By: Anita Morris
About two billion people have allergic complications, according to estimates of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology. Not any other illness, at any moment of history, affected as much people. Specialists start to face it as an epidemic. Only in the United States, each year 5 000 people die suffocated during asthma crises, and 90 million Americans deal daily with the discomfort of rhinitis and dermatitis, the more common allergic varieties. Finding the cure or the causes for this became, thus, a challenge that involves more than interests of public health.
An allergic person that takes remedy against his type of allergy will be able to prevent the misfortunes of the reactions of his immunological system to an allergenic (examples of allergenics: dust, milk, peanut, insects, pets’ hair, etc.). However, the organism will continue producing defensive substances that can create an allergic reaction later on, by getting stronger than the medicine or generating unknown effects to the person who takes it. This is extremely related to the causes of the allergies, another shady area recently illuminated by new researches.
During a lot of time, allergies were thought as hereditary, given that evidences show that the probability of children who have allergic parents to develop the illness is of 70%. However, the advance of the allergic processes in the rhythm of the technological development and the improvement of the life conditions made the scientists consider other hypotheses. The underprivileged populations of the East of Russia, India, Indonesia and Africa register 50% less incidence of cases of allergies than rich countries - over all when compared to the inhabitants of the great European and American metropolises, where there is more asepsis and medical care.
This leads to a hypothetical explanation to the causes of the allergies, the so called "hygienical hypothesis". When observing children who live in farms of Germany and Austria, where they drink raw milk and have contact with the land and fertilizers, it was proved that the incidence of allergic complications among them is 75% less than in the boys who live in the cities. Another research, involving 480 cadets of the Italian Air Force disclosed that the respiratory allergies are less frequent between military that in their childhood had been exposed to microbes transmitted through dirty water and meals cooked with this water.
It’s unusual, but dealing with these facts, scientists are tempted to conclude that the suppression of illnesses as measles, mumps and even diseases caused mostly in children by viruses and worms, - all practically eradicated in the developed countries - can also have its harmful side, since this makes the immunologic system idle.
The acceptance of the "hygienical hypothesis" is growing in the medical community and this can lead to adjustments in the way parents raise their children. Even children who have flues with more frequency in the first years of their life seem to tend less to develop allergies.
Super protective parents that do not allow the children to walk bare-footed, have contact with animals or that only bathe their babies in mineral or boiled water would be, therefore, producing negative and contrary consequences to their children.
This thesis is based on the hypothesis that the exposure to the microbes in infancy strengthens the lymphocytes - white cells of the blood that act in the defence against parasites, embryos, etc.
Obviously, this doesn’t mean that you must give in when your son refuses to take a bath. But it is probable that the human body is not changing so quickly as the civilization. For millenniums we have coexisted with viruses and bacteria, and suddenly we become highly aseptic. Also, our alimentary habits had never been modified so radically, nor had we as much access to chemical remedies and other products as we have now. Probably, in the future, people will try to treat allergies with a healthy diet and less drug prescriptions.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Choosing Natural Products for Common Colds Prevention
by Patsy Hamilton
A product for common colds prevention is among the most commonly purchased dietary supplements, according to a recent survey. Echinacea common cold remedies are more likely to be purchased than any other herbal or natural remedies. Colds cause lost days at work and school, not to mention that the symptoms leave you feeling tired, run down and generally miserable. It's no wonder that people are interested in preventing the number of colds that they have every year. Most adults have two or three and school age children may have as many as twelve per year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Echinacea common cold remedies are recommended by herbalists, because the plant was used historically by Native Americans. The root was used raw or boiled and applied topically to burns, wounds, boils and skin cancer lesions. The dried root was made into a tea and used as an antitoxin, a blood cleanser and to treat pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections, ulcers of the stomach or mouth, cancer and to relieve the symptoms of aging. According to the book "Earthway" by Mary Summer Rain, in which the memoirs of the late No Eyes, a Native American healer, were compiled, aspen, bayberry bark, boneset, capsicum, clover, elecampane, fennel, garlic, gingerroot, honey, horehound, lobelia, mullein, skullcap, thyme, white pine, wild cherry bark, wild onion and yarrow were all used to treat colds. Of all the things that No Eyes mentioned echinacea could be used for, common colds prevention is not among them.
