Allergies

The Allergy Anaphylaxis : The most serious allergic reactions involve the entire body. An anaphylactic reaction can be triggered by exposure to any allergen through inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact. It is a severe, rapidly developing, fatal allergic reaction. An estimated 1.21% to 15.04% of the American population are at risk for anaphylaxis and causes around 400-800 deaths annually. If left untreated, the condition may lead to shock or even death.

Mechanism of the Reaction

The most severe of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. Upon the initial exposure of a person to an allergen, the body automatically produces antibodies that are specifically matched to the foreign agents. These antibodies called IgE antibodies bind to the surface of the mast cell found in connective tissues and a type of white blood cell called basophils.

Anaphylaxis is mediated when this foreign antigen (allergen) is re-introduced into the body, and binds to a specific IgE. Within minutes or even seconds, this triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that result into smooth muscle spasms, narrowing of the airway, edema, and eventually circulatory collapse.

Anaphylaxis is triggered by various allergens that a person may be sensitive to. Common causes are:

* Foods— nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, soy, wheat
* Medications— antibiotics, allopurinol, iodine-based contrast agents, anesthesia, vaccines, hormones, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
* Other biologic agents— tetanus antitoxin, snake venom antitoxin, antigens for skin testing
* Insect stings— bees, wasps, hornets, ants
* Latex—medical and nonmedical paraphernalia

The time elapsed upon the exposure to the antigen to the onset of symptoms would help indicate the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions range from itching, sneezing, tearing of the eyes, to nasal congestion and puffiness around the eyes than begins within the first 2 hours of exposure to the antigen, while moderate reactions include generalized flushing and feeling of warmth. Severe reactions occur abruptly and rapidly progresses to swelling of the throat that could possibly lead to the constriction of airways or even blockage. Cardiac arrest and coma may follow.

What Your Doctor Can Do For You

Severe allergic reaction may take place rapidly, thus, it is important to seek professional help. Signs and symptoms are evaluated by the physician before rendering appropriate intervention. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. In addition, the patient may need to be tested for allergies, and be taken some blood samples to rule out any other condition.

Emergency care is needed in cases of anaphylaxis. The severity is first evaluated, followed by the respiratory and cardiac status. In cases of cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is started. Oxygen is administered in high concentrations to prevent brain damage. And intubation may further be instituted as necessary.

Epinephrine, the primary drug for anaphylaxis, is administered in very low concentrations into the subcutaneous tissue of the upper thigh. EpiPen is a handy autoinjector of premeasured doses of epinephrine. Antihistamines and corticosteroids may be given to relieve symptoms of inflammation and also to prevent recurrence. Bronchodilators like aminophylline helps improve the airway function. Further treatment includes drugs that improve the vascular status. The patient is closely monitored on the first 12 hours.

What You Can Do

Strict avoidance of potential allergens is an important preventive measure. If avoidance is impossible, an emergency kit containing epinephrine should always be available. Once you suspect an allergic reaction with the signs mentioned, call 911 for medical help. Assess the breathing and cardiac condition of the patient, and administer CPR. People with recognized allergy reactions should wear some form of identification such as a Medic Alert bracelet. Those who’ve had mild to moderate reactions should also seek medical help. If you don’t, you may be missing out on a treatment that may of great help and perhaps save your life.

Allergies

Water Allergy : Almost all life forms depend on water. Man himself is composed mainly of water and couldn’t even survive for a week without water intake. What will happen if a person becomes allergic to water?

What you should know

There have already been cases of water allergy documented and published in various journals. Water allergy or aquagenic urticaria is an extremely rare case of allergy characterized by intense burning and itching sensation after any contact with water—even with one’s own perspiration.

Water allergy is a very rare skin condition that only 30-40 cases are documented in literature. The mechanism of the condition is not entirely known, but it is thought to be caused by a hypersensitivity to chemicals, minerals, and ions found in water rather than an IgE-mediated allergic reaction. Any form of contact with water—sometimes, even drinking will cause sore, rashes to appear and lasting for a few minutes to several hours. The type and temperature of the water may also cause some differences in the symptoms, with tap water being the most common offender. One prominent story of aquagenic urticaria is the case of an Australian teenage girl who unfortunately caught the disorder at the age of 14. The histamine levels in her body went berserk after a heavy dose of penicillin. Now, a small drop of water causes her to break out in painful hives and welts all over. In some cases, drinking water can cause swelling of the throat.

