Laser Allergist

Archive for July, 2010

I am extremely allergic to pollen, I break out, have extremely red and running eyes, later to ooze yellow stuff, sneezing, and runny nose. I take Zyrtec D but it seems like it isnt doing much anymore, I use to take Claritin aswell, I seem to have outpowered them both. Is there any medication that works perfectly against my issues?

Inflammation, immunity diseases and allergic reactions are all connected with your immune system, and the way the body reacts to what it considers to be foreign invaders that are a risk to your health. Although you may not understand that all three have the basic underlying cause, in fact they do, and here is why.

Inflammation manifests as pain and swelling in the inflamed area, and not only can the area also get hot, but it can also raise your temperature in general, commonly called a fever. Fever is the body’s way of raising temperature above that at which foreign organisms such as bacteria and viruses can live, so any inflammatory condition that results in fever by definition must be an immune response through the body trying to eliminate foreign invaders.

If your body gets injured in any way, your immune system responds, and usually calms down again if decides that the injury is not serious. Your immune system is actually initiated by what are known as pro-inflammatory hormones, such as prostaglandins that stimulate the nerves to signal pain and swell the blood vessels close to the injury to make room for the large white blood cells when they arrive. That also allows blood and plasma to rush out and cause swelling at the site of the injury. Other prostaglandins act to quell the immune response, and get your body back to normal.

Another such hormone is a cytokine, which informs the brain of the intrusion. Some cytokines called leukocytes stop the immune system when necessary to prevent the destruction of healthy tissue, and also halt the inflammatory response. If the leukocytes are not working properly, the body can be severely damaged as the immune system becomes uncontrolled and starts to attack healthy tissue.

Then there are the histamines that allow you to expel the agents causing the problem by sneezing, watery eyes, runny noses and scratching. They lead lymphatic fluid and blood to the site of the problem in order that the invasion can be attacked and destroyed.

It is the histamines that provide what is commonly referred to as an allergic reaction, which is really the immune system coming into action to remove invaders such as pollen, dust mites and any other agent that can cause an allergy. Immunity is caused by introducing small amounts of the agent into the blood, so that the immune system can develop a memory of them. Then, when the same invader returns at a later date, the system can immediately attack them with the antibodies that have been produced.

All of these: inflammation, immunity and allergies, are caused by the reaction of the immune system to what it perceives as an invader. Normally these are bacteria and viruses, but sometimes they react to other foreign bodies such as pollen. In some people this provokes no response at all, while in others it provokes the immune system to create antibodies against the pollen, and emit histamine to expel it.

Substances that cause allergies are referred to as allergens. Many allergens are environmental, such as dust, pollen and peanuts. Some people are allergic to certain animals, such as cats or dogs, and others to chemicals in the air such as hydrocarbon emissions, particularly when in particulate form.

The symptoms can be simple, such as a runny nose, a cough and hay fever or more complex such as hives, eczema and asthma. All of these are caused by the immune system reacting to an invader. There are also foods that cause internal inflammation, such as shellfish and whitefish, eggs and tomatoes. Many of these can be extreme, leading to serious illness and can even be fatal. So what can be done to treat people who are particularly prone to inflammation and allergic reactions?

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce inflammation, unlike their Omega-6 cousins that appear to increase it. Omega-3 oils contain chemicals known as eicosanoids, of which the prostaglandins are an example. While this might seem paradoxical, since prostaglandins are what set off the whole process, there are many types of these. Prostaglandin E2 is the type that leads to allergic immune reactions, and omega-3 fatty acids reduce the concentration of these in the blood.

Those who eat little fish tend to suffer more from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and other conditions indicating a lack of control of the immune system. On the other hand, processed foods contain more omega-6 fatty acids that can promote these conditions. The major components of omega-3 oils are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and also DHA, docosahexaenoic acid. These are all anti-inflammatories and have been shown to have very positive effects on inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and eczema. Each of these is a different type of inflammatory condition caused by inappropriate immune response.

However, it not just fish oils that can help resolve problems with our immune system. Quercetin is what is known as a flavonoid. It is a strong anti-oxidant and natural anti-histamine that combats histamine release and the swelling associated with the immune response to allergens. It also counters the inflammatory agents of arthritis and so helps to reduce the pain associated with many of these conditions. It appears to work better in conjunction with bromelain, a very powerful anti-inflammatory that also possesses anti-allergen response properties. Bromelain is extracted from pineapple stems.

