Laser Allergy Treatments: Hype or For Real?

A new laser device originating from Australia has recently become available in the United States. It claims to help patients essential zap away their allergies. But many experts question whether the results are for real, so it's important to find out more before you invest in this unusual treatment form.

With more people experiencing severe allergy symptoms than ever before, many sufferers are eager for a magic cure from  the typically symptoms that are associated with seasonal and indoor triggers. That's why in recent years a variety of alternative allergy treatments, including this new laser device, have made it into the spotlight, offering new hope for people whose allergies don't respond to more conventional strategies.

This new laser device relies on biofeedback methods to help "reset" the immune system and head off its reaction to allergens. This is accomplished using the following two-pronged approach:

First, participants are hooked up to a piece of equipment that exposes them to the frequency of thousands of common allergens to test which ones trigger an immune system reaction. Next, a laser is used to activate acupuncture pressure points in the body and desensitize them to these allergens so the immune system will no longer respond to their presence.

While there isn't any science to back up this unusual treatment strategy, there are anecdotal reports from patients who say that this has helped them feel much better. Yet many experts remain skeptical about the results. This is why it's essential that you talk to your doctor and do your own research before you decide to try this treatment. Also keep in mind that while alternative allergy treatment methods may have merit for some patients, if you're prone to experiencing a serious allergic reaction, it's always safer to stick with the tried and true methods of allergy control.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) says the best way to control allergies is to see an allergist and undergo testing to identify your allergy triggers and determine how best to treat them. Usually a combination of avoiding your biggest allergens and using allergy control medications can make a difference. For allergies that are particularly difficult to manage, sometimes using immunotherapy or allergy injections can also be helpful to desensitize you to your allergens.

In addition, if you suffer from extreme nasal and sinus congestion related to allergies, you might ask your doctor about a surgical procedure that uses lasers to shrink the blood cells in the nose in order to relieve congestion and pressure. This is a completely different procedure than the one performed using the Australian laser biofeedback device, so it's important not to get the two treatments confused.

Sources:

"Allergic Reactions: Tips to Remember." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. AAAAI.org, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.

"Laser Sinus Treatment (SMR)." Methodist Health System. Methodhealthsystem.org, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2011.

"New Allergy Treatment Comes In Laser Form." NewsChannel5.com, 19 Aug. 2009. Web. 18 Sept. 2011.

View the original article here

Don't Get Burned by Your Sunscreen Allergy

The American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of using sunscreen before stepping outdoors to reduce your risk of skin cancer. But what if you're allergic to sunscreen? Does that mean you have to forego summer pleasures or put yourself at risk of getting burned? Absolutely not. Instead, the experts recommend you narrow in on exactly what's causing the problem and look for safer options.

The scope of sunscreen allergies is really quite small, according to a study that was presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. The researchers exploring the problem of sunscreen allergies found that many participants who reported a reaction after they slathered on the lotion or oil may not have had a true allergy. In fact, only one percent of all skin allergies have their roots in a sunscreen allergy. In the rest of the cases, other factors are to blame.

The people who are at highest risk for a true sunscreen allergy include those who spend extended periods of time outdoors, either for work or sports, as well as people who suffer from eczema and have highly sensitive immune systems. Females also seem more prone to sunscreen allergies than males, and scientists speculate that the reason for the gender difference could be because women are exposed to more sun protection products in their face, in lotions, and cosmetics, which can make skin more reactive over time.

Whether you fall into the high risk group or not, if you experience the signs of a possible sunscreen allergy, such as red bumps, itching, and burning after applying sunscreen, you'll need to rule out other possible causes such as a combination of sweat, sun exposure, and sunscreen chemicals all coming together. Often it's the interaction of many factors that lead to a reaction.  You may also be reacting to the fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and other chemicals that sunscreens commonly contain. So pay attention to the ingredients in sunscreens and select fragrant-free or dye-free options to avoid problems.

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Some sunscreens—such as those containing zinc or titanium called zinc oxide sunblock—work by physically blocking UV radiation, while others, such as chemical-based sun protectors, contains chemicals that combine with the UV rays and keep them from being absorbed in the skin. Therefore, it can be helpful to have your allergist perform skin tests to narrow in on the specific ingredient that's causing your reaction. (Often, the chemical that absorbs the rays can be the culprit, which means you may be able to tolerate the physical form of sunblock like zinc instead.)

