Author: Stewart Hare
Source: isnare.com
Allergies are disorders of the immune system, which when a foreign substance that is normally harmless in most people causes an extreme reaction within the body. Contact can be with the skin, lungs, oesophagus, mouth, stomach and intestine and can cause a reaction to those organs plus the musculo-skeletal, genoto-urinary system, bowel, cardio-vascular, nose, eyes and brain. The substances that cause these reactions are called allergens and the person who suffers from this, is said to be allergic to the substance.When an allergen comes into contact with the body, the immune system believes it is under attack and produces antibodies called IgE to fight it. The antibodies trigger chemicals (the main one being histamine) to different organs of our body from mast cells which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.The most common allergies are to dust mites, pollen, animal dander in household pets, insect bites, food and drink - the most common being milk, wheat, eggs, fish, soy, citrus fruits, seafood and peanuts, washing powder, cosmetics, toiletries, jewellery, mould and mould fungus, latex and rubber and certain drugs such as antibiotics and anesthetics.Every individual has their own target organ that has more of an allergic reaction than the others organs. Whatever the substance that causes the reaction, the symptoms occurs in the weak target organs whether this is the same point of contact or not. The symptoms as a result from the allergic reaction will be dependant on the function of the afflicted organ and whether it is depressed or excited.The main organs that are affected are the brain, eyes, ears, nose, lungs, heart, skin, bowel, genoto-urinary system and musculo-skeletal system.The brain is the most sensitive of the body's organs and is easily affected by allergies. Mild forms can be as simple as forgetfulness and severe forms can be as serious as dementia. 'Woolly brain syndrome' is a common symptom described by most people who suffer from allergies and this is why most people consider it normal. Other afflictions to the brain are anxiety, depression and panic attacks. The eyes can be affected by becoming watery, red and itchy and also afflicted by conjunctivitis. The mastoid glands in the ears can become affected producing pain and infection. When the nose is affected it can show symptoms such as hay fever, rhinitis, catarrh, blocked nose, sinus pain, sneezing and a running nose. The mouth and throat can be affected by swelling of the lips and tongue, sore throat and coughing. The heart can be affected which can cause hypertension, palpitations and irregular heartbeats. Asthma (wheezing and shortness of breath) and bronchitis can be cause by the lungs being affected and bowel can be affected with Crohn's disease, colitis, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and vomiting. The skin can be affected becoming itchy, inflamed and having a red rash as with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and urticaria. Urticaria (hives or nettle rash) can be caused by allergies to bee stings, medicines, animals and foods. The genoto-urinary system can be affected with PMT, cystitis, impotency and frigidity. Arthritis, Myalgia and fibrosis can affect the musculo-skeletal. The most extreme allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.The target organ can change as the body changes, for instance, a child may have eczema as an infant which then changes to hay fever later in childhood which then can change again to migraine attacks in the teenage years which then can change again to arthritis in old age.In the UK, 1 in 3 people will suffer from one or more type of allergy, 1 in 5 suffer from hay fever, 1 in 5 school children suffer from asthma and 6 million people have eczema.Natural substances such as mould, spores, pollen, dust mites, animal dander and insects usually cause an allergic reaction in the upper respiratory systems. They cause redness, itching and fluid in the form of water and mucous and can affect the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes.A person can be allergic to any food, wheat, milk, eggs, corn, yeast, coffee and chocolate are the most common. Food allergies mostly affect the nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin areas.Allergic reaction can be caused by food additives and environmental chemicals such as chemical sprays, pesticides, hydrocarbons, tobacco smoke plus thousands of others.Allergies to certain foods are associated with certain symptoms. For example, headaches are associated with chocolate and wheat, migraine headaches are associated with milk, eggs, nitrates, alcohol, cheese, chocolate, citrus fruit, nuts, wheat, tomatoes and MSG, eczema is associated with eggs, tomatoes and citrus fruits, hay fever is associated with milk, wheat, cola drinks, chocolate and sulfites, hives are associated with strawberries, nuts, pork, mangoes, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate and shellfish, asthma is associated with wheat and eggs, cerebral symptoms are associated with wheat, corn and Soya beans and childhood allergies are associated with fish, beef, rye, milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, artificial colourings and flavourings and salicylates.Other factors that can contribute to allergies are bad feeding habits in the baby's first year of life, poor digestion, excess or repeated contact of a particular substance or food, low nutrients level, presents of candida albicans, parasites, worms or other bacteria, stress and environmental toxins.To help eliminate or reduce the symptoms of allergies it is best to consume lots of still mineral water, brown or white rice, fruit juices except citrus fruit juices, lots of vegetables except corn and tomatoes, fish except shellfish, turkey and almonds, sunflower seeds and walnuts.In conclusion, good nutritional health is vital to support our immune systems to help ward off allergic reactions to foods and environmental chemicals. Once a person knows they have an allergy, it is best to avoid that food or chemical, improve nutrition and exercise regime, combat stress and generally support the immune system. It is best not to ignore allergic reactions, as they can lead to further more serious illnesses.
