Allergy Facts Unveiled – Things You Need to Know About Allergies

Sulfite Allergy Overview
Naturally occurring sulfites are a group of sulfur-based substances used in food enhancement and preservation. A study conducted by the FDA shows that sulfite sensitivity develops in one out of a hundred individual. There is no established cause for sulfite sensitivity. It most often appears without regards to the age of the person.

Sulfite reactivity, in sensitive individuals, range from mild to severe. Since 1986, a ban has been implemented by the FDA against the use of sulfites on fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw. Sulfites used in food preparation are mandated by law to be listed as part of a product label. Sulfites are used on cooked and processed foods, but not on fresh ones. Sulfites naturally occur in wine and beer.

For sensitive individuals, the only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid food varieties that contain or may contain sulfites. It is best to read food labels when going shopping. This goes especially true for people with sulfite sensitivity. If you should decide to eat out, ask to speak to the chef and inquire if sulfites have been used in the preparation of your food.

Food Allergy Overview
There is a great chance that everyone may acquire food allergies and food intolerances. Some individuals discover that they have food allergy when they eat food that give them unpleasant reactions.

One thirds of the population claims that they have food allergies or they just control their diet because a family member is believed to have food allergy. On the other hand, food allergies have affected 5% of the children population. Among other types of allergies, 4% of the cases of food allergies are on teens and adults. Know more about egg allergy.

Food allergies and food intolerances are often differentiated wrongly. As a result, the clinically proven prevalence of allergy to food and the public perception of this problem are altered. The immune system is responsible for triggering an abnormal response due to a certain allergen contained in the food. This is a called food allergy. Food intolerance and food allergy may have similar symptoms. However, the immune system is only responsible for the symptoms of allergy to food. One example of this is in the case of two different persons having either milk allergy or milk intolerance. The person having milk allergy experiences symptoms the same with the symptoms experienced by the person who is lactose intolerant. However, they are still two different conditions.

Allergy Symptoms Explained
The following symptoms are among the most common: coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and dermatitis. The manifestation of the symptoms depends on the type of allergen and how you came in contact with it.

I.E., inhalation of pollen causes difficulty in breathing, application of an allergen on the skin causes dermatitis, and ingestion of food with an allergen causes vomiting and nausea. Other individuals acquire allergies because it runs in the blood. You are said to have atopy if this happens. Babies who have low birth weight are more likely to inherit allergies. On the other hand, boys are also said to be more likely to inherit the condition than girls. The allergic reactions may range from mild to severe.
Neglected cases may be life threatening. This is also known as anaphylaxis. Prompt treatment is needed for anaphylaxis.

Latex Allergy Explained
Hypersensitivity to latex happens when a person comes in contact with products that have latex. Gloves, condoms, and other medical equipment made of latex are offending products to people with latex allergy. During an allergic reaction due to latex, symptoms will appear. These are eye tearing and irritation, cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and itchiness of the skin or nose. Allergic reactions caused by latex can either be mild or severe. Skin rashes are considered to be mild symptoms and may disappear without treatment. Anaphylaxis, on the other hand, is the most severe allergic reaction that needs immediate medical attention. A person is experiencing anaphylaxis when he is having difficulty of breathing, development of hives, and gastrointestinal problems.
Removing products that has latex is considered as treatment of latex allergy. Giving medications such as antihistamines and epinephrine can relive allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to latex, you must wear a MedicAlert bracelet to give awareness to the people around you. You should never forget to bring your emergency epinephrine kit wherever you go.

If you are diagnosed with latex allergy, you should stay away from products with latex content.

Pet Allergies

The fur of cats and dogs can trigger pet allergy. According to some researchers, saliva protein can cause allergies. Saliva remains as the animals licks their fur. Another source of protein allergen is urine. When the protein-carrying substance dries up, the proteins can soar in the air.
Cats tend to have more allergens than dogs do. Licking their bodies more, people holding them more, and people spending more time attending to cats are just a few reasons they catch the allergens. What used to be unpopular as household pets, rodents like gerbils and guinea pigs are becoming popular pets. Urine of the many rodents may trigger hypersensitivity to some people.

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The author writes evaluations, critiques, & informative contents on the subject of allergy. Do you want to find out more regarding allergy symptoms? Get advice straight from the author who actually encountered numerous hypersensitivity since childhood years.