Dairy Allergy

A dairy allergy is often developed in individuals when they are infants. Sometimes, it can be developed later on in life. This is the immune systems response to proteins that cows milk possesses. Many infants usually outgrow their dairy allergy at the precious age of four; seventy percent outgrow their allergy, many never outgrow it. Protein allergens found in cows milk are culprits in contributing to a dairy allergy. Casein and whey are the contributing allergens. Casein is the curd formed in milk and left to sour. The watery part removed is the whey. Casein is the main allergy found in cheese and makes up 80 percent of protein found in milk. Cheese that is hard possesses the most Casein. The other 20 % of milk is whey. Whey contains proteins such as alpha lactalbumin and beta lactaglobulin. One would never think that a dairy allergy would be so complex. Dairy allergy symptoms usually manifest themselves into the respiratory, skin, and digestive system. You msay find yourself with symptoms such as swollen lips, mouth, face, tongue, and throat. Skin reactions occur such as hives, an itchy red rash, and eczema. Digestive tract reactions present themselves in the form of abdominal cramps, gas, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and gas. Anaphylactic shock, coughing, shortness of breath, runny noses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes are all respiratory reactions. Other additional symptoms of a dairy allergy include but are not limited to lethargy and bed-wetting. Glazed looks and reddish ear lobes are also some of the symptoms of a dairy allergy. Many do not realize their dairy allergy exists because they were exposed early on as infants to foods their digestive tracts could not handle. This is because a large part of the bodys immune system operates in the intestinal walls. In order to receive relief from a dairy allergy, people will need to omit certain foods from their diets. Over the counter pain, medications and antibiotics will lead to a dairy allergy and a plethora of other problems. Take the Leaky Gut Syndrome, for example. Whenever a person with this problem eats what they may be allergic to such as dairy products; pain medication they use can help to decrease symptoms, so they may think; however, this medication will only make symptoms worse, with the patient never knowing this. Allergenic foods that are usually identified by using a blood test and contribute to a dairy allergy are gluten, wheat, eggs, and cows milk. Many people consume these foods regularly and on a daily basis. Some folks may need to meet with registered dietitians for consultation. There are many substitutions for these foods, to help enable a person to continue enjoying things they like to eat most.

Dairy Allergy
A dairy allergy is often developed in individuals when they are infants. Sometimes, it can be developed later on in life. This is the immune systems response to proteins that cows milk

possesses. Many infants usually outgrow their dairy allergy at the precious age of four; seventy percent outgrow their allergy, many never outgrow it. Protein allergens found in cows milk are culprits in contributing to a dairy allergy. Casein and whey are the contributing allergens. Casein is the curd formed in milk and left to sour. The watery part removed is the whey. Casein is the main allergy found in cheese and makes up 80 percent of protein found in milk. Cheese that is hard possesses the most Casein. The other 20 % of milk is whey. Whey contains proteins such as alpha lactalbumin and beta lactaglobulin. One would never think that a dairy allergy would be so complex. Dairy allergy symptoms usually manifest themselves into the respiratory, skin, and digestive system. You msay find yourself with symptoms such as swollen lips, mouth, face, tongue, and throat. Skin reactions occur such as hives, an itchy red rash, and eczema. Digestive tract reactions present themselves in the form of abdominal cramps, gas, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and gas. Anaphylactic shock, coughing, shortness of breath, runny noses, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes are all respiratory reactions. Other additional symptoms of a dairy allergy include but are not limited to lethargy and bed-wetting. Glazed looks and reddish ear lobes are also some of the symptoms of a dairy allergy. Many do not realize their dairy allergy exists because they were exposed early on as infants to foods their digestive tracts could not handle. This is because a large part of the bodys immune system operates in the intestinal walls. In order to receive relief from a dairy allergy, people will need to omit certain foods from their diets. Over the counter pain, medications and antibiotics will lead to a dairy allergy and a plethora of other problems. Take the Leaky Gut Syndrome, for example. Whenever a person with this problem eats what they may be allergic to such as dairy products; pain medication they use can help to decrease symptoms, so they may think; however, this medication will only make symptoms worse, with the patient never knowing this. Allergenic foods that are usually identified by using a blood test and contribute to a dairy allergy are gluten, wheat, eggs, and cows milk. Many people consume these foods regularly and on a daily basis. Some folks may need to meet with registered dietitians for consultation. There are many substitutions for these foods, to help enable a person to continue enjoying things they like to eat most.

