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Remember that if you have an bad allergy you need to get treatment for it before it gets worse. During the spring season you are more likely to have an issue because the flowers and plants are blooming and there is a lot of stuff floating around in the air. If you eat health and take more vitamin D it can help to increase your immune system and lower the chance that you will get an allergy.

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Allergies Can Cause Chest Congestion Symptoms - Cure Allergies

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What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You About Seasonal Allergies

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It's spring; it is green; it is rebirth - AND our phone is ringing off the hook. People are looking for relief from their coughing, itchy eyes, bronchial spasms, runny noses. They think they have a cold and then realize that they don't feel sick. They have clear mucus, not green. They have allergies and their bodies are inflamed.

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People are looking for immediate relief - and who wouldn't? Well, it's time for you, your friends and the people you love to know the score - to understand how to help yourselves. It's empowering, it saves money in the long run, and it works! Read on.

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What most doctors don't tell you about seasonal and environmental allergies is...

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THEY CAN BE ELIMINATED -- without over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Wouldn't it be great to go through the fall and spring without sinus, throat or lung congestion? Better yet, wouldn't it be great to put aside inhalers and steroid meds because you don't need them? It is within your potential and I'll describe what to do.

Allergy Facts

Surprisingly, most allergic conditions, rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis are of relatively recent origin, probably due to the increasing burden of toxins in our food and our environment.

More facts:

Common allergy symptoms are coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, nose throat, runny nose, difficulty breathing, bronchial spasms, eczema, dermatitis, rashes. Allergies can make people feel uncomfortable and can cause pain. Allergies are responsible for more visits to the doctor's office than any single disease in this country. There has been 100% increase in allergic rhinitis in developed countries. Some experts label it an epidemic - sneezing, nasal itching, runny nose and congestion. Studies have shown that most people with asthma also have seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis.(i)

Children and Allergies

The prevalence of allergies among children in today's world is astonishing:

"Allergic disease" is the 3rd most common chronic disease among children under 18 years old.(ii) In 2002, 14% - 9 million children had asthma, a 25% increase over the prior year. (iii) Another 9 million children have respiratory allergies or hay fever.(iv) Allergic rhinitis affects up to 40% of children.(v) On any given day, 10,000 American children miss school because of allergic rhinitis, for an annual total of 2 million lost school days.(vi)

Environmental allergens are the ones most commonly associated with asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis and seasonal allergies:

animal dander, feathers automotive exhaust cosmetics drugs dust grasses household chemicals industrial chemicals insects and insect venoms mold paint fumes perfumes pollen trees

When these allergens are ingested, inhaled or contracted on the skin, the symptoms that follow can affect many different organs and body tissues:

General: chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, arthritis

Head: headaches, drowsiness, hyperactivity, panic attacks, depression, learning disabilities, dyslexia

Nose: runny nose, sneezing, post nasal drip, recurrent sinusitis, impaired sense of smell

Ears: ear infections, otitis media, swollen glands, impaired hearing, dizziness, tinnitus

Skin: hives, rashes, eczema, dermatitis, pallor, psoriasis, itching, scaling

Eyes: redness, itching, swelling, tearing, blurred vision

Respiratory: asthma, wheezing, tightness in the chest, cough, recurrent bronchitis

Digestive tract: stomach ache, bloating, irritable bowel, constipation or diarrhea, colitis

Genital-Urinary tract: urinary tract symptoms, vulvadynia, chronic vaginitis, prostatitis

TREAT ALLERGIES NATURALLY and RID THEM FOREVER

Natural treatments for allergies can accomplish what no allergy meds can - and without side effects. They can support the immune system and lungs, help relax the bronchials, clear the sinuses and rid your allergies.

Most medical doctors will tell you that you "just have to live with your allergy symptoms. There is no cure." But, guess what? There is.

They say that the origins of allergies are unknown. This is just an excuse for not having great success with their medical treatments. There is always a source of origin. The logic prevails.

Logical Solutions

1) Eliminatethe offenders when you can - dust, mold, chemicals in your household. These cause a toxic overload on your respiratory and immune systems.
2) Eliminateoffenders in your food - artificial additives, artificial sweeteners, pesticides. They can cause bronchial spasm and histamine reactions of the eyes, ears, nose, throat and skin.
3) Usenatural anti-inflammatory and natural anti-histamine nutritional supplements.
4) Support sinus and lung drainage, lymphatic function, and immune strengthening.

Extra Advice for People with Hay Fever

People with allergies to grass pollens (hay fever) and foods such as bananas, avocados, kiwi, and chestnuts have cross-reactions to latex, because the proteins of these pollens and foods are very similar to those present in latex gloves. This is one of many instances where seasonal and food allergies can overlap.

Remember that your body is intelligent and your allergy symptoms are its way of telling you to pay attention. Know that it is within your power to be free of allergy and asthma symptoms, and - breathe a sigh of relief.

