This means that other than the normal reaction that a person could have to being bitten by a bee – such as pain and swelling, a person could also experience the life threatening condition called anaphylaxis which causes the blood pressure to rise and the throat to swell, making breathing difficult.

Why a bee allergy is important to know about

An estimated 40 people actually die each year from bee stings in the United States alone which according to some estimates is a lot higher. What is also important to know is that these deaths usually occur among those people who have no past history of this allergy, and have never before demonstrated this adverse and extreme reaction to bee venom.

If you are aware of being allergic, you should take care to avoid any contact with insects such as bees, hornets, Africanized (killer) bees, wasps, bumblebees, yellow jackets, and become aware of the other insects that could cause such reactions.

If a person has ever shown any symptoms of anaphylaxis to a bee sting, they should get themselves tested for the allergy.

Symptoms of bee allergy

Within a few minutes of being bitten, the allergic individual could have a number of different reactions. There could be hives that begin at the site of the sting and there could be itching all over. A person can have flu like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and wheezing.

There could be abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive problems. A person may feel lightheaded and their heart may start to race. A person may feel panicky and the dangerous signs to watch out for are swelling of the tongue, lips and throat.

What to do in case of an allergic reaction to a sting

Allergic people should keep themselves equipped with emergency items such as an Epipen, a Twin-ject Device or Anakit which can be easily obtained from a pharmacy. If an allergic person is bitten by any of the above insects, this must be treated as an emergency and medical attention should be given as soon as possible.

If reactions are mild, only antihistamine may be needed, but the person should still see a doctor following the episode of being stung.

Eye allergies are of two main types

The two types are Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis and Perennial Allergic Conjunctivitis. If your allergy is seasonal, your triggers are likely to be pollen, grass, weeds and so on and will usually resolve during the winter months. However, the latter type of allergy may persist through the year and the triggers could be pet dander, certain cosmetics or medications.

Symptoms of eye allergies

Reddening of the eye, itching, burning and swelling as well as an increase in the amount of tears produced by the tear ducts usually characterize an eye allergy. Symptoms can worsen if you touch or rub your eyes.

When to see a doctor

Firstly, other problems that could be causing the symptoms should be ruled out. Sometimes it could be other conditions such as Dry Eye or a Block tear duct or even an infection that could be causing the symptoms.

In other words, your symptoms are not due to an allergy in such cases and should be treated accordingly.

Avoiding contact with allergens can help to keep allergy flare-ups and their frequency in control. However, if your eye allergies are frequent and severe enough to bother you, and if you cannot avoid allergens, you should consult with a doctor.

Testing will confirm whether you indeed have an eye allergy, after which appropriate treatment can be initiated. Various over the counter or prescription eye drops will ease symptoms without any side effects. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be required. Though there is some side effect risk associated with topical ophthalmic corticosteroids, the newer versions of these drugs are quite safe and associated with far less risk.

Home care for eye allergies

The most import thing you can do for preventing allergy flare-ups is to identify triggers and avoid those allergens.

At home, reduce the kind of furnishings where allergens such as dust, pollen and mold can collect. Cushions, canopies, heavy draperies, ruffles and knick knacks tend to collect a lot of allergens so have fewer of these items in the home. Use hypoallergenic bedding and HEPA filters if advised to do so.

Keep away from pets if pet dander is one of the allergens that trouble you. And consider the fact that dander could bother you even if you visit a home where there is a pet, or by sitting in a seat where the pet is used to sitting.

What causes winter allergies?

Some of the common allergies such as pet dander, mildew, mold, dust mites, damp wood and even excessively dry air can be triggered during the winter months. This is because we are bundled up indoors where the concentration of these allergens may actually be higher. This is what can give rise to allergies in winter.

And if one is prone to allergies at other times of the year, it is more likely that allergies are a problem in winter as well.

Difference between an allergic reaction and colds

While allergies are caused by the body’s immune response to harmless stimuli, coughs, colds and the flu are caused by viral infections. Viral infections are self limiting and will resolve within a few days to a week.