Egg Allergy
If you are a person who suffers from an egg allergy, you must be aware of everything you eat, as eggs are found in just about any type of foods. It is imperative that you read labels before eating food; it is hard work, but think of all the hardship you will save yourself when you are extra careful while avoiding eggs. It is not that eggs are bad; however, the body truly believes you are allergic to them even if you are mildly allergic. This happens with an egg allergy when the immune system overreacts to

proteins within the egg. Any type of food containing eggs that enters into the digestive system makes the body think these proteins are invading the body to do harm. Antibodies are created to eggs that are also created to fend off invaders of the body. Such antibodies called immunoglobulin E; will trigger certain chemicals into the body, once such chemical is called histamine. If a person, who has an egg allergy consumes foods containing eggs; their immune system will set loose a plethora of chemicals to help protect the body. These chemicals can severely affect the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, skin, and cardiovascular system. These chemicals ultimately cause allergic reactions such as wheezing, headaches, nausea, and hives. Those who develop an egg allergy first develop the allergy to the proteins in egg whites. There are also a few people that cannot digest yolk proteins. Children develop an egg allergy at very young ages, but may outgrow them at the age of five. Below are a few symptoms of an egg allergy.

Respiratory Tract: Symptoms vary from sneezing, runny nose, itchy, red and watering eyes, may trigger asthma, accompanied with wheezing and coughing Skin: Red, bumpy rash or hives develop, eczema, or swelling and redness around mouth area Gastrointestinal Tract: Vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting

Compared to the symptoms above, a few folks may have a stronger reaction like anaphylaxis. This is the most severe allergic reaction that causes difficult breathing, swelling of mouth, throat, and airways leading to the lungs. A drop in blood pressure is experienced. Naturally, this will shock the system. These symptoms causes the sufferer to pass our or suddenly become dizzy. You will be amazed to find that egg fumes or egg that meets the skin will cause anaphylactic reaction in a person who is highly sensitive to eggs. In this case, eggs are to be kept completely out of the house.

Mold Allergy
You can develop a mold allergy from mildew and fungi. Many people have allergies that never end, especially when seasons change. Others are allergic to spores that molds and other fungi develop. Since mold can inhabit everywhere, disturbing them can cause spores to be dispersed into the air. Fungi are different from plants and animals in how they grow and reproduce. Seeds or spores from fungi are spread by wind currents outdoors and air. Some spores are released in windy, dry weather. Other spores are usually released with fog or dew when humidity is at its highest. Those who inhale spores often develop allergic reactions, or a mold allergy. Symptoms from fungi spores are common from July to late summer months. Unfortunately, with fungi growing rapidly in many places, a person can suffer from allergic reactions on a yearly basis.

There are many types of molds that can contribute to a mold allergy. These include but are not limited to Alternaria, Epicoccum, Mucor, Penicillium, and Aureobasidium. Many common spores are also identified when placed under microscopes; you will see that many form colonies. Molds usually grow on fallen leaves, rotting logs, grasses, or grains. Molds dont die when the first frost occurs like many people would like to think. Many molds existing outdoors usually become dormant during winter months. When spring arrives, they grow on plants that have been killed off by cold weather and thrive to contribute to a mold allergy. Fungi can exist indoors, usually in damp areas such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. People can obtain a mold allergy if they or members of their family happen to be allergic to pollen and animal dander. If a person has developed a mold allergy to fungi only, it is highly unlikely they are bothered by all other types of fungi. Remember, different types of fungi spores are limited in their similarities. House plants that harbor fungi will cause a mold allergy, but only if the soil is disturbed. Remember, the spores of the fungi are dispersed through the air. Fungi will definitely grow in the human body. We as humans have our good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria we have on or in our bodies feed upon bacteria that could very well cause us harm. If the good fungi happen to become overabundant, intense inflammation can recur on a regular basis; permanently damaging airway passages. Mold allergy symptoms are similar to those of other allergies that include congestion, itching, sneezing, scaling skin, and congestion. Those who have a mold allergy may have their symptoms during the course of the summer because of molds that exist throughout the entire year.

Nut Allergy
The nut allergy is one of the most common causes of food allergies. Most people who have a nut allergy are most likely to be allergic to tree nuts and have allergic reactions to peanuts. Various tree nuts include almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts. Peanuts or groundnuts are not nuts, but legumes. These grow underground and are not related to beans or peas at all. People can develop allergies to nuts or any other foods at any age.

Everyone will experience different symptoms with their nut allergy when consuming nuts. Some symptoms may occur within minutes, some may occur a few hours or even a day or so later; this all depends upon the person.

