Perfumes are used everyday by millions of people in thousands of countries around the world and is one of the broadest selling products. However, there are many people who can have serious allergic reactions to the fragrances used in them. More time than not, people who are sensitive to fragrances have been diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).

Symptoms of a perfume allergy include difficultly breathing, skin rashes and has been known to cause asthma in people who are not necessarily an chronic asthma sufferer. Toddlers and young children are even more vulnerable to chemicals, as are people who are recovering from cancer and other illnesses.

Fragrances are actually chemicals and can be found in perfume and cologne which like other chemicals, may cause allergic reactions to those who have a sensitivity to them. A alcohol-based chemical is normally used as a base of the perfume. There are over 2500 fragrances used in perfume with about 105 are believed to cause an allergic reaction in humans. About 25 of these fragrances are used frequently and 12-15 are used very frequently in the more common and cheaper brands of perfume. In addition to perfume, chemical fragrances are also present in most laundry detergents, fabric softeners, anti-cling products, dish-washing liquids, disinfectants, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, aftershaves, incense and analgesic creams. Even products which are marked as “unscented”  may actually contain toxic fragrances.

Related Posts: Fragrance Allergies, Perfume Allergies, Makeup Allergy Test and Makeup Allergy.

About the author:

Angelica Alexander is a sales representative for a national perfume and cologne distributor in New York.

Picking Perfume : Testing Perfume Skin Allergies

Controlling allergies is a huge subject that is always under scrutiny by the millions of allergy sufferers who wake up daily with this chronic condition.

Here are some important allergy control tips:

1. Try to figure out what you are allergic to: pollen, grass, hay, dust, house mites, etc. Then try to stay away from the things that trigger your symptoms. You’ll probably never be able to completely get away from them, but you can try and minimize your exposure.
2. If your allergens (the things you are allergic to) are located outside (pollen, grass, etc.), then stay inside as much as you can during the seasons that disturb you the most (early spring, etc.). Keep your doors and windows closed and run the air conditioner. If possible, put an air filter system on your air conditioner so that it filters dust and pollen from the air as it cools it. Also try using a dehumidifying machine if your climate is very humid. A cool, low-humidity environment also helps prevent dust mites (a common allergen) from growing. The cool air also helps prevent household molds from growing (many people are allergic to molds).
3. Always use your air conditioner in your car, and avoid riding with the windows down or in a convertible.
4. Keep your pets outdoors as much as possible. If you allow them inside, keep them from getting on the furniture and going into your bedroom.

Medical Source: U.S. Pharmacist (17,7:38)

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Nose Woes – Tips for Allergy Sufferers

Is your hair dye causing your heart to flutter?

Trying to “wash that gray out of her hair” was almost a deadly mistake for one 59-year-old woman from California.

She had been dyeing her hair for a number of years with no problem until one day after applying the solution to her hair, her eyes began to swell, she became itchy and hoarse and began having heart palpitations.

She decided to switch to another brand of hair dye and buy an antihistamine just in case she had a reaction.

As it turned out, she did have another allergic reaction, but the antihistamine did the trick and she recovered quickly.

She decided to try her old hair color one more time, and this time it really did her in. Her vision became blurred, her face and hands swelled, and she got dizzy and shaky. She couldn’t breathe and fainted.

Paramedics arrived and, with an injection of adrenaline, saved her life. She had a rare, yet severe, allergic reaction to a chemical in the hair dye.

An allergic reaction usually occurs after the first or second exposure to an allergen (the agent or substance causing the allergic reaction). However, allergic reactions may not occur until after years of exposure.

So, don’t dismiss any unusual symptoms you might experience just because you have used a product for several months or years.

And don’t be fooled into thinking you’re safe just because you have used a product before.

The most common allergic ingredient in hair dyes is a synthetic organic compound called p-phenylenediamine. It is found in most permanent hair colorings.

If you are worried about having an allergic reaction, but would still like to color your hair, use these precautions: do a patch test every time you use permanent coloring, wear gloves to protect your hands, avoid rubbing the dye into your scalp, and wash off any dye that touches your skin.

You can also try to avoid p-phenylenediamine. Most semi-permanent hair colors, including “cellophanes,” do not contain this substance. Be sure to check the label for contents.

Related Post: Antiperspirant Allergies.

