Allergies Can Now Be Diagnosed With A Simple
Blood Test
by: News Canada
(NC)-Do you think you have
allergies? Do you have dark circles under your eyes, itchy
rashes, or feel like you have a cold? If you do, you are not
alone. More than 9 million Canadians suffer from some form of
allergy.
Allergic reactions can mimic cold and flu symptoms so it is
easy for people to mistake one condition for the other.
To determine if you have allergies your
doctor will often use skin tests or a new blood test called
UniCAP" allergy test.
What is the Difference Between a Skin Test and the New Blood
Test?
For a skin test, the doctor uses a needle to prick the skin
through a drop of a solution of each suspected allergen. If a
raised welt (weal or hive) appears occurs then this indicates
sensitivity to that allergen.
However, the skin test is not appropriate if you have an
allergic skin disease and is not as effective in infants and in
older people. The results may also be affected by
medication.
In contrast, the UniCAP" allergy blood test is simple. It
requires about small sample of blood (about one teaspoon). The
test is performed in the lab by a medical technologist. The
test can identify allergies to more than 500 different
allergens and is not affected by medications.
"The new blood test offers Canadians an easy and less painful
alternative to identifying allergic symptoms, " says Dr. Brian
Sheridan, Vice President of Medical Affairs for MDS Laboratory
Services. "MDS technologists are specifically trained to
perform thousands of different types of laboratory tests
including the serum test for allergies. This test is 90%
accurate and seems to be particularly useful in identifying
food allergens."
If you think you may allergies, talk to your doctor. For more
information visit www.mdscollaborate.com.
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A Brief Overview On High Blood Pressure
Medicines
Ashish Jain
High blood pressure happens to be a widespread disease among
people all around the world but we, Americans due to increased
level of cholesterol, are more prone to this malady that often
results in severe complications. There could be various reasons
for why heart exerts more pressure on the blood flow that is
popularly known as high blood pressure.
One common reason among Americans is widespread occurrence of
high level of cholesterol. In case you discover yourself with
this disease, you are needed to lay stress on dietary control.
Life style changes greatly contribute in curbing hypertension.
But a consistent rise in blood pressure must be treated by
medications in consultation with doctor. There exist some over
the counter medicines that you should strictly avoid in favor
of prescription medications.
There are four common groups of high blood pressure medication
that are as follows:
Angiotensin- Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
With the help of these medications, functions of enzymes that
happen to bring constriction in arteries are inhibited. This
constriction often happens to be a cause of hypertension. There
could be certain side effects such as excessive thirst and loss
of taste with intake of these inhibitors, but these effects
last for only a few days. These are relatively newer drugs.
Diuretics
It is most common medication for high blood pressure. This
medication works in two possible ways. When diuretics are taken
with a mild dosage it assists in relaxing blood arteries. The
other work performed by it is facilitating out flow of excess
water and sodium through urine in order to lessen the amount of
blood. The only side effect associated with this medicine is
reduction in potassium level of your body that happens to be an
essential element for the normal functioning of body. For that
food rich in potassium could be taken in plenty. Doctors often
suggest potassium tablets along with this medication.
Calcium Channel Blockers
This group of medicines is not too old, but their usage is
gaining momentum. They affect blood pressure in a very
different way. They usually tend to disrupt smooth inflow of
calcium in body cells, thus reducing cells intake of calcium.
With reduced calcium heart rate gets reduced easing pressure on
moving blood.
Beta -Blockers
Medicines of this group directly cast their impact on nervous
system by making brain give a retarding signal to heart. The
heart rate gets retarded and in turn pace of blood circulation
decreases. Thus hypertension gets reduced. This medicine is
rarely prescribed to diabetics with hypertension.
These are some common medications that you should take in
consonance with constant monitoring of blood pressure through
blood pressure monitor equipments. Lastly, beware of one thing.
Don't overdose yourself with these medications, consequences
could be disastrous.
About the Author :
To get more information on blood pressure, high blood pressure
and hypertension treatment visit http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/
Article
Source: www.iSnare.com
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