Showing posts with label allergies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label allergies. Show all posts
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Asthma and Allergies - Stopping Moisture From Entering Your Home From Cracks That Cause Toxic Mold
Author: Art Emiss
Source: ezinearticles.com
One of the biggest problems we find in our Environmental Inspections is poor quality maintenance of the exterior part of homes, condos or apartments. For instance, yesterday, we did an inspection of a house that was painted 3 years ago, it was a poor quality paint job also. There were approximately 59 cracks on the entire house that were allowing moisture to enter the house. This creates a serious problem especially in a hot and humid climate. Every time it rains, the crack separates a little more and allows moisture to enter the home and thus causes toxic mold.That is why it is important to monitor the exterior of your house for cracks. My own house, I inspect and repair all cracks every 6 months so it does not get out of hand. If you do not, black mold will eventually start forming on the interior walls behind the drywall. This is a given not a possibility. When we do our inspections, the first thing we do is walk the exterior looking for cracks, that way it makes it easier to find a wet wall on the interior of the house.If you are not a professional, it is important to determine the cause of the crack. This may be a job for a pro such as a licensed General Contractor. They can look and just tell you why the crack is there. Cracks can also form from water leaks that get under the stucco. If you want to repair your own masonry cracks, the following tips can be helpful in solving your problem. These tips are not set in stone, so if you encounter a problem, consult with a licensed General Contractor before continuing on with the work or repairing the cracks.1. Before you attempt to fix a crack in a masonry or stucco wall, look closely at the wall. Look above it for additional cracks especially if it looks like a moisture crack from above.2. If it is a moisture crack, you must find where the moisture is coming from. Then investigate and solve the reason for the water leak that will stop it. Remember that unless you treat the cause of the moisture, the repair will only be temporary and will return.3. Foundation cracks are not to be repaired by a homeowner. Example, a long crack along the lower area adjacent to the floor level. I found one the other day that was 20 feet long, recommended to the client they retain a Structural Engineer to look at the problem. This is an example of a more serious problem starting to happen.4. If you are planning on doing the crack repair yourself, use a chisel or a thin masonry grinder wheel to remove the mortar to a depth of 1/2 inch. It should be in outside in V-cut to get it to stick in crevice. Clean out the area, clean it and then wet the area. Let area dry a little before applying the new mortar. The area should be damp not wet. You can pick up the mortar at at Home Depot or Lowe's. When you mix it, use it before 15 minutes or it will crack on you. Do not apply in full Sun Light, only in shade.5. Trowel it on the crack (push it in the V-Cut crack) and let it dry. Keep area damp for 3 days to prevent cracking. If crack is over 3/8 inch, it should inspected by a professional. If you have never done this before, it might take a little practice. Let it dry overnight. Do not paint this area for thirty days till it cures. If you do not let the mortar cure, the paint might peel on you.In conclusion, moisture from cracks in masonry walls can cause toxic black mold that can affect people with Asthma and Allergies. If you do not know what you are doing, consult with a licensed General Contractor to determine the cause of the masonry cracks. A masonry crack on a lower wall can be a foundation crack and must be inspected by a Structural Engineer. If you are going to attempt to fix your own masonry cracks, do not use caulking. It is only a temporary fix. By using masonry mortar applied properly to a wall crack that has be prepared the right way, the repair will be permanent.If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website.