In addition to finding a sunscreen that doesn't irritate your skin, there are other things you can do to minimize your sun exposure and risk:

Wear clothing, a hat, and sunglasses that all contain an ultraviolent blocker. Plan outdoor activities for before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun isn't as strong.Seek shade as much as possible. Keep in mind that certain medications, including acne treatments and antibiotics, can also make you more sensitive to the sun, so be extra vigilant if you take either one.

Sources:

Bassett, Clifford. "Are You Allergic to Sunscreen?" Fox News. FoxNews.com, May 30, 2008. Web. 7 June 2011.

Cardoso J, Canelas M, Gonçalo M, et al. "Photopatch Testing with an Extended Series of Photoallergens: A 5-Year Study." Contact Dermatitis, 2009: 60:325-9. Web. 7 June 2011.

Hobson, Katherine. "More Answers to Your Sunscreen Questions: Allergies, Peak Hours." Wall Street Journal Blogs. OnlineWSJ.com, July 7, 2010. Web. 7 June 2011.

"Sunscreens Remain Safe, Effective Form of Sun Protection." American Academy of Dermatology. AAD, 23 May 2011. Web. 7 June 2011.

"Sun Safety." Kids Health From Nemours. Kidshealth.org, Aug 2010. Web. 7 June 2011.

"True Photoallergy to Sunscreens Is Rare Despite Popular Belief." Dermatitis, 2010; 21(4):185-198.  Web. 10 June 2011.

View the original article here

Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?

After finishing a delicious meal, you suddenly feel itchy and your stomach hurts. Could the problem be caused by a food allergy or a food intolerance? It can be difficult to tell at first, but there are signs that can help you get to the root of the problem.

Food Allergy Facts

Many people assume that when they have a reaction to a food or drink, it must be a food allergy. Yet food allergies are actually rarer than you think. In fact, only about 2.5 percent of people living in the United States have food allergies, according to a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in late 2010. Despite the rareness of the problem, the number of food allergy cases has been on the rise in recent years, with men and children seem to be particularly vulnerable.

Food Allergy vs. Intolerance

Here's the difference: If you have a food allergy, your body believes something you've consumed is dangerous and launches an immune system attack against it. With a food intolerance, your immune system doesn't get involved at all. Instead, a food intolerance is caused by anything from a missing enzyme that your body needs to appropriately digest an item (such as the case with lactose intolerance) to sensitivity to certain preservatives that causes a reaction.

The Signs of Food Allergies and Intolerances

Both food allergies and intolerances can present themselves in very similar ways, making it difficult to differentiate between the two conditions. Some of the symptoms you might experience with both a food allergy and intolerance include:

Cramping and diarrheaNausea and vomitingTingling mouthSwelling lips, tongue, and faceHivesDifficulty breathing

Three Clues to Help You Decide

Despite the similarities, the following clues can help you identify food allergies and intolerances so you'll be able to narrow in on what's causing your distress:

With a food allergy, even the smallest exposure to the offending food will likely spark a serious reaction. With intolerance, a small amount of the food probably won't trigger any reaction; you'll need to consume larger quantities in order to feel ill.Food allergies may get increasingly severe with subsequent exposure to the trigger, while food intolerances are less likely to change.A food allergy reaction often occurs very quickly after consuming the food or drink, while food intolerance reaction could be delayed by a few hours.

Protect Yourself from Food Allergies and Intolerances

It's important to understand that while both a food allergy and intolerance can make you feel pretty sick, food intolerance usually won't be dangerous, but a food allergy can be life-threatening. This is why it's important to find out which one affects you.

Keep a food diary to track your diet and your symptoms, and share this information with your doctor. This way he can help you get the right diagnosis. If he suspects you have a food allergy, you'll also need to undergo allergy testing to confirm it. (There's no test to diagnose food intolerance so you'll need to rely on trial and error to determine what's making you sick.) In either case, it's best to avoid foods that cause a reaction. If you do have a food allergy, you'll need to carry injectable ephinephrine and be prepared to seek emergency medical care in case you experience a problem.

Sources:

"Chronic Diseases: Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance." Palo Alto Medical Foundation. www.pamf.org, 2011. Web. 12 April 2011.

"Diseases 101." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. AAAAI, n.d. Web. 13 April 2011.

"Food Allergy Vs. Food Intolerance: Telling Them Apart And Learning How To Manage Them." The Early Show/Saturday Morning. CBS News, 28 Feb. 2004. Web. 12 April 2011.

Li, James T., M.D. "Food Allergy." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 June 2009. Web. 12 April 2011.

