Millions of people are familiar with the stuffiness and painful pressure of sinusitis, one of the most common chronic ailments.

Your sinuses are air-filled pockets located above your eyebrows, under your eyes, between your eyes, and behind your nose. Normally, mucus from your sinuses drains into your nose and down your throat, where stomach acids destroy it. When your sinuses clog up, the tissues swell, and mucus does not drain prop­erly. This results in a buildup of mucus, which can quickly become infected.

The symptoms of sinusitis include a stuffy or runny nose, painful pressure around your eyes, earaches, and coughing which becomes worse when lying down. It is usually caused by bacterial infection. People with asthma or allergies are more likely to have sinusitis. It may also be brought on by environmental factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, and weather conditions. Many people find that their sinusitis is worse right before a storm. Some people may have a deviated septum, which means the wall of bone and cartilage between the right and left nostrils is crooked. This can interfere with mucus drainage.

Steps to Stop Sinusitis

• Wash your sinuses out with a neti-pot or sinus rinse product using a balanced saline solution.
• Get the right amount of sleep. Too much or too little sleep may make you more likely to suffer from sinusitis. Sleeping with your head elevated may also help. If you only have sinusitis on one side, try sleeping on the other side. This may help open your nasal passageway.
• Change your diet. You may have food allergies which could trigger your sinusitis. Try eliminating foods like wheat, milk, or red wine. Spicy foods like garlic, horseradish, and cayenne pepper may help clear sinuses.
• Use a nasal spray. Saline nasal sprays help moisten and soothe nasal pas­sages. Over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays should not be used for more than three days in a row. A rebound effect may occur if you use them too much, which means your symptoms will get much worse when you stop using them.
• Exercise. Most people with sinusitis find that exercise opens nasal passages by increasing the flow of mucus. However, some people may find that exercise makes their symptoms worse.
• Make sure your glasses fit. Improperly fitting glasses can pinch the bridge of your nose and cause congestion.
• Inhale steam. Breathing in steam may help. You can add pine oil, eucalyptus, or menthol for a little extra nasal-opening power. A warm facial pack (hot tow­els) can have the same effect.
• Use a humidifier. A humidifier may prevent your sinuses from becoming dry and irritated, which could lead to swelling and infection. A humidifier is partic­ularly helpful during the colder months.

Medical Sources:American Family Physician (53,3:877)
The Asthma and Allergy Advance (January/February 1994)

My Neti Pot Experience

Pollen is flying throughout the air during most of the year. Whether it is trees, flowers, grasses or weeds, millions may suffer from four to eight months out of the year. Drug companies target the 26 million seasonal allergy sufferers in the United States each year with ongoing advertising campaigns. Unfortunately, many of these same allergy sufferers may have more side effects due to the use of these drugs than realized.  Allergy doctors are reporting that these over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are not helping their symptoms.

While it is tempting to just lock himself away if you’re one of those who suffer from allergies, there may be natural allergy remedies that can help you enjoy summer as much as someone who has no allergies.

When an allergen hits enters a persons body, histamine is created. Histamines create physical responses such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes and more to help get rid of allergic offender.  While most allergy drugs that you buy at the local drug store are only designed to treat the symptoms, others such as antihistamines may stop the production of histamine giving temporary relief.

Other Allergy Remedies

Neti pots and sinus rinse devices are used worldwide to help clean the sinus cavities. A mixture of non-iodized salt with water can help rinse away the allergens from the nasal cavities. Many allergy sufferers report feeling brand new for a day after rinsing their nose with salt water.

Another natural allergy remedy is quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid, which helps the body slow the release of histamine. It is also believed to fight free radicals. The quercetin is found naturally in foods like apples, parsley, tea, onions, citrus, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine but supplements are also available. Quercetin should not be used by people with liver problems or who are pregnant or nursing.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids as cold water fish, flaxseed oil and nuts can help with allergy symptoms. If you are prone to a lot of congestion of your allergies, try mixing a little horseradish, hot mustard or chili pepper to food. They are natural decongestants. Try to avoid foods that cause allergic reactions, because they may trigger a stronger response while fighting other allergies.

