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 sore or hole in the lining of an organ is known as an ulcer.  A stomach ulcer is known as a gastric ulcer while a duodenal ulcer is an ulcer in the duodenum which is part of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers occur more frequently in men and usually between the ages of 20-45, while stomach ulcers occur more often than not in people over the age of 50.

The stomach is protected from acid by a lining of mucus but if the lining is damaged then the acid can come into contact with the stomach or intestine wall, causing an ulcer.

Symptoms of an ulcer include abdominal pain, feeling sick after eating, loss of appetite, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.  More serious symptoms include black or tar like stools, severe stomach pain, or vomiting blood.

Stomach Ulcers

Ulcers can be caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter Pylori and also use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin.  Other causes of ulcers are smoking and drinking alcohol and it is also thought to run in some families.  Stress can aggravate an ulcer as it causes the stomach to produce more acid.

Diagnosis of an ulcer is confirmed through a procedure known as an endoscopy.  This is done in a hospital and it involves a thin tube being passed down to the stomach through the mouth and gullet.  This can show the doctor whether an ulcer is present.

Treatment of an ulcer depends on whether the cause was a bacterium or by using NSAIDs. Proton pump inhibitors are prescribed for ulcers which have not been caused by the H pylori bacteria and they work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.  For ulcers caused by H pylori bacteria, treatment is usually a combination of proton pump inhibitors and two antibiotics.

Skin Ulcers

Nail fungus is a common condition that causes nails to become thickened and rather unsightly, sometimes being painful as well. There are a lot of reasons for contracting nail fungus. These include catching it from another fungal condition present on the body, athlete’s foot for example; catching a fingernail fungus from toenail fungus, and vice-versa; fingernail infections can occur if the hands are washed frequently or are immersed in water a lot – this damages the protective skin at the base of the nail, making it easier for infection to enter; a recently damaged nail; having a general poor state of health or other conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis or circulatory issues; more common in hot and humid regions; and, smoking.

Nail Fungus

Commonly, just one nail is infected with the condition, but several can become affected. Initially, infection is painless and the nail may appear discolored and thickened. Usually, this is all that occurs with no other symptoms, but it does, and can, look unsightly. Occasionally though, the infection can become worse. When this happens the whole nail could come away; bits of the nail could fall off; skin adjoining the nail can become inflamed; and, patches could form under the nail. Left untreated, the fungus could destroy the nailbed and the nail itself, while being very painful.

Treatments for nail fungus include antifungal tablets, antifungal nail paint, or nail removal to allow a new nail to form.