Allergy Relief Expert

Toothpaste or other allergic reaction?

Toothpaste allergies are rare and should probably be on the short list of potential allergens. However, allergy doctors have reported that some patients do have allergic reactions to toothpaste ingredients.

Toothpaste Ingredients

Ingredients found in toothpaste have a low allergic sensitivity rate which contributes to the rarity of this type of allergy. Toothpaste ingredients have changed dramatically over the past 20 years as manufacturers refine their formulas to make them safer and more effective.

However, the primary toothpaste ingredient known to cause some allergic problems are oil of peppermint. Peppermint reactions are generally mild and resolve themselves by switching to a different flavor or brand of toothpaste. For example, Contact Dermatitis reported in 1998 that a person who developed severe chapped lips (cheilitis) was a result of a contact allergy to spearmint oil that was traced to toothpaste.

A 2004 issue of the journal Dermatology contained a case report of a suspected allergy to fluoride containing toothpaste. The report concluded that fluoridated toothpaste may cause  recurrent aphthous stomatitis, a condition more commonly known as “canker sores” in some people. Other ingredients found in toothpaste can cause allergic reactions, such as cinnamic aldehyde, papain and balsam of peru.

Read toothpaste labels carefully and check with your pharmacist if you have any questions before buying.  It is also wise to avoid special formulations for ‘tartar-control’ or ‘tooth-whitening’ and stick with good ole toothpaste known to do the job. There are however, many toothpaste products which are sold as hypoallergenic by companies which are known to have safe products. I recommend buying the smallest tube possible and making sure you do not have an allergic response before continuing with a larger size.

If you experience an allergic reaction immediately following brushing of your teeth such as swelling, redness, dryness, or infection in your mouth, contact your dentist immediately.

About the author:

Ann Barlow is a dental hygienist in Clearwater Florida and writes for industry related newsletters.

Dental hygienist allergic to toothpaste

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world and many people could not make it through a day without it.  Coffee can be a healthy drink and is one of the best sources of antioxidants in a beverage. However, certain coffee beverages do contain naturally occurring and added chemicals which can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals. Mild to moderate allergic reactions are reported that can last a few hours and may involve a skin rash, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, watery eyes and coughing. It is possible to have a severe allergic reaction to coffee which can result in anaphylactic shock but it is considered to be quite rare.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a chemical compound which is present in all coffees and even decaffeinated products may still contain it. Persons who consume too much caffeine have reported headaches, insomnia, irritability and even the jitters.  Allergy doctors have reported cases of allergic reactions to caffeine such as a skin rash, swelling of the face and difficulty breathing. Certain coffee products may contain higher concentrations of caffeine than others.  An enormous amount of caffeine can actually cause poisoning resulting in a condition known as rhabdomyolysis, which affects body tissue and muscle fibers causing them to break down. This break down process releases toxic matter into the blood stream and can result in muscle weakness or cramping when it accumulates in the bloodstream.

Tannins

Tannins are also naturally occurring in many beverages and foods such as red wine and chocolate.  An allergic condition referred to as a “red wine headache” is believed to be caused by the tannins present in the wine. Migraine headaches are often blamed on tannins. While most coffees do not contain as much tannin as red wine, coffee does contain enough of the chemical to cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals. If you feel you may have an coffee allergy, then it is wise to maintain a food and beverage diary. Use the dairy to track the other foods  and beverages you consume which may also contain tannins which can give you a similar reaction as when you drink coffee.

Pesticides and Herbicides

Many coffee brands grown in certain parts of the world may contain concentrations of herbicides and pesticides.  Allergic and non-allergic people can have sensitivities to certain types of chemicals used in pesticides and herbicides. In addition, many pesticides and herbicides used on coffee beans are believed to be carcinogenic agents.

Organic Coffee is Best

More and more coffee producers are realizing that people are concerned about the quality of the beverages they consume. As a result, more manufacturers are converting to safer growing methods which do not require the use of pesticides. Organic coffee sales are growing by 24% yearly,  up from 16% in 2007.

About the author:

Joe A. Venitilleo is a manufactures representative of a beverage company which markets organic tea and coffee products from around the world.

Leesha Harvey- Coffee and a Smile

What the symptoms of wheat bread allergy?

I was at a low-carb diet and did not eat any bread in the last month and I felt great!

My stomach stopped aching and I stopped being constipated and my lethargy was gone. As soon as I began introducing bread in small amounts, I started to get back the same symptoms I had all my life. Could this be an allergy to any bread and wheat?

Best Answer:

You are probably producing an antibody to the protein in wheat. This protein is called gluten. It  is also known as celiac disease in the US and Europe. Removing the gluten containing products from your diet and probably everything will be fine. Gluten is in products made of wheat, barley, rye and oats. 1 person in 100 in the UK is said to celiac.

See your doctor and request a blood test for the antibody or go and see a allergy doctor. The test is called the endomysium antibody test. Then get referred to a gastroenterologist if test positive and then seek out a dietitian.