Footnotes

i)Bousquet J, Van Cauwenberge P, Khaltaev N; Aria Workshop Group; World Health Organization. Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001;108(5 suppl):S147-S334.

ii)"Chronic Conditions; A Challenge for the 21st Century". National Academy on an Aging Society, 2000.

iii) Summary of Health Statistics of US Children: National Health Interview Survey, 2002, http://www.cdc.gov/nchs

iv) IBID

v) CDC. Fast Stats A-Z, Vital and Health Statistics, Series 10, no. 13. 1999. Web: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm

vi) Foresi A. A comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety of intranasal fluticasone propionate and antihistamines in the treatment of rhinitis. Allergy. 2000;55:12-14.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products suggested, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please check with your health care practitioner for your best health options.

What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You About Seasonal Allergies

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Allergies - Why Use A Natural Remedy

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Seasonal allergies afflict more than 22 million Americans, with symptoms occurring anywhere from early spring through late November. Allergies are basically cause by the immune system's over reaction to pollens, grass, airborne fungi, insect bites and even some kinds of foods or products you apply to your skin. Our environment is full of chemicals and new ones are created everyday which causes our immune system to be challenged boichemically.

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What basically happens when an allergen encounters our body is - our body fights back by producing an excess of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine. Our body is trying to destroy the allergen and the overabundance of the histamine causes us to have runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing. For some people the allergy symptoms then produce a sinus infection or an ear infection both of which can be extremely painful and debilitating.

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Typically doctors prescribe antihistamines for allergies but many people do not like the physical side effects associated with the regular use of antihistamines and decongestants. These medicines tend to make one drowsy and groggy. Most of us do not perform our daily tasks very well when we are in this state; therefore every time we take the medicine our productivity takes a nose dive. Also, many people experience dry mouth which can lead to bad breath. Dehydration is an additional problem for antihistamine takers. Sometimes users get very little relief from prescription allergy medicine and have to keep constantly trying new ones.

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If you are tired of the side effects or the no effects from prescription and over the counter antihistamines and decongestants you might consider an herbal remedy. Herbal remedies are normally agents that have the ability to relieve congestion and to loosen the mucus but don't produce unpleasant side effects. Many homeopathic remedies also contain anti-inflammatory agents that soothe irritated mucus membranes.

If you do choose to take a homeopathic remedy make sure to check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure it will not interact with other medications you are taking.

Allergies - Why Use A Natural Remedy

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Dealing With Pollen Allergies

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Pollen allergies can be very difficult to deal with. After all, how do you stay away from something that is present in the air you breath? You really can't just shut yourself down during the airborne pollen season. You can only hold your breathe for so long and the pollen season lasts much longer than that. Even staying indoors all the time isn't a shield against all those "nasties" floating around in the air. However, although you can't avoid pollen totally there are definitely lots of things you can do to reduce your exposure and lessen the aggravation of your allergies.

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Understanding the source of the pollen can always help when it comes to dealing with allergies. Most bright flowery plants rely upon insects to carry pollen from plant to plant and usually these plants are not to blame for pollen allergies. So make sure the plants in your garden are insect pollinated varieties. It is the plain looking grass, trees and weeds that rely upon the wind to accomplish cross-pollination that cause the majority of hay fever problems and allergies for people. Of the three, weeds are the biggest offender. Ragweed is probably the best-known allergy-causing weed but other weeds such as sagebrush, Russian thistle, pigweed and English plantain are just as bad. Although you may not have heard of any of those weeds in your neighborhood that does not mean that the pollen isn't in the air you breath. For example, scientists have found ragweed pollen in the air more than 400 miles out in the ocean and also more than 2 miles up in altitude so to say that weed pollen gets around would be an understatement.

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So what can you do to help avoid triggering your pollen allergies? To start with you can monitor the pollen count in your area and tailor your activity for periods of relatively low pollen counts. All around the world weather services measure the amount of pollen in the air over a 24-hour period and make this information readily available. You can find this information either in your local newspaper, on the internet or get it from the local weather service.

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Most of us are aware that pollen release is seasonal reaching a peak in the fall months but pollen levels are also higher during certain times of the day. Pollen levels are almost always higher in the morning hours between 6 and 11 so if you are going to be outdoors gardening or going for a walk in the park it is best to do it in the afternoon. Although weather does not trigger plants to release pollen it can have a big effect on what is in the air. Cold rainy weather tends to knock down much of the pollen in the air so getting out into the garden after a rain shower is often a good idea. Hot dry weather, of course, has the opposite effect of increasing airborne pollen counts. Wearing a hat when you are out and taking it off before you go inside will also help to keep pollen outdoors. Washing thoroughly after coming in from the garden will also help to keep pollen outside your house.

