Let's first look for a moment at some common symptoms of "food allergies". There is a wide variety of symptoms, from no noticeable symptoms at all to anaphylactic shock (serious and uncommon). Some others are: diarrhea, excessive gas/bloating, fatigue, weakness, constipation, fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, abdominal pain/cramps, low desire to eat, foul smelling/floating bowel movements, gloomy feeling, poor concentration, anemia, low mental energy, nausea, headaches, irritability, uncontrolled weight gain/loss, lactose intolerance, skin rash.

In brief, the immune system has a variety of different ways in which it may react to antigenic (foreign) substances in the body. I have heard the terms "allergy", "intolerance" and "sensitivity" (A/I/S) used interchangeably, without a lot of definition. My experience tells me that these are not interchangeable terms. Instead, they should be differentiated by their different responses in the body.

• Allergy - immune response to a substance that can be confirmed with some form of medical testing i.e. blood, skin, urine, stool testing, etc. These tests look at different parts of the immune system to see if their activity is heightened when exposed to specific antigens (IgA, IgG, IgE, IgM). Each of these immunoglobulins (Ig's) react in different ways producing different symptoms AND different reaction times. Very important to note here is someone may be allergic to a particular food or chemical and react almost immediately or maybe not for 2-3 DAYS! That makes it even tougher to figure out what the offending substance is.

• Intolerance - Bodily symptoms that result from overexposure to a substance and/or an immune system that is weakened and is having a more difficult time than normal to deal with a substance. The substance may or may not be antigenic. This is a "gray" area and is very hard to evaluate. Medical lab testing is VERY confusing in this area because test results may waver between positive and negative, contingent upon quantity of the offending substance consumed and the overall integrity of a person's immune system.

• Sensitivity - This area is even more subtle. I feel this is more of an "energetic" sensitivity. I believe this is what Applied Kinesiologists find when no other method has detected a problem. Kinesiologists such as myself use muscle testing (or Vega testing) to find subtle sensitivities; if a strong muscle goes weak in the presence of an offending substance it is confirmed to be a sensitivity. If it is a true sensitivity, it can not be detected with lab tests; however, if it is picked up more than once, lab testing should be done. Sensitivities may or may not produce obvious symptoms.

I believe at this point, that all of these may exist simultaneously and may waver with natural (homeostatic) rhythms in the body. I also believe that these categories can be placed on a continuum from least to most severe. I believe that food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities are an important link in the degenerative disease process. This means that someone may develop a sensitivity to a substance (for example, wheat), and over time, without correcting the sensitivity, may develop into an intolerance and eventually a full blown allergy. If the offending substance is not avoided, there are long term consequences of physical degeneration.

There are many ways in which a sensitivity/intolerance/allergy may develop. I look at this problem as an "outside-in" AND "inside-out" problem. I believe that things outside the body such as overexposure to an offending substance, poor diet, environmental toxicity, previous illness, antibiotic therapy, and vaccinations/immunizations, to name a few, may play a role in starting the breakdown of the immune system. I also believe that internal dysfunction such as blood sugar regulation, emotional stress, genetic composition, and overall constitution of the person's /immune system may also make people more susceptible to these types of problems.

Something else really worth mentioning and something that really puzzled me for quite some time is the commonly asked question "why are we so attracted to the foods which we are most sensitive to?" In fact, the problem foods are usually not "attractive", they are CRAVINGS! A good friend of mine and a lifetime medical pediatric allergist explained it to me this way: when we consume a food or beverage that we are allergic or intolerant to, the body produces immunoglobulins and other immune system components to combat the offending proteins. Well, the body does not make EXACTLY the right amount of immune "compliment" to ward off the antigens. It works more on a negative feedback loop much like insulin… one the invaders are reduced or eliminated, the immune system begins to slow and eventually stop its reaction. As consequence to the whole event, there may be excess compliment throughout the body with no antigen to fight. What this means is now the excess immune compliment can make us feel sick and we begin to crave the offending food… the offending food actually becomes a MEDICINE, in that eating it can reduce the immune compliment and make us less symptomatic. I guess this can also explain kicking an addictive drug such as alcohol, tobacco or heroin. Going "cold turkey" can produce a lot more symptoms but works quicker than a gradual cutback of the addictive chemical. In fact, I have had patients that I have found to be A/I/S to certain food(s), removed it from their diet an they actually had withdrawal symptoms. They would have shakes, cramping, headaches and severe cravings. I usually had them use a little of the offending food a time or two in small quantities to reduce the reaction. Pretty amazing!

