Allergy:
According the National Institutes of Health, an
allergy is an exaggerated reaction - or immune
response - to substances (often called allergens)
that are generally not harmful. These substances
can include pollens, grasses, ragweed, dust mites,
and certain foods. Several symptoms accompany
an allergic reaction, including:
-Stuffy, runny nose
-Sneezing
-Increased tearing
-Itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, or
skin
-Red eyes
-Difficutly breathing or wheezing
-Coughing
-Hives or rashes on skin
-Stomach cramps
-Vomiting
-Diarrhea or frequent urination
-Headache
The following steps may help reduce allergen contact:
-Covering pillows and mattress with plastic covers.
-Using an air purifier.
-Eating fewer foods - such as eggs, citrus fruits,
bananas, chocolate, peanuts, and shellfish - that
are likely to cause inflammation and allergic
reactions. Food coloring, preservatives, caffeine,
alcohol, tobacco, and sugar have also been shown
to -increase allergy prevalence.
-Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
nuts, and seeds.
-Drinking plenty of water and fresh juices.
Furthermore, research suggests that many natural
compounds have the ability to reduce the occurrence
of allergic symptoms. These approaches may offer
an excellent alternative to conventional therapies
whose chronic use is often accompanied by several
side effects.
Anemia: Anemia is characterized
by a deficiency in red blood cells or in the concentration
of hemoglobin (iron-containing portions of red
blood cells). These deficiencies are caused by
either decreased production or increased destruction
of red blood cells. Anemia is most common among
women in their reproductive years (5.8 percent),
infants (5.7 percent), and the elderly (12 percent).
Because one of the major functions of red blood
cells is to transport oxygen, a decrease in red
blood cells decreases the amount of oxygen delivered
to the body's tissues, which results in the symptoms
of anemia.
Signs and Symptoms :
There is tremendous variability among individuals
as to when the following symptoms of anemia develop.
-Tiredness
-Shortness of breath
-Paleness
-Lightheadedness
Food Allergy
As many as two out of five Americans believe that
they have allergies to certain foods. In fact,
fewer than 2 percent have true food allergies.
A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system
reacts to otherwise harmless proteins in certain
foods. While most food allergies are mild, in
some cases they can cause anaphylactic shock,
a serious, sometimes life-threatening, reaction.
Food allergies affect mostly young children. With
the exception of peanut allergy, the majority
of children outgrow their allergic sensitivities.
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Signs and Symptoms
-Swelling or itching lips, tongue, and mouth
-Dermatitis or hives
-Runny and itchy nose
-Headache
-Stomach pain or upset
-The following symptoms should be treated as a
medical emergency.
-Immediate and extreme facial swelling and itching
-Breathing difficulties
-Rapid increase in heart rate
-Rapid drop in blood pressure
-Itching or tightening of the throat
-Sudden hoarseness
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What Causes It?
The foods that most commonly cause allergic reactions
are peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds),
milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat. In
most cases, allergies occur when an individual
who has a genetic sensitivity to certain allergens
is exposed to the substance.
Eczema
Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a patch of
itchy skin where blisters form, then dry and become
crusty. There is no cure, but treatments can make
you comfortable and help prevent outbreaks.
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Signs and Symptoms
Itching
Red bumps
Blisters
Crusts
Swelling
Oozing
Scaliness
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What Causes It?
Allergies to plants, chemicals, foods
Certain drugs
Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
Certain physical or psychological disorders
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