Indian echinacea common cold preventatives are derived from an entirely different plant. The scientific name is Andrographis paniculata and it has a long history of use by practitioners of traditional Indian medicine (not Native Americans, who are sometimes referred to as Indians) and other Asian cultures. It is used in Scandinavian countries for common colds prevention. The active components are extracted from the leaves and stems, not the roots. The plant grows wild in many areas in southeastern Asia and is cultivated in China, Thailand and the East and West Indies. It was used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, pneumonia, tonsillitis and respiratory infections. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection.
Scientific research does not always support the use of echinacea common cold remedies. Those who believe in the effectiveness of the plant suggest that the quality of the plants used for scientific research may be lacking. It can be difficult to determine the quality of health supplements that claim to contain echinacea. Studies have shown that some health supplements do not contain exactly what they claim. When buying health supplements of any kind, it is important to choose products that are manufactured by reputable companies. Herbs and other natural products are relatively expensive; the quality of inexpensive store brands and "no-name" products may be questionable.
Andrographis paniculata or Indian echinacea common cold preventatives are not as widely marketed as other varieties and may be even more expensive to purchase, but research has shown that they effectively stimulate immune system responses. One clinical study showed that those participants who were given andrographis paniculata for common colds prevention were also less likely to become infected with the influenza virus than those who were given a placebo. Those people who did develop the flu and had been taking the health supplement had less severe symptoms of shorter duration and less complications.
For more information about andrographis paniculata and other natural products that can improve immune system responses, please visit the Immune System Booster Guide.
A product for common colds prevention is among the most commonly purchased dietary supplements, according to a recent survey. Echinacea common cold remedies are more likely to be purchased than any other herbal or natural remedies. Colds cause lost days at work and school, not to mention that the symptoms leave you feeling tired, run down and generally miserable. It's no wonder that people are interested in preventing the number of colds that they have every year. Most adults have two or three and school age children may have as many as twelve per year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Echinacea common cold remedies are recommended by herbalists, because the plant was used historically by Native Americans. The root was used raw or boiled and applied topically to burns, wounds, boils and skin cancer lesions. The dried root was made into a tea and used as an antitoxin, a blood cleanser and to treat pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections, ulcers of the stomach or mouth, cancer and to relieve the symptoms of aging. According to the book "Earthway" by Mary Summer Rain, in which the memoirs of the late No Eyes, a Native American healer, were compiled, aspen, bayberry bark, boneset, capsicum, clover, elecampane, fennel, garlic, gingerroot, honey, horehound, lobelia, mullein, skullcap, thyme, white pine, wild cherry bark, wild onion and yarrow were all used to treat colds. Of all the things that No Eyes mentioned echinacea could be used for, common colds prevention is not among them.
Indian echinacea common cold preventatives are derived from an entirely different plant. The scientific name is Andrographis paniculata and it has a long history of use by practitioners of traditional Indian medicine (not Native Americans, who are sometimes referred to as Indians) and other Asian cultures. It is used in Scandinavian countries for common colds prevention. The active components are extracted from the leaves and stems, not the roots. The plant grows wild in many areas in southeastern Asia and is cultivated in China, Thailand and the East and West Indies. It was used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, pneumonia, tonsillitis and respiratory infections. The common cold is an upper respiratory infection.
Scientific research does not always support the use of echinacea common cold remedies. Those who believe in the effectiveness of the plant suggest that the quality of the plants used for scientific research may be lacking. It can be difficult to determine the quality of health supplements that claim to contain echinacea. Studies have shown that some health supplements do not contain exactly what they claim. When buying health supplements of any kind, it is important to choose products that are manufactured by reputable companies. Herbs and other natural products are relatively expensive; the quality of inexpensive store brands and "no-name" products may be questionable.