The specialist will help you join celiac UK if you are in the UK. Most countries have some type of forum to advise you about your diet. Celiac is believed to be hereditary or can be contracted when you have an infection. You can give to your children.

A few people are allergic only to wheat – but is very rare and is mostly caused by the gluten in their diet.  Is sounds like you are likely to be a celiac – since you have all the symptoms. Even beer is not gluten free and many other things like soy sauce, so you need to get a list of foods gluten-free foods. Gluten-free foods are available in a prescription for celiac diagnosis.

More stores are selling bread made of rice, biscuits (cookies) that are gluten-free pasta, pizza bases, etc.

Related Posts: Food Allergies and Severe Food Allergy.

About the author: Christopher Davies owns a nutrition and vitamin store in London.

Is Bread Killing You? Gluten Intolerance, Nutrition Health

Somebody mentioned to me the other day that you can be allergic to antibiotics; is that really true?

Best Answer:

Yes, it is possible to have a mild or serious reaction to any drug including antibiotics. A mild reaction can range from a skin rash to hives and can include swelling of any part of the body. However, serious reactions are possible and may range from difficulty breathing to anaphylactic shock which can severely restrict airflow.

When used at the appropriate time, antibiotics can help cure an illness or save a life, but long-term or indiscriminate use will eventually lead to other complications. It is interesting to note that the word antibiotic is derived from two Greek words; anti (against) and bios (life).

Most antibiotic drugs are not synthetic but are derived from strains of bacteria or molds. Oddly enough, they are used when a bacterial organism invades the body to assist the immune system to aid in fighting the bacteria causing the illness. Antibiotics will only help the body fight a bacterial infection but does nothing to fight a viral invasion.

If you suspect or know you can have an allergic to penicillin or another antibiotic, then it is highly advisable that you consider using a Medic Alert tag or bracelet for emergency situations so that a medical staff member is aware that you have an allergy.

Source: Yahoo Answers
Donna Benson, Registered Nurse at Mother Francis Hospital in Tyler Texas.

Penicillin Allergy and Using Other Antibiotics

There are some people who are allergic to wasp bites, which means that their immune systems react to the venom injected by a stinging insect. Venom bites of insects contains several chemicals that, when introduced through a bite, causes the release of histamine, which causes local tissue damage and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. After the first sting, the allergic person’s body produces an allergic substance called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody that reacts with insect venom. If he or she is bitten by the bug again to the same species or similar insect venom interacts with the IgE antibody response to the first bite.

The resulting tissue damage is largely responsible for the pain, swelling, redness and we experience itching at the site of the bite. Although most local reactions are mild and cause localized swelling and inflammation around the site bite, the area of swelling and inflammation can be very large. For example, one may be bitten on the finger, however, inflammation can progress to include whole arm. Both of these reactions, by virtue of the fact that adjoin the site of the bite and allergic reactions are considered.

For a small number of people with severe venom allergy, stings can be deadly, insects belonging to the class of Hymenoptera are capable of injecting venom into humans and animals. Severe allergic reactions to insect stings can involve many body organs and may develop rapidly. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include itching and hives over large areas of the body, swelling in the throat or tongue, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach pains, nausea or diarrhea. In severe cases, a rapid fall in blood pressure can lead to shock and unconsciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, and can be fatal. If you or anyone else experience any of these symptoms after an insect bite, get emergency medical treatment immediately. After symptoms are treated in the emergency room, you must also obtain a referral to an allergist to learn about treatment options.

Insect bite or poison insect bite can be one of the most dangerous allergens. Most people who are stung by bees, wasps, hornets, wasps and fire ants have little to fear. At worst, these people may experience mild pain, swelling and itching at the bite site.

A person does not suffer an allergic reaction the first time it is bitten by an insect. Instead, the initial encounter leads to awareness, in which the immune system reacts exaggerated insect venom and creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight it. These antibodies trigger an allergic reaction the next time the body meets the insect venom.

The next time a person is bitten, these antibodies cause the mast cells to release chemicals such as histamine, which can cause inflammation in the body. Very allergic people can suffer anaphylaxis, in which fluid leaks from blood to tissues, causing inflammation and reducing blood pressure. Bronchial tissues may swell and cause difficulty breathing.

Stinging insects in the United States include honeybees, wasps, hornets, wasps and fire ants. While not everyone is allergic to insect venom, skin reactions, such as mild pain, swelling and redness can occur with an insect bite.  Most sting reactions are caused by five types of insects: wasps, bees, paper wasps, hornets and fire ants.

However, people with allergies to the venom are likely to experience more pronounced effects. A mild allergic reaction can cause nausea, increased swelling and other discomforts. At the other extreme, a rare disease who are allergic to after experiencing an allergic reaction. It is better to destroy the hive or nest of insects are known to cause allergy. Insects sting when disturbed by what is best off slowly, as you encounter any flying stinging insects.

About the Author:

Bryan Morris is a medical sales professional and likes doing research works on various types of allergies and their possible cure.

Related Post: Insect Allergy.

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