Dealing With Pollen Allergies

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Allergies - How Did They Come About?

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An allergy or also known as hypersensitivity is an abnormal reaction to certain substances that usually occur naturally. If an allergic person is exposed to these substances called allergens, the body's immune system gets ready to fight them. Allergens are microscopic protein substances that are common and provoke allergic people to produce antidotes (antibodies). The most common allergy provoking substances are pollen from weeds, grass, flowers and tree, mold and mold fungus, house dust mites and pet dander.

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Where did allergies come from? How did they originate? The earliest report of allergic disease is that of King Menses of Egypt who was killed by the sting of a wasp at some time between 3640 and 3300 BC. From ancient history, Britannicus, the son of the Roman Emperor Claudius was allergic to horses and developed a rash in his eyes and swelled that he could no longer see.

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The concept of allergy was originally introduced in 1906 by the Viennese pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet. After he noted that some of his patients were hypersensitive to normally innocuous entities such as dust, pollen, or certain foods. Pirquet called this phenomenon "allergy" from the Ancient Greek words allos meaning "other" and ergon meaning "work". According to history, all forms of hypersensitivity were classified as allergies and it was caused by poor and improper immune system.

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Scientists believe allergies originated millions of years ago as a way for the human body to free itself of parasites and invading worms. The body fights these elements and other invaders by producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the intestines and lungs. IgE triggers immune cells to release a number of chemicals, one of which is histamine. Histamine produces hives, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. The more a person is exposed to allergens, the more the body produces IgE and usually, allergies often get worse with age.

What causes an allergy? Allergies can be caused by just about any substance that you inhale or swallow, or that touches your skin. Today, allergies are extremely common and it continuously arises. They cause annoying symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, swollen and itchy eyes. They can also trigger other conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, ear infections and skin rashes. The most common symptom of allergies is allergic rhinitis, most popularly known as hay fever. These symptoms are similar with those of the common cold. The difference is, common cold runs for 7 to 10 days while allergic rhinitis can drag for weeks and even moths.

Allergies - How Did They Come About?

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Pet Allergies and Symptoms

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Just like people, animals can suffer allergic reactions to a wide variety of environmental substances, or allergens. Seasonal allergens, such as grass, tree and weed pollens are common culprits. Other allergens causing year-round symptoms include foods, molds, dust mites, insects and other materials found in the home environment.

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Skin disease and allergies are some of the most difficult and frustrating problems treated in veterinary medicine today. Veterinarians report that up to 1 in 4 dogs seen in their practice are treated for allergies. Solving these dermatology cases and establishing effective treatment can be challenging.

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An appropriate allergy diagnosis consists of a thorough physical examination, which includes a complete dermatological history. Common questions asked of the pet owner include, "Is this problem seasonal? Is the problem worse indoors or outdoors? Has the pet's environment changed recently? What are you feeding your pet?"

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The clinical signs of environmental allergies in dogs and cats are pruritic, such as biting, scratching, face rubbing, feet chewing and constant licking. These result in hair loss, chronic ear infections and skin disease. Secondary infections such as pyoderma, staff and malassezia are also common.

In addition, allergic dogs will often chew on their feet until they are irritated and red (the feet are the only place dogs have sweat glands and these become inflamed with allergies). They may rub their faces on the carpet or couch, or scratch their sides and belly. Because the wax-producing glands of the ear overproduce as a response to the allergy, they get ear infections.

The skin lesions seen in an allergic dog are usually the result of him mutilating his skin through chewing and scratching. Sometimes there is hair loss, which can be patchy or inconsistent over the body leaving a mottled appearance. The skin itself may be dry and crusty, reddened, or oily depending on the dog. It is very common to get secondary bacterial infections of the skin due to these self-inflicted lesions. Such infections may be treated with antibiotics.

ELISA serum testing offers a valuable alternative to skin testing to identify the specific allergens that are causing a pet to suffer. The pet does not have to be sedated or shaved to test, and this test does not require a veterinary dermatologist. Any veterinarian can simply draw the blood and submit the serum to the laboratory for testing.

It is common for a pet to have multiple allergies, including food, inhalant and contact allergens. While allergies can never be cured, they can be managed and treated with Immunotherapy.

Pet Allergies and Symptoms

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Sinus Allergies - The Basics

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One of the first things an ENT specialist should check for in persons having chronic sinusitis is whether or not the patient has sinus allergies.

