Everything About Allergy

Molds or fungi grow both indoors and outdoors, and is related to moisture. Molds grow where moisture is, and is not dependent on seasons, unlike pollen which is more concentrated during spring to fall.

Mold spores spread when the molds ripen. It is usually seen in dark, moist, humid rooms like the basement, bathroom, under the kitchen sink, and ceilings if the roof has leaks. It also grows in carpets and walls. Rooms should be well ventilated to allow moisture to evaporate. Carpets, ceilings, walls and floors should always be kept dry, and make sure clothes placed in cabinets are totally dry.

Food allergy is different from food poisoning or food intolerance. It is the immune system’s reaction to certain food proteins. These proteins that trigger an allergic reaction is called food allergen. A person allergic to certain foods are advised to avoid eating these foods, and those who are sensitive to the allergens should also avoid touching the food or anything it has come into contact with, or inhaling the aroma of the food.

Symptoms of food allergy include swelling of the eyelids, face lips and tongue, also called angioedema. This may result to difficulty in breathing if the tongue, larynx and trachea are swollen.

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Pollen allergy, sometimes called ragweed allergy, commonly occurs when the concentration of pollen, measured in pollen count, is high. Pollen count is high during mornings in dry and windy conditions. During cold and wet conditions, pollen count is low since moisture adds weight to pollen, allowing it to travel only short distances.

Ornamental flowering plants do not usually produce high concentration of pollen grains. Trees, grasses and weeds produce the most number of pollen.

Period when pollen count is high, people with pollen allergy is advised to stay indoors, and to make sure the windows are closed, and air conditioners have effective filters.

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Pollen grains are produced by plants, weeds and trees to reproduce. Pollen released by a plant reaches a flower of the same species and is then fertilized. Other flowers can fertilize itself. Pollen is transferred through insects and mainly through the wind current. Since pollen are very tiny and lightweight, it can be carried by the wind in long distances, up to 400 miles away from the sea shore, and up to two miles up in the atmosphere.

Pollen production and release depend on the length of day time and night time, therefore the schedules depend on geographical location, rather than seasons. But the spread of pollen depends on the wind intensity and direction.

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When children with allergies reach school age, they are more exposed to allergens and bacteria that can trigger symptoms. The most common are nasal allergies, where symptoms include runny nose and sneezing. This is usually triggered by pollens from plants and trees, dust and mold.

Once your allergic child starts school, take time to talk with the teachers and the school’s nurse. If your child is allergic to certain foods, you may also want to talk with the person in charge with the canteen. Ask them to inform you of any symptom or changes in your child’s performance, which may be associated with his condition.

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Immunotherapy is a wise option for those whose allergic reactions tend to become fatal, like bee and wasp allergy. Patients with hay fever or asthma should also consider it, especially if the reactions are caused by factors that they cannot avoid, or if their medication does not suppress the symptoms, or if the medications have side effects.

This treatment, however, is not recommended for pregnant patients, or if one is undergoing immunotherapy and got pregnant during the period, she should stop treatment in the meantime. Although the treatment itself does not pose any harm to the baby, the mother may develop reactions to the injection that may possibly interfere with the baby’s oxygen supply.

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One way to treat allergies is through immunotherapy. Other treatments are antihistamines or corticosteroids, which treat the allergic reaction. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, treats the allergy from the roots – that is by reducing the body’s sensitivity to allergens.

The therapy involves a series of injections given on a regular basis for a certain period. The injection contains an allergy extract which contains small amounts of the allergen or antigen. The dosage is increased each time, depending on the body’s reaction. This process is called desensitization, where the body no longer reacts excessively to an allergen. An allergist prescribes and administers the injection.

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Fragrance triggers allergic reactions such as sneezing. Products such as perfumes, soaps, detergents, cosmetics and scented candles cause the irritation. Symptoms stop when the scent is gone, and repeated exposure aggravates symptoms. Non-fragrant items are recommended for individuals with this type of allergy.

Also watch out for cockroaches. Proteins in their droppings are allergens, but the live bodies of the roaches do not cause allergic reactions. Avoid cockroaches from infesting your home and workplace by using pesticides, keeping the area clear of left over food and preventing them from coming inside the home or building by blocking holes and repairing cracks, and providing filters for drainage and sinks.

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Allergic reaction to natural rubber latex is commonly called latex allergy. It has several types: Type 1, Type 4 and Irritant contact dermatitis. Type 1 latex allergy results to a life threatening reaction, and is caused by proteins found in Hevea brasiliensis tree, a rubber tree. Synthetic rubber do not contain this protein.

Type 4 latex allergy produces skin rashes with blistering which is caused by the chemicals used to process rubber products. Natural and synthetic rubbers can cause Type 4 latex allergy.

Irritant contact dermatitis results to dry, itchy skin and is usually caused by irritation in the use of gloves.

Other reactions can be caused by foods containing latex proteins such as latex plant groups and genetically modified foods. Sensitive individuals also react to foods handled with latex gloves and other rubber materials.

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Useful Links:
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Latex Allergy Links

Molds produce spores, which spread in the air like pollen. It grows in moist and unlit areas such as basements, bathrooms, and are also present in grass and other areas outdoors. Ventilation should be improved inside the home, and outdoor activities like raking leaves should be avoided by allergic individuals.

Latex allergy can be triggered by gloves and condoms, and symptoms include skin rashes, sneezing, and more serious reactions like difficulty in breathing and gastrointestinal problems.

Certain medicines may also trigger allergic reactions, such as penicillin or aspirin. Patients should be tested before an operation or before receiving vaccine shots.

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