Acupuncture Can Help Treat Migraines

Acupuncture can help treat migraines. This was discovered after a comparative study was done with conventional medical care. In some cases, it even prevents it from happening which helps improve the quality of life for the patient. 

 

To understand how acupuncture helps migraine sufferers, you have to understand that in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that an imbalance in the flow of blood and energy causes this to happen. 

 

In order to treat it, the specialist must relieve the tension by inserting needles into the body to improve the blood flow to the brain thus reducing the pain experienced during an attack.

 

The needles used helps the body balance the serotonin levels since it is a neurotransmitter that affects blood vessels and has a role to play in migraines. In fact the more frequent these sessions are the better. It may even come to a point where the specific point of contact is no longer needed but the general stimulation itself.

 

The end result of undergoing acupuncture is amazing. If you experience 15 to 20 days of agonizing pain, this may be countdown to only 8 days. You won’t even need to use that much medication anymore as before. 

 

For those who are working, this is good so that they are not absent from work that much and there won’t be that much deductions in their salary. 

 

But how well acupuncture does for one patient may vary with another. This depends on the condition of the attack and the individual.

 

The best part about acupuncture is that there are no side effects and it is painless. Skillful professionals can do this so you don’t suffer from hematoma or pneumothorax. Another disease is potentially dangerous is HIV or hepatitis which can be prevented of course as long as the needles used are properly sterilized. It will be much better if the person uses disposable needles. 

 

Acupuncture has been practiced in the United States for more than 2 decades. Although tests have shown how effective it can be to treat chronic conditions and certain addictions, more studies need to be done to see where else it can be useful. 

 

Although one test has proven that acupuncture can help migraines, other tests will also have to be done to prove if this is true. Until such time that other results are published, patients will have to rely on conventional medicine that is prescribed by a doctor. 

 

But you don’t have to wait for the results to come out. If you think it is worth a try, go for it. Just ask for a referral from your doctor as there are many practitioners who have accepted the fact that alternative forms of medicine can also help a patient. 

 

You can also find someone online. You can be sure they are certified if they are recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

 

Aside from that, you should also make some lifestyle changes as there are trigger factors that have been known to cause migraines. Stress is number one on the list so you get enough rest and exercise as well as a balanced diet. 

 

Patients who are suffering from migraine should also check if acupuncture is covered by their HMO. Most insurance providers and HMO’s these days cover all or part of the cost but there are restrictions so you should check what is covered by your policy.

 

Acupuncture Can Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking is one hard habit to break. If nicotine patches and gum doesn’t work, perhaps you should try something else like an alternative form of healthcare like acupuncture. 

 

Acupuncture is an ancient practice involving the use of needles. This instrument is inserted into the skin to allow you energy or Qi to start flowing freely around your body and thus help you quit smoking. 

 

When you go visit an acupuncturist for the first time and tell him or her that you want to quit smoking, after answering some questions, the specialist will carry out an examination of your ears and search for areas where the energy is low. 

 

Once these spots are identified, these sharp needles are then inserted. Usually 5 needles are placed in various acupoints. 

 

The treatment is finished after an hour and when the needles are removed, you are advised to wear ear magnets so your session continues even when you leave the clinic. While acupuncture itself is a painless procedure, some smokers have claimed that they felt a prick or get sleepy. 

 

Most smokers will have to come to the clinic 4 to 6 times before seeing any significant results. Just to give you an idea, one study shows that the respondents reported a decrease in the number of cravings to smoke just after one or two sessions. Seven out of 10 of the respondents were able to kick the habit after 5 or 6 sessions. 

 

Because the number of test subjects is small, there are some who doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. This is because although there are positive signs with regards to the short term effects of this technique, its effects were not sustained. This is why some medical journals have stated that it is unclear what acupuncture can do in smoking cessation. 

 

But you have to remember that acupuncture is not permanent. It merely starts something that you have to finish on your own. Some smokers who go 2 or 3 times a week to the clinic will need to come back for follow up sessions in the future. 

 

At the same time, you have to find ways to prevent yourself from picking up a cigarette. You can do this by staying away from people who smoke since you will be tempted to ask for a stick. You can create your own personal mantra which you repeat to yourself every time you have an urge. 

 

Remember that this craving is only short term and will last only for a few minutes. You have worked so hard to leave this behind so stick to the path and stay smoke free.