Mild Nut Allergy Symptoms

Mild symptoms of a nut allergy include but are not limited to:

rash runny nose or sneezing breathlessness tingling of lips, tongue or mouth digestive problems such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting itchy skin

Serious Nut Allergy Symptoms

swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face dizziness

Those who have a severe nut allergy can quite possibly develop anaphylaxis. Breathing becomes difficult because airways in the lungs are swollen. Most likely, there is a drop in blood pressure and increase of heart rate which obviously contributes to a shock in the system. This is unfortunate; however, for those who possess a severe nut allergy; symptoms can be triggered just from being around or touching a person who has recently eaten nuts. Some may have symptoms from actually being in the same room where nuts are kept. When a person with a nut allergy comes into contact with nuts; antibodies called IgE are at work. Usually, antibodies exist solely for fighting infections; this is why they are released.

Unfortunately, the nut is deemed the enemy; this is what the antibodies are attacking. Your mast cells start to release chemicals such as histamines while inducing symptoms of allergies such as swelling and rash. There are many methods that can assist a person in revealing if they possess a nut allergy. Blood tests will measure IgE antibodies for certain allergens in your blood. This can quite possibly confirm a diagnosis of a severe food allergy. Skin prick tests involves introducing different allergens to ones skin, just to see which will cause an allergic reaction. The recipient should know that only small doses of allergens are given. The only sure fire way of treating a nut allergy is to avoid nut or products that may contain them. Antihistamine treatments can also be prescribed for those who have only mild reactions.

Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are caused by dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, and pet birds. Many people have pets, but may not know they are allergic to them. Some of them may suspect, but deny; especially if they are a dog lover from way back! There are some who swear that pet allergies are from pets, but in some cases; this may not be so.

IF you happen to suffer from such symptoms as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose; you may undergo a specific test to pinpoint the culprit. Allergy history, symptoms, environmental exposure, and family history should be discussed with an allergist. This will help determine what treatment, if any is needed. This will also help to avoid blaming an innocent pet! Usually, people outside the household will point the finger at a pet, just because it is easier to do so.

Pet allergies can be detected through various skin testing. A skin prick test includes pricking the surface of the skin with a needle that will hopefully introduce an extract of an allergen. Any of these substances may cause allergic reactions. Another skin test is an intracutaneous test. This involves actually injecting the allergen extract into the skin. Swelling and redness around the area is an indication that an allergy is present. If the test is negative, a blood test will definitely confirm if your animal is the culprit of your pet allergies. It is not uncommon for families to give away a family pet without adequately confirming their suspicions. All too many families eventually discover that their child was not allergic to their pet; but a rug, perfume, or a stuffed animal was actually the culprit. We sometimes are too impatient to take the time or effort to pinpoint the exact causes of pet allergies. Try to remember the importance of understanding the exact aspect of an animal you have developed pet allergies to. You could have five different pets dwelling within your household and think your cat may be responsible; when in fact; it is actually the canary causing the allergies. Medications used to treat pet allergies are almost similar to those for other allergies like asthma and hay fever. Antihistamines such as asthma pills, sprays, and nasal steroid sprays should be discussed with your doctor. It is helpful when trying to figure out the suitable allergy medication for you to try; keeping your symptoms in mind. Upon completion of diagnosis, one should understand the aspect of their animal that causes pet allergies.

Pollen Allergy
A pollen allergy contributes to a persons allergies during spring, summer, and fall. Trees, grasses, and weeds release small particles that take flight upon the wind currents. The particles exist to fertilize plants, but usually never reach their destination and usually settle in human throats and noses. Rhinitis, or pollen allergy occurs which are known by most as hay fever.

Sometimes, the chemical makeup of pollen is the contributing factor determining if it will cause hay fever or a pollen allergy. Pine tree pollen is usually produced in huge amounts by only a common tree. You think this would be a wonderful contributor of causing the pollen allergy. It would seem that the chemical composition of pine pollen makes it far less allergic than other types of allergens; simply because the pine needles fall down and do not travel upon the winds; and not meeting human noses and throats. Weeds, grasses, and trees usually cause a pollen allergy reaction. These plants are the producers of pollen granules that are created and carried upon the wind. Ragweed pollen can be found two to three miles in the air. A pollen allergy usually is derived from plants that produce pollen in very large quantities. It is not abnormal for ragweed plants to produce millions of pollen grains on a daily basis. Pollen counts are not unfamiliar to people from local weather reports, as this is a measurement of exactly how much pollen is in our air. Pollen counts are usually high in the morning on dry, breezy, and warm days. The counts are at an all time low during wet and cool periods. Folks who have an active pollen allergy will need to make use of pollen counts so that they may avoid contact with pollen and remain indoors. Those who have a pollen allergy only experience symptoms when the grains from pollen are circulating through the air. This is in fact, one of the most obvious features of a pollen allergy. Remember, this is a pollen allergy, which is seasonal by nature. A plants pollinating period is usually the same on a yearly basis. Plants begin to pollinate depending upon lengths of days and nights and any location, geographically. Conditions of weather when pollination occurs usually affect the amount of pollen that are produced and distributed during that year. This is especially true for those who travel into far regions of the north. The pollinating period and allergy season occurs on a much later basis; gainfully contributing to a pollen allergy.

