Allergy

All You Need To Know About Allergy Shots

Cindy Heller asked:




When medications fail to adequately control allergy symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy or possible, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy or “allergy shots”. This treatment consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances to which a person is allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases their allergies have completely resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma and insect sting allergies.

Are allergy shots experimental therapies?

No. Allergy shots have been given for nearly 100 years and are FDA approved therapies. Numerous well-designed medical studies show the efficacy of allergy shots.

And allergy shots do not contain steroids, which can have adverse long-term side effects.

How do allergy shots work?

Unlike allergy medicines, which act only to “cover up” allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, allergy shots fix the underlying problem of allergies. This occurs because the body treats the injection much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of infection-fighting antibodies against the pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. The body then stops producing as much allergic antibodies against the triggers, and therefore won’t have as much, or any, allergic response when exposed to the allergens. These changes can last for many years even after stopping allergy shots. Recent studies show that allergy shots can also prevent people from developing new allergies, and reduce the risk of developing asthma in children with nasal allergies.

How are allergy shots given?

The method of immunotherapy consists of starting at a small dose that will not cause an allergic reaction, with slowly advancing the dosage until the person becomes tolerant to large amounts of the extract. These injections are initially given once to twice a week until a maintenance, or constant dose, is achieved. This usually takes approximately 3 to 6 months. Once the maintenance dosage is reached, the allergic symptoms are largely resolved in most patients. Thereafter, the injections are given every two to four weeks.

How long must I take allergy shots?

Therapy is continued for 3 to 5 years total, after which the patient continues to get benefit for another 5 to 10 years or longer, even after the shots are stopped. If the shots are stopped prior to a total of 3 years, the allergic symptoms typically return more quickly.

What are the risks of allergy shots?

The risks of immunotherapy consist of the possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction to the allergy shot. Most allergic reactions consist of mild to moderate swelling and itching at the site of the injection. These reactions occur frequently, but rarely require any change in treatment. A large swelling may require an adjustment of the immunotherapy dosage or a change in the frequency and amount of the shots.

Less commonly patients experience whole-body allergic reactions, sometimes called “anaphylaxis”. Most of these reactions are mild and consist of itching of the skin, hives, or runny nose. Others are more severe and can present as cough, chest tightness, wheezing, throat tightness, shock and rarely can be life-threatening.

For this reason, it is normally required that patients remain in the physician’s office for 20 to 30 minutes after the injection since most reactions occur during this time. These reactions are typically easily reversed with medicines such as injectable epinephrine and anti-histamines.

Should I take allergy shots?

Obviously, this is a question that only you and your doctor can answer. There are many reasons to consider allergy shots:

- Medicines don’t work: Many patients go to the allergist because they still have symptoms despite having tried numerous allergy medications, with little to no relief of their symptoms. Sometimes allergy shots are the only therapy left for these patients.

- Go for the cure: Other patients like the idea of a “cure”, and opt for allergy shots for that reason. Remember, immunotherapy is the only treatment for allergies that fixes the underlying problem of the immune system, much like a vaccine.

- Don’t like medicines: Some patients experience severe side effects from medications, or don’t like taking medications on a daily basis – the idea of a “once a month shot” is a better option for them.

- Cost of medicines: Medications can be expensive, and since allergy symptoms typically return soon after medications are stopped, patients may require medications for many, many years. Allergy shots can alleviate much of the need for medications and can be a significant cost savings measure in the long run.

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By takingtramadol on May 13, 2011 | Allergy | A comment?
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Polyester Allergy

Sally Hudson asked:




Allergies are quite an affliction that can cause a great deal of irritation and discomfort which make life quite unbearable, if not addressed effectively. An allergy is essentially a reaction or an outward manifestation of symptoms on account of an external or foreign substance that the body is not able to tolerate. There are various kinds of allergies that afflict people around the world. Some of these are quite mild in nature, with minimal effects that do not impact normal life to any appreciable extent. On the other hand, there are instances where one could have such severe and strong reactions that immediate medical attention may be required. Allergies can be caused by various types of substances like food, pollen, pollutants, clothing and various types of smoke or even scents and fragrances that do not agree with the body of certain people. Among clothing allergies polyester allergy is quite common.

