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?

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.

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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?