FALL ALLERGIES

 

Though the flowers are no longer blooming and the air has turned crisp and cool, many allergy sufferers get no reprieve during the fall months. The allergy triggers might be slightly different, but they can be just as misery-inducing as the flower pollen that fills the air in the spring and summer.

 

WHAT CAUSES FALL ALLERGIES?

Male plants release tiny cells called pollen into the air n order to reproduce. When these pollen or other allergy triggers get into the noses of certain people, their immune system mistakenly sees them as foreign invaders and releases antibodies - substances that normally identify and go after bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.

 

During the fall season, ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger. Though the yellow-flowering weed typically begins pollinating in August, it can linger well into the fall months. About three-quarters of people who are allergic to spring pollen-producing plants are also allergic to ragweed. Ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind, so even if it doesn't grow where you live, it can still make you miserable if you're allergic to it.

 

Mold is another culprit, because its spores can easily get airborne. Mold thrives in damp areas, both indoors and outdoors. The piles of damp leaves that line yards and streets in the fall are breeding grounds for mold, as are damp basements and bathrooms at home.

 

Dust mites - microscopic, spider-like insects - are yet another common indoor allergen. They are most prevalent during the humid summer months, but can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your furnace in the fall. From the air, dust mites can make their way into your nose, triggering sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FALL ALLERGIES?

Allergy symptoms caused by ragweed, pollen, or mold are called allergic rhinitis (hay fever). These symptoms include:

 

1. Runny Nose

2. Watery Eyes

3. Sneezing

4. Coughing

5. Itchy eyes and nose

6. Dark circles under the eyes

People with allergies to ragweed can also develop an itchy throat and mouth - a condition called oral allergy syndrome (OAS) - when they eat banana, cucumber, melon, or certain other fruits and vegetables.

Airborne allergens also can trigger asthma, a condition in which the airways narrow, making breathing difficult and leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Food reactions can lead ot hives, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing. Sever reactions - called anaphylaxis - can cause the lips, tongue, or throat to swell and make breathing difficult.

 

HOW ARE FALL ALLERGIES TREATED?

To treat a runny nose, watery eyes, and itchiness, you can try one of these medications:

1. Prescription corticosteroids, usually given in the form of a nasal spray, reduce inflammation in the nose.

2. Antihistamines reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching by blocking the action of histamine in the body.

3. Decongestants clear mucus out of the nasal passageways to relieve congestion and swelling.

4. Antihistamine/decongestants combine the effects of both drugs.

5. Antihistamine eye drops block the histamine that leads to the allergic reaction.

6. Allergy shots expose your body to gradually increasing doses of the allergen until you become tolerant to it.

 

Even though you can buy some allergy medications without a prescription, it's a good idea to to talk to your doctor first to make sure you choose the right medications. Some antihistamines can make you feel sleepy, so you need to be careful when taking them during the day. Read the packaging label - some of these products are only meant to be used for a few day.

 

source: www.webmd.com



WARNING SIGNS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER

We all have ups and downs. But the steep climbs (mania) and sudden plunges (depression) of bipolar disorder can lead to life-threatening situations. Once diagnosed, bipolar disorder is often treatable with medications and psychotherapy. Warning signs of bipolar disorder are often confused with major depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug-induced highs or just plain moodiness. Nearly 6 million Americans live with bipolar disorder. Are you one of them? Learn how to recognize symptoms and where to get help.

6 WARNING SIGNS OF MANIA:

1. UNUSUALLY UPBEAT, OUTGOING OR IRRITABLE MOOD. During a manic phase, some people feel euphoric, others talk nonstop and some develop a hair-trigger temper. The key is a radical departure from the norm.

2. RACING THOUGHTS AND SPEED-TALKING. Besides speaking quickly and jumping between ideas, a person in this phase may also be easily distracted.

3. BOUNDLESS ENERGY. The extremely energetic behaviou common in the manic phase often leads to rushing around and taking on new projects, however ill-advised.

4. IMPULSIVE AND SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR. Spending sprees, flagrant affairs or risky investments can all signal bipolar disorder if they're out of character and part of a larger pattern of symptoms.