There are several other natural allergy remedies available. Do some research online and find one that works best for you.

About the Author:

Jason Baker is a owner and operator of a health food and vitamin store in Houston, Texas and writes articles for local holistic publications.

Natural Cure for Allergies

Hot Tub Allergies

Hot tub related allergies are on the rise as more and more people enjoy this relaxing past-time.  Most people believe the skin rash or eruption may be due to excess bacteria found in the water from poor care. However, most rashes are due to improper pH levels; too high or too low can actually irritate the skin.

Since hot tubs do not have the water capacity of a swimming pool, they do not generally require the use of strong chlorine based products but rather a far milder amine compound known as bromine.  It is believed that up to 3% of people may be allergic to bromine or chlorine.

Even though it is quite rare, there is a final possibility that a hot tub which has a high level of turbidity (suspended solids) may have a bacteria nown as a pseudomona.  This bacteria can cause skin rashes after just one exposure and can typically be treated with a topical antibiotic ointment. The primary reason a bacterial infection of the skin caused by sitting in a hot tub is so rare is because the water will almost always appear too dirty to sit in.

Water should be changed out regularly according to use or at least every six months and bromine tablets should be added to the tub after heavy use. It is also recommended that persons refrain from applying liquid skin lotions and soaps at least one hour before sitting in a hot tub since they will rinse off and contaminate the water causing more frequent change outs.

Related Post: Chlorine Allergy.

About the Author: Steve (a.k.a. The Spa Doctor), Los Angeles, CA

Doctors See A Sudden Rash Of Hot Tub Allergies

Mushroom allergy?

I have massive indigestion (gas, bloating, severe abdominal pain) after eating mushrooms and can lasts for several hours, even after taking an antacid. Could this be an allergy or sensitivity?  I have not had a problem until recently. I think I will avoid in the future anyway but I’m still curious about what it could be.

Best Answer:

Mushrooms are a fungus and people who have mold allergies can develop mushroom allergies quite easily. Of course, mushrooms are everywhere in the outdoor environment and is reported as mold counts on weather forecast around the world.

What’s odd is that some people who have obvious inhalation fungus allergies can consume mushrooms without an allergic reaction. We think this is because a person can only have a hypersensitivity to a particular mold species making others harmless if breathed in or eaten. However, it is important to note that persons who do have mold allergies can react to a mushroom in their diet at any time without warning.

Allergy skin testing followed by a series of allergy shots are the best way to prevent allergic reactions to all types of molds whether breathed in respiratory or consumed orally.

Killer Mushroom

Miserable Nasal Allergies

If you have been or are experiencing any of these symptoms: uncontrollable sneezing, congestion and runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, breathing wheezing, cough, headache, sometimes the loss of smell, and sore throat, then you must be suffering from allergic rhinitis.

Most people with allergies have a relative who also has allergies transmitted in their genes.  The allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to particles in the air. These particles, called allergens, typically are not harmful, but your immune system reacts when sensitized with the perception that it is a potentially harmful substance. The immune system is the shield against viruses and bacteria harmful, however, can sometimes be more active and respond to noxious particles. This hypersensitivity to allergens can cause the symptoms of allergies above. Seasonal allergies occur when your allergy symptoms are aggravated in the change of seasons or when pollen counts are high. Perennial allergies occur throughout the year and are usually caused by exposure to dust mites, animal dander or cockroach allergen.

Allergies can lead to complications such as sinusitis and ear infections so it is important to take steps to prevent it: cleaning the house to avoid the reproduction of dust mites and indoor molds, avoid exposure to pollen by staying home when pollen counts are high, and avoid exercising outside in the early morning when pollen counts are at its peak.