Another natural product is a resin extract that is obtained from the Boswellia serrata tree. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and has been recommended for the treatment of arthritis (rheumatoid and osteo), Crohn’s disease and has been suggested as a treatment for asthma, though studies are still under way. However, world wide experience is that Boswellia is effective against gout, psoriasis and ulcerative colitis, to name another three totally different inflammatory conditions.

What all of this indicates are two things. First that inflammation, immunity and allergic reactions are connected conditions, and due to either poor control over or an over stimulated immune response to what the body perceives as being abnormal, in the way that hormones and other chemicals that are used to control our immunity detect it to be.

Secondly, there are many natural products that can be used as supplements to treat these effects caused by the immune system, and that their effectiveness has been proven, if not by scientific study, then by generations of traditional application as treatments of the symptoms of the conditions concerned.

However, although many have been proved by scientific study, others have not, and you should always refer to your physician before undergoing any treatment other than that prescribed. Also, there is incontrovertible evidence that the role for supplements in the treatment of inflammation, immunity and allergic reactions are beneficial. Many use nothing else.

For so many years, acupuncture was practiced to lose weight using needles until a replacement has come that also carry out the same effects, the laser acupuncture for weight loss.

Merging the finest of ancient knowledge and technology, laser acupuncture for weight loss is a powerful and inexpensive weight loss treatment.

Laser acupuncture for weight loss will help you achieve the desired weight more quickly when it is combined with a healthy diet and exercise.  It will curtail your food cravings, enhance your endorphins, expedite your metabolism, and weaken your appetite.

How a Treatment Plan is Designed

Due to personal symptoms and circumstances, each patient will have different needs.

When a treatment is designed for a patient, there are numerous factors to take into consideration such as hormonal imbalances, water retention, sluggish digestion, excessive appetite, excessive stress, lack of exercise, etc.

What can assist you create a highly personalized treatment plan based on your personal requirements is to find a specialist for your laser acupuncture for weight loss.

The laser treatment can help to correct internal imbalances in your body by following a customized plan.

However, don’t be in hurry to see the results at once since gaining weight is gradual so same with losing weight. Although, with laser acupuncture treatment for weight loss, you can look forward to safely lose about 2-3 pounds per week.

Compared to losing weight with a typical diet and exercise routine, the amount loss was at least doubled.

You can achieve your weight loss goal generally around five treatments spaced 7-10 days apart. It takes around 30 minutes during the treatment itself. Laser acupuncture for weight loss treatment has no side effects and that is its advantage.

Buying any special foods or supplements are no longer needed while you feel a very relaxing experience. Its effect can be felt immediately since your appetite will decrease right away.

How lasers work might push you into amazement. It is on ears, hands, wrists, arms, legs, and feet the laser beam is applied to. Endorphins will be released after stimulating them when the laser is used to acupuncture points.

It is a very promising treatment since it has a success rate of approximately 87%.

You also don’t need to be bothered about the interacting with any medications you take or otherwise putting your health at risk for a fact that it is a 100% natural treatment.

To wrap it up, laser acupuncture for weight loss certainly works. Laser acupuncture can assist you to speed up your weight loss without endangering your health or burning a hole in your pocket.

With the use of a laser beam, it takes wise ancient knowledge and makes it more effective. Laser acupuncture is an effective way to assist you in achieving your weight loss goals while it was perfect blend of East and West.

While the winter months offer a break for many seasonal allergy sufferers, it’s never too early to start thinking about the upcoming change in seasons and what allergies may come along with it. Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting more than nine million Canadians and over 500 million people worldwide.

“There are so many misconceptions around allergies,” says Toronto allergist, Dr. Mark Greenwald. “Seasonal sufferers should be aware of the facts in order to effectively manage their allergies. Using an antihistamine such as Reactine, which starts to work in just 20 minutes, on a regular basis is just one way people can help manage their symptoms.”

Think you know everything about allergies? Here are some fast facts about the allergic reactions we love to hate, and some popular myths – debunked.

• Allergies are annoying but are generally harmless to your health.  

