The season for allergies is here! This is how you can keep them under control

The onset of spring brings with it the annual allergy trap of wheezing, sneezing or being covered with rashes. Read on to know various types of allergens and how to control them.

Come spring, a 27-year-old  says that she is forced to walk around with sniffles, accompanied by sneezing fits. "I've tried anti-allergens and even homeopathy. It works for a while, but it's the same story every spring and summer in Delhi."
Spring is the key time of year for seasonal allergies. The biggest spring allergy trigger is pollen, and trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilise other plants this time of the year. "When someone allergic to pollen comes in contact with it, the immune system releases antibodies that attack the allergens. This leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood, which in turn trigger runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals, ear congestion, postnasal drainage. Pollen can travel for miles, so it's not just about the plants in your neighbourhood," says Dr RK Singal, Principal Consultant and Director, Internal Medicine, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi. But, one needs to check how long the symptoms last - cold symptoms generally last seven to 10 days, whereas allergy symptoms continue with exposure to the allergen (symptom trigger) - before getting treated. Common allergens include trees like Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Box elder, Cedar, Cottonwood, Cypress, Elm, Hickory, Juniper, Maple, Mulberry, Oak, Olive, Palm,Pine, Poplar, Sycamore, Willow, grass and weeds like Bermuda Fescue, Johnson, Orchard.

"El Nino winds are also responsible for extremely wet and warm weather conditions that support the growth of greenery fertile breeding condition for molds, which increases the count of pollens and mold spores in the environment and ultimately precipitates allergic reactions," adds Dr Shikha Sharma, Founder, Dr Shikha's NutriHealth. But, what causes these allergies? "People tend to inherit certain genetic disposition towards allergies. During spring, the immune system of the body is exposed to different allergens and forms allergy-specific antibodies (called immunoglobulins), which are present in the cells of your eyes, nose, lungs and skin.

So, the next time the person comes in contact with a particular allergen, their body reacts by releasing chemicals called histamines, leading to an allergic reaction," explains Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Consultant- Department of Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Hospital in Faridabad. Mold allergy is another common allergy people suffer from in the spring. "Caused by spores of fungus that generally grows in moist, the allergy is triggered by exposure to dark spaces like garbage cans, piles of rotting leaves or basements where mold grows quite quickly. Symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, along with rash or wheezing," says Dr Vivek Mehta Pulastya's-Cadle Skin Laser Clinic, MBBS, MD (Dermatology).

Dr M Udaya Kumar Maiya, Medical Director, Portea Medical, points out that certain summer fruits and vegetables can also cause an allergic reaction among people allergic to pollen. "This is because the fruits contain a protein structure similar to that found in pollen and our body reacts to such fruits in the same way it reacts to the pollen. The allergy symptoms range from a minor skin rash to burning, itching and also anaphylaxis or chest constriction and other respiratory distress in severe cases. Heating the fruit for two to five minutes helps to bring this allergic reaction down. Common summer fruits which tend to cause allergy are berries, peaches, watermelons, and sometimes even mangoes."

DR SHIKHA also blames heavy rains for allergies, as it not only provides optimal condition for the growth of those plants which fertilise through pollination, which leads to increase in pollen grains count, but it also splits pollens into smaller particles that are more likely to get inhaled, causing allergic reactions. Further, heavy rain also increases the mold spore count. "There's also allergic conjunctivitis - when the conjunctiva of eyes comes in contact with allergens it leads to inflammation and reddening of eye due to commencement of allergic reactions, as well as allergy-induced asthma, wherein allergens like pollens, dust mites and mold spores triggers asthma attack," she adds.
 
Drug allergies, food allergies to items like egg, milk, gluten (wheat), peanut, kiwi, shell fish, soy, sesame and mustard seeds, latex allergy, chicken pox and measles are some of the other diseases people are more to this time of the year.

Dr Vivek adds that one must get a skin allergy test, which involves either a pricking the surface of the skin with a tiny amount of allergen (prick test), or injecting a tiny sample of a diluted allergen under the skin of your arm or back. "If you're allergic to the substance, a small red bump (called a wheal or hive) will form. Sometimes, doctor may also get your blood tests done," he says.
TO KEEP HAY FEVER AT BAY

• Stay indoors on windy days during the pollen season and when the pollen counts are high. Local weather websites usually have pollen count  information. Keep all the windows and doors closed.
•  Wash clothes more frequently and don't leave your clothes outside to dry.
• Take a bath and wash your hair before bedtime to get the pollen out.
• Buy a portable Hepa filter - High Efficiency Particulate Accumulator filters, which can remove dust mite droppings, pollens, molds, spores, animal dander and many other irritants. Place it in the main living area of the house during the night to clean the air while you sleep. Then run it in the bedroom during the afternoon so the air will be clean while you sleep.
• Pollen counts are usually highest during late morning and early afternoon, so avoid going outdoors then.
• Use nasal sprays or nasal saline flushing or regular nose blowing to expel out the allergens responsible for allergic reactions.
• Drink tea made with natural antihistamines, especially nettle leaf.
• Avoid intake of cheese, food which contains vinegar like salad, pickles; butter milk, food made with yeast like breads, dry fruits like dates, raisins, figs, and canned juice.