Ragweed Allergy
Ragweed allergy is a major contributor of aggravated asthma symptoms. Ragweed allergy is seasonal, and is killed off some time in the late fall. Commonly found in some rural areas of eastern and Midwestern states; ragweed thrives in areas where the soil is completely bare and free from other vegetation. These pieces of land include vacant lots, roadways, or along river banks. Surviving for only one season, each plant produces one billion grains of pollen. Since the pollen is very light; it can be carried by air currents for many miles. Ragweed seeds also thrive for years in the soil and only grow when conditions are just right. Ragweed allergy stimulates and causes the immune system to overreact. Usually, from this; allergy and asthma symptoms are most likely to occur. This is especially true for those who are extremely sensitive who come into contact with the pollen from ragweed. Many asthma symptoms include but are not limited to:

Sneezing Stuffy or runny nose Coughing Breathing difficulties Tightness of chest Wheezing

Allergy tests can be taken to conclude if a person possesses a ragweed allergy. One great way to self diagnose yourself is if you happen to notice allergy increases, or asthma symptoms right around mid-August. Unfortunately, there is not a lot a person can do to cure ragweed allergy. Keep in mind that there are minor actions one can take to minimize symptoms. Try to avoid contact with pollen from ragweed as much as possible. This is no easy task, as there is a high content of ragweed pollen in the months of August, September, and October. Staying informed of the high pollen count in your area and staying inside if it happens to be high is a great way to avoid the clutches of a ragweed allergy. In house and car; be sure to keep windows closed and the air on. For your house, try to obtain a high efficiency particulate air filter. This filter will help to remove pollen from the air. Taking prescribed medication faithfully is another way of fighting ragweed allergy. Just because you may not experience symptoms frequently does not mean you have beaten your allergy.

Antihistamines such as Claritin, Allergra, and Zyrtec are very helpful in fighting ragweed allergy. Let us not forget our anti-flammatory eye drops and nasal sprays. Oral allergy syndrome is a high risk factor for those who suffer from a ragweed allergy. Most probably know this as pollen-food allergy. Cross sensitivity to ragweed pollen and a few foods such as bananas and melon are most likely to develop.

Shellfish Allergy
A shellfish allergy is most likely to occur in adults for the first time than any other allergy existing. Shellfish allergy will occur with two classes of foods; mollusks, and crustaceans. Mollusks include the oysters, clams, and mussels family. Crustaceans include the lobster, crab, and shrimp family. Shrimp is the most allergenic of the shellfish group. Anyone who has been diagnosed with a shellfish allergy has been advised to avoid ALL shellfish. Most people do not know that different types of shellfish obtain high rates of cross reactions with other types of shellfish. Tropomyosin is a protein that is very common and the culprit of a shellfish allergy. This is horrible; but this protein is also found in cockroaches and dust mites. This is alarming evidence of cross-reactivity between insects and shellfish. A shellfish allergy is a major cause of anaphylactic shock. Hives is a symptom of shellfish allergy, causing swelling and redness beneath the skin. Omega-3 supplements potentially cause a shellfish allergy. These can often be derived from seafood. Cod liver oil is a common source that is used to make these supplements. If you happen to seek a great supplement enhanced with protein, steer clear of any supplements made from this oil. Time should be taken to read the ingredients on the bottles of supplements, to avoid a reaction to your shellfish allergy. Those who suffer from a shellfish allergy should avoid mollusks and crustaceans. Did you know there are some people, who through testing, are diagnosed as not being allergic to mollusks, but

can safely eat crustaceans? Folks who happen to have a shellfish allergy to mollusks need to

avoid:

Clams Oysters Mussels Abalone Scallops Cockles Squid (Calimari) Octopus Whelks Snails (Escargot) Limpets

Folks who suffer from shellfish allergy should steer clear of crustaceans:

Shrimp Lobster Crawfish Crab Prawns Langoustines Sea Urchins

It is very easy to avoid problems with your shellfish allergy; although it may take a certain amount of willpower for those who used to eat shellfish and developed a shellfish allergy. You

may want to proceed with caution because shellfish are included in Worcestershire sauce, some salad dressings, and a plethora of other sauces. You may want to start reading labels closely for these allergens. When dealing with a shellfish allergy; it is imperative to become highly cautious. Anaphylactic shock is caused by allergens in shellfish. This is the worse food allergy a person can possess. You should always keep the lines of communication open with an allergist and be prepared in case anaphylactic shock takes place. Allergists can prescribe epinephrine which should be carried with you at all times.

