Allergy - Allergies and Asthma - How Are They Diagnosed

When, for a prolonged period, you are exposed to and experience symptoms from an allergen to which you are sensitive, your nose becomes 'primed', that is, ready to respond to irritants or to other allergens to which you are normally less sensitive. This response could trigger an asthma attack. For instance, when you are having nasal symptoms during the ragweed season and you are then exposed to dust, the dust can trigger a worsening of your allergy and asthma symptoms even if you are normally not very sensitive to dust. Allergic Appearance People who have allergies often breathe through their mouths and frequently itch or rub their noses. Allergic children often rub their noses in an upward and outward manner, similar to a salute, which has been called the 'allergic salute'. A crease may be present along the lower third of the nose as a result of the frequent rubbing of the nose to relieve the itch. Dark circles may be present under the eyes, called 'allergic shiners', and the eyes may appear a little red. When the doctor looks inside your nose, the mucus membranes are swollen and 'boggy' and appear pale. If there is an infection in your nose, the appearance is quite different, as the mucus membranes are then reddened. How Allergies Are Diagnosed Allergies are diagnosed by a medical history suggesting a seasonal pattern of a particular exposure that makes asthma and allergy symptoms worse. A review of your overall medical history and present medications allows your doctor to rule out other possibilities that may account for your symptoms. A careful physical examination is also important, looking for characteristic appearance of the inside of the nose and checking for subtle asthma symptoms. Allergy Skin Tests Allergy skin testing is performed to determine if someone is allergic. The doctor who performs the skin tests must carefully correlate the test results to the patient's medical history, as it is possible on occasion to have falsely positive or negative test results. Allergy skin testing identifies whether the specific allergy antibody for the allergen being tested is present on mast cells found in the patient's skin. There are two ways to administer allergy skin tests - the scratch or prick test, and the intradermal test. The prick technique involves placing a drop of an extract of the allergen (such as dust, dog fur, or ragweed pollen) on the skin, typically on the back or forearm. Allergens are placed on the skin in rows so that multiple tests can be performed at the same time. A lancet is then used to gently scratch or puncture the skin to introduce the allergin into the skin. With the intradermal test, the allergen is injected in dilute form just under the skin to create a small bubble. Discover how you can naturally and safely free yourself from the annoying symptoms of allergies. Sign-up to get this FREE allergy and asthma info-kit today. http://AllergyandAsthmaTreatment.com Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Herrington Allergy - How To Prevent Asthma Asthma is a word which often conjures up a frightening picture of patients fighting desperately to get their breath, so it is understandable that many parents may be wheezy breathing is common in young children usually does not indicate that true asthma is present pr develop. With properly prescribed medical treatment, and by following a few simple self-help hints, most people suffering from asthma can lead to normal or near-normal life. First, get to know your limitation and do not be afraid to admit them. If something bothers you, such as cigarette smoke, say so. Keep a diary about your asthma. Jot down when you get attacks and what brings them on. This can help you and your doctor understand the value of various type of treatment. Keep regular hours and get much sleep as you need. Avoid emotional and physical stress. Do not allow yourself to become an invalid. Take as much exercise as you cope with physically. Swimming is particularly helpful as it teaches breathing control and usually pools are free from dust and pollen. Always carry prescribed medication with you. You will feel more confident and be less likely to get an attack if you know have an inhaler or tablets in your pocket or handbag. Avoid irritants where you can. Do not have carpet, heavy curtain or furniture that harbors dust in the bedroom. Avoid woolen blankets, feather pillows or eiderdowns, and keep the mattress covered. Vacuum the room and mattress daily. If you have asthmatic child, do not be over protective. Preventing him from doing things he enjoy can make the asthma worse. But, do not try to pretend his condition does not exist, as you may overlook a build up to severe illness. Do not acquire furry or feathered pets if you have an asthmatic child. But, if you already such a pet, it is the best not to get rid of it as this may worsen the child's asthma. Fish are fine. Article by Yeaf ZheWei. More free information on Asthma Solution and treatment for asthma that work at => Bronchial Asthma Treatment bronchial-asthma-treatment