A food allergy occurs when someone’s immune system reacts adversely to a particular type of food. When this happens it causes inflammation in certain bodily tissues and can even be life threatening. A food allergy should not be confused with food intolerance because, although in both situations the body can react to even a very small amount of food, food intolerance is not caused by an individual’s immune system; rather, it’s the digestive system.

Although actual food allergies are very rare and tend to run in the family, some people avoid consuming specific foods because they are under the mistaken assumption that they’re allergic to them. On average, only one in hundred adults and three in a hundred infants have food allergies. An individual would be more at risk if they or their family suffer from any allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema or hay fever. Only a medical professional will be able to diagnose somebody as having a food allergy.

Food Allergies

In principle, people could be allergic to any type of food, but the most common ones appear to be the following: milk, fish, shellfish, eggs, wheat, soya beans, peanuts and certain fruit and veg.

Food allergies are usually diagnosed by blood or skin tests, or a going through a food elimination program.

Sinusitis affects the cavities inside the cheekbones and forehead.  It usually develops after a cold or flu and clears up on its own.  This is known as acute sinusitis.  Chronic sinusitis however is less normal and lasts much longer.  The sinuses become swollen and other symptoms include pain over the area as well as a high temperature and a blocked or runny nose. As well as having pain in the sinuses, there are other symptoms of sinusitis which may be present including headache, cough, tiredness or a feeling of unwell. Painkillers can be used to treat the symptoms or a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Viruses that cause the cold or influenza virus can spread to the sinuses causing sinusitis. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection. There are also several factors which can cause a person to be more susceptible to sinusitis such as, asthma or hay fever, smoking, weakened immune system, allergies, facial surgery, pregnancy, or an infected tooth.

Sinusitis

Most cases of sinusitis will clear up by itself but antibiotics may be needed for more severe cases.  Painkillers can help to ease the pain associated with sinusitis.  Nasal sprays can help to unblock the nose and help make breathing easier but should not be used for more than seven days at a time.

In order to prevent sinusitis there are a number of things that can be done including, getting plenty of exercise, eating a well balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, keeping stress levels to a minimum and even having a flu vaccination annually.

West Nile Virus is a disease which is spread by mosquitoes and for the most part is not a serious disease.  Often there are no symptoms but sometimes if an infected mosquito bites somebody it can lead to inflammation of the brain, spinal cord or the tissues which surround the brain and spinal cord.

The West Nile Virus is caused when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites an animal or human.  Most of the time people with West Nile Virus have no symptoms but some people experience symptoms which include headache, muscle ache, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, back pain, abdominal pain, sore throat and diarrhea.  The symptoms will usually surface roughly three to 14 days after the infected mosquito bite and will last for approximately three to six days.

There can be complications however, and sometimes the virus can cause an infection of the brain and nervous system.  Symptoms of this would include severe headaches, high fever, stiff neck, lack of co-ordination, muscle tremors, convulsions, coma, disorientation, coma or even partial paralysis.

West Nile Virus is not serious if symptoms are mild.  However, if the virus spreads to the brain or spinal cord it can lead to brain damage or death.

The best way to avoid the virus is to protect against mosquito bites at all times when away.  It is advisable to check whether the virus is present in the country you are visiting and take extra precautions against being bitten.

West Nile Virus