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A diagnosis for sinus allergies can now be done by a blood test, which is much easier than the skin tests that were required in the past. In my case I had weak allergies to several things including dust, dust mites, and certain molds. Although my sinus allergies were not strong, my ENT specialist recommended that I start a series of injections to counter the above allergens (an allergen is an allergy causing substance, for example, dust or dust mites in my case). The doctor said that although he could not be sure if the shots would help much, we should proceed with them because we ought to try everything within our power to overcome my sinus allergies and sinusitis

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I thus received shots weekly for about two years. For the second year it became inconvenient for me to go to the doctor's office every week for a shot, so I was taught how to give myself the injections. Thereafter I only had to personally go to the doctor's office about once a quarter to pick up a new batch of serum. At first the thought of giving myself shots seemed a bit revolting, but it really was quite easy to do after one gets the hang of it. I stopped taking the shots after about two years, and I can't say for certain that they helped. I don't think they did any harm, however, and I don't think that sinus allergies are a big factor in my particular situation at present.

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The mechanism for triggering allergies has to do with an over-reaction of a person's immune system. Certain allergens, which cause no reaction whatsoever in some people, can trigger an overly aggressive immune system response in others. This exaggerated response of the immune system can cause inflammation and result in the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body leading to the creation of excess mucus in the nasal system, then possible blockage and infection.

Common allergens causing sinus allergies include pollen from trees, grass and weeds, animal dander, feathers, dust, dust mites, molds, mildew, smoke, perfumes, cockroaches, industrial chemicals, insect stings and certain foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, and chocolate, among others.

The best solution to avoid triggering sinus allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual. As can be seen from the above list, however, that is often impossible. In addition to the injections discussed previously, one can also use nasal irrigation to clean out the nasal passages, and this will provide some help, even if it might be limited. Several articles on the subject of pulsating nasal irrigation can be found at the http://www.postnasaldrip.net web site.

Since 70-80% of people who suffer from sinusitis have allergies, it is important that sinus sufferers get treatment for their sinus allergies. If not, the constant inflammations and soreness can lead to permanent problems, in particular cilia damage, which will only make one's sinusitis worse in the long run. Sinus allergies can often be treated successfully and improve conditions, even if they don't eliminate one's sinus problems entirely, as in my case.

Sinus Allergies - The Basics

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The Truth About Allergies

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If someone says he has allergies, you might talk about a million different subjects allergies are a reaction to many different subjects allergic or irritant may be connected to something seasonal .. Mold, dust, food, and can be chronic or temporary. Very often when people say they have allergies, are related to different seasonal themes. Actually there are three types of seasonal>allergies.

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• Springtime Allergies: These issues are most often connected to pollen and the plants that are in bloom during this time of the year. Most often springtime allergies are an issue between January and April. The most common springtime allergies are from oak, olive, ash, elm, poplar, and walnut trees.

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• Summertime Allergies: These issues are most often connected to grass and grass pollen. In fact grass pollen can be an issue for some people throughout the entire year. People who have grass sensitivities will often have an allergic reaction after the grass have been mowed.

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• Falltime Allergies: These issues are most often connected to weeds and weed pollen. The time of year people will experience these allergies is late summer and early fall. The plants that cause the most problems are pig weed, ragweed, and tumbleweed. Ragweed is the most common of all allergies, it has been reported that 75 percent of all Americans are allergic to ragweed.

Another serious allergy that has been getting a lot of hype recently is mold allergies. There are actually very few people who have mold allergies that recent media reporting would leave us to believe. There are literally thousands of mold constantly in our environments and only a dozen or so of them can cause issues for people. Even then, not all people will experience an allergic reaction to them.

The best form of prevention of allergy symptoms of to avoid what causes the allergic response. This means staying indoors as much as possible when you are experience seasonal allergy issues. If you have children it is important to allow them to be out in the elements as much as possible when they are younger. This way their body learns to deal with the allergens and will not react harshly when they are in their environment. If avoiding the outdoor is not possible there are many allergy drugs that can help to suppress the symptoms of an allergy attack, but they cannot stop the reaction.

If mold is your issue this is a harder allergy to avoid as mold is everywhere in the environment. Mold allergies require serious diligence in keeping the home clean and dry. This can be a huge undertaking. Often people who have mold issues will also have asthma and often the only real treatment for mold allergies is to treat the asthma.

The Truth About Allergies

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Pugs and Allergies

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Although the Pug tends to be a relatively healthy breed, it does tend to suffer from certain specific allergies.

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The main causes of allergies in Pugs are:

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• The environment
• Food

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Environmental allergies could be caused by dust mites, fleas, trees, grass and pollens.

While food is known to cause allergies in Pugs, there are no specific foods that can be identified. This is something that you will learn to pick up through trial and error.

If you think that your Pug is suffering from an allergy, either an environmental allergy or a food allergy, then it could have a skin rash and some inflammation or redness to its skin. There could be some loss of hair or the dog could be very itchy. If your Pug is scratching excessively in a specific area or breaks out in pimples this could also be a sign that it is suffering from an allergy.

Hot spots are also very common in Pugs. Pugs have a double coat and this can get hot and wet close to their skin, which often causes itchiness, redness, inflammation and loss of hair.