If left untreated, allergies can disrupt sleep, learning, and possibly result in chronic respiratory problems like asthma or sinusitis. Non-drowsy antihistamines like Reactine relieve allergy symptoms for a full 24 hours.

• Women are more likely to stick with what they know. According to a recent Harris-Decima survey conducted on behalf of Reactine, many women will take an antihistamine to help their allergy symptoms, while men are more likely to not treat their allergy symptoms at all. Over one-quarter of allergy sufferers have never taken an antihistamine before symptoms onset.

• If it works, it works. There is no scientific proof behind the myth of tolerance to antihistamines or a ‘rebound effect’. As a result, if you have found an allergy medication that works for you, stick with it. You cannot build up a tolerance to antihistamines which are proven effective in relieving both indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms.

• The truth is that allergy symptoms can be controlled, but the cure can take many years. By making changes in your environment and reducing exposure to certain allergens, you can effectively manage your allergy symptoms.

www.newscanada.com

Seasonal Allergies Attacking Early
Seasonal allergies seem to be hitting people even earlier this year.

Read more on FOX 9 News Twin Cities

Dr.Paul Donohue: Asthma usually can be controlled
Dear Dr. Donohue: I am a 50-year-old female, and I have asthma that seems to be getting worse. In October, I got the H1N1 flu and had to go to the hospital twice because of breathing problems. I saw an allergist, who tested me and wanted to put me on allergy shots. He said they may or may not work, but they don’t cure asthma. Then what’s the point? Does oxygen help? Are there natural ways to …

Read more on Detroit News

An allergy is an abnormally high sensitivity reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance. The immune system of an allergic person reacts when an allergen is absorbed into their body, treating the substance as a harmful invader, causing the white blood cells to begin producing IgE antibodies which attach themselves to mast cells. When this occurs it causes the body to release histamine, which can cause allergy symptoms — watery eyes, itching, sneezing or a runny nose.

Contact dermatitis, eczema, and hives can be types of skin allergies.

Chemicals in cosmetics or lotions may also cause skin problems. The symptoms may occur right away, or take a few days to develop. These symptoms include swelling, burning, stinging, itching, and redness. Most of these reactions are caused by skin care products that are used on the face, hands, and body. Other causes include hair care products, including hair dye and permanent solution, and face makeup products.

Eczema may occur for unknown reasons or as a result of exposure to certain plants, foods, animals, nickel, rubber, soap products or dyes. This can produce itchy rashes and weeping blisters. This is a common problem with all jewelry made with nickel as a base metal.

Hives are another kind of skin response. They may occur as a result of changes in body temperature or stress. Hives are small, red, itchy swellings on the skin. They arise quickly and can last up to 48 hours. They appear in clusters which disappear as another cluster develops. Foods like chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, and berries are common causes of hives. Certain drugs such as aspirin, penicillin, and sulfa may cause hives, as well. Some people get hives simply by rubbing or scratching their skin.

No permanent cure exists for skin reactions. It is best to try and avoid the causes. It may help to change to hypoallergenic and fragrance free products. If contact dermatitis, eczema or hives do occur, they can often be treated with over the counter antihistamines such as Benadryl.

Bee wise! Don’t swat the bee that stings! Recent research is creating quite a buzz revealing three naturally-produced products by bees gifted with healing benefits for many of today’s health concerns. Bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis have been used by the ancient Chinese and in the Middle East for about 3,000 years.

What is Bee Pollen?

Bee pollen is a flower’s male reproductive element. As bees fly from blossom to blossom, retrieving nectar and pollen, bee pollen gets collected on their legs. “Pollen traps” set by beekeepers collect the tiny balls of pollen from the bees’ legs.

Bee pollen consists of approximately 55 percent carbohydrate, 35 percent protein, 2 percent fatty acids and 3 percent minerals and vitamins—in variable amounts depending on the plant source.

Bee Pollen – Packed with Antioxidant Power!

Bee pollen is packed with antioxidants called flavonoids—myricetin, quercetin, rutin, and trans-cinnamic acid.