What should we do? It depends on the degree of symptoms. Correction depends upon proper analysis and recommendations. Most of the lab testing is fairly inexpensive and does not need to be repeated too much. Most of the cases of food problems in general can be cleared up by simply reducing or avoiding the offending substance for a reasonable period of time. Seek the care of an appropriate health care provider if you suspect food A/I/S.

When medications fail to adequately control allergy symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy or possible, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy or "allergy shots". This treatment consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances to which a person is allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases their allergies have completely resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma and insect sting allergies.

Are allergy shots experimental therapies?

No. Allergy shots have been given for nearly 100 years and are FDA approved therapies. Numerous well-designed medical studies show the efficacy of allergy shots.

And allergy shots do not contain steroids, which can have adverse long-term side effects.

How do allergy shots work?

Unlike allergy medicines, which act only to "cover up" allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, allergy shots fix the underlying problem of allergies. This occurs because the body treats the injection much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of infection-fighting antibodies against the pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. The body then stops producing as much allergic antibodies against the triggers, and therefore won't have as much, or any, allergic response when exposed to the allergens. These changes can last for many years even after stopping allergy shots. Recent studies show that allergy shots can also prevent people from developing new allergies, and reduce the risk of developing asthma in children with nasal allergies.

How are allergy shots given?

The method of immunotherapy consists of starting at a small dose that will not cause an allergic reaction, with slowly advancing the dosage until the person becomes tolerant to large amounts of the extract. These injections are initially given once to twice a week until a maintenance, or constant dose, is achieved. This usually takes approximately 3 to 6 months. Once the maintenance dosage is reached, the allergic symptoms are largely resolved in most patients. Thereafter, the injections are given every two to four weeks.

How long must I take allergy shots?

Therapy is continued for 3 to 5 years total, after which the patient continues to get benefit for another 5 to 10 years or longer, even after the shots are stopped. If the shots are stopped prior to a total of 3 years, the allergic symptoms typically return more quickly.

What are the risks of allergy shots?

The risks of immunotherapy consist of the possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction to the allergy shot. Most allergic reactions consist of mild to moderate swelling and itching at the site of the injection. These reactions occur frequently, but rarely require any change in treatment. A large swelling may require an adjustment of the immunotherapy dosage or a change in the frequency and amount of the shots.

Less commonly patients experience whole-body allergic reactions, sometimes called "anaphylaxis". Most of these reactions are mild and consist of itching of the skin, hives, or runny nose. Others are more severe and can present as cough, chest tightness, wheezing, throat tightness, shock and rarely can be life-threatening.

For this reason, it is normally required that patients remain in the physician's office for 20 to 30 minutes after the injection since most reactions occur during this time. These reactions are typically easily reversed with medicines such as injectable epinephrine and anti-histamines.

Should I take allergy shots?

Obviously, this is a question that only you and your doctor can answer. There are many reasons to consider allergy shots:

- Medicines don't work: Many patients go to the allergist because they still have symptoms despite having tried numerous allergy medications, with little to no relief of their symptoms. Sometimes allergy shots are the only therapy left for these patients.

- Go for the cure: Other patients like the idea of a "cure", and opt for allergy shots for that reason. Remember, immunotherapy is the only treatment for allergies that fixes the underlying problem of the immune system, much like a vaccine.

- Don't like medicines: Some patients experience severe side effects from medications, or don't like taking medications on a daily basis - the idea of a "once a month shot" is a better option for them.