The symptoms will include chills, fever, body ache, and headache and so on, along with a changing nasal discharge that will thicken and alter in color.

On the other hand when the symptoms are caused by winter allergies, they may continue for weeks. The nasal discharge is usually clear but there could also be that typically dry and itchy throat present with an allergic reaction.

Tips to control allergies in winter:

1. Avoiding allergy triggers is the key to controlling winter allergies during the colder months. So indentify allergens – whether it is pet dander, dust mites, mold, winter pollen or even certain perfumes or cosmetics that trigger an allergic reaction.
2. Keep bedding free from allergens such as dust, dander and mold by washing it often and by using “hypoallergenic bedding” or “allergy bedding” to see if that makes a difference.
3. Keep the indoors clean and free from dust, mold and so on. Also make sure that the filters of the heating system are kept clean because dirty filters may be contributing to the problem of winter allergies.
4. Try home remedies for easing the symptoms of the allergy: the traditional steam inhalation can help reduce the stuffiness of the nose and will help to ease a dry cough as well. Many experts suggest trying a saline solution for nasal irrigation to help relieve these symptoms as well.
5. The artificial heating indoors not only concentrates the allergens, it also dries out and dehydrates the air, which can exacerbate the problems for some allergic people. So a humidifier is a good idea here. But one has to make sure that the humidity isn’t too high indoors because moist places are a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Also make sure that plenty of fluids are consumed to replenish all of the moisture lost in blowing noses.

And if the winter allergies continue to be very severe, use antihistamines after asking the doctor what is appropriate. In some cases prescription allergy medications may also be required to ease troublesome symptoms during winter.

Indentifying a skin allergy is important because a lot of the same symptoms could be produced by infections, heat, and inflammation and even as a reaction to prescription drugs. For instance skin allergy symptoms such as eczema can mimic those of psoriasis, which is not an allergic reaction but caused by a disorder that produces more skin cells than needed.

Symptoms of a skin allergy:

1. Hives

Hives are one of the most common skin allergy symptoms and an estimated 25% of the American population will have this reaction at least once in their lives.

Hives are characterized by raised bumps of reddened skin in various shapes and sizes. Extreme itchiness is another characteristic of hives. Certain foods and drugs are the most likely triggers of hives.

2. Contact Dermatitis

This is a reaction to an allergen that takes the form of itchy, blistered red skin. It takes a day or two for the reaction to occur and may take two to four weeks for the rash to clear up even with treatment. The most common culprits are perfumes, nickel, rubber or latex products, dyes, cosmetics as well as a common ingredient in antibiotic powders and creams called neomycin.

3. Eczema

This is another one of the common skin allergy symptoms where a scaly, red, itchy rash which can occur on the knees, elbows and face. House dust, pet dander, overheating or excessive sweating, as well as substances such as soaps and wool could cause this skin reaction. There could be emotional triggers also that could cause this skin reaction and among children, certain foods can also cause eczema.

Management of skin allergy symptoms

Identification of the allergen or the trigger of any allergic reaction is the key to management of the allergy. So identifying what substance or occurrence is responsible for causing the skin rash is the first step in managing of the skin allergy.

Then avoidance of the allergen is the next important part of managing the allergy. If it is a food reaction, cut that food or beverage out of the diet and be careful and circumspect when eating out. Eliminate allergens from the home and immediate environment as far as possible.

If it is a drug reaction that is causing the symptoms, ask the doctor to suggest an alternative such as a different formulation or brand of the drug. Wear protective gear such as gloves when required, if you are to come into contact with a substance that is known to cause contact dermatitis.

When the skin allergy symptoms do appear, do not scratch or rub the rash. Apply cold compresses to sooth the rash and apply over the counter medications or prescription gels or ointments for reducing the discomfort. Take any antihistamines or corticosteroid medications that may be prescribed to keep the rashes in control and to avoid lasting skin damage.

