My Seven Favorite Herbs for the Allergy Season (and Asthma Too!)
These recommendations may help someone suffering from Asthma and other allergies.
Showing posts with label Allergies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allergies. Show all posts
Thursday, 17 March 2022
My Seven Favorite Herbs for the Allergy Season (and Asthma Too!)
Thursday, 1 October 2020
Preparing for asthma attacks during a pandemic
Preparing for asthma attacks during a pandemic:
Newswise — Cooler weather, pumpkins, and falling leaves – all things that kick off the most wonderful time of year, the holiday season. But for asthma sufferers, this could mean trouble because experts see an increase in asthma attacks toward the end of September.
Pushan Jani, MD, MSc, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), has tips on how to avoid asthma attacks and possible hospitalization during a pandemic.
“There are two different types of asthma flare-ups. First you have those who suffer asthma year-round, and then there are some people who have seasonal asthma, which is triggered by different allergens and pollen in the air. This time of the year increases the attacks for seasonal asthma and can make those who suffer from persistent asthma control worse,” Jani, a pulmonary oncologist with UT Physicians, said.
Jani says every year toward the end of September and into October, he sees a significant uptick in asthma-related hospitalizations as various pollens such as ragweed and mold hit the air.
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, making it difficult to breathe. It impacts nearly 25 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With flu season starting, COVID-19 still here, and an increase in pollen in the air, these three respiratory illnesses could be a recipe for disaster. To avoid landing in the hospital due to an asthma attack, Jani suggests doing the following to prepare:
- Monitor local weather channels or the Air Quality Index (AQI) for pollen counts. “If you know what type of pollen triggers your asthma, stay up to date with weather channels and apps that can help you determine whether or not you should be out. If the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, 101-150, the AQI recommends that asthma patients reduce or limit the time they spend working or doing activities outside,” he said.
- Stock up on any medications or inhalers needed to control flare-ups.
- Get an allergy test. “If you are unaware of what triggers these attacks, get tested. This will help pinpoint what you should look out for to avoid a huge attack and possible hospitalization,” Jani said.
In addition to these steps, Jani says it’s important to know the early symptoms of an asthma attack: severe shortness of breath, excessive coughing, difficulty talking, and chest tightness.
“Ideally, we would like for patients to have good control of their asthma year-round. We are going into the time of year where we see an increase in asthma-related cases, and we are still in the middle of a pandemic. We hope now more than ever that patients understand why it is especially important to have these triggers under control to avoid visits to the hospital,” Jani said.
Friday, 3 May 2019
Preparation is Key as You Head to College with Allergies and Asthma | Newswise: News for Journalists
Preparation is Key as You Head to College with Allergies and Asthma | Newswise: News for Journalists:
Feeling as though there are too many things to think about as you plan your transition from high school senior to college freshman?
Source Newsroom: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)
Newswise — ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL (May 1, 2019)
– Feeling as though there are too many things to think about as you
plan your transition from high school senior to college freshman? Here’s
something else to consider: How will you handle your allergies and
asthma in your new environment?
“Many college freshmen have never been in charge of their health care before and must consider how they’ll keep their allergies and asthma under control,” says allergist Todd Mahr, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “There are all sorts of questions to answer before they go, such as: How will I handle dorm food if I have a food allergy? What if I’m allergic to things in my room? Where will I get my prescription medications? and Where do I go if there’s a medical emergency? Advance planning can help answer these questions and more.”
Following are five tips from ACAAI to help college students get ahead in taking the lead in the care of their allergies and asthma as they head off from home for the first time.
Feeling as though there are too many things to think about as you plan your transition from high school senior to college freshman?
Source Newsroom: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)
MEDIA CONTACT
Available for logged-in reporters onlyCHANNELS
“Many college freshmen have never been in charge of their health care before and must consider how they’ll keep their allergies and asthma under control,” says allergist Todd Mahr, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “There are all sorts of questions to answer before they go, such as: How will I handle dorm food if I have a food allergy? What if I’m allergic to things in my room? Where will I get my prescription medications? and Where do I go if there’s a medical emergency? Advance planning can help answer these questions and more.”
Following are five tips from ACAAI to help college students get ahead in taking the lead in the care of their allergies and asthma as they head off from home for the first time.