Medical practitioners haven’t yet found a cure for water allergy than to avoid water at all cost. The person should avoid humid conditions, rain, even their own tears and sweat. Taking a shower should not take long, and if possible, they should omit doing so. Antihistamines could provide helpful relief. Other options include capsaicin cream (Zostrix) to relieve the pain, and ultraviolet phototherapy.

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Ways to Live Well With Allergies : Owing to modernization and technological advances in science, countless medications and therapies have been developed that can now be offered to persons suffering from various diseases. Ranging from the mild to the terminally sick, patients have a number of options to choose from regarding their treatment regimen. For example, nowadays the life-threatening complication of anaphylaxis can already be countered by the administration of measured doses of exogenous adrenaline. We also have better and safer chemotherapeutic drugs for managing certain types of cancer. Even the smallpox virus has been successfully eradicated throughout the entire planet. Then again, there are also conditions that cannot be fully treated however; their symptoms can still be managed. Many have tried unsuccessfully to develop a potent drug or vaccine that can cure diseases like HIV.

The same goes for allergies. Individuals who have allergies might have to carry the condition for an entire lifetime. The disorder stems from an exaggerated immune response to allergens which you take in through food, skin contact, and inhalation. A person with allergies experiences symptoms ranging from sneezing and stuffy nose to a full-blown allergic asthma or anaphylactic shock. But don’t let these words scare you. Luckily, virtually ANY allergy can be controlled by medications and lifestyle changes.

Know Your Allergens

Early diagnosis is essential for early prevention. Once you notice any association between allergy and a particular food, product, or activity, you have to take note of this and refer immediately to your physician.

Beating The Sneezing

Recurring allergies would mean that the allergens are present in your very own surroundings. If your allergies occur at home, you may begin by keeping the indoors clean at all times. Avoid using rugs and carpets that may harbor dust. Rodents and pests are likely to be attracted to open garbage bins. You should always keep them covered and regularly emptied. Your kitchen and bathroom are favorable places for mold growth. Scrub tiles and counters as often as possible to keep their numbers to a minimum. And lastly, keep the air inside your home clean by incorporating an air filter. If possible, avoid using air conditioning systems. The goal of home environment modification is to improve the ventilation inside.

Be Prepared

Regardless of the cause, if you have allergies, and have experienced a severe attack even at least once, you are a good candidate for anaphylaxis. I used to think that an Epinephrine auto-injector would suffice an emergency kit. But there are also other important things that an allergy sufferer should bring in handy.

If you are prone to asthma attacks, you should always bring bronchodilators with you. These are fast acting medications that are available only with a physician’s order. Some antihistamines, nasal decongestants and sprays can be bought over-the-counter, while others are regulated and may need a prescription. Nevertheless, for the no-holds-barred coughing, itching, and sneezing, these medications may be of great help to you. Eye drops will also relieve the eye-itching.

Feel Better

Learn to relax. Emotional upsets can also trigger asthma attacks which is far worse. Keep fit and have a regular exercise routine. Research has shown that the more you exercise, the more hours of activity you can tolerate. Start from light activities. But be sure to have your emergency kit with you at all times, especially for those who have exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

In the meantime, studies are continuously being conducted and products are being enhanced so as to better understand the mechanism of each disease as well as to cater to the special needs of allergy sufferers. Lifestyle changes are a good start. In the long run, you will simply get used to live through it.

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The Truth about MSG Allergies : For many years, MSG or monosodium glutamate has served our kitchen as an all-around seasoning working to improve the world’s dining experience. Yet regrettably, it has suffered a bad reputation because of several health concerns associated with it.

A common misconception is the so-called “MSG allergy” that many people claim to experience after eating food that contains this food additive which is very popular among Chinese and other Asian dishes, gaining its nickname, the Chinese restaurant syndrome.

Since then, this adverse effect has been the subject of many debates among medical professionals due to a failure to establish a clear relationship between MSG usage and the development of the reactions. Although several studies have been performed to attest to the veracity of MSG allergy, the consistency of the responses remains an issue. For this reason, the FDA or any governing body has not issued any warning against consuming food products containing monosodium glutamate.

But despite this, many are drawn to believe that this is certainly an allergy to MSG. In fact, maybe you yourself are among those who adamantly adhere to a No-MSG diet. Because of this, countless restaurants and food establishments have joined the bandwagon against MSG and are claiming that they have “no MSG” in their dishes or other products.

So what is the reality behind the sensitivity reactions following the ingestion of MSG-laden foods?

To set the record straight, it is essential for one to know that what causes allergic reactions in people.