 

Acupuncture treatment for smokers should only be done by a license professional. You can do some research online to find out if they are accredited by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, ask how long they have been in the profession, find out how many smokers they have helped and how much will they charge.

 

Once you have found one, you have to commit yourself to the program because both you and the acupuncturist have to work together to give up this habit.

 

Acupuncture can help smokers in the same way that it has helped addicts and alcoholics quit their addictions. You just have to try it even if you may not believe in it. 

 

Acupuncture Closely Revealed

The foundation of acupuncture rests on the relevance of an individual’s chi in maintaining bodily and mental health. It is believed that chi is present in every living creature, and flows through specific pathways in the body. Health problems arise when the flow of chi on the body is blocked. As a result, a person may feel persistent headaches, muscle pain, fever, weakness, or in the worst case, becomes afflicted with more serious health conditions.

 

A Deeper Explanation of Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture has its origins in ancient Chinese philosophy and practice. More than ten thousand years ago, during the Old Stone Age of China, stones were fashioned into knives for medical purposes. After several years, during the New Stone Age, these stones were eventually made into needles intended for the same therapeutic end. These accounts are further evidenced by unearthed stone needles found to be of the same types used during the New Stone Age. 

 

There are basically 14 pathways throughout the body where chi flows continuously. These are called the meridian points. In order for chi to course through the body unobstructed, there has to be a balance between the strengths of yin and yang. In ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent the forces of the universe- yin is for feminine, while yang is for masculine. Every single thing in the universe is believed to contain both yin and yang for harmony.

 

When the yin and yang are not balanced, chi cannot stream through the body liberally. Therefore, the meridian points through which chi courses through need to be stimulated. This is done by the insertion of hair-thin, disposable needles in specific areas on a person’s body to induce bodily harmony and bring about healing.

 

A certified and trained acupuncturist will be able to carry out an excellent therapy session for the patient. Trainings for acupuncturists are given in order for them to obtain their licenses. A poor practitioner may not be proficient enough with the practice and could end up jeopardizing the results of the entire procedure. Nowadays, it is wise to verify on a practitioner’s credentials to ensure a safe and effective acupuncture treatment. 

 

What This Ancient Method Does

 

One of the foremost effects of acupuncture on the body is relaxation. Stress is frequently pinpointed as the main precursor for a host of physical ailments. There are particular points all over the body that direct the flow of harmony and relaxation and when these are enthused, the patient becomes more at ease.

 

Another positive effect of this alternative therapy is increased pain control. During a session, a patient will usually feel very minimal pain as the thin needles are being inserted gradually. However, the needles are deliberately placed in varying depths, depending on the health requirements of the patient. When the needles reach the right depth, the patient will feel deeper pain, although the entire procedure is not necessarily painful. 

 

It is also recommended for relief from chemotherapy fatigue as well as chemotherapy-related nausea. It has also been found to be largely effective for back pains, migraines, menstrual cramps, and as a pain controller for patients after undergoing surgical operations. 

 

Variations of Conventional Acupuncture

 

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture is one of the variations of conventional acupuncture. In this practice, it is believed that the ear provides a map for all the major bodily organs. A specific area or point on the ear corresponds to a particular organ, such as the heart, kidneys, or liver. Thus, the needles are placed in particular points around the ear and on the ear cartilage. 

 

Staplepuncture is a method used in smoking cessation, wherein staples are placed for a certain period anywhere on the ear area to provide stimulation. 

 

Indeed there is growing evidence that this traditional Oriental practice can rival any modern forms of treatment. If you are one of the many people who are looking for a widely recognized and time honored therapeutic practice, acupuncture may just be the alternative treatment for you.

Acupuncture is an Example of Holistic Healthcare

Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick. 

 

Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening. 

 

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles. 

 

Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.

 

Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 month’s worth of sessions. 

 

In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.

 

Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia. 

 

In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anaesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anaesthesia. 

 

Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!

 

This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.

 

Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient. 

 

Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.

 

Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body. 

 

These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.

 

So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.

 

Prevent Sinus Infection

You don’t always have to wait for sinus infection to strike before you take action. As a matter of fact, there are steps you are able to take to prevent this from happening and here are a couple.

 

Dampen the air in your house. You are able to do this by purchasing a humidifier or an air conditioning unit as this regulates the temperature during hot and frigid weather. 

 

Apart from humidifiers or air conditioner equipment, you are able to likewise install electrostatic filters which are designed to take away allergens in the air. 