5. DECREASED NEED FOR SLEEP. Sleeping only a few hours a night could be sign of bipolar disorder - as well as depression or anxiety.

6. INFLATED SENSE OF SELF-WORTH. An exaggerated sense of your power, knowledge or importance is common in this stage, such as believing you have a special relationship with God.

4 WARNING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION:

1. SAD, EMPTY OR HOPELESS MOOD. Many people with bipolar disorder spend most of the time depressed. This relentless dark mood prevents them from taking interest or pleasure in their lives.

2. LOW ENERGY AND CONSTANT FATIGUE. In contrast to supercharged energy during mania, this phase leaves a person feeling drained of energy and motivation. The smallest task can seem impossible.

3. DECREASED ABILITY TO THINK CLEARLY. The same mind that races from idea to idea when manic may feel paralyzed during depression, making it hard for the sufferer to remember things and make decisions.

4. SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOR. Depression often leads to dwelling on past mistakes, including blunders made while manic. When it gets really hard, you may feel cornered, as if all possible ways of escaping a situation are closed.

If you recognize several warning signs of bipolar disorder in yourself or a loved one, seek help. Contact a psychiatrist or other mental health professional, or get a referral from your primary-care physician.

source: www.lifescript.com

15 CANCER SYMPTOMS MEN IGNORE

Experts say that men could benefit greatly by being alert to certain cancer symptoms that require a trip to the doctor's office sooner rather than later. But when it comes to scheduling doctor visits, men are notorious foot-draggers. In fact, some men, would never go to the doctor if it weren't for the women in their life. That's unfortunate. Routine preventive care can find cancer and other diseases intheir early stages. When cancer is found early, there are more options for treatment. That means there are also better chances for a cure. Here are 15 symptoms that men ignore:

1. BREAST MASS: If you're like most men, you've probably never considered the possibility of having breast cancer. Although it's not common, it is possible. Any new mass in the breast area of a man needs to be checked out by a physician.

2. PAIN: As they age, people often complain of increasing aches and pains. But pain, as vague as it may be, can be an early symptom of some cancers. Most pain complaints, though, are not from cancer. Any pain that persists should be checked out by your physician.

3. CHANGES IN THE TESTICLES: Testicular cancer occurs most often in men aged 20-39. The American Cancer Society recommends that men get a testicular exam by a doctor as part of a routine cancer-related checkup.

3. CHANGES IN THE TESTICLES CONTINUED...Any change in the size of the testicles, such as growth or shrinkage, should be a concern. In addition, any swelling, lump, or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum should not be ignored. Some testicular cancers occur very quickly. So early detection is especially crucial.

4. CHANGES IN THE LYMPH NODES: If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck - or anywhere else - it could be a reason for concern. Your doctor should examine you and determine any associated issues that could explain the lymph node enlargement, such as infection. If there is no infection, a doctor will typically order a biopsy.

5. FEVER: If you've got an unexplained fever, it may indicate cancer. Fever, though, might also be a sign of pneumonia or some other illness or infection that needs treatment. Most cancers will cause fever at some point. Often, fever occurs after the cancer has spread from its original site and invaded another part of the body.

6. WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT TRYING: Unexpected weight loss is a concern. Most of us don't lose weight easily. If a man loses more thatn 10% of his body weight in a time period of 3-6 months, it's time to see the doctor.

7. GNAWING ABDOMINAL PAIN AND DEPRESSION: Any man (or woman) who's got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkup. Experts have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms of pancreas cancer may include jaundic, a change in stool color - often gray - a darkening of the urine. Itching over the whole body may also occur.

8. FATIGUE: Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer in men. Many other problems could cause fatigue as well. Like fever, fatigue can set in after the cancer has grown. If you often feel extremely tired and you don't get better with rest, check with your doctor.

9. PERSISTENT COUGH: Coughs are expected, of course, with colds, the flu, and allergies. They are also sometimes a side effect of a medication. A very prolonged cough - defined as lasting more than 3-4 weeks - or a change in cough should not be ignored. Those cough patterns warrant a visit to the doctor.

10. DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING: Some men may report trouble swallowing, but then ignore it. Over time, they change their diet to a more liquid diet. Swallowing difficulties may be a sign of a GI cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus.

11. CHANGES IN THE SKIN: You should be alert to not only changes in moles - a well-known sign of potential skin cancer - but also changes in skin pigmentation. Suddenly developing bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling are reasons to check with your doctor.

12. BLOOD WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE: Anytime you see blood coming from a body part where you've never seen it before, see a doctor. If you start coughing up blood, spitting up blood, have blood in the bowel or in the urine, it's time for a doctor visit.

13. MOUTH CHANGES: If you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to be especially alert for any white patches inside your mouth or white spots on your tongue. Those changes may indicate leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous area that can occur with ongoing irritation. This condition can progress to oral cancer. You should report the changes to your doctor or dentist.

14. URINARY PROBLEMS: As men age, urinary problems become more frequent. Those problems include the following: the urge tourinate mor often, especially at night; a sense of urgency; a feeling of not completely emptying the bladder; an inability to start the urine stream; urine leaking when laughing or coughing; a weakening of the urine stream. Every man will develop these problems as he gets older, but once you notice these symptoms, you should seek medical attention...especially if the the symptoms get worse.

15. INDIGESTION: Many men, especially as they get older, think "heart attack" when they get bad indigestion. Persistent indigestion may point to cancer of the esophagus, throat, or stomach. Persistent or worsening indigestion should be reported to your doctor.

source: www.webmd.com

MIGRAINES

There are many foods that are thought to trigger headaches and migraines. Dietary habits can also play a role - fasting, dehydration, or skipping meals may also cause headaches. By tracking your headache episodes through a headache diary, you may be able to identify specific foods that trigger your headaches.

WHAT FOODS TRIGGER HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES?

Some of the most common foods, beverages, and additives that may be associated with headaches include:

1. AGED CHEESE AND OTHER TYRAMINE-CONTAINING FOODS: Tyramine is a substance found naturally in some foods. The role of tyramine as a trigger of headaches is controversial; however, some headache experts recommend a tyramine-free diet as part of headache treatment. Tyramine is formed from the breakdown of protein as foods age. Generally, the longer a high-protein food ages, the greater the tyramine content. The amount of tyramine in cheeses differs greatly due to the variations in processing, fermenting, aging, degradation, or even bacterial contamination. For people who take monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor medications to treat their headaches, it is especially important to avoid all foods containing tyramine.

2. ALCOHOL: Blood flow to your brain increases when you drink alcohol. SOme scientists blame the headache on impurities in alcohol or by-products produced as your body metabolizes alcohol. Red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne are the most ocmmonly identified headache triggers.

3. FOOD ADDITIVES: Preservatives (or additives) contained in certain foods can trigger headaches. The additives, such as nitrates, dilate blood vessels, causing headaches in some people.

4. COLD FOODS: Cold foods can cause headaches in some people. It is more likely to occur if you are over-heated from exercise or hot temperatures. Pain, which is felt in the forehead, peaks 25 to 60 seconds and lasts from several seconds to one or two minutes. More than 90% of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and cold substances.

DO OTHER FOODS TRIGGER HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES?

These foods have been identified as headache and migraine triggers by some sufferers:

• Peanuts, Peanut Butter, other Nuts and Seeds
• Pizza
• Potato Chip products
• Chicken Livers and other Organ Meats
• Smoked or Dried Fish
• Sourdough Bread, Fresh Baked Yeast Goods
• Bread, Crackers, and Desserts containing Cheese
• Certain Fresh Fruits including Ripe Bananas, Citrus Fruits, Papaya, Red Plums, Raspberries, Kiwi, Pineapple
• Dried Fruits (Figs, Raisins, Dates)
• Soups made from Meat Extracts or Bouillon
• Cultured Dairy Products, Sour Cream, Buttermilk, Yogurt
• Caffeine found in Chocolate and Cocoa; Beverages such as Coffee, Tea, Cola
• Aspartame and other Artificial Sweeteners

WHAT CHEESES HAVE HIGH TYRAMINE LEVELS?