Medical Source: In Health (5,2:28)

How To Use Natural Hair Dye

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

Some states in the US have laws that regulate specific areas of the larger indoor air quality and indoor air pollution issue. Other states are considering laws that would effect citizens of their state. On a national level, Federal OSHA has looked into developing a specific standard on ” Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants” but thus far, this effort has been unsuccessful. Worldwide, laws and regulations regarding indoor air pollution vary widely.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution from a human perspective is generally defined as poor indoor air quality which has the potential to cause an acute or chronic illness or symptom of illness in a person as a direct result from exposure to a airborne pollutant.

What are some of the indicators of Indoor Air Pollution in my home?

The three most common complaints regarding Indoor Air Pollution are:
* Feeling better when leaving the home or worse when arriving
* A dusty environment where the furniture stays dusty even after cleaning
* Ongoing or unidentified odors

What are some of the health symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution?

Symptoms could include but not be limited to:
* headache
* eye, nose, or throat irritation
* dry cough
* dry or itchy skin
* dizziness and nausea
* difficulty in concentrating
* fatigue
* sensitivity to odors
* cough
* chest tightness
* fever and chills
* muscle aches
The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the home, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress, and other psycho social factors. Nevertheless, studies show that many symptoms can be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.

Do chemicals create Indoor Air Pollution?

Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the home. Over 75,000 chemicals are used in common household cleaning products, only a fraction have been tested for human health concerns. Some of the most common chemicals found in household cleaners are also the most toxic. Recent studies have shown an alarming amount of chemicals accumulating in people’s fatty tissues, these are the same chemicals known to cause serious health concerns, from immediate and through long term exposure. Chemicals enter the body through skin absorption and inhalation of fumes or vapors. Once a chemical enters the body, your system usually has to process it. Many chemicals have a target organ which they migrate to. Some organs are made to process and filter; others are not.

Can mold and other living organisms cause health problems and allergies?

Yes, biological contaminants such as bacteria, molds, pollen, insect parts, dust mites and viruses are types of biological contaminants. Certain biological contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers, and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Insects and dust mites are a common source of biological contaminants which can accumulate in bedding, furniture, and carpeting. Physical symptoms related to biological agent exposure include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion.

What should I do if I have a serious Indoor Air Pollution problem?

You may consider having a professional Indoor Air Quality Consultant perform a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment. It is common for a experienced consultant to find the source of your problem during a simple Phase 1 visit. In harder cases it is sometimes necessary to complete a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment which would involve detailed inspection of such areas as the attic, the crawl spaces, air handling equipment and so on. Some direct reading testing instruments and simple laboratory samples could also be taken during a Phase 2 Assessment. At any point, the consultant may have sufficient information to formulate a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, and see if the problem is solved. Recommendations are then prescribed to assist the homeowner or building owner with a plan of action to control the issue in the future.

Is air sampling the easiest way to identify indoor air pollutants?

Although air sampling for contaminants might seem to be the logical response to occupant complaints, it doesn’t always provide information about possible causes. While certain basic measurements, e.g., temperature, relative humidity, CO2, and air movement, can provide a useful “snapshot” of current house conditions, sampling for specific pollutant concentrations is often not required to solve the problem. Air sampling should not be undertaken until considerable information on the factors listed above has been collected, and any sampling strategy should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the house or building structure and the nature of the complaints. For example; When taking a laboratory or direct reading sample it may be more important to qualify (identify) certain pollutants than to quantify (count) the pollutant.

About the Author:
The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and it’s effect on allergies. Take the Indoor Air Pollutant quiz at the Sick House Center.

Indoor Air Pollution: The Silent Killer

Anyone have a baby or toddler with allergies to cow’s milk?

My daughter stayed with store bought formula for about a year. She started vomiting milk at 14 months. She is now 22 months and I have tried milk again and she does not vomit, so I’m really looking forward giving her milk. But she has developed a runny nose and cough. Could this still the milk allergy? Has anyone else had this kind of child with a reaction when drinking milk? I hope its just a coincidence with a cold or seasonal allergies.

Best Answer:

It may be a milk or other dairy allergy. Try taking her off of all dairy products and add one at a time in a 48 hour time period and track her reaction in a journal.

