Allergies

Celiac disease is not just a food allergy; it is a serious, genetic disease. People who suffer from CD are allergic to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. This reaction causes damage to the small intestine and malnutrition. A specially adapted diet is the only way out. Talk about your life with Celiac Disease, learn about gluten-free foods or get some good recipes.

Drug allergies are relatively rare and should be distinguished from a drug side effect. The most common drug allergens are antibiotics but other drugs can cause reactions too. Medications can also cause analyphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can lead to death. Talk about your experience with a drug allergy or share info about desensitization here.

Dust mites are common allergens. They live in bedding, carpets, stuffed furniture, old clothing and stuffed toys and feed on human skin scales. An allergic reaction and asthma and/or eczema symptoms result when a person comes in contact with or inhales droppings of dust mites. Keeping a home dust-free is essential if you have a dust mite allergy. Share useful tips, ask for advice, or discuss your experiences.

Food allergies can cause a variety of allergic symptoms affecting the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system. The body misinterprets certain food as harmful and releases antibodies. Each time you eat the food you are allergic to, the immune system will release histamine and cause symptoms like a tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and even death. Food allergies can be outgrown although certain allergies like peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish are life-long. This forum is the place to talk about all food allergies.

Molds are often found in areas that are warm, dark and moist. They grow by sending tiny spores into the air and these spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms when inhaled. Pollen comes from trees, grasses and weeds and causes reactions in those sensitive to it. Pollen allergies are usually seasonal. Talk about these allergies here.

Insects release venom or other substances into the skin when they bite.The venom causes reactions that can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can range from mild itching or stinging sensations to fever, hives (urticaria), painful joints and swollen glands. Got a bite you don’t know how to handle, or just want to share what happened? This is the place.

A nickel allergy can occur right after the first exposure or after prolonged exposure. Nickel is a metal found in many everyday items and it’s one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. People suffering from a nickel allergy may have to avoid items such as earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, suspender clips, hairpins, coins, pens, utensils, and tools that contain this metal. On this forum, you can talk about different solutions for treating nickel allergies like corticosteroids, moisturizing creams, wet compresses and antihistamines.

Lactose intolerance rarely has the potential to cause serious harm, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t extremely annoying. Lactose intolerance occurs when the intestine does not contain an enzyme called lactase needed for the digestion of lactose (milk sugar). It causes symptoms like nausea, abdominal cramps and rumbling, bloating, rectal gas (flatus) and diarrhea. How are you or your loved ones coping?

Unfortunately, those cute little creatures called pets we easily fall in love with can make us experience allergic reactions. The reactions usually occur after coming into contact with the animal’s dander, urine or saliva. It is feathered or furry animals such as cats, dogs, birds, and rodents that cause allergy symptoms. Ever had to part from your favorite pet or had a bad experience with somebody else’s pet? Join this forum and tell us all about it!

The other allergy forums seem to cover a huge variety of allergens, but it is still possible that yours isn’t on the list. Do you have a rare or unusual allergy? Look for info, ask questions and talk about your symptoms and treatment here. You can also post on this forum if you know you’re allergic to something but have not been diagnosed with a specific allergy yet.