Other indications that your Pug is suffering from allergies could be sneezing, coughing or even wheezing.

You may want to try changing your Pug's food to a hypoallergenic food. For red and inflamed skin, it may mean that your Pug is not getting enough oil in its diet. Try giving it some fish oil, this may help. Another treatment you could try for sore, itchy skin, is to bathe your Pug with vegetable glycerin soap, instead of using the more commonly used dog shampoos. One thing not to use when treating skin irritations is a shampoo that contains alcohol. Shampoos that have oatmeal in them are believed to be soothing too.

If you suspect your Pug is suffering from a food allergy, the best way to deal with this is to cut out everything you are feeding and start from scratch. Unless you are feeding one good quality dog food, introduce new foods, one at a time, and only once a week. This way you will see if your Pug has a reaction.

Taking your Pug to the vet is ultimately the best solution to treating it correctly. Treatment is generally symptomatic and will probably include giving your Pug antihistamines, steroids, fatty acid supplements, medicated shampoos or changing the dog's diet.

Pugs and Allergies

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Pollen Allergies - Will an Air Purifier Help?

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The Misery Of Allergies

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As a young boy I was one of the kids who had to stay indoors to avoid the misery that came with sneezing, sniffling and asthma which came from pollen, grass and leaves. Weekly shots at the allergist and medications were a weekly routine. And even though I was only age 11 (1969) I began to experiment with air purifiers and air cleaners of all kinds. When you can't breathe you'll do anything for relief.

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Here are the primary types of air purification, with a quick rundown on their effectiveness for pollen allergies.

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Ionizers
My first was an air ionizer, negative ion generator to be more precise. Good for some forms of mildew, pollution, and odor, but not very good for pollen or dust since there is nothing to collect the pollen in the air. RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

Ozone Machines
Ozone generators were my next experiment. Good for odor, mold, and mildew, but again not good for gathering pollen and dust. Too much ozone will irritate the lungs, especially in asthmatics. Ozone machines did little for allergies. Today's primary Ozone brand is Ecoquest (formerly Alpine). RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

Electrostatic Plates or "Truman Cells"
My next was an electrostatic machine with positive and negatively charged plates. Oreck calls it a "Truman Cell" ( for Harry Truman during WWII is all we can figure) but they're all over the market and often called "ionic" or "electrostatic". Good for pollution since carbon from car exhaust is charged, and they're washeable. Since most pollen and dust carries little charge however they are not effective for pollen or dust RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

Carbon and/or Zeolite
These type of air purifiers are primarily for smoke, chemicals, odors and fumes since these organic minerals absorb and trap gases. But they do not trap dust and pollen. RATING FOR ALLERGIES: POOR

HEPA
HEPA is the first choice for pollen allergies because it traps and holds pollen and dust. Doctors and Allergists recommend it most. The downside is you have to replace it every year or so. So make sure you find affordable replacement filters as some companies can soak you after you own their Hepa air purifier. I would avoid the expensive (0-800) air purifiers like IQAIR and Austin Air which are primarily HEPA. They're just too over-priced for a HEPA filter, and even though they are well made you can find a comparable ones for under 0. RATING FOR ALLERGIES: EXCELLENT

WAIT BEFORE YOU BUY A HEPA AIR PURIFIER
So while HEPA is the primary method of air purification for pollen allergies and asthma today you can find affordable air purifiers that use multiple technologies including HEPA. The reason you want more than HEPA is that pollution, mold, mildew and other contaminants (besides pollen and dust) all burden your immune system and can make pollen allergies worse. Little-known brands like AliveAir and Airpodcleaner use a large HEPA filter plus 8 other technologies including Electrostatic, Carbon, UV (to kill mold and mildew) protecting your body and making cleaner, purer air. Some of these models also use advanced pollen and dust sensors which detect pollen and dust levels and adjust the purification accordingly.

For Video Reviews and More Allergy Cures See The Link To My Website Below

Pollen Allergies - Will an Air Purifier Help?

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Miraculous Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

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The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, and seasonal allergies are beginning. The first round comes for those who are blessed with an allergy to tree pollens. Those who are have grass allergies are not far behind. From the viewpoint that guides the thinking of natural healing, the pollen is not the problem as much as the body's inability to handle the pollen. This explains why some people suffer with allergies and others do not.

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The ideal time to start strengthening the body and getting it ready for allergy season is in the fall. This article is for all those allergy sufferers who either did not know this or who procrastinated and are now dealing with itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, headaches and all the other symptoms of seasonal allergies.

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Without getting into scientific detail, the body produces histamines as a reaction to allergens. The histamines cause many of the allergic reactions that make life so uncomfortable. The Western way of thinking is to stop the body from creating histamines - stopping the allergic reaction. Unfortunately, antihistamines have many side effects. These include but are not limited to: drowsiness, headaches, difficulty in passing urine, dry mouth, blurred vision, feeling sick or vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, palpitations and abnormal heart rhythms.