You can also try using soy or rice milk  and see what it does. If there is no improvement within 7-10 days, then take her to allergy doctor. Depending on her age, they may or may not be able to give her any type of allergy tests. The main thing is to watch her carefully each time you give any dairy product.

Also, make sure the indoor environment is as clean as possible and there are no allergens which could be causing her symptoms. Check for signs of mold growth in unseen areas such as the AC coil box, refrigerator pan and under sinks.

If you use a standard vacuum, try using a HEPA (High Efficient Particulate Air) vacuum which removes much more of indoor pollutants.

Related Posts: Toddlers Asthma, Childhood Allergies and Baby Allergies.

Source: Yahoo Answers

Disadvantages of Food Allergies

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is believed to be the most common form of asthma affecting over 10 million asthma sufferers worldwide. Over 3 million children under age 18 suffer from allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is characterized by symptoms that are triggered from some type an allergy. Allergy related asthma is airway obstruction and inflammation that can be controlled with medication. Indoor related allergic asthma can occur when allergens that are commonly found indoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs thus causing an allergic reaction.

Indoor Air Allergens

• Cat or dog dander
• Dust mite feces
• Mold spores
• Dead insect parts
• Pesticide dust
• Household dust
• and much more

Symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma can be similar:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest tightness

However, the major difference between allergic asthma and asthma is that an asthma attack can be triggered by inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and other airborne triggers thus resulting in asthma symptoms.

Controlling allergies and asthma in public can be quite challenging, however controlling them while at home in very manageable.  It is important to learn about the methods and technologies available to reduce indoor air triggers in your own home environment.  Inside your home is the only environment which you have full control over your environment. After all it is the place we sleep and spend most of our most time; why shouldn’t it be free of allergy and asthma symptoms.

Technology to the Rescue

Utilizing the proper technology combined with the knowledge of how to use that technology will make the greatest reduction of asthma causing allergens in the home environment. Many asthma allergens fall into the broad category of airborne particles which must be removed from the environment on an ongoing basis. High Efficient Particle Air (HEPA) filter technology can drastically reduce asthma symptoms within days from their initial use. However, HEPA filtration devices must be used regularly to keep the asthma causing allergens at bay.

About the author:

Stan K. Hall is a recognized specialist in Indoor Air Pollution as well as Health & Safety in the home. He has performed over 400 indoor environmental evaluations over the past 26 years and has helped hundreds of homeowners make their homes a haven. He is widely known as the originator of T.E.A.M., the scientifically proven approach to controlling and resolving indoor air pollution. You can read more about allergies and asthma at his web site: Sick House Doctor.

breathing techniques for children with asthma and allergies

Shellfish allergies are considered the most common cause of severe allergies in adults throughout the world. In addition, shellfish allergies is the primary allergy known to manifest for the first time at anytime during adulthood.

Shellfish and Iodine

Although many shellfish species may be rich in iodine, there is no scientific evidence that shellfish allergies raise the risk of developing or having an iodine allergy. Furthermore, it has never been proven that people with shellfish allergies need to take precautions to avoid iodine when undergoing medical tests.  Iodine is not related to the protein that causes shellfish allergies. However, some persons feel that they may have an iodine relative; because they are allergic to shellfish or are known to have an fish allergy.

Avoiding Shellfish

Simply avoiding shellfish is really the only method to prevent a allergic reaction. Having a health professional diagnose the exact type of shellfish you are allergic to will help you to plan your seafood diet. Otherwise, shellfish should be avoided completely since the allergic reactions can be severe.

Examples of shellfish:

• Abalone
• Clams
• Cockle, sea urchin
• Crab
• Crawfish, crayfish
• Lobster
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Shrimp

Shellfish restaurant dishes to avoid

Here a a few dishes and their common names to keep an eye out for when examining restaurant menus:

• Paella
• Bouillabaisse
• Seafood gumbos
• Frito misto (a mixed fried fish dish from the Mediterranean coast)
• Fruits de mer (seafood)
• Surimi (a processed seafood product)
• Anchovies (pizza topping)
• Caponata
• Kedgeree
• Fish sauces (Nuoc Mam and Nam Pla)
• Patum Peperium
• Menhaden
• Be aware that some oriental food tends to contain lots of different kinds of fish and are hard to detect unless you ask ahead

Related Post: Food Allergies and Fish Allergy.

About the Author:
Carlton Smith is a food critic in North Carolina and writes about fine dining experiences in various cuisine publications.