 

Drinking too much alcohol might likewise trigger a sinus infection as it swells the nasal and sinus membranes which leave them exposed to irritation. This merely means that you ought to drink moderately. 

 

Smoking likewise induces sinus infections as it irritates the sinus lining which causes bad drainage of the mucus and the sinus to congest. So, you ought to quit smoking and stand back from individuals who smoke. 

 

If you travel frequently, you ought to cut back the number of times you have to fly from one destination to the next. This is because a bubble of air inside the body expands as the atmospheric pressure in the plane reduces. When this occurs, this may result in the blockage of the Eustachian tubes causing your nose to clog during the plane’s rise or fall. If you have to fly, make sure to bring with you a decongestant nose drops or inhaler and utilize this before the flight. 

 

When you've a sinus infection, the best way to fight it is to stay hydrated. The same thing goes to prevent it by drinking lots of water, juice or any additional liquid to replenish what was lost from the body. 

 

You ought to likewise practice good hygiene since most sinus infections are induced by bacterial and viral infections. This means taking a shower twice a day and washing your hands with soap and water every time you go to the bathroom. You ought to likewise do this every time you sneeze as when you cover your mouth, the germs go to your hands. 

 

Finally, stress makes us prone to sinusitis and a lot of other infections. So, we ought to get sufficient rest like eight hours at least nightly. 

 

You ought to likewise take some multivitamins and supplements daily. 

 

You are able to prevent sinus infections from occurring so that you don’t have to call in sick and miss a day at work or school. It takes a little effort to take these safety measures which happen to be much more inexpensive than going to your physician and purchasing over the counter medicine.

Established Medicine for Sinus Infections

There are a lot of things you are able to take to fight a sinus infection. Aside from antibiotics, there are others as well namely antihistamines, decongestants, leukotrienes, mucolytics, nasal saline irrigation and steam inhalation as well as steroids. 

 

Antihistamines are advocated if the physician has determined that your sinus infection is induced by an allergy. Majority of them don't have to be prescribed by a physician so you are able to easily get this over the counter. The only limit with antihistamines is the side effects. Those who take it will commonly feel dazed or sleepy. To counter this, decongestants are added to the ingredients of the antihistamine like those commonly found in those that are prescribed by the physician. 

 

Then there are decongestants. These are likewise available over the counter and in prescription drug form. These are designed to alleviate congestion, nasal pressure and nasal swelling by reducing the blood flow to the membranes that in turn will better air flow, lessen breathing with the mouth, decrease pressure in the sinus and head as well as alleviate discomfort. 

 

The one thing it can't do is relieve a runny nose. Unhappily, it likewise has side effects like increased blood pressure and pulse rate which means patients who have hypertension or heart problems have to consult a physician before taking them. 

 

Your physician may likewise recommend nasal saline irrigation and steam inhalation. This is the only one that doesn't have any side effects. It's safe and non-addictive. This works almost instantly. 

 

Steroids are likewise used to eliminate sinus infections. As a matter of fact, there are 2 kinds and the one used for inflammatory conditions are called glucocorticoid steroids. This may be administered orally, applied to the skin or by shot. 

 

The side effects affiliated with it include increased appetite, weight gain, indigestion, increase blood glucose and blood pressure, sleep disturbance, mood swings as well as fluid retention. These gradually disappear naturally once you quit taking it. 

 

As you are able to see, there are many medications around that may used to help you fight off your sinus infection. It will have to be determined first what is causing it instead of through trial and error as this may lead to complications and you certainly don’t wish that to happen to you.

Asthma Treatment Utilizing Natural Health Products Versus Prescription Medicine

This article gives an overview on asthma, its various symptoms, treatment options and how to treat it naturally.

 

Traditionally, Asthma is researched and known as a condition, which affects the respiratory track of the lungs. Asthma can be categorized into allergic and non-allergic or extrinsic, intrinsic and mixed asthma.

 

An extrinsic Asthma (allergic): It is normally attacked by allergic things such as   dust particles, fumes or smokes, animal dander, sugar, chemicals, drugs, environmental and industrial pollutants, food additive and tobacco, etc

 

An intrinsic Asthma (Non-Allergic): Generally triggered by adrenal glands’ disorder and emotional disorder such as stress, tension and anxiety. 

 

It is wholly depends on the stimuli that trigger or target in attacking a person. 

 

Mixed Asthma 

 

Mixed asthma is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic asthma. Mixed asthma patients react to certain allergies but also are triggered by other reasons and things. 