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Other side effects include high blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, depression, disturbed sleep, tremors, convulsions, blood and liver disorders, and over-excitement in children. Antihistamines can also cause irritation from creams, lotions and eye drops, as well as allergic reactions, such as swelling, rash and breathing difficulties.

First Remedy:

For those that do not like to take antihistamines there is another option. There is a product made by standard process called Antronex®. Instead of working to block the production of histamines, this product gets the liver to process the histamines out of the system. I do not know of any side effects associated with the product and my experience with it has been nothing short of miraculous. I will take anywhere from one to three pills when symptoms begin, and usually within five to 10 minutes the allergy symptoms are relieved.

Second Remedy:

As we breathe, the pollens in the air get trapped in our mucous membranes. Simply cleaning off the mucous membranes one to three times a day can provide great relief from allergy symptoms. Perhaps the easiest and most cost effective way to do this is with a device known as a Neti pot. This device looks like a small teapot and is filled with a saltwater solution. The spout of the pot is put in one nostril, and the water is allowed to run through the nasal passages and out the opposite nostril. I recommend a morning and nighttime rinse, and if symptoms are bad, one or two rinses during the day.

Third Remedy:

It cannot be stressed enough how important proper hydration is for allergy sufferers. When the mucus membranes become dehydrated they are much more likely to become irritated. The typical rule of thumb is to take your body weight, divided by two, and use that as the number of ounces of water you should drink in a day. For example, 150 pounds divided by two is 75 - the appropriate number of ounces of water you should consume. Another way to determine if you're getting enough water is to check that your urine is clear and does not have a foul odor.

The solutions discussed are great for symptomatic relief. To address the underlying causes of allergies, I recommend meeting with an acupuncturist or naturopath who has studied the subject.

Miraculous Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies

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Cat Allergies - A Deeper Look At The Cause And A Promise For Permanent Relief

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Having helped quite a number of people be free from their cat allergies using TAT, (Tapas Acupressure Technique) I have made some really interesting observations. My philosophy is based on the more and more accepted theory that the allergy problem lies within the body's energy system, and the cause is a disharmony between the body's energy and that of the allergen. It is this disharmony that causes a disruption, or blockage in the energy system which is what sets off the cascade of an inappropriate immune response which result in the allergy symptoms. The object then is to retrain, or balance the energy system so it is in harmony with the cat allergen. Once that happens, the allergy symptoms go away completely.

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This is a workable theory, as it can be observed time and time again using effective modern techniques. (TAT is only one of several-but probably one of the fastest and most effective.) But then, what is it that causes the energy system to become unbalanced in the presence of the allergen? Is there any connection at all with the mind? Anyone interested in the mind-body connection have read stories of how someone got the phone call that their mother had died as they are watching a bouquet of yellow roses. Ever since that incident that person was allergic to yellow roses. (Not red ones, or pink ones-only the yellow ones...) The person was even allergic to yellow plastic roses... Or the case when someone was in a rollover accident, pinned under the car in the grass, gasoline fumes wafting, and after that they get violently ill when around rag weed? Or the verified cases when someone who is a multiple personality has one personality that has an allergy, and the other is not... (They are in the same body, but they have different memories...different memories causing different chemistry.)

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So, then, what can be an emotional cause for someone to be allergic to cats? Well, the causes can vary quite a bit, but in my experience, a frequent reason for someone's allergy has to do with the bad rap cats have had for hundreds of years. I'd like to mention here, that it makes no difference if you like or love cats. The bad rap is pervasive. Let me explain... Your mind is like a computer. Some of the data you get is like those temporary internet files- easy to delete. Then some data gets saved onto your hard drive... Data that came to you from authority figures when you were a child, or data that came when you were in a state of acute stress or fear. That kind of data was accepted without you having a chance to decide whether you wanted it or not, or whether it was true or not. But, let's get back to the cats... There are "Truths" about cats that resonate within our society. Let's see if you recognize any of them:

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"Cats are sneaky".

"Cats attack without even being provoked".

"Cats are mean".

"Cats are stalkers".

"Weird people have cats". (as in the village "witch")

"Cats can steal a baby's breath..."

"Cats aren't safe around babies."

"The crazy cat lady"

"Black cat crossing in front of you means bad luck".

Add to that the FACT that in medieval times you could be burned on a stake for owning a cat. Even liking cats could get you killed. So, many of these things are silly, yes? But, for a child that was told these frightening things, it was not so silly, and could very well have been saved onto the "hard drive" Now, most of these things are completely on an unconscious level. But,,, these things get into your inner mind, and even though you don't believe them consciously, they are like a computer program. They will continue to run until you delete them. I see this all the time working with cat allergies. And I also see that when the issue, or misinformation gets resolved the allergy goes away, for the most part, permanently.

