In a nutshell, an allergy can be defined as an abnormal reaction from an individual’s immune system normally against a harmless substance. Individuals with no allergies would not have a reaction to these substances, or allergens, but the body’s of those who do release certain chemicals and it is these that cause the allergy symptoms.

An allergy can range from such things as itchy eyes to rashes to runny nose and is so widespread that they can affect 25% of the population at some stage of their lives. People have to be aware though, that these symptoms can be caused by factors other than an allergy as well, and could well be from a disease instead. More or less anything can be classed as an allergen for an individual but the most common come from pollen, dust mites, pets, insects, industrial chemicals, certain medicines and some foods like eggs and milk.

Common Allergic Reactions

The immune system of an allergic person reacts by producing special kinds of antibodies called IgE when it thinks it is being “damaged” by an allergen, and these antibodies attack the invader. This procedure then causes other blood cells to discharge other chemicals, which together with the antibodies cause the allergic reaction symptoms.

Food Allergies

A tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the intestines of animals and can sometimes infect humans.  These tapeworms can be passed via infected food or water or through contact with stools.

Treatment is required to rid the body of the adult tapeworm.  If the tapeworm lays eggs and they settle outside the person’s intestines, other illnesses can occur.  Often though, people do not realize they have been infected with a tapeworm as they might not have any symptoms.  Sometimes any symptoms which may appear such as stomach pain can be contributed to something else.  Symptoms of a tapeworm could include, nausea, weight loss, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, insomnia or malnutrition. These symptoms depend on the type of tapeworm and the part of the body which is infected.

Soil can become contaminated by animal stools which can then result in other animals ingesting the tapeworm eggs when grazing.  These eggs then develop inside the animal and can be passed to humans through the infected meat from the animal.

Tapeworm

Tapeworms are diagnosed by finding the eggs or larvae in the stools.  A sample of stools should be provided in order for diagnosis to be made and the doctor would need to examine the anus to inspect for any evidence of tapeworms.

Treatment for tapeworm infection involves medication prescribed by the doctor.  Good hygiene can prevent tapeworm infection as can proper handling of food.

Motion sickness can also be referred to as travel sickness and is caused by recurring movements when traveling.  Symptoms of motion sickness include, feeling sick, headaches, light headedness or perspiration.  The reason for these symptoms occurring is down to the brain receiving mixed messages from what your eyes are seeing outside the mode of transport compared to the messages being sent by the inner ear when these bumps are felt.  Motion sickness can also occur when trying to read while traveling.

Motion sickness can be quite frequent in children but luckily many find this can disappear as they get older. Some people are more prone to motion sickness and can also develop similar symptoms on fairground attractions, particularly those which involve spinning around.  Most sufferers find that the symptoms will disappear once they have completed their journey or finished their fairground ride; for the unlucky few, symptoms can last for a few hours or even longer.

There are some ways to avoid motion sickness symptoms such as sitting in the front of a car or if in the back usually sitting by the window with the window open can help.  It can also help to sleep or just keep eyes closed.  It can also help to keep to simple foods before traveling to avoid nausea.  There are also over the counter medicines which can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.  These types of medicines are best taken before traveling but can also help if taken during the journey.  Some medicines for motion sickness can cause drowsiness so it is recommended not to drive or work with heavy machines.