What causes allergies?

Many kinds of foods, dust, pollen, medications, dander from pets and other animals and insect bites are usually not inimical to the body. But those who have an allergy to any of these substances are unable to tolerate these ‘allergens’ and produce reactions that could range from the mild to the severe. The body mistakenly produces the reaction that it would normally have to harmful bacteria and viruses.

The white blood cells of the body, the body’s defenders, are activated and we see an allergic reaction. Mild reactions could be a runny nose and itchy eyes. Then there could be wheezing, skin rashes, hives and even more severe reactions.

In cases there could be a life threatening reaction to an allergen called anaphylaxis where many organs of the body may be involved including the respiratory system, the digestive and the circulatory system.

What causes allergies may differ from person to person – the triggers, allergens, the kind of allergic reactions and their severity and so on. Also allergies can show a predictable pattern at times. For instance it a person is allergic to peanuts, there is a higher likelihood that they may be allergic to other nuts as well.

Medical conditions can be causes for allergies

Certain medical conditions predispose a person to allergies. Having asthma, lung conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), frequent infections of the respiratory system, having nasal polyps or having overly sensitive skin can mean that a person is more likely to have allergies.

1. Genetic element

Allergies do run in families, so one’s genetic makeup is certainly one of the important causes of allergies. If parents have allergies, their children are more likely to have allergies. If one of identical twins has an allergy, there is a 70% chance that the other will have the same allergy. Even among non-identical twins there is a 40% chance of both twins being allergic.

2. The hygiene hypothesis

In recent times the hygiene hypothesis has become a popular explanation for why allergies occur and why they seem to be increasing in recent times; particularly in developed countries.

The hygiene hypothesis postulates that as standards of cleanliness and hygiene improve, this reduces the normal expose of children to common dirt, infectious agents, microorganisms, parasites and so on. This prevents the body from developing normal immunity and makes the body more likely to produce reactions to harmless substances.

Since research has also show that the incidence of autoimmune and immunological diseases are more common in developed world (where there is greater likelihood of clean and aseptic environments) than in developed counties, the Hygiene Hypothesis is one of the plausible causes of allergies. A case in point is asthma: in the 19^th century it was a rare disease; today about 10% of the youth has it!

When an allergy blood test may be advisable

If a person has a certain skin condition, it can prevent them from undergoing the usual prick test, patch or intradermal allergy tests. Also if they are taking certain medications, skin tests may not be possible and so blood tests to detect allergies may be required.

Different types of blood tests for allergies

The total IgE level test is designed to detect the allergen-specific IgE antibodies present in the blood stream.

The total levels of the IgE antibodies in the blood serum are measured. Blood tests such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or the radio allergosorbent tests (RAST) are usually used to detect allergies.

RAST test

This kind of allergy test measures certain antibodies present in the blood samples, however it is now thought to be rather outdated.

The ELISA test

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test is a more recent and technologically advanced type of allergy blood test. It yields results by binding the antibodies present in the blood to the allergens. A developer is then added to the sample which changes color and this change in color is what will reveal the extent or type of allergy.

How blood tests for allergies are useful

The allergy blood test requires a small blood sample to be taken from the person and then analyzed to detect and identify specific antibodies. These tests are useful in recognizing exactly what reaction the body has to an allergen and whether it is a true allergy that the person has or a mere intolerance.

This type of allergy testing that uses blood samples also helps to determine the exact nature and extent of allergic activity in the person. What it may also be useful for is detecting whether a person has possibly ceased to be allergic to a given substance (out-grown allergies). For this reason such blood tests for identifying allergies have become more popular than in the past.

Limitations of allergy blood tests

Though blood sample allergy tests have become more accurate and technologically sound than in the past, there are still some limitations that they have.

• Blood tests are typically more expensive than the usual skin tests that more routinely used for detecting allergies.
• Blood tests are also less accurate in detecting allergies.
• There is the apprehension that blood tests could yield false positive results (indicate an allergy when there is none present).
• Blood tests are also typically more expensive and also more time consuming (results will take a couple of days or longer) than skin tests.