- Cost of medicines: Medications can be expensive, and since allergy symptoms typically return soon after medications are stopped, patients may require medications for many, many years. Allergy shots can alleviate much of the need for medications and can be a significant cost savings measure in the long run.

Allergy is an abnormal, acquired sensitivity to a given substance, including pollen, drugs, or numerous environmental triggers. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children. The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. In the United States, an allergist-immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat asthma and the other allergic diseases. Proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. It can also be found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, commercial peat moss, compost piles and leaf litter. Allergies can cause a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling or asthma. Allergies that occur in the spring are often due to tree pollen. Allergies that occur in the summer are often due to grass and weed pollen.

Allergies that occur in the fall are often due to ragweed. Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Up to 30% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis, and this number seems to be growing. The majority of these people are treated by their primary care physician for their allergies. There are two components involved in a true allergic reaction. The first is the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that circulates in the blood attacking things such as germs. The second is the mast cell, a type of cell that is found in the body at places where allergic reactions occur, including the nose, throat, lungs and skin. There have been enormous improvements in mainstream medical treatments developed by allergists. Antihistamines help reduce the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body's reaction to allergens. Environmental endotoxin showed a strong protection against hay fever and allergy.

Endotoxin exposure reduces peripheral blood leukocytes release of inflammatory cytokines after lipopolysaccharide, including cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12. Shower and wash your hair every day. Pollen from the air can collect on your clothes, skin, and hair. Many families are giving their children safe nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin B6 with magnesium and Di-methyl-glycine (DMG). Many medications used to treat various medical problems are derived from plants and herbs, including theophylline. Various herbal supplements have been used in the treatment of allergies and asthma, some showing benefit. Dry your sheets and clothing in a dryer rather than hanging them outdoors where they can collect pollen and spores. Wash your hands after having contact with your pet. Keep pets out of the bedroom or other rooms where you spend a great deal of time. Avoid using carpeting in your home since allergens will collect there.

Allergy Treatment Tips

1. Endotoxin exposure reduces peripheral blood leukocytes release of inflammatory cytokines after lipopolysaccharide.

2. Shower and wash your hair every day. Pollen from the air can collect on your clothes, skin, and hair.

3. Many families are giving their children safe nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin B6 with magnesium and Di-methyl-glycine (DMG).

4. Many medications used to treat various medical problems are derived from plants and herbs, including theophylline.

5. Various herbal supplements have been used in the treatment of allergies and asthma, some showing benefit.

6. Dry your sheets and clothing in a dryer rather than hanging them outdoors where they can collect pollen and spores.

7. Wash your hands after having contact with your pet.

8. Keep pets out of the bedroom or other rooms where you spend a great deal of time.

9. Avoid using carpeting in your home since allergens will collect there.

10. Some popular calming techniques include: vigorous exercise which would act as a release of their high excitement level, vestibular stimulation.

Do you know anyone with a food allergy? In our family, my mother has an allergy to nuts (all kinds of nuts). Whenever we go out to a restaurant or to someone's home for dinner we have to ask that most important question: "Is this dish prepared with nuts?" If you've ever known someone with a food allergy this medical issue can often interfere with their lifestyle.

If you are an adult with food allergies, you will be glad to hear that truly severe reactions are quite rare. Still, statistics tell us that 3 or 4 out of every 100 adults have a food allergy.

The most common problem foods are peanuts and fish or shellfish. Food allergies are experienced by 7 out of every 100 children, but about half of them will outgrow their allergies by adulthood. For example, it is very common to grow out of an allergy to eggs, milk, wheat or soy. If you have an allergy in adulthood, however, it's more than likely here to stay.

Intolerance or Allergy?

Most people know by adulthood that they are allergic to a particular food. If you are one of these people, you have probably seen a doctor who has confirmed the diagnosis either by testing your blood for certain chemicals or doing a skin test. For a skin test, the doctor will place a small amount of liquid containing the allergen on your skin and prick you. If the skin swells like a bug bite, you are definitely allergic.