 

It is a two-steps problem:

• When a person is affected by asthma, inflammation is felt in the air passages and it becomes red and swollen.
• When the air passages get inflamed, the patient becomes extra-sensitive to different things, which may aggravate asthma. 

 

Symptoms

 

It is a respiratory disease caused from allergies; it can be identified or its presence can be felt by symptoms like chest constriction, laboured breathing and continuous coughing. 

 

Asthma is a chronic disease, which cannot be cured permanently but can be controlled. One can control his asthma if it is early and properly diagnosed and then patient goes for early treatment. If treatment is not done earlier or a patient becomes careless about his health then there will be frequent and severe attack of asthma, which may lead to fatal consequences. 

 

Treatment

 

We know that asthma cannot be cured permanently but we can control it to great extend if we opt natural treatment and take some precautions. Heavy doses of medicines of different chemical compositions may aggravate asthma instead of controlling it. So it is better to start treatment using natural products.

 

Natural treatment is safe and result oriented; it can control asthma to great extend without any side effects. The health condition of the lungs, immune system, nervous system and adrenal system are the vital areas for the treatment of asthma through natural products.

 

Asthma Treatment Using Natural Product

 

Natural treatment starts by avoiding things, which trigger asthma such as aerosol, sugar, food additives, fats food, salt, fast food, junk food, ice cream and chemically preservative food.

 

The patient must add more juicy fruits, green vegetables, fibre vegetables and raw nuts in his diet. 

 

Patent must avoid such conditions and situations, which cause emotional disturbances or negative emotions such as depression, restlessness, anger, anxiety, destructiveness, self-condemnation and self-pity.

 

In natural treatment of asthma diet, emotional and physical aspects to be taken care.

 

Herbal products must be taken that help in removing excessive mucous and clear respiratory track.

 

Herbal asthmatic formula contains 13 types of herbs, which reduces excessive mucus, chest constriction; clear respiratory track and helps in comfortable breathing.

 

Herbs contain antitussive and antispasmodic qualities, which helps in toning lungs and helps in relieving congestion.

 

There are herbs included for the treatment of asthma that having demulcent and expectorant qualities to tone up bronchial tubes that help in expelling excessive mucus and phlegm. 

 

Some herbs have multi qualities, which act on the body suitably and positively to tone and shape up lungs, clear air passage, control and calm down coughing and control labour breathing.

 

Herbs like elecampane, garlic, mustard, ginger, skullcap and valerian easily available naturally and these herbs are highly recommended for the treatment of asthma.

 

There are herbal chocolate and tea, which can be used for the treatment to control asthma. There are tonic, based on herbs to strengthen the immune system and respiratory system. Food powders are made of herbs and fruits to fight asthmatic attacks. 

 

There are ointments made by herbs to rub the chest during the breathing problems or chest constriction. 

  

There are also ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment to control asthma, which is found to be very effective and substantial.

 

Asthma should be treated opting natural products and herbs because it is safety, cheaper and free from any side effect. These applications will certainly control your asthma and same time you can enjoy life normally and naturally.

Are Allergies and Asthma Related?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition, characterized by difficulty in breathing due to extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways.

 

When we hear of allergy and asthma studies, we often find them lumped together. Is there really a connection between allergies and asthma? To get to the answer to this, we must first learn what allergies and asthma actually are.

 

Allergies are immune system reactions to things that others would find harmless. Certain foods, pollen, even dust are all considered allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. The immune system produces antibodies that release chemicals

 

Asthma is a chronic lung condition, characterized by difficulty in breathing due to extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of air to and from the lungs. Common early warning signs of asthma include fatigue, coughing (especially at night), wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, runny nose, and itchy throat. 

 

Allergies, on the other hand, are immune system reactions to things that most people would experience as harmless. Certain foods, dust, pollen... these are allergens that can trigger an allergy attack. When they're encountered, the body's immune system produces IgE antibodies to fight the allergen. These antibodies create the release of chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which (histamine) affects the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin, causing the allergy's symptoms. 

 

So now that we have a better picture of how these two health conditions work, the question becomes... is there a relationship between allergies and asthma? 

 

It's true that those with certain allergies (usually allergies that affect the nose and eyes, such as dust mites, animal dander, mold or pollen) are more likely to develop asthma than say... those without allergies or those with allergies in other classifications, such as food allergies. But it's also true that many of those with allergies never develop asthma at all. 