- Meet with your allergist – Make an appointment with your allergist before or soon after you graduate to discuss some of your important questions. Find out if your prescriptions need to be updated or changed. Will the climate be different? Sometimes a new geographic location means more (or less) pollen or different asthma triggers. If your mom or dad has been the main point person, it’s time for you to step into the role. Ask for a referral to an allergist in your new location and scout out where you’ll be able to pick up prescriptions. ACAAI has an allergist locator that can help you find an allergist in your new town.
- Good communication can help ease the transition - Before you leave, contact school administrators to discuss necessary arrangements for your dorm room, meals or transportation around campus. The nearest hospital facility may not be equipped to treat patients with special medical needs, so ask about the best facility in case of emergency. Contact the school’s office of disabilities if special provisions are needed, and make sure they have any documentation needed to provide special services.
- You gonna eat that? – College dorm food, while sometimes awful, can also be dangerous if you have food allergies. Your school should have special accommodations for students with food allergies. Look into how the cafeterias confirm the ingredients in the food they serve. Either in advance or once you arrive, talk to food handlers about safety standards. Ask about ingredients at every meal or snack. You probably already carefully read labels, but make sure your friends, roommate and resident adviser know about your food allergies. It’s your job to educate others about your allergies.
- Step up your vigilance – Be aware that impaired judgment from drug or alcohol use increases your risk for accidental ingestion of foods that cause anaphylaxis. There are also risks associated with intimacy, and the potential for partners to transfer food allergens through saliva. Discussions surrounding drugs, alcohol and sexual activity are never easy, but your allergist may be a great resource for information on these topics.
- Dorm rooms don’t have to be dirty – It’s more or less expected that dorm rooms can get messy, but cleaning can help you keep seasonal allergies in check, as well as allergies to mold or dust. Remember to bring cleaning supplies you already know work for you. An allergy-proof pillow and mattress casings can protect you from dust mites. Carry and store your belongings in airtight plastic containers to cut down on dust and keep dorm windows closed to prevent pollen and dust from entering.
Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Higher weight increases risk of psoriasis | Newswise: News for Journalists
Higher weight increases risk of psoriasis | Newswise: News for Journalists:
Studies have linked psoriasis and higher weight, but the causal relationship between the two has been unclear. What triggers what?
Newswise — Studies have linked psoriasis and higher
weight, but the causal relationship between the two has been unclear.
What triggers what?
Or could other underlying reasons explain the connection?
"Higher BMI may contribute to increased inflammation of the skin, which can exacerbate psoriasis, but it could also be that psoriasis leads to a person being less physically active and thus gaining weight," explains Mari Løset.
She is a medical doctor at the Department of Dermatology at St. Olavs Hospital and a postdoctoral fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology.
Løset is part of a team that been involved in a study of the causal relationship between BMI and psoriasis.
BMI stands for body mass index and is a measure of body fat content. It is calculated from a person's height and weight.
The observational study is a large collaboration among researchers from NTNU, England and North America. Some of the data being used is from the Health Survey in Nord-Trøndelag (HUNT) and the UK Biobank. Together, the analyses include data from 750 000 individuals.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, which causes a red, scaly rash. The cause of the disorder is probably multifactorial, involving both heredity and the environment.
Worldwide, two to four per cent of the population is affected by psoriasis. The incidence is particularly high in Norway.
"Self-reported data from two large population surveys in Norway indicate that six to eleven per cent of the population may be affected in this country," says Løset.
A study in the city of Tromsø has shown that the incidence of psoriasis was 4.8 per cent in 1980, but had increased to 11.4 per cent in 2008.
"Similar studies from other parts of the world substantiate the fact that the condition is increasing," says the postdoctoral fellow.
To investigate the causal relationship between BMI and psoriasis, the researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization. It is named after Gregor Mendel, who is known as the father of genetics.
According to Mendel's principles of inheritance, whether we inherit a certain variant of genes from our mother or our father is random. Genetic variants are randomly distributed, or randomized, between individuals.
"Mendelian randomization means that nature itself distributes individuals randomly into groups based on genes. This way, we can avoid the results being influenced by external factors," says Løset.
"Our understanding of how genes are related to disease is increasing at record speed, and in this study we used known genetic variants as markers for BMI and psoriasis," she adds.
By using Mendelian randomization, the researchers found that higher weight is a contributing factor to psoriasis. They observed that greater BMI increased the chance of getting the disease.