If you haven't had one of these tests or consulted a doctor about your suspected allergy, you may suffer from food intolerance. Often the symptoms of an allergy and intolerance are similar, such as an upset stomach or other digestive problems. However, there is one very important difference: intolerance merely causes discomfort, but an allergy can be dangerous. If you have intolerance for dairy products, for example, you may very well want to avoid these foods, but you won't have to take the extra precautions that allergy suffers take.

Knowledge is Power

When it comes to food allergies, I tell my patients that knowledge is power. Some people will not grasp the threat that severe allergic reactions present to your health, so you have to take responsibility for avoiding trigger foods. Knowing what to do if you accidentally eat one of these foods is equally important. Here are some rules of thumb:

1) Know what you're allergic to - This sounds silly at first, but foods often go by different names on food labels, so you need to learn how to spot the allergens. For example, milk protein may be called "casein"; peanuts may be called "hydrolyzed vegetable protein" and wheat may be referred to as "gluten".

2) Carry an allergy kit - This is especially crucial to those with severe allergies. You should have an epinephrine shot, sterilizing swabs and antihistamines like Benadryl.

3) Spread the word - Wear a medical alert bracelet specifying what you are allergic to and don't be shy about stating your dietary needs. You're not being a picky eater; you're preventing a medical emergency!

4) Know the signs - Call 911 if your throat or tongue swells quickly; if you experience wheezing or trouble breathing; if you have clammy skin or excessive sweating; or if you experience nausea or vomiting. You should stay at the emergency room for up to 4 hours after a severe reaction so they can treat you immediately if symptoms return.

5) Be smart at restaurants - Don't be shy about asking exactly how a dish is prepared. For example, a sauce may contain cream or butter, or a dish may be garnished with chopped nuts. Many people carry a card they can give to the server and chef stating exactly what they cannot eat.

As with any medical condition, it always helps to enlist the help of the people around you. Friends and family should know what your challenges are and how to care for you if you have a severe reaction. More importantly, these people can provide support or a dose of humor when you get discouraged about always being on the lookout for allergens. Keep in mind that just a few precautions and a good attitude will help you live a full and healthy life despite your food allergies.

Food allergies are no laughing matter. Make light of people that can't even breathe in peanut aroma all you want but those who have serious allergies know that they're not just unpleasant; they can sometimes be downright deadly. Coconut allergies are no exception to this rule. While they are very rare they can be very upsetting and difficult for those who have them.

Some assume that if they have an allergy to peanuts then they are more likely to have coconut allergies, but there really is not a connection between the two. Food allergies are very particular and difficult to pin down; there isn't always any rhyme or reason as to why a person has the particular allergies they have. Some people have many allergies and some have only one or two. This is why there is no connection between coconut allergies and peanut allergies; even though they are of the same food "family" they are not so identical that a person is going to be allergic to one if allergic to the other.

What is interesting about coconut allergies, however, is that people typically don't have a reaction when they ingest coconut products but rather when they come into contact with them. They have a skin allergy to the oils in the coconut that causes a reaction of dermatitis; this might include redness, itching, swelling, dryness, and other symptoms of irritation. Some don't realize that these reactions are because of coconut allergies as they often assume food allergies are only when you eat the food, not touch it or come into contact with oils from it. Coconut oils are in many products, from hair care items to lip balm and hand lotion. And these products may not necessarily smell like coconut, since the oils are not that concentrated and are contained in only small amounts. This too contributes to the problem of people not realizing that their skin breakouts and dermatitis are being caused by coconut allergies.

If you suspect that you have coconut allergies, you should check all topical items you use, from your shampoo to hand creams and anything else you put on your skin. The ingredients should list coconut oils if the product contains it. Try switching to a product that is without coconut oils and see if this doesn't help your dermatitis.

And if your doctor tells you that you have coconut allergies and you have tried eliminating the use of all products that contain coconuts, ask your doctor for some topical ointments or other treatment options. You may be able to use some creams or lotions to help your dermatitis clear up; otherwise you could be causing serious damage to your skin.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with rashes such as Aloe Vera, Green tea, Quercitin, Bromellain and zinc.