Source: ezinearticles.com
One of the biggest problems we find in our Environmental Inspections is poor quality maintenance of the exterior part of homes, condos or apartments. For instance, yesterday, we did an inspection of a house that was painted 3 years ago, it was a poor quality paint job also. There were approximately 59 cracks on the entire house that were allowing moisture to enter the house. This creates a serious problem especially in a hot and humid climate. Every time it rains, the crack separates a little more and allows moisture to enter the home and thus causes toxic mold.That is why it is important to monitor the exterior of your house for cracks. My own house, I inspect and repair all cracks every 6 months so it does not get out of hand. If you do not, black mold will eventually start forming on the interior walls behind the drywall. This is a given not a possibility. When we do our inspections, the first thing we do is walk the exterior looking for cracks, that way it makes it easier to find a wet wall on the interior of the house.If you are not a professional, it is important to determine the cause of the crack. This may be a job for a pro such as a licensed General Contractor. They can look and just tell you why the crack is there. Cracks can also form from water leaks that get under the stucco. If you want to repair your own masonry cracks, the following tips can be helpful in solving your problem. These tips are not set in stone, so if you encounter a problem, consult with a licensed General Contractor before continuing on with the work or repairing the cracks.1. Before you attempt to fix a crack in a masonry or stucco wall, look closely at the wall. Look above it for additional cracks especially if it looks like a moisture crack from above.2. If it is a moisture crack, you must find where the moisture is coming from. Then investigate and solve the reason for the water leak that will stop it. Remember that unless you treat the cause of the moisture, the repair will only be temporary and will return.3. Foundation cracks are not to be repaired by a homeowner. Example, a long crack along the lower area adjacent to the floor level. I found one the other day that was 20 feet long, recommended to the client they retain a Structural Engineer to look at the problem. This is an example of a more serious problem starting to happen.4. If you are planning on doing the crack repair yourself, use a chisel or a thin masonry grinder wheel to remove the mortar to a depth of 1/2 inch. It should be in outside in V-cut to get it to stick in crevice. Clean out the area, clean it and then wet the area. Let area dry a little before applying the new mortar. The area should be damp not wet. You can pick up the mortar at at Home Depot or Lowe's. When you mix it, use it before 15 minutes or it will crack on you. Do not apply in full Sun Light, only in shade.5. Trowel it on the crack (push it in the V-Cut crack) and let it dry. Keep area damp for 3 days to prevent cracking. If crack is over 3/8 inch, it should inspected by a professional. If you have never done this before, it might take a little practice. Let it dry overnight. Do not paint this area for thirty days till it cures. If you do not let the mortar cure, the paint might peel on you.In conclusion, moisture from cracks in masonry walls can cause toxic black mold that can affect people with Asthma and Allergies. If you do not know what you are doing, consult with a licensed General Contractor to determine the cause of the masonry cracks. A masonry crack on a lower wall can be a foundation crack and must be inspected by a Structural Engineer. If you are going to attempt to fix your own masonry cracks, do not use caulking. It is only a temporary fix. By using masonry mortar applied properly to a wall crack that has be prepared the right way, the repair will be permanent.If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website.
To learn more about your home, visit our website at http://www.safe-homes.com or http://www.air-testing.com
Mr. Art Emiss is available as a professional speaker to help educate your community or group function on Asthma, Allergies, Mold, Indoor Air Quality and the Chemically Injured. Visit our website and sign up for our Free Air Conditioning Filter Change Reminder Service.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Asthma: Ten Facts You May Wish To Know About It
Author: Dr Maduka Ogwueleka
Source: articledashboard.com
Here are ten more facts you may wish to know about this airway disease.
• It affects 5 to 8% of the population. The prevalence is rising in many parts of the world but no one really knows why. This disease costs the United States of America more than $7 billion per year. The impact of the disease tends to fall more heavily on minorities and inner-city African-American and Hispanic persons.
• Asthma occurs at all ages but mainly in early life. About 50% of cases develop before the age of 10 and about 33% occur before the age of 40. In childhood, males are more affected than females but the sex ration equalizes by the age of 30.
• Most childhood asthmatics either grow out of the disease in adolescence, or suffer much less as adults. A significant number of people develop chronic form of the disease late in life.
• The disease results in more than 2000 deaths per year in the United Kingdom and about 50% of those deaths are people aged more than 65 years old.
• Atopy (an allergic reaction with strong family tendencies) is the single largest risk factor for the development of the disease. The so called 'allergic asthma' is often associated with a personal and/or family history of allergic diseases such as rhinitis, urticaria (hives), and eczema.