"We calculated that the risk increased by nine per cent for each higher whole number on the BMI scale," Løset says.
But the researchers are still uncertain about just how higher weight can lead to psoriasis.
"We still don't know enough about the mechanisms behind this connection. Fatty tissue is an organ that produces hormones and inflammatory signalling molecules, which could be a contributing factor," says Løset.
So far, not much research has been done on whether weight loss can cause psoriasis to disappear, although a few clinical studies suggest the possibility.
"Psoriasis is a very complex disease and we hope to study subgroups, especially individuals with severe psoriasis. The hypothesis is that we will be able to observe even greater links with higher weight," says Mari Løset.
Mari Løset et al.: Evidence of a causal relationship between body mass index and psoriasis: A mendelian randomization study. PLOS Medicine.
Studies have linked psoriasis and higher weight, but the causal relationship between the two has been unclear. What triggers what?
Article ID: 711982
Released: 26-Apr-2019 11:05 AM EDT
Source Newsroom: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Released: 26-Apr-2019 11:05 AM EDT
Source Newsroom: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Or could other underlying reasons explain the connection?
"Higher BMI may contribute to increased inflammation of the skin, which can exacerbate psoriasis, but it could also be that psoriasis leads to a person being less physically active and thus gaining weight," explains Mari Løset.
She is a medical doctor at the Department of Dermatology at St. Olavs Hospital and a postdoctoral fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology.
Løset is part of a team that been involved in a study of the causal relationship between BMI and psoriasis.
BMI stands for body mass index and is a measure of body fat content. It is calculated from a person's height and weight.
The observational study is a large collaboration among researchers from NTNU, England and North America. Some of the data being used is from the Health Survey in Nord-Trøndelag (HUNT) and the UK Biobank. Together, the analyses include data from 750 000 individuals.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, which causes a red, scaly rash. The cause of the disorder is probably multifactorial, involving both heredity and the environment.
Worldwide, two to four per cent of the population is affected by psoriasis. The incidence is particularly high in Norway.
"Self-reported data from two large population surveys in Norway indicate that six to eleven per cent of the population may be affected in this country," says Løset.
A study in the city of Tromsø has shown that the incidence of psoriasis was 4.8 per cent in 1980, but had increased to 11.4 per cent in 2008.
"Similar studies from other parts of the world substantiate the fact that the condition is increasing," says the postdoctoral fellow.
To investigate the causal relationship between BMI and psoriasis, the researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization. It is named after Gregor Mendel, who is known as the father of genetics.
According to Mendel's principles of inheritance, whether we inherit a certain variant of genes from our mother or our father is random. Genetic variants are randomly distributed, or randomized, between individuals.
"Mendelian randomization means that nature itself distributes individuals randomly into groups based on genes. This way, we can avoid the results being influenced by external factors," says Løset.
"Our understanding of how genes are related to disease is increasing at record speed, and in this study we used known genetic variants as markers for BMI and psoriasis," she adds.
By using Mendelian randomization, the researchers found that higher weight is a contributing factor to psoriasis. They observed that greater BMI increased the chance of getting the disease.
"We calculated that the risk increased by nine per cent for each higher whole number on the BMI scale," Løset says.
But the researchers are still uncertain about just how higher weight can lead to psoriasis.
"We still don't know enough about the mechanisms behind this connection. Fatty tissue is an organ that produces hormones and inflammatory signalling molecules, which could be a contributing factor," says Løset.
So far, not much research has been done on whether weight loss can cause psoriasis to disappear, although a few clinical studies suggest the possibility.
"Psoriasis is a very complex disease and we hope to study subgroups, especially individuals with severe psoriasis. The hypothesis is that we will be able to observe even greater links with higher weight," says Mari Løset.
###
Study:Mari Løset et al.: Evidence of a causal relationship between body mass index and psoriasis: A mendelian randomization study. PLOS Medicine.
Friday, 25 May 2018
14 Signs Of Hidden Inflammation Iin The Body
Hidden Inflammation in the Body
It is important to pay attention to this!
When most people think of inflammation, they think of a swollen ankle or knee after a sprain or other injury. But inflammation is far more serious.
In fact, it can be said that inflammation is the root of all disease. You may not even see the inflammation, but you can bet it is there, especially if you don’t eat properly or exercise regularly.