Aloe Vera will help rejuvenate and tone skin all over. A naturally cooling gel, the Aloe Vera botanical ingredients work together to stimulate the blood circulation and naturally soften the skin.

Green Tea Contains antioxidants that may protect against heart disease, several types of cancer, and skin damage.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.

Bromellain will enhance the absorption of Quercitin. Take 100 mg twice daily.

Zinc is needed for healing and maintaining healthy tissues. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein and are the vital components of skin, hair, muscle tissue, the body's organs, blood cells, various enzymes and hormones. Zinc also has a profound influence on the body's ability to resist disease.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

As homes have become more energy efficient by being more airtight against the weather and elements, the need to have a home air purifier has become more important. A purifier will keep the indoor air clean, ensuring a safer environment for all.

When most people think about air pollution, they picture the brown skies hanging over a metropolitan area on stagnant days, or images of industrial smoke stacks with billowing clouds of airborne waste spewing from them come to mind. But, in general, people don't realize that the fact is that the air inside their homes is anywhere from five times to twenty times as dirty and polluted as the air just outside their front door.

When you combine this information with understanding that Americans now spend an average of 90% or their days in indoor environments, it is easy to see why it is that home air purifier systems have become a high priority for many homeowners who are aware of the problem and willing to take positive action to correct it.

But, it can be confusing, time consuming and frustrating to shop for the right home air purifier. There are many choices in air purifiers on the market, and there is also much conflicting information about what is the best way to clean and purify the air in your home. Some of the considerations to have in mind while shopping for clean air purifiers are following.

Different home air cleaners target different types of air pollutants, so before beginning it is important to know what pollutants are common in your home so that you know what system will be most effective for you. Some of the airborne particulates you may find in your home are: pet allergens and dander, dust mite allergens, plant and mold spores, pollen, fungi, and tobacco smoke. These are the most common culprits that trigger indoor allergic reactions and asthma attacks. A HEPA air purifier is best suited for eliminating such airborne allergens.

If you are primarily dealing with household odors and gases such as cooking odors, kitty litter or other animal related odors, tobacco smoke, various chemicals and toxins, or gaseous pollutants such as aerosols and inside pesticides, then air purifiers with activated carbon filters will be best for your situation.

Since the different home air purifier technologies inherently have different weak areas and strong points, many of the current air purifiers combine these two main filtering methods into one unit. This is beneficial since most home environments are dealing with the need to reduce allergens and toxic particulates, and also have odors and gases that need to be controlled.

While HEPA air cleaners and activated charcoal, or a combination of the two, are the most common home air purifier you will find, there are other technologies for air purification you will see as well. There technologies include: ion generators and ozone generators, electrostatic precipitators, charged media filters, and antibacterial and germicidal filters.

A home air purifier can bring a great sense of relief in knowing that the air in your house is being routinely cleansed of the nasty indoor pollutants that can gather and cause health problems for your loved ones. When choosing the right air purifier for your home, compare purchasing costs, operating costs and filter replacement costs before making your final choice.

Nobody likes battling with allergies. While these can be extremely irritating, allergy sufferers have it even worse if they are allergic to foods and food by products. It is especially hard for parents to know what types of food allergies their children have developed. Usually, by the time parents find out, their child has already experienced a bad reaction.

Both food allergies and food sensitivities originate in the immune system. The difference is that food allergies actually cause violent reactions, which can sometimes be life-threatening. This is because the immune system must attack the food as it enters into the body and bloodstream.

The immune system makes an antibody called IgE, which seeks out and bonds with the protein of the food that a person is allergic to. The build up of IgE proteins in the blood stream releases a stream of chemicals that can cause itching, swelling, vomiting, fever, difficulty breathing, and many other symptoms, and can eventually lead to the entire body shutting down.

Most food allergies appear before a child reaches the age of three. If, however, a child is never exposed to a certain food that they have an allergy to in the toddler years, they might show an allergic reaction later in life.

The most common food allergies come from products like milk, soy, eggs, wheat and nuts. These foods account for over ninety percent of allergies in children.