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on. 
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Surprising Household Uses for Apples

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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1. Migraine Relief

If you suffer from migraines, the pain and discomfort may be overwhelming. However, recent studies show that smelling a green apple helps relieve some of the uneasiness caused by a migraine.

2. General Cleaner

Instead of using chemical-filled industrial cleaners, why not make your own effective, antiseptic, deodorizing cleaner? Simply mix equal amounts of apple-cider vinegar and water into a spray bottle, and there you have it!

3. Facial Mask

Apples contain a structural heteropolysaccharide called Pectin, which helps tone your facial skin. To use it as a mask – grate it and mix with honey, then apply the mixture to your face. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, then wash it off.
4. Prevent Nausea

Many people suffer from motion sickness while riding in a car, but eating a green apple can help reduce the feeling of nausea.

5. Treat Allergies

Apples contain a chemical called Quercetin, which helps the immune system limit the amount of histamines it produces during an allergic reaction. Histamines are what cause allergic symptoms, so reducing their amount will help ease your allergies.

6. Flea Treatment

Apple-cider vinegar is incredibly effective at getting rid of fleas. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar, apply it to your pet's fur and gently massage it into the skin. The vinegar will chase away the fleas quickly and effectively.

Useful tips to beat the eczema itch

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.






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Here's the plan to freeing yourself from the itch-scratch-itch cycle.

Whether you are unfortunate enough to be born with eczema or you develop it in later life, the skin condition can be painful, embarrassing and debilitating. What can be done to get your skin back on track? Here are our tips from the health experts.

Eczema is red, flaky and itchy skin, which will often crack and weep. The most common type of eczema is atopic (caused by allergies), but people may suffer from contact eczema (flare-ups after touching allergens such as nickel or rubber), discoid (which occurs in coin-shaped patches), or seborrheic (eczema of the scalp).

A topic eczema is in your genes, and often goes hand-in-hand with hay fever and asthma. You can send eczema into remission, but you'll always have it - it's a case of whether you have symptoms or not. The aim of the treatment is to keep people free from flare-ups.

Although you may be genetically predisposed to eczema, it can only be set off by a trigger, which could be anything from nuts to dog hair, wool to cigarette smoke, and establishing what it is, is key to treatment.

Breaking the itch-scratch cycle is vital for recovery. Scratching may offer temporary relief, but it actually triggers the release of a chemical called histamine which just causes more itching.

Scratching damages the skin and may allow bacteria that normally lives on the surface to get in and cause infection. Keep nails short, and whenever you get the urge to have a scratch, massage the itchy area with moisturiser using the pads of your fingertips.

Most people will need to try a few treatments before they find one that works for them. The best way to treat eczema is moisturising. You need to grease yourself up like a cross-Channel swimmer. Cover your body with moisturiser morning and night, and keep a pot in your bag to top up during the day.

Your doctor can prescribe different emollients, but not all of them will work for everyone. Apply after a shower when the skin's still damp to help trap in moisture. Do this rigorously, even when you don't have symptoms.

Don't panic if your favourite cream stops working - you may need to switch between a couple of brands.

For cases of severe eczema, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who can prescribe steroid cream, special bandages and wet wraps, or even ultraviolet light therapy. Although steroids may have nasty side-effects if used long term, a short course is perfectly safe. If left untreated, severe eczema can cause lichenification, which causes the skin to become thick and leathery.

There are plenty of ways you can soothe your skin naturally. Make sure your sheets are cotton, which is kinder to the skin than synthetic materials - you could even try wearing cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching.

Take a couple of handfuls of oatbran and pop it in a muslin bag or old pair of tights. Hang it from your shower head to soothe sore skin.

If a bath full of porridge doesn't appeal, try aloe vera gel - keep it in the fridge so it's cool and refreshing, or drink aloe vera juice. Coconut oil is favoured by many sufferers - choose an organic, cold pressed variety and rub onto damp skin.

There is often a link with your state of mind and your skin, so set aside time to relax. It is common for eczema to flare up during stressful periods, such as a break-up. Reduce stress through meditation, yoga or therapy. It's also important to get enough sleep.

Food allergies or sensitivities can be a common trigger for many eczema sufferers. Cow's milk is a well-known culprit, but other common problem foods include eggs, soya and wheat. Dermats suggest considering a food elimination diet, which involves cutting out trigger foods for a period of time and then gradually reintroducing them to see if they cause a flare-up.

Certain foods can promote inflammation - it's worth trying to reduce your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and highly processed and deep-fried foods. Keep a symptom and food diary to see if you can establish any links between what you eat and the state of your eczema.