Doctors advise that the best treatment would prevent only some nasal allergies.  However, if you have already taken preventive measures, there are several treatment options available. There are also counter drugs such as loratadine and cetirizine could help treat the symptoms. There are several prescription medications that your allergist can prescribe for comfort. Allergy shots are also available for those who have poorly controlled symptoms despite taking medication, or if spends most of the year or if you are around allergens that are inevitable. Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) helps control and reduce reactions Allergic to help your immune system becomes less sensitive to the substances you are allergic to.  Through small doses of vaccine, your body slowly accumulates resistance to their allergies without causing a severe reaction. They not only treat the symptoms temporarily, but also treating the underlying disease. Immunotherapy reducing the need for expensive drugs for years and can provide significant savings in the long run.

Take care of your health.  Act now!

About the Author:

To find out more on allergic symptoms or if you are in the Cincinnati who are willing to participate on a research study on investigational oral immunotherapy, please visit www.ragweedallergycincinnati.com for more info.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – What are Allergy Shots For?

Managing Nasal Allergies

There has been much confusion over what causes allergies in the home for many years. Health-care practitioners may tell their patients that it is the outdoor pollutants which really cause their allergies whereas in-home air purifier manufacturers may claim just the opposite.

The fact of the matter is both outdoor and indoor pollutants can cause allergy symptoms. However, indoor pollutants have been shown to actually present a greater problem to long-term allergy sufferers. To start with, people spend more time indoors than out and the indoor pollutants are actually smaller than their outdoor counterparts. Indoor pollutants can actually split up and become smaller particles which are more likely to be breathed deeply into the lung and nasal cavities. In effect, the smaller the particle, the greater likelihood of that particle causing an allergic reaction.

Leading Causes of Environmental Allergies

Small sub-micron particles ranging from household dust to dust-mite feces are a leading cause of environmental allergies. Small particles of mold, pollen and cat dander can also aggravate allergy symptoms in children and adults. Even chemicals found in the following common household products have all shown to cause upper respiratory illness symptoms in children which have chronic allergies:

• Adhesives
• Air fresheners
• Carpeting
• Cigarette smoke
• Cosmetics
• Drapes
• Dyes
• Floor finishes
• Furniture polishes
• Household cleaners
• Paint

Mold Allergy Symptoms and Causes

Many people believe that mold growth which is visual to the human eye is the only mold which can cause allergy symptoms. However, small mold particles are responsible for over 90% of mold allergy symptoms. Mold particles are everywhere in the outdoor and indoor environment. It is the combination of mold particle size to the quantity found in a cubic foot of indoor air which most aggravates allergies. Each cubic foot of indoor air in a home or building can contain millions of particles. These indoor particles are commonly measured in microns, a metric unit of measure. There are 25,400 microns in one inch. Approximately 98-99% of all particles by count of indoor air are in the sub-micron size range of 10 microns or less in size. These sub-micron particles are known as “respirable” and are invisible to the naked eye. The average adult may breathe in as much as 16,000 quarts of air whereas children under the age of 12 can breathe in as much as 10,000 quarts. Each quart of air breathed in contains some 70,000 visible and invisible particles. That’s potentially a billion particles per day taken in by our respiratory system.

Individuals who are hypersensitive or have a predisposed reaction to these sub-micron particles may have an acute allergic reaction. These allergy-causing airborne particles which remain in the home environment for extended periods of time are the primary cause of chronic allergy symptoms in children and adults.

Allergy Induced Asthma

Allergy induced asthma is the term used primarily by health care practitioners to describe persons which are at a higher risk of developing asthma because of their chronic allergic disposition. This is because the inflammatory and sensitization responses of allergy and asthma sufferers are quite similar. Family history usually plays a role in diagnosing allergy induced asthma.

The good news is that the indoor home environment can be made a haven for all allergy and asthma sufferers by implementing the proper technology combined with proper knowledge. In today’s world of technological advances, there is no reason for a child or adult to suffer with allergies while at home.

Related Post: Dust Mite Allergy.

About the author:
The Sick House Center is a resource and information site about indoor air pollution and other related issues. Read their Indoor Pollutant Fact Sheet here.

