Snow—Good or Bad For Allergies?
Posted on July 25, 2008
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The weather is beautiful at this time of year with all the snow falling everywhere. One of the things that makes having snow much fun is being able to go outside and play in it by making Angels in the snow or maybe some good old fashioned snowball fights with friends and/or family. But, not everyone can enjoy going outside in the snow, because of the havoc it brings with allergies.
The very cold temperatures can possibly have a big affect on a person. Some individuals can experience a chest that feels tight, which makes it hard to breathe, sneezing and wheezing, itchy and watery eyes and a cough. This can easily and quickly turn into something much worse, like an upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, flu or bronchitis. Taking special precautions is very important during this time of year, so be careful out there and enjoy the snow.
Ahhhh—The Wonderful Smell of Food
Posted on July 24, 2008
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Everyone loves to eat food and add the favorite seasonings or spices to the delicacies. Adding some pepper, salt, garlic, basil or any other seasoning always helps to enhance the taste, which is why food is so good. The ingredients that are put into food are actually like the foundation to it and are what really helps to give the food its flavor. Yet, not everyone can bear it due to allergies.
As food is being prepared or cooked, the smell of the seasonings and/or spices can have a negative effect on someone who suffers from allergies. Just the hint of the smell can cause a reaction that may induce an attack with asthma, upset stomach, headaches, itchy and burning eyes and skin or in some cases, hard of breathing. The thing to do is to try and avoid this from happening. If there is any visible sign of allergies to the seasonings and/or spices, take note of those and eliminate them from the food.
Candles and Allergies
Posted on July 23, 2008
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A candle is a very nice commodity to have and use. The gently aromas that seems to stimulate moods helps to bring a soothing, calm and warm feel to a home or office. Being able to choose from the many types, sizes, shapes, colors and scents will allow people to have their own preference. However, one thing is usually not thought of when it comes to purchasing a candle and that is the effect it can have on allergies.
When using a candle, the wax or gel begins to melt and produces a smell, whether it is scented or not. This smell is one of many things that can aggravate anyone who is sensitive to smoke or a fragrance. The smell will envelope the atmosphere and depending on the person, can very easily trigger an onset of an attack of allergies that can turn into an asthma attack or worse.
Positive Mood Changes: Allergic Reactions to Peanuts can be Life-threatening
Posted on July 22, 2008
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Peanuts are nuts people all over the world love eating. Though predominantly used in the manufacture of peanut butter, peanuts are today one of the most allergenic foods available. They are today found in lots of food products directly or indirectly. Food labels labeled with ‘hydrolyzed vegetable protein’ or ‘groundnuts’ usually contain peanuts which can prove to be life threatening to those having allergic reactions to peanuts.
Sensitive people suffering from allergic reactions to peanuts should understand that this is a lifelong allergy where even small trace amounts of peanuts are sufficient to kill. Many sensitive people suffer from anaphylactic shock reaction which starts and proceeds rapidly in the body. It proves to become fatal in a matter of minutes and should be treated with epinephrine at the first signs of the reaction.
The most common and possible allergic reactions to peanuts include tightness in the mouth, chest or throat, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, pallor, loss of consciousness, coma, death or a sense of foreboding, fear or apprehension. Others also experience difficulty in breathing, drooling, swallowing, choking, coughing, dizziness, sudden fatigue, rapid heartbeat, chills and flushed face, swollen or itchy lips, eyes, mouth or tongue.
Many a times, allergic reactions to peanuts in an individual arises because of the failure of institutions in labeling their food and packages clearly. Sometimes peanuts are altered and sold as walnuts, pecans or almonds while it is not advisable to have peanut products in the home or school lunchroom of peanut sensitive people. This is because the mere sharing of foods or utensils or the tasting of food to check if it contains peanut is sufficient to trigger allergic reactions to peanuts in a person.
Even kissing or being kissed by someone who has eaten peanut products can trigger fatal allergic reactions to peanuts. It is important for peanut sensitive people to remember that even minimal amounts of peanut material can kill. Additionally, it is important that they speak out when a reaction occurs so that treatment can be administered immediately and accordingly.
Always wear a bracelet showing ‘Allergy to Peanut’ and carry an in-date epinephrine kit at all times if you are sensitive to peanuts. It is not sufficient to use just oral antihistamines alone for treating allergic reactions to peanuts. An epinephrine injection has to be given immediately, and if required, a second dose has to be given to control allergic reactions to peanuts. Once this is done, you have to be taken to a nearby hospital to ensure that your allergic reactions to peanuts are brought under control.
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