Let me share a story. (Details have been changed for anonymity ) Donna was severely allergic to cats. She would have reactions being around someone who had been in contact with a cat. One of her favorite pastimes was garage sales, and shopping in second hand stores. Invariably there would be some item that had been in contact with a cat, requiring Donna to always carry her meds and plenty of tissue on her shopping trips. Add to that, her grandson lived with 4 cats. When coming to her home he would have to undress in the garage, head straight for the shower and dress in the clothes that Donna provided for him. Donna sure had some serious reactions to cats... Gathering some info about Donna's allergy, she shared that it started when she was pregnant with her first son. Ever since then (34 years ago) she had had severe reactions around cats.

So we did the allergy eliminating session with TAT which at the conclusion includes a statement where you state how you would like to feel around cats. (Or how your body would like to feel) Donna stated "I want to be safe around cats" Now that took me by surprise, since I had already asked if she was afraid of cats, or had a dislike for cats. Or if she had had any incidents with cats. (Most people with cat allergies are not afraid of cats, on the contrary they like them) Then she said, almost with an embarrassed chuckle,

"Well you know that thing about cats stealing the baby's breath and all..." adding dismissively, "But that's just an old wives tale"

So, reading this, you may have light bulbs going off... Donna's allergy started when she was pregnant with her first child. She has, even though she rationally knows it is not true, had the belief implanted that

"Cats steal the baby's breath" Now, what better way for Donna to protect her baby from dying by a cat "stealing it's breath" than for her to get so seriously ill, a cat could never possibly come anywhere close to her baby? See, this is how the inner mind works... (Fascinating, no?) So, we did neutralize that belief using TAT and she had no allergic reactions whatsoever when around cats for a few months.

Then late one evening I get a call from Donna. "Heeeeeeelp!! I had a bad reaction to a cat yesterday."

I was curious to find out what had happened... Donna had visited a friend who had a newborn baby boy. As they are visiting the family's cat want to join in. As the cat gets closer to the baby, the baby's father says: 'Don't let the cat get to close to the baby, It is not safe" So that was the problem. We had not completely neutralized the (totally unconscious) fear Donna had about cats and babies. We did some more TAT addressing the baby issue, and she has not had one reaction since. Donna could have spent the rest of her life avoiding cats, avoiding people who have had contact with then, and taking medication when going out shopping. But, she only needed to clear a misconception she had gotten, probably at a very early age, in order to be completely allergy free, which she is today.

Cat Allergies - A Deeper Look At The Cause And A Promise For Permanent Relief

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Fun Is In The Air, And So Are The Allergies In The South-Southeast

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While the Southern and Southeastern United States have definite seasons, they are not as clearly defined as the Northeast and Midwest. Yet, it's that time of year again when plants begin their cycle of new growth and cause runny noses and itchy eyes for more than 20% of the population. The pollen producing plants are sending their powder-like particles into the air to fertilize and create new plants.

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For many people, it's the start of their inhalant allergies which are caused by airborne allergens. Sufferers, from the mild to serious, find their eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, throat, voice box, lungs and skins affected to varying degrees depending on the type of plant to which they react.

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Symptoms can include: itchy, tearing, burning, swelling eyes; itching, pressure, muffled hearing, popping in the ears; itching, sneezing, congestion, postnasal drip; pain and/or pressure over the cheeks, forehead or between the eyes; scratchy, itchy, sore, dry, hoarse throat; coughing, shortness breath, burning sensation in the chest, wheezing; and rashes, dry skin. If you discover that you suddenly have begun to experience some of these symptoms, you may have a pollen-related inhalant allergy and depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to control it on your own or you may need to visit a doctor. Either way you need to monitor the daily pollen count and track your reactions. This will help you to determine which seasonal plants may be causing your reactions.

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Allergen Producing Plants

Here's a list of the most common pollen producing plants for Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas that can help you avoid the plants that affect you the most.

Trees

The nut-bearing trees of the South/Southwest -- Maple, Pecan and Walnut -- end their pollination by early June. Most of the other trees produce their pollen in March and April annually.

Grasses

Blue, Orchard, Red Top, Timothy, Italian Rye, Johnson, and Bermuda. Grass pollens are the major source of most pollen allergies because their season lasts from May through September (except for Bermuda which lasts through November), and are the most difficult avoid because of the large exposure of grassy areas. Florida also has three indigenous grasses that pollinate from April through October: St. Augustine, Natal and Bahia.

Weeds

With the exception of English Plantain and Yellow Dock weeds (seasonal April through July), most weeds indigenous to the south/southeast don't begin to bloom and cause allergic reactions until mid-summer through early autumn.