• Blue Cheeses
• Brie
• Cheddar
• Stilton
• Feta
• Gorgonzola
• Mozzarella
• Muenster
• Parmesan
• Swiss
• Processed Cheese
• Other foods high in tyramine include aged, canned, cured or processed meats, certain beans, onions, olives, pickles, avocados, raisins, canned soups, and nuts.

WHAT FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAIN ADDITIVES?

• Hot Dogs
• Ham
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Luncheon Meats
• Pepperoni
• Other Cured or Processed Meats
• Some Heart Medications

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FOOD ADDITIVE-INDUCED HEADACHES?

1. Pressure in the Chest
2. Tightening and Pressure in the Face
3. Burning Sensation in the Chest, Neck, or Shoulders
4. Facial Flushing
5. Dizziness
6. Headache Pain Across the Front or Sides of the Head
7. Abdominal Discomfort

source: www.webmd.com

COPD SYMPTOMS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a dangerous disease with no cure. Found mainly in smokers, COPD cannot be completely cured by any medication. It is important to be aware of the initial signs or symptoms of COPD and consult your physician before its too late. When the respiratory system in the body is damaged, the body tries to compensate in its own ways. The symptoms we observe are the results of these attempts of the body. In most cases, chain smoking can be the first real symptom of COPD. If you've been smoking for a long time, you could be on the brink of COPD.
One of the telling symptoms of COPD is the change in the shape of the chest, known as barrel chest. When a person with COPD tries to lift their arms above their chest, they feel breathless. To compensate, those affected by COPD often sit leaning forward, resting their arms on something. Another key symptom is shortness of breath, usually referred to as dyspnea. A chronic cough is another telltale symptom of COPD. It usually begins in the morning, and gradually increases during the day. This change is slow and could take years before the affected person actually notices it. The cough usually produces small amounts of sputum that is clear, whitish or discolored. If the intensity of the disease is very high, the sputum may be accompanied by small amounts of blood. This symptom is called hemoptysis.
In those affected with COPD, a pitched sound can be heard while breathing. This is the sound of air passing through narrowed airways. One more symptom of COPD is weight loss. A person affected with COPD spends lots of calories in very simple activities like breathing - thus, weight is lost rather quickly.
If you have any of these symptoms, please seek advice from your doctor.

source: www.e-healtharticles.com

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, WHICH IS AN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE DISEASE. WHILE MOST PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF BREAST CANCER, MANY FORGET TO TAKE THE STEPS TO HAVE A PLAN TO DETECT THE DISEASE IN ITS EARLY STAGES AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME. WE HAVE MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS BUT STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AND NEED YOUR HELP! 

ARTHRITIS AND DEPRESSION

One-third of people 45 and older with arthritis report that they are depressed or anxious, a new study shows. Anxiety may even more common than depression among these people. The emotional consequences of arthritis are high. Many doctors are trained to routinely look for symptoms of depression in people with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, but focusing on symptoms of anxiety may also be needed. In the new study, rates of anxiety were almost twice as high as those of depresson.

The study looked at rates of reported depression and anxiety among 1,793 people with all types of arthritis. Fully 31% of the participants had anxiety and 18% were depressed. What's more, 84% of people who were depressed also had anxiety, while 50% of those with anxiety were also depressed. Only half said they had sought treatment for depression ar anxiety in the past year.

Lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise can often help improve pain as well as anxiety and depression. The recommendation is to engage in 150 minutes of physical activity a week, but this can be short bursts such as 10-minute walks, 15 times a week. Counseling and/or medication may also have a role.

Many patients with arthritis have depression or anxiety related to pain, loss of function or participation, and uncertainty. Symptoms can be improved by decreasing pain, increasing physical activity, and controlling disease.

Making sure the arthritis is treated as aggressively as possible will help reduce pain, limit disability, and likely have spillover benefits for anxiety and depression. People who feel good about their treatment have much less anxiety.

source: www.arthritis.webmd.com