View the original article here

Allergy Medicine Overview

Your allergies will begin blooming right along with the flowers and other greenery. Experts say that avoiding your triggers is always the best way to head off your seasonal suffering. But if you can't escape pollen, mold, and other allergens, it's essential that you find the right allergy medication to tackle your spring allergy symptoms. Some allergy medications target specific symptoms, while others can provide more general allergy relief.

If you're looking for long-term control of your allergy symptoms, consider using one of the latest daily allergy medications. And keep in mind that your best bet is to start taking them a few weeks before the season starts. Expect it to take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits. Here's a rundown of common types:

Corticosteroids: These are prescription meds that work to reduce the inflammation and related mucus that occurs with an allergy. While they come in several forms, nasal corticosteroids are considered one of the most effective types of medication. Since you inhale the medication right into your nasal passages, you can expect seasonal allergy relief without serious side effects. Some examples of nasal corticosteroids include Nasonex®, Flonase®, and Beconase®. 

For more severe allergic reactions and/or asthma, your doctor may prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids. These can be taken in pill or liquid form to treat inflammation but aren't recommended as a long-term treatment. While they can be very effective, they can also cause serious side effects including increased appetite, weight gain, muscle weakness, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Some types of oral corticosteroids include Prednisone and Methylprednisolone.

Mast cell inhibitors: These work by preventing histamines from being released by your mast cells during an allergy attack and can also help treat your body's allergy-related inflammation. Mast cell inhibitors are available by prescription only in nasal sprays, inhalers, and eye drops and are usually easy to tolerate for most people. Some popular types of this drug include NasalCrom®, Crolom®, and Alamast®.

Leukotriene modifiers: This type of drug-on the market today as Singulair®- is another type of allergy medication that prevents allergy symptoms by blocking the chemicals your body produces when exposed to a trigger. These come in prescription oral form. While the US Food and Drug Administration warns that some people taking leukotriene modifiers may experience mood problems, most people tolerate these without ill effects and in the process, find that this medication keeps their spring allergy symptoms in check.

Antihistamines: These are a tried-and-true strategy for addressing seasonal allergy symptoms. While many of these used to be available by prescription only, they are now also easily accessible over-the-counter medications. This class of drug works to block the release of histamines during an allergy attack, which prevents the chain reaction that causes your allergy symptoms. In return for this benefit, some of the older oral antihistamines (like Benedryl®) cause drowsiness and other side effects, but a newer class of non-drowsy antihistamines are much easier for many people to tolerate. You can take antihistamines via nasal inhaler (such as Astelin® and Patanase®), or by pill or liquid form (such as Claritin®, Zyrtec®, and Allegra®). You can choose from short-acting antihistamines that last for about six hours, or slow-acting release versions that have 12 to 24 hour strength.

Decongestants: This class of medicines (available both over-the-counter and also in prescription strength) can't prevent an allergic reaction from occurring, but once you are already in the midst of the misery, it can certainly be effective in helping to address the swelling in your nasal passages to ease your congestion. While decongestants aren't recommended for people with high blood pressure, if you're in good health and your doctor feels these are safe for you to take, you can try decongestants orally (Sudafed®, Triaminic®, and Dura-Vent®) or use a decongestant nasal spray (Vicks®, Sinex®, Neo-Synephrine®, and Dristan®). Just be aware that decongestants can cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and irritability. In addition, nasal decongestant sprays should only be taken short-term, or you may experience more severe congestion when you discontinue usage. (You can also find combination decongestant-antihistamines.)

Many over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications are available in name-brand form and also in a generic equivalent. Often the generic option will contain the same active ingredient and as such, will offer an equal level of relief with a lower price tag.

When weighing the costs, keep in mind that over-the-counter drugs may be priced considerably less than prescription options up front, but your insurance may cover some of the prescription price-making this a more affordable option.

When taking allergy medications isn't enough to give you spring allergy relief, you may want to talk to your allergist to find out if you're a good candidate for immunization therapy to desensitize you to your triggers. Just keep in mind that even if you undergo allergy shots, these can take a year or more to build up your tolerance.

Sources:

"Hay Fever Treatment." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). AAAAI.org, n.d. Web. 21 March 2011.

"Evaluating the Antihistamines: Treating Allergies, Hay Fever, and Hives Comparing Effectiveness, Safety, and Price." Consumer Reports. Consumerreports.org/ Sept. 2010. Web. 21 March 2011.

"Allergy medications: Know your options." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 24 June 2009. Web. 21 March 2011.