Andrographis paniculata or Indian echinacea common cold preventatives are not as widely marketed as other varieties and may be even more expensive to purchase, but research has shown that they effectively stimulate immune system responses. One clinical study showed that those participants who were given andrographis paniculata for common colds prevention were also less likely to become infected with the influenza virus than those who were given a placebo. Those people who did develop the flu and had been taking the health supplement had less severe symptoms of shorter duration and less complications.
For more information about andrographis paniculata and other natural products that can improve immune system responses, please visit the Immune System Booster Guide.
Cautions for Allergic Dermatitis
Skin diseases are in hyper mode particularly when the winter season enters. The skin is prone to various allergic reactions. Allergic dermatitis is an itchy skin condition that is caused by an allergic reaction to substances that gets in contact with the skin.
Typically, rashes appear on the skin minutes after its contact with the substance and settles down a few days later. The condition is distinct from contact urticaria and irritant contact dermatitis.
The substances or the so-called allergens causing the augment of allergic dermatitis are harmless to people who are not allergic to it. For active skin prone to the disease, only a very least amount is necessary to induce the reaction.
Allergic dermatitis is manifested by the following symptoms:
• Itching
• Rashes
• Severe swelling
• Large blisters
Treatments include the following:
• Undergo a patch test.
• Emollient Creams
• Steroids (topical)
• For severe cases that cannot be cured by topical steroids anymore, use oral steroid as an alternative
• Tacrolimus ointment
Necessary preventions can also be done in order to alleviate the symptoms of allergic dermatitis, you can do the following preventions:
• Be able to determine the possible causes of allergen.
• Study your environment and avoid the substances that are probably causing the disease.
• Ask for aid and some advices from a dermatologist.
Since allergic dermatitis does not last for long, immediate treatment should be done. Preventing the root of allergic dermatitis is also the best cure that you can do for yourself.
Typically, rashes appear on the skin minutes after its contact with the substance and settles down a few days later. The condition is distinct from contact urticaria and irritant contact dermatitis.
The substances or the so-called allergens causing the augment of allergic dermatitis are harmless to people who are not allergic to it. For active skin prone to the disease, only a very least amount is necessary to induce the reaction.
Allergic dermatitis is manifested by the following symptoms:
• Itching
• Rashes
• Severe swelling
• Large blisters
Treatments include the following:
• Undergo a patch test.
• Emollient Creams
• Steroids (topical)
• For severe cases that cannot be cured by topical steroids anymore, use oral steroid as an alternative
• Tacrolimus ointment
Necessary preventions can also be done in order to alleviate the symptoms of allergic dermatitis, you can do the following preventions:
• Be able to determine the possible causes of allergen.
• Study your environment and avoid the substances that are probably causing the disease.
• Ask for aid and some advices from a dermatologist.
Since allergic dermatitis does not last for long, immediate treatment should be done. Preventing the root of allergic dermatitis is also the best cure that you can do for yourself.
Causes Of Snoring And How To Treat It
by Melvin Ng
Treatments or anti-snoring devices have a big and profitable market. Even a cursory glance at the Internet can reveal the hundreds and thousands of websites touting products that have been designed to help people who wish to stop snoring. However, a lot of the heavy snorers can help themselves to reduce their own volume but following a few simply tips that can help to deal with snoring.
The first important thing to note is that most of the so-called snoring "treatments" are not treatments in any sense of the word. They are actually lifestyle changes that address snoring indirectly by attacking presumed causes. For example, a common cause of snoring is obesity or excess weight.
There are many people out there who never had a problem with snoring but as soon as their weight ballooned, they started snoring. In case this sounds to similar to your case then the simplest thing to do is to lose that additional weight. You do not have to gain a lot of weight before snoring beings. Even a gain of as little as ten pounds can get you going at night.