It is best that the decision of whether to opt for allergy blood tests or any other kind of testing procedure be taken after considering all factors and in consultation with a trained and experienced allergist.

Skin test is the most commonly used allergy testing procedure for detecting food allergies, animal, pollen, dust, mold, venom and drug allergies as well as contact dermatitis. Is may be done in one or more of the following manners-

1. The prick test uses skin pricks or scratches with needles to let suspected allergens enter into the skin’s surface.

Solutions containing the allergen that the person suspects they are allergic to are used to gauge the reaction of the substance.

A person is allergic to the substance that causes a wheal – a reaction such as redness, itchiness, rashes, etc.

2. Patch tests are administered to indentify cases of contact dermatitis and so on.

Here the allergen soaked pad is taped on to the person’s skin for one to three days to see if there is a reaction.

3. Sometimes the allergen may be injected into the surface of the skin if the prick test appears to have yielded incorrect results. However the intradermal allergy testing procedure as it is called can be overly sensitive and may yield a false positive result at times.

Blood tests for allergies require the blood to be tested for certain antibodies. They are used when a person is unable to take skin tests though they are less likely to yield accurate results. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA) is the most frequently used blood test for detecting allergies. It measures the amount of antibodies present in the blood.

The RAST (radioallergosorbent testing) method of testing may be used for additional information. Other tests such as the one to test absolute eosinophil count or total IgE levels may be conducted.

Elimination type of allergy testing procedure is used mainly to detect food allergies. By turn certain suspected food allergens are eliminated from the diet of the person for a period of several weeks. The food is then once again introduced to the diet to see what reaction it has.

Provocation type testing may also be used to find out what one is allergic to. Here a person is exposed to different allergens and their reactions recorded in controlled conditions.

Double blind tests can also be performed where allergens as well as harmless substances are used; without the person knowing which is which. This allergy testing procedure has to be carefully controlled and can be used if the person’s allergic reactions are not known to be severe.

Whichever allergy testing procedure you are advised to undergo, you should known what each entails and should help by giving complete medical information about yourself and your suspected allergies to the doctors. Never take any allergy medications prior to a test.

Secondly, it could be a particular ingredient in the drug that could be responsible for the reaction – for instance the edible food color used to impart a distinctive color to the drug may be what a person is allergic to.

Thirdly it is important to see whether it is actually an allergic reaction or whether it is drug intolerance that causes the symptoms since both the conditions are quite different in nature and require to be tackled differently.

Drug allergy symptoms

The symptoms of a drug allergy may not manifest themselves immediately upon taking the drug, and in many cases may appear after the person has been on the medication for a while.

It is thought that the initial exposure or exposures to the drug creates within the body the antibodies to that drug as well as creates the memory lymphocyte cells for the antigen.

When the symptoms of a drug allergy do manifest themselves they may range from the mild to the life threatening.

• A drug allergy could result in a skin rash, hives or suchlike skin eruptions.
• It could also cause fever, one of the most common symptoms of a drug allergy.
• Facial swelling may also be one of the symptoms.
• Dizziness is also seen in some cases.
• In severe cases there could be shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; and even perhaps a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis which is always to be considered a medical emergency.

Drug allergy diagnosis

The most important part of a drug allergy diagnosis is to differentiate it from drug intolerance because they can have very similar symptoms. A drug allergy involves the immune system.

The body mistakenly views the drug as a harmful intruder and releases histamines to combat it. However, real drug allergies that actually involve the immune system; are not as common as we may think and the doctor should determine whether it is an allergic or a non allergic reaction that is causing the adverse drug event.

The medications that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are widely used antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline and sulfa drugs. Analgesics or pain relievers such as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and codeine can also cause the allergic reaction.

Certain anti seizure medications like Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and so on are also known to cause allergic reactions.

Treatment for drug allergies

The most common treatment for a drug allergy is to discontinue the medication.

