Allergic Rhitinitis: A seasonal problem

Allergic Rhinitis -2 types: seasonal and Perennial

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the medical term for congestion and runny nose caused by exposure to plant allergens, commonly known as hay fever. For most people, spring through fall are the worst seasons for allergies, but symptoms can occur throughout the year.

Causes

1. Pollen Seasonal allergic rhinitis is considered an atopic disease, meaning that it is caused by a genetic predisposition to hypersensitivity to certain substances. In this case, the reaction is to wind-borne pollens. The allergens change with the seasons: tree pollens in spring, grass and weed pollens in summer, and weed pollens in fall. Fungal spores can also cause symptoms. Sufferers may experience hypersensitivity during one or all of these seasons, and will often experience different symptoms in different geographic locations.

Symptoms

1. 
   Swollen eyelid due to allergies
   Seasonal allergic rhinitis is marked by congestion of the nasal mucosa on exposure to the allergen. Itching is also common, especially in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat and eyes. This is often followed by sneezing, tears and clear nasal discharge. The conjunctiva of the eyes may turn red and the eyelids may swell. The nasal lining will appear red and swollen. Some patients will experience headaches, loss of appetite and mood changes. Coughing and wheezing may also occur.

Treatment

2. The best treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergens. However, this is often not possible. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs are used to treat the symptoms, including antihistamines, eye drops, nasal steroid sprays and in severe cases, systemic steroids.

Natural Remedies

3. Natural remedies for seasonal allergic rhinitis abound. Neti pots, or other forms of nasal lavage, can provide relief from congestion and itchiness of the nose. Herbs used for allergies include eyebright, nettles, yarrow, and Oregon grape root. Some of the many homeopathic remedies include euphrasia, allium, apis and urtica. Acupuncture can also provide relief from allergic symptoms.

Practical Solutions

4. Many allergy sufferers will find relief from making changes in their day-to-day lifestyle. Air purifiers and dust filters can make inside air easier to breathe. The filters on furnaces and air-conditioning units should be changed every 1 to 3 months. Filters come in several grades, and the higher grades--though much more expensive--reduce airborne allergens and improve the quality of indoor air. Carpets, bedspreads and drapes collect dust and allergens, and should be cleaned frequently and carefully. Hardwood floors are a better choice than carpeting for many allergy sufferers.

Cautions

5. Consult a naturopathic doctor, qualified herbal practitioner, homeopath or acupuncturist for further information on the use of natural remedies for allergy relief. If allergy symptoms are accompanied by fever, lethargy, severe headache, productive cough or unusual discharge from the nose or eyes, contact a physician or qualified practitioner immediately.

Swine Flu :How to Protect yourself

preventive measures for Swine flu—

1. The first preventive measure is to avoid contact with the pigs (swine). If you have pigs in your area then please inform the local municipal office so that he can take care of those pigs by keeping them isolated.

2. Swine flu is communicable disease, so use the face masks to protect from the swine flu antigens.

3. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using tissue when possible. Dispose this tissue by using only once.

4. Avoid visiting the crowded places like theaters and prayer halls. This can be the spreading ground for Swine flu

5. Maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus. It would be better if you use alcohol sanitizers or Dettol for washing hands.

6. Take a special care of children because they easily get infected with the Swine flu. It is okay if you don’t send them to school for few days. Many schools have even announced holidays.

7. Avoid eating outside food because it may be contaminated and may make you infected with the virus.

8. Don’t use the public urinals because many people spit there, which could lead to the spreading of the disease.

9. Drink the boiled water.

Anthrax: Disease or A Biological Weapon

How the Anthrax Spreads.


ANTHRAX: Danger we face



Anthrax is a deadly disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis. This disease has animal origin and mainly the victims are the grazing animals. However, the disease can spread to humans, who come in contact either with the affected animals or their burial grounds. Anthrax is not a contagious disease and does not spread from person toperson. This disease is known to spread from animals or by bioterrorism
.

Anthrax bacteria have long life and can survive in soil for many years. Wild or domestic animals that graze in or around the soil can get infected while eating rough or irritant vegetation. Such vegetation when eaten causes wound within the gastrointestinal tract and this causes the bacteria to enter into the tissues. The bacteria start multiplying and begin producing toxins which finally leads to death.

Exposure to infected animals or their products such as skin, wool or meat is the route taken by the bacteria to enter the human body. Workers, who work with dead animals or their products, are at a greater risk to this disease. People who are exposed to low levels of these bacteria may not develop the infection as the body’s defense mechanism is strong enough to withstand it. A dangerous form of anthrax through inhalation while sorting wool was prevalent long back and this was known as Wool Sorter’s disease. Now such infections are very rare as the infected animals are not available any more.

Anthrax pores have been used as biological weapons of mass destruction. The last reported use was by the Rhodesian government against cattle and humans during its war with black nationalists in 1978-1979. Anthrax was deliberately spread using the postal system in United States in 2001. This caused 21 cases of Anthrax infection.

Anthrax infection can come through three routes. Through the skin, while handling products of infected animals; through inhalation by inhaling anthrax pores from animal products; or through gastrointestinal path by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.