• However, a large proportion of people suffering from the disease have no personal or family history of allergy. These people are said to have 'idiosyncratic or nonatopic asthma'. In general, if it occurs in early life, the sufferer tends to have a strong allergic component, whereas if it develops in late life, the sufferer tends not to have any allergic contribution whatsoever.
• Although there is little doubt that the disease has a strong familial component, the identification of the genetic mechanisms underlying the illness has proven very difficult due to lack of uniform agreement on the definition of the disease, an incomplete understanding of how environmental factors modify genetic expression and the inability to define a single phenotype for the disease.
• The stimuli that trigger sudden episode of the disease can be grouped into seven major categories: allergenic, drugs (examples of drugs that can stimulate asthma are Aspirin, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Beta-blockers), environmental (air pollution), occupational (in various industries), infectious, exercise-induced and emotional.
• Respiratory infections are the most common stimuli that trigger acute episodes of the disease. Respiratory viruses and not bacteria or allergy to microorganisms are the major causative factors. In young children, the most important infectious agents are respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus. In older children and adults, rhinovirus and influenza virus predominate as the causative microorganisms.
• It is important to note that some sufferers may not have any sign(s) of the disease, in other words, they may have normal breath sounds. In such individuals, a bronchoprovocation test may be required to make the diagnosis.
Source: articledashboard.com
Here are ten more facts you may wish to know about this airway disease.
• It affects 5 to 8% of the population. The prevalence is rising in many parts of the world but no one really knows why. This disease costs the United States of America more than $7 billion per year. The impact of the disease tends to fall more heavily on minorities and inner-city African-American and Hispanic persons.
• Asthma occurs at all ages but mainly in early life. About 50% of cases develop before the age of 10 and about 33% occur before the age of 40. In childhood, males are more affected than females but the sex ration equalizes by the age of 30.
• Most childhood asthmatics either grow out of the disease in adolescence, or suffer much less as adults. A significant number of people develop chronic form of the disease late in life.
• The disease results in more than 2000 deaths per year in the United Kingdom and about 50% of those deaths are people aged more than 65 years old.
• Atopy (an allergic reaction with strong family tendencies) is the single largest risk factor for the development of the disease. The so called 'allergic asthma' is often associated with a personal and/or family history of allergic diseases such as rhinitis, urticaria (hives), and eczema.
• However, a large proportion of people suffering from the disease have no personal or family history of allergy. These people are said to have 'idiosyncratic or nonatopic asthma'. In general, if it occurs in early life, the sufferer tends to have a strong allergic component, whereas if it develops in late life, the sufferer tends not to have any allergic contribution whatsoever.
• Although there is little doubt that the disease has a strong familial component, the identification of the genetic mechanisms underlying the illness has proven very difficult due to lack of uniform agreement on the definition of the disease, an incomplete understanding of how environmental factors modify genetic expression and the inability to define a single phenotype for the disease.
• The stimuli that trigger sudden episode of the disease can be grouped into seven major categories: allergenic, drugs (examples of drugs that can stimulate asthma are Aspirin, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Beta-blockers), environmental (air pollution), occupational (in various industries), infectious, exercise-induced and emotional.
• Respiratory infections are the most common stimuli that trigger acute episodes of the disease. Respiratory viruses and not bacteria or allergy to microorganisms are the major causative factors. In young children, the most important infectious agents are respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus. In older children and adults, rhinovirus and influenza virus predominate as the causative microorganisms.
• It is important to note that some sufferers may not have any sign(s) of the disease, in other words, they may have normal breath sounds. In such individuals, a bronchoprovocation test may be required to make the diagnosis.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Allergies and Asthma - The Importance of an Air Purifiers and Pleated Air Filters
Author: Art Emiss
Source: ezinearticles.com
We audit a lot of homes, one of the things we absolutely accumulate advancing beyond is poor superior filters be acclimated in the A/C System. Using bargain fiberglass filters will not abolish the baby particles amenable for Asthma and Allergy attacks. If you alpha to use a acceptable superior pleated clarify in your A/C, you will alpha to apprehension a aberration in your superior of life. The abundance of an allergic acknowledgment will abate to a added acquiescent level. This will accomplish your activity better.