MSG Facts

Milk, tree nuts, peanuts, seafood, shellfish, soy, wheat and eggs are only few among the many substances that can cause food allergies. A common factor between these allergens is that they are primarily made up of protein. While MSG is a form of glutamate, an amino acid which is found in protein, it is non-bound which makes it not exactly a protein. If glutamate were the cause of untoward reactions, we must have experienced such as there are several common food products that have high quantities of free glutamate in them such as mushrooms, seafood, cheese, and meat.

There have been quite a number of studies that were conducted to prove or disprove MSG sensitivity. In a study conducted in 1986, individuals who claim to be sensitive to MSG were challenged to participate in a double-blind placebo study. Of the six participants, only two have reported untoward effects after MSG and placebo ingestion such as tingling sensation, warm feeling behind the ears, and tightness of the face.

Furthermore, in 2001, another study led by a renowned American Immunologist, together with a team of researchers from distinguished universities in the United States have concluded that MSG does not cause the allergic reactions due to the inadequacy of the adverse effects from MSG. The responses were also inconsistent.

Ultimately, on May 2009, the medical journal of Clinical and Experimental Allergy made a review on monosodium glutamate on the alleged issue of causing allergies such as asthma and rhinitis. They have concluded that while the ingestion of large amount of MSG without food can elicit symptoms of sensitivity, as a food-additive, it does not increase the risk of developing allergic reactions.

No MSG

We commonly encounter food establishments claiming to serve food without MSG. The fact is, even though these restaurants do not actively include commercial MSG (e.g. Ajinomoto, Vetsin, and Accent) in the preparation of their products, there is a high likelihood that some products and seasonings are also made from MSG. MSG can also be hidden under the following names: hydrolyzed protein, yeast extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, bouillon, broth, and natural flavouring.

There are naturally-occurring glutamates in cheese, marmite, ripe tomato, eggs, peas and many others. So, in our entire life, almost all of us must have been exposed to MSG even at least once.

Sensitivity, Allergy, and Intolerance

Despite these, if you feel any untoward reaction such as a warm sensation in the face and neck, flushing, numbness, tingling, chest palpitations, rhinitis, nausea and vomiting, and wheezing, consult your physician for immediate management. These symptoms may show a few minutes to an hour after ingestion of food containing monosodium glutamate. Although the condition is rare, the reaction may vary among individuals. These “allergic” reactions may even be more severe if MSG is taken in high doses on an empty stomach.

To verify your condition, your physician will establish whether what kind of food sensitivity or allergy you have. Should there be an association with your condition to MSG ingestion, then you should start taking measures against the eating food that is prepared using this seasoning.

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Soy Allergies : The soybean is an important food source that man has been utilizing since time immemorial. Because of its high protein content, low-cost, and high production, soybeans and soy derivatives ranging from soybean oils, soymilk, soy flour, soy cheese, to meat analogues like tofu and tempeh, are considered valuable products in the market.

Soy Usage

Despite its size, the soybean is a highly versatile crop. It can be the primary ingredient of more than a dozen food products, or it can be also used as an additive to several commodities.

This humble legume that is widely grown in the United States, South America, and Asia is actually a good source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, isoflavones, and antioxidants. Whole soybeans even have a high biological value similar to that of whey protein. For this reason, products containing soy is highly recommended for vegans and vegetarians who wish to limit the amount of meat they eat but maintain a stable amount of protein in their bodies.

But apart from its use for human nutrition, soybeans can also be utilized as a stock feed, a form of biodiesel, cosmetics, soap, crayons, resins, plastics, and clothing. This just proves that soybeans are an important constituent of many industries.

Protein Content and Allergic Reactions

Many food products that are good sources of protein can trigger allergic reactions to several people. Soy and other soy-based products are no exception, despite its countless use to man.

Soy allergy is a type of food allergy brought about by foreign proteins found in soybean. Some people have a hypersensitive immune system which makes them allergic to these proteins that is normally not elicited in others. In response to their presence, the immune system produces antibodies specific to these proteins found in soy so that the next time the body encounters them, it will automatically launch an attack against them. A number of chemicals, including histamine, shall be released to counter the soy proteins which lead to a cascade of biological events that result to the following symptoms:

1. Hives
2. Difficulty of breathing
3. Runny nose and sneezing
4. Cough and wheezing
5. Abdominal cramping
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Light-headedness
8. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat, and other parts of the body
9. Anaphylaxis

Soy allergy may begin as early as infancy when the child demonstrates a reaction to soy-based infant formulas. However, most children tend to outgrow soy allergies by the age of three. This allergy is not exclusive to children as some cases may persist even in adulthood.