Controlling Your Environments to Avoid the Pollen

You can help to alleviate your reactions immediately and on your own by creating a "pollen-safe" zone within your home, work space and vehicles. You will need to reduce the level of the pollen in the air; control the relative humidity; and "rinse" the pollen agitators out of your nose, sinuses and tissues, and off of your skin.

In your home, make sure that your furnace filters are clean and you are using disposable filters with self-sealing edges that trap and hold allergens and dirty air to provide 100% filtration. Also, remember to change those filters every month. It's also a good idea to add air vent guards to your heating/air conditioning vents for extra air filtration. When you want to "air out" your house, use temporary window guards that include filters similar to vent guards to keep pollen particles from entering your home. Cleaning carpets and floors with a HEPA vacuum also keeps pollen and dust particles from being released back into the room. Also, using a HEPA air purifier helps to control pollen and other air-borne allergens that enter your home from open doors, clothing, groceries, etc.

You probably only have limited control over your work environment, but you can help reduce the pollen and allergens in the air by using a small HEPA air purifier in your work space, and carry a sinus rinse to reduce nasal irritation. When you're in your car, there are HEPA air vehicle purifiers you can use that not only help to control the allergens in your car, but also help to control the dust and dirt that accumulate inside. If you travel by plane, there are even portable plane air purifier filters available that fit on the overhead air nozzle above your seat.

If your symptoms are not severe, these simple steps perhaps in combination with some over-the-counter medications such as eye drops, antihistamines and decongestants may give you all the relief you need this spring. However, if your symptoms are severe and are leading to more serious conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, corneal abrasions, skin infections, diminished hearing, you need to see a doctor in addition to controlling your environment.

No one wants to miss the fun and the fresh air, and there are a couple of quick things you can do so that you can enjoy the outdoors for limited amounts of time. There are comfortable face masks and wearable air purifiers that can help "clean" the external air and filter out the pollens. You also need to wear "breathable" clothing that covers most of your exposed skin, and you want to try to avoid venturing outside on windy days when the pollen is really blowing.

Fun Is In The Air, And So Are The Allergies In The South-Southeast

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Allergies Type 1

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Allergies Type 1 is also called contact allergy. It is is when food, mold, animal dander, pollen, or dust can cause an immediate allergy attack. Whey your body responds to the invasion, your body releases histamine from the irritated area such as the skin, nasal and bronchial areas.

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A person with Allergies Type 1 is burdened with an overprotective immune system and is forever on guard against everyday things that don't bother the rest of us. It might be a cute puppy, a patch of green grass, to something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

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The hypersensitivity allergic reaction to type 1 allergies can vary fjrom mild irritation to sudden death from anaphylactic shock. Any sympton that causes swelling of the toungh or difficulity in breathing requires imeadate treatment by a physicial.

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Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Antioxidants, Allergy Aid, and Quercitin.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from allergy symptoms.

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb's to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb's help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Allergies Type 1

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Allergies - Why fruit and vegetables is increasing because of allergies, food intolerances

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You might think that fruits and vegetables are good, but what people who are allergic to it. This is strange to see the fruit and vegetable allergies are increasing. We have always said it's important to eat fruits and vegetables every day, because it would be good for you. If this is true, for this to happen, is the question? The answer is simple but complicated at a time. We must remember that these foods are healthy foods andare essential to maintain our health.

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If you listen to all of allergy experts, will tell you that allergies to fruits and vegetables are growing. It 'even worse for the younger generations. Children may experience the following symptoms of swelling and discomfort mouth, throat and respiratory tract that make you think it is asthma. The fact is that these children have asthma, but allergy to fruits and vegetables. My neighbor can not eat carrots because it is rashthem. If she is drinking organic carrot juice, does not respond, so there must be some form of pesticide or something that has an impact on their allergy.

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In my work I have done a lot of people, the allergic symptoms that many things like mites, mold, chemicals, food, grass and dust. Worst of all food allergies is fruit. It sounds like something sprayed on them to perform all of these food allergies. Personally, I'm allergic to bananas. EnterI entered the stomach, swelling of my airway and get sinus. The funny thing is, if I eat organic bananas from Whole Foods, they have ruined the stomach or that my throat did not swell. This confirms my suspicions that there is nothing on bananas, I sprayed allergic.

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Finally, some chemicals on fruits and vegetables, foods that people are sensitive sprayed. It may also be genetically modified. These foods are not natural and ourBody does not like. Very few people have allergies to organic food so that it says something about genetically modified food. Personally, I never eat GM foods, because of this. The next time you go to Whole Foods, buy organic fruit and bananas to buy genetically modified fruit from the supermarket. Take the test yourself and you know the answer. If you find that fruits and vegetables are bad for you, consult your doctor.

If youQuestions, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit our site.

Allergies - Why fruit and vegetables is increasing because of allergies, food intolerances

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