That’s because inflammation is actually the body’s natural response to stress—be it dietary, physical, environmental and/or even emotional.
And once your body starts to become inflamed, it puts you at risk for everything from weight gain, migraines, allergies and colds and flus to more serious illnesses such as gout, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and the dreaded ‘C’ word—cancer.
Even the healthiest among us will have some type of inflammation—if you live in today’s fast-paced, toxin-filled world, you have inflammation. The real question is what do you plan to do about it?
People tend to overlook their digestive system as a source of disease, but it makes sense when you consider that our guts are home to about 70 percent of our immune system and where 80 percent or more of our immunoglobulin A (IgA) cells (immune cells) live. (1)
It makes even more sense when you consider our guts are much larger than you might think. In fact, our guts are made of an intricate semi-permeable lining that would cover two tennis courts if stretched out flat!
It is important to pay attention to this!
When most people think of inflammation, they think of a swollen ankle or knee after a sprain or other injury. But inflammation is far more serious.
In fact, it can be said that inflammation is the root of all disease. You may not even see the inflammation, but you can bet it is there, especially if you don’t eat properly or exercise regularly.
That’s because inflammation is actually the body’s natural response to stress—be it dietary, physical, environmental and/or even emotional.
And once your body starts to become inflamed, it puts you at risk for everything from weight gain, migraines, allergies and colds and flus to more serious illnesses such as gout, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and the dreaded ‘C’ word—cancer.
Even the healthiest among us will have some type of inflammation—if you live in today’s fast-paced, toxin-filled world, you have inflammation. The real question is what do you plan to do about it?
Where Does Inflammation Start?
Would you be surprised to learn that most inflammation actually begins in your gut?People tend to overlook their digestive system as a source of disease, but it makes sense when you consider that our guts are home to about 70 percent of our immune system and where 80 percent or more of our immunoglobulin A (IgA) cells (immune cells) live. (1)
It makes even more sense when you consider our guts are much larger than you might think. In fact, our guts are made of an intricate semi-permeable lining that would cover two tennis courts if stretched out flat!
Friday, 17 November 2017
Study Finds Asthma and Food Allergies Predictable at Age One
Study Finds Asthma and Food Allergies Predictable at Age One:
Using data from more than 2,300 children from across Canada participating in the CHILD Study, the researchers evaluated the presence of AD and allergic sensitization at age one. When the children were three years of age, the researchers performed a clinical assessment to determine the presence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy and AD. The combined effect of AD and allergic sensitization was found to be greater than the sum of their individual effects, both on the risk of asthma and on reported food allergy.
Using data from more than 2,300 children from across Canada participating in the CHILD Study, the researchers evaluated the presence of AD and allergic sensitization at age one. When the children were three years of age, the researchers performed a clinical assessment to determine the presence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy and AD. The combined effect of AD and allergic sensitization was found to be greater than the sum of their individual effects, both on the risk of asthma and on reported food allergy.
Sunday, 7 May 2017
5 Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergy Relief
5 Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergy Relief
Allergy Season has started and I hope the remedies proposed in this post give you some relief.
When seasonal allergies strike they can bring with them a host of nasty symptoms including itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, a running nose and sore throat due to post-nasal drip. Medicating with anti-histamines isn’t a healthy option and can leave many feeling drowsy and fatigued. Luckily there are natural remedies that are making waves for their powerful anti-histamine-like effects and abilities to suppress seasonal allergy symptoms.
Allergy Season has started and I hope the remedies proposed in this post give you some relief.
When seasonal allergies strike they can bring with them a host of nasty symptoms including itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, a running nose and sore throat due to post-nasal drip. Medicating with anti-histamines isn’t a healthy option and can leave many feeling drowsy and fatigued. Luckily there are natural remedies that are making waves for their powerful anti-histamine-like effects and abilities to suppress seasonal allergy symptoms.
Thursday, 23 February 2017
The 7 Ways To Battle The Dreaded Hayfever
The 7 Ways To Battle The Dreaded Hay Fever
It is merely the end of February and the allergy season is well under way. As a sufferer myself I can fully sympathize with people who get these allergies and Hayfever. this year, however, I armed myself right away with a Hayfever Relief Spray for the Nose and then I also take Bee Pollen pills that my brother recommended for a cough some years ago but I thought it can't do any harm.