Keeping the Air Conditioning System apple-pie is aswell important. Things get bedraggled over time. Your home needs to be bankrupt on a approved basis, so does your Air Conditioning System. I am afraid by some humans who accept spotless homes and if you attending central their Air Conditioning System, you will acquisition them bedraggled due to poor aliment and bad superior filters. I bethink one applicant who complained that she would apple-pie her abode one day, it would be arenaceous aural a brace of days. We looked at her A/C Coils, they were loaded with Mold and Algae. We consistently try to appearance our audience the botheration area, showed her the coils, she about cool out by how bedraggled they were. She had them bankrupt the afterward morning.
Air purifiers can be accessible also. I accept two Austin Air Filters in my own home. One in the Master Bedroom and one in the breadth area the Air Conditioning assimilation is. This does a abundant job of befitting the akin of allergens down in my own home. I acclaim this access because it works. The Austin Air Clarify has a Carbon Zeolite admixture which is accomplished for removing chemicals and odors additional particles in the air. Try this aggregate and you will be afraid by the advance of your activity at home. I accept been using the Austin Air Filters back 1996 and am actual blessed with their performance.
Some humans are consistently anxious about the amount of affairs an Air Filter. What I say to them is "What is the superior of your activity worth? Are you accommodating to be ailing for a few added dollars or be a acute customer and buy something of quality." Be acute and don't buy the clutter out there in the marketplace. Your bloom is account the purchase.
In conclusion, Air Conditioning units charge to be kept apple-pie and use a acceptable superior pleated filter. Aliment of your Air Conditioning System is a accept to to be healthy. Air Purifiers can accomplish a aberration in your life. The added amount for an Austin Air Clarify is account the acquirement for you health. In the end, what is your bloom account if you feel afflicted in your own home.
If you accept any questions, feel chargeless to alarm us or appointment our website.
Source: ezinearticles.com
We audit a lot of homes, one of the things we absolutely accumulate advancing beyond is poor superior filters be acclimated in the A/C System. Using bargain fiberglass filters will not abolish the baby particles amenable for Asthma and Allergy attacks. If you alpha to use a acceptable superior pleated clarify in your A/C, you will alpha to apprehension a aberration in your superior of life. The abundance of an allergic acknowledgment will abate to a added acquiescent level. This will accomplish your activity better.
Keeping the Air Conditioning System apple-pie is aswell important. Things get bedraggled over time. Your home needs to be bankrupt on a approved basis, so does your Air Conditioning System. I am afraid by some humans who accept spotless homes and if you attending central their Air Conditioning System, you will acquisition them bedraggled due to poor aliment and bad superior filters. I bethink one applicant who complained that she would apple-pie her abode one day, it would be arenaceous aural a brace of days. We looked at her A/C Coils, they were loaded with Mold and Algae. We consistently try to appearance our audience the botheration area, showed her the coils, she about cool out by how bedraggled they were. She had them bankrupt the afterward morning.
Air purifiers can be accessible also. I accept two Austin Air Filters in my own home. One in the Master Bedroom and one in the breadth area the Air Conditioning assimilation is. This does a abundant job of befitting the akin of allergens down in my own home. I acclaim this access because it works. The Austin Air Clarify has a Carbon Zeolite admixture which is accomplished for removing chemicals and odors additional particles in the air. Try this aggregate and you will be afraid by the advance of your activity at home. I accept been using the Austin Air Filters back 1996 and am actual blessed with their performance.
Some humans are consistently anxious about the amount of affairs an Air Filter. What I say to them is "What is the superior of your activity worth? Are you accommodating to be ailing for a few added dollars or be a acute customer and buy something of quality." Be acute and don't buy the clutter out there in the marketplace. Your bloom is account the purchase.
In conclusion, Air Conditioning units charge to be kept apple-pie and use a acceptable superior pleated filter. Aliment of your Air Conditioning System is a accept to to be healthy. Air Purifiers can accomplish a aberration in your life. The added amount for an Austin Air Clarify is account the acquirement for you health. In the end, what is your bloom account if you feel afflicted in your own home.
If you accept any questions, feel chargeless to alarm us or appointment our website.
To learn more about your home, visit our website at http://www.safe-homes.com or http://www.air-testing.com
We also offer a free service for all homeowners who visit our website plus a Free Report on Indoor Air Quality.
Mr. Art Emiss is available as a professional speaker to help educate your community or group function to educate your group on Mold, Asthma, Allergies and the Chemically Injured.
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