View the original article here

Allergy Medicine Overview

Your allergies will begin blooming right along with the flowers and other greenery. Experts say that avoiding your triggers is always the best way to head off your seasonal suffering. But if you can't escape pollen, mold, and other allergens, it's essential that you find the right allergy medication to tackle your spring allergy symptoms. Some allergy medications target specific symptoms, while others can provide more general allergy relief.

If you're looking for long-term control of your allergy symptoms, consider using one of the latest daily allergy medications. And keep in mind that your best bet is to start taking them a few weeks before the season starts. Expect it to take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits. Here's a rundown of common types:

Corticosteroids: These are prescription meds that work to reduce the inflammation and related mucus that occurs with an allergy. While they come in several forms, nasal corticosteroids are considered one of the most effective types of medication. Since you inhale the medication right into your nasal passages, you can expect seasonal allergy relief without serious side effects. Some examples of nasal corticosteroids include Nasonex®, Flonase®, and Beconase®. 

For more severe allergic reactions and/or asthma, your doctor may prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids. These can be taken in pill or liquid form to treat inflammation but aren't recommended as a long-term treatment. While they can be very effective, they can also cause serious side effects including increased appetite, weight gain, muscle weakness, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Some types of oral corticosteroids include Prednisone and Methylprednisolone.

Mast cell inhibitors: These work by preventing histamines from being released by your mast cells during an allergy attack and can also help treat your body's allergy-related inflammation. Mast cell inhibitors are available by prescription only in nasal sprays, inhalers, and eye drops and are usually easy to tolerate for most people. Some popular types of this drug include NasalCrom®, Crolom®, and Alamast®.

Leukotriene modifiers: This type of drug-on the market today as Singulair®- is another type of allergy medication that prevents allergy symptoms by blocking the chemicals your body produces when exposed to a trigger. These come in prescription oral form. While the US Food and Drug Administration warns that some people taking leukotriene modifiers may experience mood problems, most people tolerate these without ill effects and in the process, find that this medication keeps their spring allergy symptoms in check.

Antihistamines: These are a tried-and-true strategy for addressing seasonal allergy symptoms. While many of these used to be available by prescription only, they are now also easily accessible over-the-counter medications. This class of drug works to block the release of histamines during an allergy attack, which prevents the chain reaction that causes your allergy symptoms. In return for this benefit, some of the older oral antihistamines (like Benedryl®) cause drowsiness and other side effects, but a newer class of non-drowsy antihistamines are much easier for many people to tolerate. You can take antihistamines via nasal inhaler (such as Astelin® and Patanase®), or by pill or liquid form (such as Claritin®, Zyrtec®, and Allegra®). You can choose from short-acting antihistamines that last for about six hours, or slow-acting release versions that have 12 to 24 hour strength.

Decongestants: This class of medicines (available both over-the-counter and also in prescription strength) can't prevent an allergic reaction from occurring, but once you are already in the midst of the misery, it can certainly be effective in helping to address the swelling in your nasal passages to ease your congestion. While decongestants aren't recommended for people with high blood pressure, if you're in good health and your doctor feels these are safe for you to take, you can try decongestants orally (Sudafed®, Triaminic®, and Dura-Vent®) or use a decongestant nasal spray (Vicks®, Sinex®, Neo-Synephrine®, and Dristan®). Just be aware that decongestants can cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and irritability. In addition, nasal decongestant sprays should only be taken short-term, or you may experience more severe congestion when you discontinue usage. (You can also find combination decongestant-antihistamines.)

Many over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications are available in name-brand form and also in a generic equivalent. Often the generic option will contain the same active ingredient and as such, will offer an equal level of relief with a lower price tag.

When weighing the costs, keep in mind that over-the-counter drugs may be priced considerably less than prescription options up front, but your insurance may cover some of the prescription price-making this a more affordable option.

When taking allergy medications isn't enough to give you spring allergy relief, you may want to talk to your allergist to find out if you're a good candidate for immunization therapy to desensitize you to your triggers. Just keep in mind that even if you undergo allergy shots, these can take a year or more to build up your tolerance.

Sources:

"Hay Fever Treatment." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). AAAAI.org, n.d. Web. 21 March 2011.

"Evaluating the Antihistamines: Treating Allergies, Hay Fever, and Hives Comparing Effectiveness, Safety, and Price." Consumer Reports. Consumerreports.org/ Sept. 2010. Web. 21 March 2011.

"Allergy medications: Know your options." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 24 June 2009. Web. 21 March 2011.

View the original article here