Myricetin helps white blood cells remove the “bad” LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Quercetin is a natural antihistamine, beneficial for allergies. Rutin helps as a remedy for varicose veins. Rutin helps protects veins throughout the body and studies have supported the theory that it may help prevent other health problems as well. The body uses trans-cinnamic acid to make its own antibiotics, and this trans-cinnamic acid also powers the detoxifying processes of the liver.

Bee Pollen May Help to Improve Skin

Studies have indicated that Bee pollen may rejuvenate unhealthy or aging skin. Dr. Lars-Erik Essen, a dermatologist in Halsinborg, Sweden, says: “Through transcutaneous nutrition, bee pollen exerts a profound biological effect. It seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new human tissues. It offers protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. The skin becomes younger looking, less vulnerable to wrinkles, smoother, and healthier with the use of honeybee pollen.”

Bee Pollen Helps to Increase Energy, Vitality and Stamina.

Bee pollen increases athletic performance. James Higgins, owner of the Hillsboro, Ohio-based Higgins’ Apiary and treasurer of the American Apitherapy Society says, “Bee pollen is used by Olympic athletes all over the world. Many say it gives them more energy and better performance.”

Other Benefits
Bee pollen has shown benefits to health in a number of ways including supporting the immune system, endurance, helping to fortify intestinal strength, and assisting to desensitize the body to certain pollen allergies. Because of its high antioxidant content it helps support the body and combat free radical driven health issues.

What is Royal Jelly?

Royal Jelly is a thick, milky secretion produced by worker bees to feed bees during the first three days of life as larvae. Only the Queen Bee continues to receive the jelly throughout her life. As a result, she grows to be 50 percent larger than other female bees and lives two to five years, as opposed to the ordinary bee’s lifespan of six weeks.Royal Jelly contains a powerful antibacterial protein called royalisin. Rich in amino acids, royalisin is effective against “Gram-positive” bacteria, which include staph and strep species (Fujiwara S, Journal of Biological Chemistry, July 5,1990;265:11333-7).

What is Propolis?Propolis is a waxy, resinous sap which bees collect from the buds of trees and plants to use as a sterile sealant for their hives. It contains more than 150 compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and flavonoids. Propolis helps to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi and recent research shows it may be responsible for making the beehive the most sterile place in the animal kingdom.

Many of the benefits of propolis come from its components, flavonoids and ethanols, which function as antioxidant free-radical scavengers. Phenols (antioxidants) in propolis function similarly to vitamin E, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Jan. 1994;21:9-13). Other research also describes propolis to show anti-inflammatory properties and that it could also prevent blood clots (Drugs Under Experimental & Clinical Research, 1993; 19:197-203).

In the light of today’s nutrient-deficient diets, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis are being popularly used to close the nutritional gap. Since these substances are not found in any other food we need to take this as a supplement. You should check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Bee products are not recommended for people with asthma.Notice:Any bee product can provoke an allergic reaction in a susceptible individual. If you experience any type of reaction we recommend you discontinue use of this product and consult a physician.

Disclaimer

Despite the confidence and optimism expressed bythe researchers, and the weight of evidence gathered from numerous studies, according to FDA standards, the findings expressed here should still be considered as inconclusive and further studies must be done before a positive health claim can be made. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I love going to the farm but i am VERY allergic to most of the animals there (horses, cows, dogs, cats, etc.) I also am allergic to the plants like flowers and pollen. I want to spend a few months on a farm through wwoof, but i cant right now due to my allergies. my question is to know if there is any type of allergy shot that will last a while or will I have to take pills? Will these methods work on ALL of my allergies?

a year back i suffered from acne n had pimples now in winter season( acne n allergies started from last winter) i dont have pimples n acne problems but yet there are some red marks on my cheeks which look quite worse, small closely visible opened pores n scars. however i use retin-a for last two months or three but to no effect. plz suggest me some treatments except microdermabrasion n other laser resurfacing coz these r expensive. n i have been using acne wash soap for couple of months.
i am from pakistan so do suggest products available in pakistan n in india..

I have really bad allergies. I am allergic to latex, and most metals to be exact but every since I was small I wanted to get a tattoo. Now that I am grown I am really considering getting one but some people close to me are telling me maybe I shouldnt because my allergies are so bad. I just want to know can reactions to tattoos be fatal?? Please feel free to share any experiences!!
Thank You

Hey, check out these auctions:

Cool, arent they?