 

In addition, there are other factors that can contribute to a person's asthma. Unmonitored exercise, for example. Or other illnesses, such as colds or the flu. 

 

Scientists aren't sure what lies at the root cause of asthma. Various studies are looking at a variety of factors, including air pollution, obesity, and as strange as it might sound, even the lack of exposure to viruses and bacteria in childhood (which may prevent the immune system from growing stronger). 

 

What we do know is that exposure to indoor allergens, pollen, animal dander, grass... in other words, allergy-related factors, are often found in asthmatics. Often, but not always. And it also appears that asthma tends to run in families. If both parents have asthma, there's actually a 40% probability their children will develop the disease as well. 

 

Current research efforts have been exploring the influence of environmental factors, genetics (as mentioned above), and even stress on asthma. This creates the potential to dramatically reduce a person's asthma severity levels by altering his or her exposure to the aggravating factors. This can be particularly successful when the culprit is something that's relatively easy to control. Dust, for instance. Or something only encountered in a work environment. Or, though it's certainly much more difficult because of the emotional component, a family pet. 

 

Unfortunately, the most common allergy that appears to have a direct influence on asthma is an allergy to dust mites. Eliminating these mites to the extent that it might make a difference in the severity of your asthma requires a major change in lifestyle and can often be quite expensive. That doesn't mean it can't be done, only that it's not as easy as simply staying indoors during the pollen season or switching to a less stressful job. 

 

Of course, new treatments are coming along all the time, and considerable research is currently dedicated to finding ways to modify, abolish or diminish the affect allergies have on the body. It's believed that with the successful control of allergies can come the successful control of asthma, particularly in younger sufferers. 

 

In the meantime, here's what we know... asthma can be triggered by allergic reactions, but it can also be triggered by nonallergic reactions. Most asthma attacks result from exposure to allergens such as pollen, household dust, and mold. These attacks can be influenced by indoor or outdoor environments. Because a majority of asthma sufferers are affected by some form of allergies, it's worth the effort to work closely with your doctor to try to identify and control all potential allergens within your influence.

Allergy Treatment

Many people are afflicted with some type of allergy to all sorts of things, such as environmental allergens, odours, fumes, food, and cigarette smoke just to name a few. If symptoms become uncomfortable and happen on a routine basis, then allergy treatment and testing may be in order.

 

With food allergies and small children, the process of elimination is the best way to determine which food is causing the allergic reaction. Allergy testing methods such as skin testing and blood testing are effective, but some people may respond better to one than the other. Food allergies for instance show up better on blood testing, but if you know you’re allergic to a certain food, wouldn’t you just not eat it? 

 

Environmental allergies are a little trickier. Consider all the possible triggers; weeds, trees, pollens, grasses, dust, dust mites, molds, pet dander, chemical fumes, and cigarette smoke are all popular offenders. Skin allergy testing is the best method to use for diagnosis of these types of allergies if severe enough to warrant this approach. Allergy treatment can then be prescribed based on the level of reaction to certain irritants. Not everyone with allergies has to seek help from a specialist. There are quite a few over-the-counter medications that are very effective in treating symptoms, but if this doesn’t work, then a professional should be consulted. Many times allergies are present with other conditions such as eczema and asthma, and should be evaluated in conjunction to allergy treatment since they all go hand in hand. By treating allergies, related conditions will resolve themselves or lessen significantly as allergy treatment progresses.

 

Prescribed allergy treatment usually consists of immunotherapy, better known as allergy shots, which expose allergy sufferers to tiny amounts of the offending allergens in gradually increased doses that over time decrease symptoms. Of course, substances that cause severe allergic reactions, such as certain foods (shellfish, eggs, peanuts) and bee stings should be avoided completely. Avoidance is the only allergy treatment in this case, aside from using an Epi-Pen and/or Benadryl in case an accidental exposure occurs. Different allergy treatments and combinations thereof may have to be tried before significant relief occurs. Over time allergies decrease and may eventually disappear requiring less allergy treatment. 

 

There are quite a few online resources you can check out about allergy treatments. Just use Google and you'll find the most relevant ones. 

 

I also recommend you try drug-free allergy treatments. They can be very effective for you.

Allergies - The Sneezing Sickness

Allergies, particularly what is known as "hayfever" affect thousands of people worldwide. Here's a description of my suffering from dust and sawdust allergies.