Studies have identified as many as 15 possible allergens in soy that is said to trigger the allergic reaction. However, the exact mechanism on how soy protein may provoke allergic reaction is still not clear.

What Your Doctor Can Do

The doctor will need to perform tests and ask a few questions to confirm the allergic reaction and determine the causative agent. More commonly, a skin prick test will be performed using a lancet containing soy proteins or soy extracts. A positive reaction is elicited when the suspected person develops a red raised bump on the area tested. Blood tests may also be necessary to measure the amount of antibodies a person has against a certain allergen.

Once confirmed, the person is strongly advised to avoid consuming products containing soy. He or she should also be more vigilant in food products that may be contaminated with soy such as soybean oil, soy-based cream cheese, soy flour, soy-based infant formulas, soymilk, soybean meal, soy sauce, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable oil, and soy-based meat and dairy substitutes to name a few.

Allergy to soy products is considered as one of the most common food allergies but is also highly manageable. Mild symptoms can be treated with antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). However, there are also a few instances in which exposure to soya may result into a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that may possibly progress into anaphylactic shock. In such scenarios, emergency intervention is required. The person should be administered with epinephrine immediately. People who have a high-risk for developing extreme allergic reactions should be prescribed with a pre-loaded portable epinephrine at all times.

What You Can Do

All allergies are managed by strict avoidance of the offending agent. But because of the number of processed foods containing soy nowadays, patients who have soy allergies must be very cautious in choosing food and ingredients, especially when dinning out. Affected vegans and vegetarians will need to consult a dietician or a nutritionist regarding the replacement of tofu and soy-based products in their diet.

Gluten Allergy

Let us define gluten first before discussing gluten allergy and sensitivity. Gluten is a protein that is found in foods such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is extracted from flour and final gluten product has a meat-like, chewy texture which is found to be high in protein and is used widely in commercial food products as additives, to give the food more valuable nutrients.

A person suffering from gluten allergy has an unfavourable bodily response towards gluten and foods containing such. This form of allergy is somehow confused with celiac disease (occurring in people with a genetic impairment). People with Celiac disease are suffering from an autoimmune disease. In the case of gluten allergy, it is plainly a food allergy wherein the symptoms can range from mild inflammation of the small intestines to severe celiac disease.

Mechanism of the Allergic Reaction

Allergy to gluten is a hypersensitivity reaction of a person’s immune system to the proteins prolamin and glutelin that make up gluten. These proteins may be present in various forms in cereal grains such as gliadin in wheat, hordein in barley, secalin in rye, zein in corn. Hence, gluten allergy has a broad scope of food products that can be considered as allergens.

Gluten allergy may develop at any point in a person’s life and is relatively common. It occurs as a result of the ingestion of the abovementioned allergic components of gluten that activates an immune response which leads to the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals in the body. The response is immediate and may start within minutes after exposure to wheat or other gluten-containing products. Once this happens, it can set off a range of symptoms that includes abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. On some instances, a person might experience hives, swelling, angioedema, difficulty of breathing, and asthma. Anaphylaxis would be the worst case scenario if the person is highly sensitive to gluten.

Over time, if left untreated, gluten allergy in children may cause a short stature, failure to gain weight, fatigue, and anemia, secondary to malabsorption of nutrients.

What Your Doctor Can Do For You

Food allergies are commonly diagnosed by conducting a skin prick test and blood test to identify the specific cause. However, because there is a tendency that gluten allergy may be misdiagnosed as other gluten-related diseases such as Celiac disease, there might be a need to perform other exams like endoscopy or the visualization of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small intestine.

Though allergies are generally untreatable, gluten allergy is simple to manage. Children who have gluten allergy are most likely to outgrow the allergy.

The person who has this condition must eliminate gluten in his/her diet. That includes wheat and wheat products. But keep in mind that symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Hence, some individuals are able to tolerate tiny amount of gluten in their diet. But those with severe sensitivity must avoid products that contain gluten at all costs and maintain a gluten-free diet.