There is a considerable difference between having sensitivities to certain foods and being allergic to certain foods. Those who merely have sensitivities to certain foods will experience allergy-like reactions long after eating the food in question. Many times, there is a lapse of at least two hours before the reaction occurs.

Those suffering from a true food allergy experience the effects immediately. These troublesome reactions occur each and every time the food is consumed. There is a chance that some allergies will be outgrown if they are avoided early in life, but many children will remain allergic to the food in question for the rest of their lives.

If you suspect that your child may have a food allergy, it is essential to have them screened through the use of an allergy skin test. This will get rid of any doubts in your mind about whether or not there is an allergy present. Once diagnosed, inform all health providers, family, and friends about the situation, and teach your child to ask what is in the foods that they are offered. The best way to deal with allergies in children is to entirely avoid the foods that cause the reaction.

It's not possible, however, to protect your child from dangerous foods every minute of every day. Packaging and labeling of food has improved a lot in recent years, and packaged foods are usually clearly labeled with potentially allergic products. However, your child may not know how to read the labels, and may inadvertently get a hold of a snack that has traces of an allergen such as peanuts in it.

Since food allergy reactions can become life-threatening, make sure to always have an Epi-pen around. An Epi-pen can stave off dangerous reactions until professional help arrives. Once the Epi-pen is administered, call 911 to get your child proper medical attention.

A skin allergy is the body’s over-reaction to one or more allergens in our environment. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or allergic to. Jewelry metals and fragrances top the list of substances most likely to cause serious skin rashes. It can also be triggered by a number of factors, including plants, animals, clothing, food and heat. Eczema is a term used for a group of skin conditions having several things in common: dryness, itching, inflammation and thickening of skin, and recurrence. Contact dermatitis occurs at all ages, whereas atopic dermatitis is most often a problem in kids. Hand dermatitis is caused by skin irritants such as detergents or chemicals. Dry skin occurs because of lack of water in the stratum corneum.

Some allergic reactions to wine stem from insect chemicals, new research shows. Chemicals from Hymenoptera insects may be present in some wines. There are four main types of skin allergy, each caused by different allergens. Prickly heat warm weather often causes the itchy red rash known as prickly heat. Bites and stings is irritations from insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable but reactions tend to be short lived. Urticaria type of allergy. Urticaria also called is nettle rash, because it comes up as an itchy red rash, raised in the middle. The swelling that sometimes goes along with urticaria is called angioedema, and often involves the lips, the eyes, and the hands and feet. Angioedema is usually not itchy or red, it tends to burn, sting or cause a tingling sensation.

The most common treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is a cortisone ointment preparation. Many people opt for the more effective natural treatments such as epitrex, which can eliminate flare-ups. Some people find that oral antihistamines like benadryl allergy relief do the trick. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care. Try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them. Wear gloves when washing dishes or clothing, and don’t allow your hands to be constantly wet. Allow wool clothing or blankets against your skin. use soapless cleansers or non-alkaline (neutral) soaps. Use washable cotton or synthetic blankets, not fuzzy surfaced ones. Use easily laundered cotton bedspreads or coverlets; avoid chenille.

Skin allergy Diagnosis and Treatment Tips

1. Use fragrance free products when suffering from allergies of skin.

2. A good moisturising lotion will prevent the skin from drying out.

3. Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and halt the spread of rashes.

4. Using washing detergents suitable for people with allergies will not cause any damage to the skin.

5. Keeping a diary of moments when your skin is inflamed or extremely itchy with raised patches.

6. Antihistamines and decongestants are the most common medicines used for allergies.

7. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care.