 

I've suffered from an allergy to dust, sawdust, and fine particles, ever since I graduated from high school. Shortly after I graduated, I moved with my mother into a small cottage. For some reason, shortly after starting to live in that place, I started getting sneezing fits, runny nose, eyes, stuffed up and itchy nose. My condition became so bad that I went to be examined by the local doctor. His diagnosis was that I was allergic to dust, and fine particles. I expected him to prescribe an effective medication to make my symptoms go away but instead, his recommendation was to remove all the dust from the environment where I lived.  

 

So I helped do a lot of vacuuming and general cleaning in the house, to try to get rid of as much dust as possible. It didn't really work well so when I had a bad attack, I used over the counter allergy medication called Dimetapp. It seemed to stop the sneezing fits and the itchy and stuffed up nose but one side effect was, it made me really sleepy.  

 

Part of the problem might have been that my mother had a habit of shaking out the bed linen, before making up my bed. In particular she would shake out, or snap the sheet before arranging it on the mattress. This seemed to shake out what ever lint or loose material that was attached to the sheet and always seemed to make my condition worse.  

 

When I moved to my work location accommodation, my allergies improved, except when I was close to where a chain saw was cutting wood. The sawdust seemed to make me experience many of the same symptoms as the laundry dust had in the house.  

 

I have learned that it is thought that the dust in a room does not really cause the allergy symptoms. There is a point of view that dust mite insects living on the grains of dust are actually responsible for causing the person's discomfort.  

 

The house mites, like all living things eat, and then eliminate their waste. The mite's eliminations contain various protein type substances. When you breathe these in or they come in contact with your skin, your body makes antibodies. Your antibodies release a chemical known as histamine. Histamine produces all my nasty sneezing and stuffed up runny nose symptoms.  

 

Because my mother also had allergies, it is thought that, I also carry the predisposition to the discomfort of allergies as having allergies is thought to be a hereditary condition.   

 

That doesn't really explain why I get all the same symptoms in a place where there is sawdust in the air. Any time I am around fine particles of sawdust my condition flares up. That is one reason why I would not want to work In a saw mill, or plywood plant where there are fine wood particles floating all over in the air as I would always be a sneezing worker.   

 

I find that by staying away from areas contaminated with these fine particles, my condition has almost completely disappeared.

Allergies - Quality Of Life

In this article we're going to discuss how allergies affect our quality of life and how different allergies affect different parts of our life.

 

Having allergies isn't simply a matter of sneezing once in a while during the day. If it was then nobody would make too big a deal about them. But the truth is, allergies can greatly affect our quality of life depending on what type of allergy we have and how severe the symptoms. 

 

Let's start with the most common allergy, hay fever. Millions of people suffer from hay fever but few really understand how terrible this allergy can be. Going outside and breathing in pollen that starts us sneezing and wheezing is only part of the problem. In itself, that's bad enough. But what about the person who doesn't have a nice comfortable job inside an air conditioned office? This is the poor guy who's maybe a landscaper or gardener. These people work outdoors for a living.  What are they supposed to do? If their symptoms are severe enough where medication brings little or no relief they have two options. Continue to suffer and possibly miss many days of work or find a new line of work. If this sounds drastic, it isn't. Sadly, many people lose their jobs because of medical problems, allergies being among the more common.  

 

For the person who works indoors, they are not always so lucky either. Many people have allergies to indoor mold which is very common in old buildings, especially old schools. There was a recent documented case in Irvington, NJ where the mold situation in the high school was so bad that one teacher became ill enough that she had to leave her job until the situation was rectified.  

 

This is even worse for people with allergies to mold who live in old homes. Many times when the problem gets out of control the person has to sell his home or move out of his apartment. Mold is not an easy thing to get rid of if it has spread far enough and if it does get out of control many times people are forced from their homes. This isn't just a minor quality of life change.  

 

It isn't just people with indoor and outdoor allergies who have their quality of life affected. People with food allergies or sensitivities have their lives sometimes drastically altered. Many people suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome because of allergies to certain foods and because of this either miss time from work or spend a good part of the day at work in the bathroom. In either case these people are forced to give up their jobs because they can't do them dependably.  

 

But it isn't just work that gets the worst of it with allergies. Many fathers with young sons are unable to go outside and play ball with their kid because of hay fever. Others can't go on that vacation with the rest of the family because they have to be close to a bathroom at all times because of food allergies.  

 

The sad fact is, people with allergies suffer greatly. And it's not just a little sneezing during the day.