House Dusting : Controlling Dust Mites

Using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or similar energy therapies to treat or cure allergies can be a great relief and in some cases can literally be a life saver. But the outcome of these treatments is often misunderstood by people who receive them.

Using energy work to heal allergies started in the 1980s with an accidental discovery by Devi Nambudripad who discovered that allergies could be cured through the use of acupuncture. He called his therapy Elimination of Technical Nambudripad allergy. Since then, thousands of people have found relief using NAET and therapies, such as Bio-Set and Freedom Technique Emotional.

Diagnosis is made through muscle response testing. The patient holds a vial containing a very small sample or equivalent energy the suspected allergen in one hand while sticking out his opposite arm. The practitioner considers the ease with which they can push for the extended arm. If the arm becomes weak and easy to push down, so anything that clings to the patient is considered an allergen.

Treatment involves the professional checking specific acupuncture points, while the patient sits still.  After a few EFT treaments, the patient can generally can eat food again without problem.

The misunderstanding comes when the patient believes he can eat all the foods that are processed without any problems. Almost everybody will test weak (allergic) to table sugar and artificial sweeteners. A few EFT treatments does not insyre that food is safe to eat at once. Using energy therapies to overcome food sensitivity should not be seen as a way to eat the junk food without consequences.

Many people have severe allergies to exhaust from cars and buses. Treatments does not mean you can spend an hour in a closed room with a bus idling outside the door without getting sick.

Sugar from food is simply not good for you and is never part of a healthy diet. It’s always going to be “calories empty” and can lead to tooth decay, obesity and worse.  But being able to eat anything without an allergic reaction, and saying that a food is OK to eat are two different things.

Using EFT to get rid of allergies can be one of the best things you can do for your health. But once the allergies are gone, do not be silly with all foods you can eat.

About the Author:

Reuven Wachsberger is an accomplished EFT practitioner, energy worker. www.supertapping.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Common Sense when Using EFT to Treat Allergies and Food Sensitivities

Treating allergies: How to control your allergies

Here’s the big idea: Noise is bad for you. During my career as a pioneer in the simplicity movement, I have taken note of numerous studies that link unwanted sound to increased levels of stress. Even low-level noise has been associated with increased aggression and other mental health problems, as well as poor sleep, high blood pressure and heart disease. A few of the reporting organizations include Cornell University, the Acoustical Society of America and the World Health Organization.

The following tips for increasing moments of silence in daily life will help us all feel better and live healthier:

• Start each day with silence. Before running headlong into an¬other day, do something relaxing for 12 minutes upon waking.
  It may be meditating, stretching or reading inspirational literature. According to the National Institutes of Health, our cortisol levels (”the stress hormone” Produced by the adrenal glands) are highest between 6 and 8 o’clock in the morning, when we first get out of bed. Most people have coffee and turn on the news. That’s the worst thing we can do. Studies have shown that only 12 minutes of quiet in the morning can bring down the stress-hormone levels, and get you off to a better start that will last all day.
• Eat at a table, without watching television or reading. Mind¬ful eating helps us to enjoy our food more, prevents overeat¬ing because we are tuned into our body’s satiety signals, and allows the body to metabolize food more efficiently.
• Try driving in silence. Because there is so much noise that we can’t control, find small ways to create silence that you can control. The car is a wonderful place to get in touch with your thoughts and just be with yourself. Silence is rejuvenating.
• Create a silence retreat at home. Set aside an evening at home with no talking. Turn the phone ringer off and don’t answer it; turn off the television. Don’t run any extra machines. Try to have the family do this together, or trade nights with a partner in taking the kids out to dinner and a movie.
• Practice silent exercise. Exercise without iPod, magazines or video. If possible, exercise outdoors. Silence helps us pay attention to everything the body is doing—breathing, muscle function and posture. Silence helps us listen to the helpful signals our body is giving—to slow down, go faster or straighten up.

About the author:
Janet Luhrs is the international bestselling author of The Simple Living Guide.

Hearing Loss, Vertigo and Facial Nerve Problems