Wheat Allergy
Anyone possessing a wheat allergy should steer clear of foods such as pasta, breads and foods that are deep fried in batter. A wheat allergy is most common of all food allergies and may affect about 6% of children under the age of four. People who have a wheat allergy may have symptoms such as eczema, asthma, atopic dermatitis; and on rare occasion, anaphylaxis.

Sometimes wheat can cross react with barley. Although this happens, people with a wheat allergy can successfully consume other grains. There are many foods where wheat is most likely to be found:

Sausages, meatloaf

Beer Candy Hot and cold cereals Salad dressings Barbecue Sauce Soy sauce Batter-fried foods Baking Powders Pasta Baked goods, unless prepared with flour that is free of wheat

A wheat allergy and celiac disease are derived from different causes in the body; however, they are closely related in implications to the recipients lifestyles. People who have a wheat allergy and celiac disease really need to cut wheat out of their diets altogether. Those with celiac disease need to avoid barley and rye too. People with a wheat allergy are very sensitive to proteins such as gliadin and glutenin even though there are other proteins contained in food products which may trigger symptoms of a wheat allergy. Those who are forced to live with a wheat allergy should know it is a pervasive allergen existing mostly in Western diets. Wheat is not only a staple dietary grain; it is a hidden allergen as well. It can also be found in the materials of arts and crafts. Anyone who may be an avid participant in the arts and crafts department should be on the look out for these hidden allergens. Doctors can prescribe those who suffer from a wheat allergy Epi-Pens. Although this is mainly for anaphylaxis, you should be well informed of signs of anaphylactic shock. This medicine comes in handy in case someone has consumed a food product possessing wheat. When a person feels the symptoms of a wheat allergy lurking, they are able to successfully inject themselves with the Epi-Pen. Kamut and Spelt are rumored to be safer for people who possess the wheat allergy. It should be noted that kamut is actually a subspecies of wheat. There is no difference from kamut and wheat when it comes to allergies. Spelt is also a close cousin of wheat. Proteins such as gliadin are the same proteins that can trigger a wheat allergy.

Yeast Allergy
There are many people in the world who have a yeast allergy. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the high number of foods and baked goods containing yeast as an active ingredient. Breads and bagels contain yeast and there are alcoholic drinks that contain yeast. Folks who have a yeast allergy may want to stay away from Champagne; however, there are always alternatives to certain alcoholic beverages, although they may not taste as well as those that contain yeast. A person who suffers from a yeast allergy more than likely has Allergies Type 1 or Contact Allergies. This is a reaction that is caused by proteins that can be found in yeast. The immune system overreacts; therefore producing allergic reactions. Histamines and antibodies are released

into the blood stream in an effort to stamp out yeast proteins; eventually these chemicals will trigger allergic symptoms. Usually, many food allergy reactions occur within a few minutes to hours for those who suffer from a yeast allergy. Infections that is mild to moderate last for a day or so, involving cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, wheezing, coughing, and watery eyes.

Those who are unfortunate in having a yeast allergy will miss out on delicious foods such as

pasta. Many people do not know they possess a yeast allergy and may experience unpleasant symptoms such as:

Headaches Muscle Aches Psoriasis Irritability Fatigue Hives

If a person has no idea why they may experience such symptoms, they may wish to schedule an appointment with their doctor to have an allergy test performed. Your doctor will shed some light on just how severe your yeast allergy is. Your doctor will arm you with important information regarding a yeast allergy and how you are able to control them. It should be known that a yeast allergy is not curable, but easy to control. Allergy yeast tests will involve putting a liquid extract of yeast protein on the back of the forearm and scratching the skin lightly. If the skin turns red in color and itches, hives or red bumps develop; these are definitely symptoms indicating you have a yeast allergy. There are a few steps one can take to restrict carbohydrates in their diets. Normally, a registered dietician can assist in properly outlining a meal plan to follow. It really depends on how much carbohydrates you will need to cut out of your diet, based upon the severity of your yeast allergy.