8. Try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them.

Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. The immune system is the body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. Through a series of steps called the immune response, the immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade our systems and cause disease. The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The immune system is the body’s natural defence in combating organisms. The immune system usually have two lines of defence: the innate immune system representing a non-specific (no memory) response to antigen (substance to which the body regards as foreign or potentially harmful) and the adaptive immune system, which displays a high degree of memory and specificity. The innate system represents the first line of defence to an intruding pathogen and includes various cells like the natural killer (NK) cells, mast cells dendritic cells and phagocytes. Besides there are molecules like complement, acute phase proteins (APP) and interferons (IFNs) which work in concert with the cells of the innate immune system and which foster close functional links with their adaptive counterpart. The adaptive immune system is further divided into humoral and cellular components. Cell-mediated immunity, also known as delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) or Type IV Hypersensitivity, is an immune response that does not involve antibodies but rather involves the activation of macrophages, natural killer cells (NK), antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, and the release of various cytokines in response to an antigen. The humoral immune response (HIR) is the aspect of immunity that is mediated by secreted antibodies, produced in the cells of the B lymphocyte lineage (B cell). When activated by foreign antigen, B cells undergo proliferation and mature into antibody secreting plasma cells which posses the ability to secrete soluble proteins (antibodies). Antibodies which are classified into five different types (known as isotypes), namely IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE and IgD, have two roles to play - the first is to bind antigen and the second is to interact with host tissues and effector systems in order to ensure removal of the antigen. Thus the immune system generally is protective, however the same immunologic mechanisms that defend the host at times may result in severe damage to tissues and, occasionally, may cause death.

Conceptualizing the natural antigen- antibody development & interaction, Imgenex Corp. develops and commercializes novel reagents for the scientific study of human biology and disease and for the production of new diagnostic assays and potential therapies of such diseases. These novel reagents include antibodies, gene and protein expression systems, and arrays of various cells and tissues for use in studies of functional genomics. Areas of biological interest at IMGENEX include cancer, apoptosis (programmed cell death), molecular signaling pathways, cellular aging, and metabolic and infectious diseases.

Gases, allergens, dust, mites, etc. all invade your home.How to detect and eleminate them.

Dangerous gases can build up in a home, and newer homes, with modern and almost airtight sealing, are even more prone to this danger. Radon is one of these gases.

It is a radioactive gas that is the product of uranium decaying. Uranium exists in small amount in many soils. A small amount of radon is harmless, but too much can be dangerous.

Radon can be measured, especially in the basement with an inexpensive device that is designed for this purpose, to make sure the levels are not too high. If the levels are too high, a professional will have to be consulted. The EPA considers 4 picocuries or over a level where action needs to be taken.

If you are planning a basement remodelling, make sure you have adequate venting to avoid buildup of this gas. If you do have radon, small amounts won't harm anyone, unless is it over a prolonged period.

Other gases that can be harmful are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. These are produced when a gas stove is not ventilated well, or when appliances such as gas dryers and water heaters have not been properly installed. Wood stoves are also a source of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

If you are putting in any such appliances, be sure to carefully follow the directions. Keep all of the ducts clean and make sure the connections are tight.

There are detection devices for NO2 and CO, just as there are for radon. In addition to gases, some common elements in the home can also be dangerous to our health. Dust is a major culprit.

If you a buying a new vacuum, get one with a HEPA filter. If you are doing a renovation, you will surely kick up a lot of dust if you are replacing cabinets, tearing up carpets or tearing down walls. Vacuum frequently during the project to keep the dust levels down.

Dust mites are responsible for many people's allergic reactions. You can minimize the impact of dust mites. They live in the dust that naturally builds up on our carpets, curtains and furniture. Vacuuming frequently will keep this problem to a minimum, and make sure you always wash curtains, bedspreads and sheets in very hot water to destroy dust mites. If it is not recommended to wash the material in hot water, you can use a spray designed to kill mites and also stop them from reproducing. A good filtration system will help keep down the level of dust mites in your home.

There are other creatures living in your home with you and your family. Mildew and mold are living organisms that grow best in dark, damp spaces. Ducts in homes are a perfect spot for them, so if your renovation includes replacing duct work, you will be releasing a lot of mold and mildew into the home.

Changing filters frequently and keeping the ducts from your HVAC system clean will help with the mold and mildew problem.Find more about patio rooms "http://www.allsunrooms.com/index.html">publications about patio roomsIf you use these common sense tips, you will be able to keep your home healthier. Yes, we can be healthier, but we have to work at it.