In case there is no problem with excess weight then the next most likely cause of snoring can be an allergy. While this is a common problem and in most cases an avoidance of allergy leads to reduction in snoring, the problem is finding out exactly what you are allergic to. It could be dust, pet hair, environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, etc. If you have a pet, keep it outside. If you are sensitive to some plant aromas then get rid of them. Use air filters to clean cigarette smoke and other pollutants. Keep the bed-sheets and blankets clean.
Another common problem is a bad sleeping position. A majority of snorers sleep on their back. If you do the same then try sleeping in a different position. This can be difficult, as the body tends to revert to its habitual position soon after sleep but keep trying. Also, try to raise your head by the use of an additional pillow. Sometimes, an elevated head position can be of great help.
A lot of snoring results from a dry throat. If you wake up to find your throat parched and painful and perhaps a difficulty in swallowing due to roughness then you have a dryness problem. Buy a humidifier to keep the air moist in your bedroom so that the airways do not dry out.
Alcohol is a very powerful dehydrating agent. People with snoring problems should strictly avoid alcohol before going to bed. Alcohol causes water to evaporate very fast. If you have it before going to bed it will mix with saliva and completely dry out the mouth and upper throat.
And lastly, there are always anti-snoring devices for you to try out before going for prescription drugs.
Treatments or anti-snoring devices have a big and profitable market. Even a cursory glance at the Internet can reveal the hundreds and thousands of websites touting products that have been designed to help people who wish to stop snoring. However, a lot of the heavy snorers can help themselves to reduce their own volume but following a few simply tips that can help to deal with snoring.
The first important thing to note is that most of the so-called snoring "treatments" are not treatments in any sense of the word. They are actually lifestyle changes that address snoring indirectly by attacking presumed causes. For example, a common cause of snoring is obesity or excess weight.
There are many people out there who never had a problem with snoring but as soon as their weight ballooned, they started snoring. In case this sounds to similar to your case then the simplest thing to do is to lose that additional weight. You do not have to gain a lot of weight before snoring beings. Even a gain of as little as ten pounds can get you going at night.
In case there is no problem with excess weight then the next most likely cause of snoring can be an allergy. While this is a common problem and in most cases an avoidance of allergy leads to reduction in snoring, the problem is finding out exactly what you are allergic to. It could be dust, pet hair, environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, etc. If you have a pet, keep it outside. If you are sensitive to some plant aromas then get rid of them. Use air filters to clean cigarette smoke and other pollutants. Keep the bed-sheets and blankets clean.
Another common problem is a bad sleeping position. A majority of snorers sleep on their back. If you do the same then try sleeping in a different position. This can be difficult, as the body tends to revert to its habitual position soon after sleep but keep trying. Also, try to raise your head by the use of an additional pillow. Sometimes, an elevated head position can be of great help.
A lot of snoring results from a dry throat. If you wake up to find your throat parched and painful and perhaps a difficulty in swallowing due to roughness then you have a dryness problem. Buy a humidifier to keep the air moist in your bedroom so that the airways do not dry out.
Alcohol is a very powerful dehydrating agent. People with snoring problems should strictly avoid alcohol before going to bed. Alcohol causes water to evaporate very fast. If you have it before going to bed it will mix with saliva and completely dry out the mouth and upper throat.
And lastly, there are always anti-snoring devices for you to try out before going for prescription drugs.
Causes and treatment of Vaginal Dryness
by Amanda Johnson
Common Reasons for Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness means lack of moisture in vagina. It creates many problems in sexual activities. It makes the sexual intercourse very painful and very less pleasurable. There are itching and burning sensation while suffering from vaginal dryness and you can first notice it during intercourse. However the common cause for this is menopause but apart from this there are also some other reasons for vaginal dryness. In order to get proper treatment of vaginal dryness you will have to determine the exact reason. Below are the various causes and treatment of vaginal dryness that can help you to prevent from it and treat your problem.
Causes
* Hormones play an important role to create dryness in vagina. The main reason for vaginal dryness is decrease of estrogen level in women. The estrogen level go down in women due to various reason including
o Cigarette smoking
o Removal of ovaries after surgery
o Menopause and Immune disorder
o Child birth and Breast feeding
* Medication during treatment of cancer including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
* Vaginal bacterial infection.