For happy skin, make sure you eat plenty of foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, flaxseeds and walnuts. Opt for low glycemic, whole carbohydrate sources such as oats, quinoa and sweet potato, as well as low-sugar fruits such as berries, apples and pears. All types of eczema can potentially be improved by changes in diet.     

'Mirror illusion' can relieve your itch

Scientists have discovered the perfect way to get relief from an annoying itch - all you need is a mirror!

Researchers at the University of Lubeck in Germany have shown that a mirror illusion can fool people into feeling relief from an itch, even when they scratch the wrong place.

Perception of our own bodies can be easily manipulated, using tricks such as the rubber hand illusion, which fools people into thinking a rubber hand is their own, researchers said.

Reflecting someone's limb in a mirror has also been used to treat phantom limb pain, they said.

Christoph Helmchen and his colleagues injected the right forearms of 26 male volunteers with itch-inducing chemical histamine. Since the injection creates a red spot, they painted a corresponding dot on the opposite arm so both looked identical.

One of the researchers then scratched each arm in turn. Scratching the itchy arm produced relief, while scratching the other one did not, 'New Scientist' reported.

Then, they placed a large vertical mirror in front of the itchy arm, blocking off the subject's view of their right arm and reflecting back the non-itchy one in its place.

Volunteers were told to look only at the reflected limb in the mirror, while a member of the team again scratched each arm.

This time the participants felt relief when the unaffected, reflected arm was scratched. Although the effect was relatively weak the relief from mirror scratching is about 25 per cent of that from scratching the real itch the study showed that visual signals to the brain can override messages from the body if there is a mismatch between them, researchers said.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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What allergy and asthma sufferers need to keep in mind this fall

With summer coming to a close, and kids heading back to school and preparation for fall begins, we shouldn’t forget to consider fall allergies.

For those with fall allergies, three triggers typically occur — rag-weed, indoor allergens and infections.

“During the summer, people experience the lowest incidence of allergies and asthma so they feel better and stop taking their allergy medications. But they should start taking them again in early September to prevent symptoms before they start,” says a Dr.

“If allergy sufferers make the mistake of waiting until after their symptoms are in full swing, it’s much harder to stop the allergic reaction than to prevent it from even beginning,” he said.

One of the biggest culprits for fall allergies is rag-weed.

In the fall, rag-weed releases pollen into the air and this continues until frost kills the plant closer to winter.

Most prevalent in some states, rag-weed causes an allergic reaction commonly called hay fever and results in symptoms that include itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, tearing or dark circles under the eyes.

An allergy symptom is the result of the immune system overreacting.

Another trigger for allergies during the fall is due to people staying indoors more and they are therefore exposed to allergens like pet dander, dust and mould.

Several precautions to consider includes maintaining an allergen free environment at home, focus on your bedroom: keep your pets out, eliminate the rug because it collects dust and avoid feather pillows.

Make sure the fireplace is well-ventilated and be careful of any leakage and keep basement and bathroom dry to avoid mould growing in these damp areas of the house. Have your heating system cleaned to avoid dust mites when you first turn on the heat.

The third trigger is infections and the flu, which affect the body’s immune system and cause it to release antibodies and histamines to fight them off.

The flu vaccine is recommended to help reduce the risk of getting sick, but it’s even more important for people who suffer from asthma or other lung conditions.

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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR ALLERGIES

Drinking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in an 8 oz glass of water every day may slow the production of histamines and reduce your allergies. This home remedy is recommended to be done all year long, whether you are suffering from allergies or not. This regimen is also believed to help your body cleanse itself of toxins.




ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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I've not given details about designs, but those interested are free to mail me for the same.

5 Foods that fight asthma

SPINACH -

It is a great source of magnesium, which improves symptoms of asthma. Studies show that people with asthma tend to have lower blood and tissue levels of magnesium, and increasing magnesium intake in the long run can reduce the incidence of asthma attacks. Spinach is also high in B vitamins which help reduce stress-related asthma attacks. 

RED PEPPER - 

It is rich in vitamin C, which is especially helpful in reducing inflammation. Ascorbic acid present in red peppers inhibits the production of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase, which is present in most common asthma drugs.

ONIONS - 

Onions have an anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effect, inhibit the release of histamines, and reduce bronchial obstruction. Onions contain prostaglandins that relax the bronchial passageways and have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

ORANGES AND LEMONS - 

Consuming fruits high in Vitamin C can help reduce the instance of asthma attacks, particularly in children. A study in Italy found that children who ate the fruit several times a week experienced significantly fewer asthma symptoms than children who did not regularly eat these types of fruits.

APPLES - 

Apples contain certain phytochemicals that can improve lung functioning in asthma sufferers. A study shows that children born to mothers who consumed four or more apples a week had half the chance of developing childhood asthma as did children born to women who consumed one or less apples per week.