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Medical Conditions & Treatments : Symptoms of Shellfish Allergies

There is much confusion over what causes allergies but we will shed some light on the true nature of allergies in the home environment and how an allergies air purifier can reduce symptoms. Allergies can be caused by exposure to pollution in a particle form such as dust mite or a chemical form such as formaldehyde. A human body can have different immune responses to a pollutant depending on various environmental factors. The good news is, choosing the right air purifier can minimize allergy symptoms while at home.

The indoor air purifier is a simple device which can make a drastic improvement in your indoor air. The real key to understanding an air purifier is to remember that only the indoor air that travels though the unit gets cleaned. For example, very large rooms may require two small air purifiers at either end rather than one large unit in the middle.

Proper Technology Is The Key

The air purifying technologies available should be chosen according to the type of pollutant you are trying to remove from the indoor air. Adsorption media such as activated carbon are effective at removing chemical pollutants, high efficient particulate air (HEPA) and electronic technologies are better suited to remove particles. There are also ultraviolet (UV) units available which are specifically designed to kill microorganisms such as viruses. Utilizing the various technologies together will make the greatest improvement in the indoor air quality of a home.

Airborne particles such as pollen, dust mites, cat dander, household dust and pesticide dust are considered a particulate pollutant and are best addressed with a HEPA air purifier. Other airborne particles such a smoke are removed more efficiently with an electronic air purifying system. A HEPA filter within an air purifier is very effective but the filters must be changes on periodical basis up to 5-years depending on the manufacturer. Electronic filter elements do not require changing but do need to be washed regularly to remain effective.

Microorganisms

Microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and molds must be controlled if a household member has a weakened or damaged immune system including the very young or elderly. The most effective method to control microorganisms is the use of a UV air purifier. UV light can destroy or change the DNA of a microorganism making it unsubstantial as an indoor pollutant. Air purifiers which employ both HEPA and UV technologies are an ideal combination for reducing as much as 85% of indoor pollutants.

Chemicals

Chemicals in the indoor environment are removed by a process known as media adsorption. Media adsorption such as activated carbon granules have a lot of surface area and actually adsorb chemicals from the air. Activated carbon granules are the best choice as a general purpose chemical removal media. There are other media’s available such as Zeolite and potassium permanganate which target chemical compounds that activated carbon is ineffective at removing.. A media should be chosen by understanding which chemical compounds you are targeting for removal from the indoor air. Air purifiers which contain activated carbon polyester filter media should not be used to remove chemicals since they do not contain enough surface area.

Utilizing the proper air purifier technology for a specific indoor air pollutant can dramatically reduce allergy symptoms while in the home environment.

About the author:

The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and related issues. Read about a Pure Air Purifier at the Sick House Center.

IQAir Perfect

Aspirin Allergies

In 1829, scientists discovered a compound called salicin in willow plants which gave pain relief to humans. This new discovery was called aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) which works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins which are chemicals found in the body which are necessary for blood clotting and sensitizing nerve endings thus blocking pain.

An allergic reaction to aspirin can range from mild to severe symptoms. Aspirin allergy symptoms include the development of hives or itching, nasal congestion, coughing,swelling of the lips or tongue and asthma. Severe reactions may include swelling of the face, stomach aches and difficulty breathing.  Symptoms will usually occur within 60 minutes after taking aspirin and can last up to a couple of hours.

A more severe and potentially deadly reaction known as anaphylactic shock can occur in rare cases. This is why it is paramount to seek medical help immediately if swelling of the face or neck occurs.

Aspirin is widely known as a heart attack prevention medicine since it will tend to thin the blood making it less likely to clot and cause a heart attack. However, there are reported illness symptoms with the increase of aspirin use in recent years. Severe stomach aches are widely reported in people who take it daily. It has also been reported to increase the likelihood of devleoping nasal polyps if taken daily for extended periods of time.

There is also increased risk of taking aspirin if a person has the common flu and can lead to a more serious condition known as Reye’s Syndrome in children and adults. Aspirin can also inhibit the drainage necessary during flu episodes and can actually lead to pneumonia developing as a secondary condition.

There are alternatives to aspirin for each intended use and should be discussed with a health professional.

About the author:

Michael Marcus, MD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine

Flu and Aspirin Dangers