Polyester allergy occurs when people wear certain clothes that are made of synthetic material or polyester. Some of the clothes that are made of synthetic include nylon, polyester, spandex and the like which are commonly used nowadays. However, some people have an allergy to such synthetic materials that cause certain rashes as well as inflammation on the skin as a response to the use of such materials. Some of the common symptoms that accompany allergy due to polyester, are red rashes on the legs or hives in the upper part of the body. There are also instances of severe itching which are caused due to contact with polyester. It is not like everyone who uses synthetic materials is susceptible to allergies as such materials are not only quite inexpensive but also quite fashionable. It is only those people who are hypersensitive to such materials that are liable to get afflicted by allergy.

There are certain conditions under which polyester allergy becomes aggravated and very severe. This is common in those cases where people wear extra tight clothing that sticks to the skin and does not allow for any ventilation of the skin. For instance, the tight clothing could lead to greater sweat as well as moisture to accumulate which aggravates the condition and leads to severe rashes and hives that can create a great deal of discomfort and lead to medical problems that need to be taken care of by special medical means. The problem is also exacerbated by greater friction as well as unclean clothes that are not conducive to good health and promote allergies that are of great concern to millions of patients around the world. The basic form of allergy is dermatitis or itching sensation in the skin which is caused by contact with foreign and synthetic materials in the case of people who have sensitive skin with whom such materials do not agree. Those who are patients of eczema also have special problems in terms of polyester allergy that they could get afflicted by. Those who use latex gloves could also have the same problem if the user has sensitive skin with respect to synthetic.

One of the ways to avoid polyester allergy is by avoidance of all clothing that contains this material. This has seen to be effective as it is physical contact with clothing that essentially causes rashes, hives, red spots and abrasions in the skin of people who have sensitivity with respect to these synthetic materials. In cases that are quite severe and life threatening, one also has to take anti allergy drugs and medication so as to bring the body back to normal state and out of danger to life. Allergies are serious and one must be careful to ensure that things do not go out of hand.

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By takingtramadol on May 10, 2011 | Allergy | A comment?
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Scalp Eczema – Uncover Your Food Allergies

Janet Simpson asked:




If you suffer with scalp eczema it is usually down to some kind of allergy. Sufferers tend to have allergies to substances, chemicals, or food.

Food allergies are common. Over 50% of the population suffer from some sort of food allergy. And the number is growing each and every year.

Food allergies usually reveal themselves after you touch, smell or eat the food substance. Within a short period of time of your being in contact with the food substance there is a reaction.

The reaction you encounter can vary from experiencing difficulty in swallowing, or the swelling of your face, eyes and tongue or breaking out in a rash or having an itchy fit.

Some sufferers also experience nausea and dizziness.

The most common reasons for food intolerances can be pin-pointed to one of three causes:

Scalp Eczema – Cause of Food Allergy #1 – Intestinal ecology.

The lining of your stomach is coated and contains over 400 species of micro-organism or intestinal flora. Some of these organisms are good and the remainder are bad organisms. In terms of weight, the bacteria in your colon can weigh on average 3lbs.

These bacteria are very important as they form part of the immune defences. When the balance is good the bacteria will help in the control of absorption, help in the production of nutrients and help with the elimination of toxins and unwanted matter.

Scalp Eczema – Cause of Food Allergy #2 – Food Additives.

Every day the number of food additives, colourings, preservatives and flavour enhancers increases. The more you consume these additives the more you risk your immune system reacting against them.

Most of these additives are found in processed, pre-packaged foods, including some breads.

It is imperative that labels of package foods are read in an effort to eliminate as many of these additives as you can.

Scalp Eczema – Cause of Food Allergy #3 – Eating Too Quickly.

This one might sound unusual but if you are not relaxed when you sit down to eat you will probably tend to chop and swallow your foods.

When this food is swallowed is has not be broken down and cannot be properly digested. The stomach acids and digestives enzymes find it difficult to break down the food substance and it is absorbed through the intestinal lining.

This state of affairs will set up your immune reaction which will lead to the development of food intolerances.

Sit down to eat and ensure you chew every morsel of food at least 15 times.

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By takingtramadol on May 7, 2011 | Allergy | A comment?
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