What You Can Do

The only and best way to treat this allergy is by minimizing the intake of gluten in your diet. Should there be a need to entirely eliminate gluten, here is a list of gluten-free foods:

- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Rice
- Tapioca
- Potatoes
- Fresh meats
- Rice
- Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
- Hominy grits
- Quinoa
- Fish and poultry
- Most dairy products
- Vegetables (fresh)
- Wine and distilled liquors

Be careful of the following foods that contain gluten:

- Bagels
- Biscuits
- Bread
- Cake
- Cereal
- Croissants
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Most flours
- Ice cream cones
- Pastas
- Pretzels
- Pizza
- Beer
- Candies
- Syrups
- Vegetables with commercially prepared sauces

There is no need to be anxious on how to effectively avoid food with gluten. This is a common type of allergy. Medical surveys have shown that 1 in 167 healthy children and 1 in 111 adults have gluten allergy. People with digestive issues are more prone to acquiring this type of allergy. It is highly recommendable to seek a medical help as to verify your possible allergy in the safest and most accurate manner. Consult your allergist for proper testing and management.

You also need to note how you feel after eating food containing gluten several times before having a medical examination in order to rule out other diseases associated with gluten.

Pork Allergy

Almost everyone loves to eat pork. Swine meat is the most common meat in the market. Common as it may be for consumption, at present there are very rare cases of pork allergy. The immune system overreacts to the proteins found in pork. It can put up a variety of defense mechanisms (called antibodies) against these proteins that are perceived as “harmful” to the body.

Mechanism of the Allergic Reaction

Like most food allergies, proteins found in pork are what trigger an allergic reaction in humans. Specifically, the 65-kDa protein is the main allergen found in pork meat. For those who have this rare allergy, the body’s immune system reacts to the intake of the allergen stimulating a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction consequently casting symptoms abdominal symptoms, asthma, rashes, sneezing, and breathing problems. Allergy to pork is said to be prevalent in patients with severe food allergy. Those with a bad case of childhood asthma have a higher risk of developing complications from the allergic reaction.

In some cases, the allergic reaction may not be caused by the animal itself, but from the chemicals used to process pork meat such as papain (used as a meat tenderizer) or casein (used as a stabilizer). Certain chemicals and preservatives contaminate and mix with the protein of the food and are the major causes of food allergies. A least common source of pork allergy is the use of antibiotics to the farm animals. When the animal is injected with antibiotics such as penicillin prior to processing, these drugs may potentially enter into a person’s system who may be allergic to that certain drug.

What Your Doctor Can Do For You

What makes it difficult to identify the food allergen in some people is that they may not be aware of the relationship between the offending agent and their symptoms because the symptoms may appear at a later time. More often, people are sometimes confused with what really causes their allergies due to the variety of food they consume. This is why food challenges are performed. Food elimination diets may also be necessary to rule out any other culprits. However, they may take longer periods in order for the allergy to be diagnosed; hence, laboratory tests are the most frequent method of diagnosis.

A skin prick test must be properly conducted by medical professionals to detect if you have pork allergy. Once tested positive, be very wary of the following symptoms:

- Feeling of warmth
- Itchiness and hives
- Abdominal upset
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Wheezing
- Breathing difficulties
- Asthma attacks

A more severe reaction would lead to anaphylaxis where in the body experiences generalized urticaria (hives), sudden drop in the blood pressure, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat that may cause breathing difficulties. If the swelling continues, the airway may become fully obstructed compromising oxygenation which is highly fatal in a matter of minutes.

Allergies are a medical emergency as they have the potential to progress into anaphylactic shock. Fortunately, they are highly manageable with drugs like antihistamines and corticosteroids to relieve the symptoms. Individuals with food hypersensitivity should avoid the foods that cause their allergies.

What You Can Do

Many people lose their sensitivity to food allergens over time, although not entirely for some. You should always be mindful in what you take.

The safest way to prevent pork allergy is avoidance of pork meat and products that include it in the list of ingredients. Adults as well as children should learn to scrutinize food labels and ingredients carefully.

Some medications and food supplements will help ease the symptoms, such as quercitin, bromellain, vitamin A, eucalyptus, L-carnitine and iron.

Quercitine is more popularly known as flavanoid. These are potent antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and blood vessels, thus improving overall blood circulation. It blocks the histamines effectively. Bromellain will further enhance the absorption of quercitin and must be taken along with it.

Vitamin A greatly improves the immune system’s function. While eucalyptus oil, poured into boiling water (inhalation of its steam) will provide relief of the respiratory symptoms. Iron is vital for blood production and is an important element of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying substances in the blood).

L-Carnitine will act as a detoxifying agent to the cells and decrease the allergens in our system.

Remember that if you have confirmed your allergy to pork, always find a good doctor specializing in allergies first before practicing the do-it-yourself treatments aforementioned. This article is purely educational and informative. Always guard yourself by being safe.