If the medication is necessary, the doctor may try a different brand of the same medication or substitute another medication to see if that suits the person better, particularly if the person has not displayed very severe symptoms of the drug allergy.

A doctor should ideally be consulted when the person is displaying the symptoms of a drug allergy or intolerance so that the doctor can determine its nature and the best treatment for it.

In some cases however a drug allergy could resolve itself since the immune system and its working can alter over time.

Traditionally toys were made of natural materials like wood. One can go as back as the Egyptian pharaohs, who gave their children beautifully carved wooden toys. In fact the first toys discovered have been made of wood, a material that was easily accessible to the ancient men. In spite of toys being still in great demand today, they are no longer made of natural materials like wood.

Wooden toys are not only more eco friendly to produce but are also bio-degradable making them the right choice for aware parents who would like to give their child the best.

These toys created of natural materials are safer for the child and for the Earth not to mention they are beautiful and sturdy.

If you are still looking for reasons to shell out the money for wooden toys instead of buying cheap plastic toys, rest assured that there are many positives features your kid will take advantage of.

Wooden toys are available in a wide range to suit children of all ages starting with newborns to older children. They don’t have small parts and thus are safe for really small children too.

The toys are painted colorfully with non-toxic paints that are perfectly safe for your kids. You will not have to be worried about toxins or smaller parts the next time your baby decides to put its wooden toys into the mouth.

Wooden toys are stronger and more durable and are often a great pass down to the next generation. They will last way longer than the plastic toys, thus being proactive from the financial point of view. Wooden toys are handcrafted and thus are a piece of art too. They are available in a wide range and you can choose them according the age of the child.

Wooden toys are easily available through online stores like WoodenToyShop.co.uk and also inside regular brick and mortar shops. For babies and toddlers you can pick pull-along, blocks, shape sorters, wooden numbers and letters and much more. The older children will love toys like doll houses, wooden train sets, rocking horses, easels, balance bikes and more.

One can also buy wooden toy chests in varying sizes for the child to store its wooden toys in after play. You can choose from leading brands for wooden toys. Some popular brands are Big Jigs, Brio, Pintoy and John Crane. There are other wooden toy manufacturers too, which make high quality wooden toys.

When choosing non-allergic wooden toys for your child you can also choose from the exquisite wooden furniture for children. Pick non-toxic wooden cradles, chairs, tables, beds and other pieces to give your child a safe haven to play and rest in.

Make an educated choice and choose non allergic wooden toys to give your child a better tomorrow.

One recent study on the subject of allergies among children has indicated that as many as 2 out of 5 kids may have potentially fatal allergies. A large study was conducted, involving about 40,000 households in the United States.

The study was done by researchers led by Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and

a pediatrician at Children’s Memorial Hospital, who suggests that the number of kids having allergies may be much higher than previous thought;

that an estimated 6 million kids in the United States could have allergies.

The earlier CDC estimate of the number kids who could have allergies was calculated as being in the region of about 3 million children of less than 18 years of age.

The study examined the reactions that children had to food and it was found more than 38% of the kids had the sort of strong allergic reaction to the food that could even cause death.

The aim of the study was to find effective treatments to control allergies for children which could have far-reaching impacts including economic, psychological and emotional ones.

Another issue that occupies parents of children with allergies is that of the impact that pets can have on kids and the incidence of their allergies – there is the apprehension that the presence of a pet could make a child more prone to allergies.

A study reported by an article in the Washington Post found that early exposure to dogs and cats doesn’t make kids more prone to allergies.

The study if fact found that early exposure to a cat or a dog; during the first year of a child’s life could have the opposite impact. Being exposed to a cat in the home for the first year of life meant that the child would be only half as likely to develop allergies to that animal later in life.

Though the single study should not be taken to be definitive and should not be used to dictate actions and choices, this is something that could be of persuasive value and if corroborated by further study, will be of enhanced value. No treatment should, in any case be initiated without consultation with a physician.