* Sexually transmitted disease (STDs)
* Diabetes, Depression and trauma
* Sexual assault and abuse
* Using infertility drugs, Harsh dying soaps and perfumes
* Use of diaphragms and condoms may also lead to this problem due to some allergy.
Treatment
Self Care
* Wear Cotton panties. Proper air circulation will ease the problem.
* Try to avoid soap. Still if you want to use soap use good quality soap without any scent. Perfumed soap or shampoo can increase your problem.
* Use powder of perfume in such a way that it do not come in contact with your vaginal area.
* You can use vitamin E oil.
* You can use lubricant say K-Y Jelly. It will also make your sexual intercourse less painful.
* Moisturizer can also play a vital role. Single application will decrease the dryness for up to three days.
Medication
* If self-care methods do not correct your problem you should take medication under consultation of doctor.
* If the problem exists due to low level of estrogen you doctor may advise you to go for vaginal estrogen therapy.
* If the problem occurs due to some other reasons other than menopause, your doctor can suggest you a higher dose of estrogen ring, estrogen pill or patches.
Your treating specialist may ask you some personal questions e.g., rape, sexual abuse or domestic violence etc. You should answer these questions honestly to your doctor that may be very helpful to provide you correct treatment. In such a case all the information is kept confidential. After physical examination and sexual counseling the treating specialist may recommend for some laboratory test and subsequently starts treatment which involves review of medication and over-the-counter drug.
Find more information visit: Causes and treatment of Vaginal Dryness
Common Reasons for Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness means lack of moisture in vagina. It creates many problems in sexual activities. It makes the sexual intercourse very painful and very less pleasurable. There are itching and burning sensation while suffering from vaginal dryness and you can first notice it during intercourse. However the common cause for this is menopause but apart from this there are also some other reasons for vaginal dryness. In order to get proper treatment of vaginal dryness you will have to determine the exact reason. Below are the various causes and treatment of vaginal dryness that can help you to prevent from it and treat your problem.
Causes
* Hormones play an important role to create dryness in vagina. The main reason for vaginal dryness is decrease of estrogen level in women. The estrogen level go down in women due to various reason including
o Cigarette smoking
o Removal of ovaries after surgery
o Menopause and Immune disorder
o Child birth and Breast feeding
* Medication during treatment of cancer including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
* Vaginal bacterial infection.
* Sexually transmitted disease (STDs)
* Diabetes, Depression and trauma
* Sexual assault and abuse
* Using infertility drugs, Harsh dying soaps and perfumes
* Use of diaphragms and condoms may also lead to this problem due to some allergy.
Treatment
Self Care
* Wear Cotton panties. Proper air circulation will ease the problem.
* Try to avoid soap. Still if you want to use soap use good quality soap without any scent. Perfumed soap or shampoo can increase your problem.
* Use powder of perfume in such a way that it do not come in contact with your vaginal area.
* You can use vitamin E oil.
* You can use lubricant say K-Y Jelly. It will also make your sexual intercourse less painful.
* Moisturizer can also play a vital role. Single application will decrease the dryness for up to three days.
Medication
* If self-care methods do not correct your problem you should take medication under consultation of doctor.
* If the problem exists due to low level of estrogen you doctor may advise you to go for vaginal estrogen therapy.
* If the problem occurs due to some other reasons other than menopause, your doctor can suggest you a higher dose of estrogen ring, estrogen pill or patches.
Your treating specialist may ask you some personal questions e.g., rape, sexual abuse or domestic violence etc. You should answer these questions honestly to your doctor that may be very helpful to provide you correct treatment. In such a case all the information is kept confidential. After physical examination and sexual counseling the treating specialist may recommend for some laboratory test and subsequently starts treatment which involves review of medication and over-the-counter drug.
Find more information visit: Causes and treatment of Vaginal Dryness