Lo and behold, I do not suffer like in other years, thankfully because sleeping can be a nightmare and generally it can be quite unpleasant feeling low and having no sense of smell or taste.
The Bee Pollen Capsules from Amazon are by a Company called 'Natural Answers' and Superior Strength and very much worth a try.
The Article above also gives some great helpful tips so let's hope that this year is better than before and that at least some of the remedies recommended give you relief.
It is merely the end of February and the allergy season is well under way. As a sufferer myself I can fully sympathize with people who get these allergies and Hayfever. this year, however, I armed myself right away with a Hayfever Relief Spray for the Nose and then I also take Bee Pollen pills that my brother recommended for a cough some years ago but I thought it can't do any harm.
Lo and behold, I do not suffer like in other years, thankfully because sleeping can be a nightmare and generally it can be quite unpleasant feeling low and having no sense of smell or taste.
The Bee Pollen Capsules from Amazon are by a Company called 'Natural Answers' and Superior Strength and very much worth a try.
The Article above also gives some great helpful tips so let's hope that this year is better than before and that at least some of the remedies recommended give you relief.
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
War on Pollen during Spring Allergy Season
Spring is just around the corner for us in the Northern Hemispher and with it come the Allergies to growing, blossoming plants in Nature. The American College of Asthma and Allergies has published the article below which may be helpful. Since Asthma and Allergies are so wide spread, the more we know about what causes them and our particular Allergy to certain plants, the better we are equipped to deal with this.
It’s a War on Pollen during Spring Allergy Season
It’s a War on Pollen during Spring Allergy Season
Friday, 27 June 2014
Food Allergies
This is interesting since nuts can have serious and fatal consequences in someone who is allergic to them.
Peanuts Don’t Panic Parents as Much as Milk and Eggs
Peanuts Don’t Panic Parents as Much as Milk and Eggs
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Relief from Asthma?
As someone who suffers from Asthma, this subject is always close to my heart and I have spent many years not taking this condition seriously until I nearly died a few times. Being drastically short of breath and not being able to do the things healthy people do like taking a normal long walk, made me realise how important it is to adhere to the advice that is given by the Allergist and the Doctors.
Need Relief from Asthma? Communicating with your Allergist is Key
As well as taking advice seriously, I have been fortunate to be referred to an Ayurvedic Practicioner who helped me with Indian Herbs to remove mucus from my congested lungs. In addition, I have given up Dairy Products and now Gluten as well. I have not had a serious Asthma Attack for years. Occasionally when it is cold, I get short of breath but at least I am able to breathe normally and feel that the Oxygen is actually getting into my lungs whereas before, I felt that this was not the case and I was fighting for breath.
It pays to follow careful instructions and enquire about other than conventional remedies to ease or cure this condition.
To your good health.
Adele Bantle
International Style Coach
Need Relief from Asthma? Communicating with your Allergist is Key
As well as taking advice seriously, I have been fortunate to be referred to an Ayurvedic Practicioner who helped me with Indian Herbs to remove mucus from my congested lungs. In addition, I have given up Dairy Products and now Gluten as well. I have not had a serious Asthma Attack for years. Occasionally when it is cold, I get short of breath but at least I am able to breathe normally and feel that the Oxygen is actually getting into my lungs whereas before, I felt that this was not the case and I was fighting for breath.
It pays to follow careful instructions and enquire about other than conventional remedies to ease or cure this condition.
To your good health.
Adele Bantle
International Style Coach
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Holiday Health: Asthma with a Side of Allergies
This is brilliant advice. Some times although we have Asthma and some Allergies, we are not aware that we are also allergic to pets. Better to be safe than sorry because it could spoil the fun of the festivities to have an Asthma or other attack.
Holiday Health: Asthma with a Side of Allergies
Always good to be prepared.
Adele Bantle
International Style Coach
Holiday Health: Asthma with a Side of Allergies
Always good to be prepared.
Adele Bantle
International Style Coach
Friday, 8 November 2013
Misconceptions about Allergies
This article highlights the misconceptions we have about allergies. It is great that the ideas we have been given about certain allergies and food intolerance are cleared up once and for all.
Defining Allergy Fact from Fiction
To your good health!
Adele Bantle,
International Style Coach
Defining Allergy Fact from Fiction
To your good health!
Adele Bantle,
International Style Coach
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