It’s not just “bad” food that causes problems with digestion and absorption. any food, including “good” foods have the potential to be an allergen in the body. Food allergies are very common and very often overlooked. In fact, many medical professionals don’t look for food allergies because they fundamentally don’t believe in them. However, the evidence for food allergies is overwhelming and most private labs offer food allergy testing.

There are 4 main categories of food allergies to become aware of so you can identify them. When most people, including many medical professionals hear the word “allergy” they think of the typical symptoms like skin rash, hives, swollen throat, itchy watery eyes, and nasal discharge. However, this really only reflects one type of allergy, the IgE-mediated Immediate Sensitivity reaction. The chart below describes the differences between the 4 categories of food allergies you should distinguish between.

IgE-Mediated Immediate Sensitivity

IgG-Mediated Delayed Sensitivity

Within minutes after exposure

2-48 hours after exposure

Most likely 30min to 2 hours after exposure

Most likely within minutes after exposure

Blood draw for IgG levels

Electrodermal testing

IgE and histamine release from mast cells

IgG released from white blood cells

Deficiency of an enzyme to break down the food

IgE-mediated immediate sensitivity allergies occur when a protein triggers the release of histamine from de-granulated mast cells. The symptoms usually occur within minutes and are usually relatively severe and sometimes cause anaphylaxis. This type of allergy is most commonly induced by nuts, peanuts, shellfish, citrus, and environmental allergens like pollen, dander, and mold. IgE-mediated allergies are relatively uncommon for most other foods. The best way to test for IgE-mediated allergies is through skin prick testing. Anti-histamines provide relief for this type of allergy.

IgG-mediated delayed sensitivity allergies occur when a protein triggers the release of immunoglobulin G (IgG), an inflammatory product from white blood cells in the digestive tract. The symptoms usually occur anywhere from 2 to 48 hours after exposure and are of a more chronic and inflammatory nature. Common signs and symptoms include indigestion, gas, bloating, cramping, eczema, psoriasis, headaches, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and edema. Anti-histamines do not improve these symptoms because histamine production is not involved. The best way to test for IgG-mediated allergies is to examine a blood sample for immunoglobulin G production from the white blood cell population.

Food intolerances are not a true allergy because they do not involve an immune-mediated response. Food intolerances occur when the body lacks an enzyme to break down certain food molecules. The most well known example is lactose intolerance where the body is deficient the enzyme lactose. therefore, whenever dairy products are consumed lactose is not broken down and causes digestive upset. Enzyme deficiencies can occur for almost any food and are not actually a true allergy but nonetheless cause digestive symptoms.

like food intolerances, food sensitivities are technically not a true allergy because there is no known measurable immune system response. In fact, we understand very little about the causes and mechanisms of food sensitivities. The best way to test for food sensitivity is through an elimination diet and ruling out IgE allergy, IgG allergy, and food intolerance. The treatment for food sensitivity is elimination or rotation diet.

In next week’s column we will investigate the physical causes of poor digestion. To learn more about natural treatments for digestion or to schedule a consultation contact Dr. Barlow at 250-860-8855.

Kennel Cough causes inflammation in a dog’s larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). As a result, kennel cough symptoms are primarily upper respiratory in nature and include a dry, hacking cough which is sometimes accompanied by phlegm.

This persistent, forceful, hacking dry cough is the primary, “trademark” symptom of kennel cough. many owners say it resembles a honking sound. it seems to come from deep within the dog’s body, and when you hear it, you’ll be convinced your dog is about to vomit. Sometimes retching follows the cough.

Phlegm and a gagging sound coming from the throat are also kennel cough symptoms. Fever is another, although many other dog illnesses can also cause a dog to run a fever. A dog suffering from kennel cough may also have a watery nasal discharge or a discharge from the eyes. Dogs with mild cases continue to eat and remain active and alert. Although the infection is usually mild and self-limiting, more severe cases can cause loss of alertness, lethargy and loss of appetite. Pneumonia is a possible complication, and death from pneumonia is a possibility, but with proper veterinary care the dog will normally recover.

Typically, kennel cough is diagnosed based on the dog’s symptoms and whether he has recently been boarded or otherwise come into close contact with other dogs. Although bacterial cultures, blood work and other diagnostic tests can be performed, kennel cough symptoms – especially the cough – are so highly characteristic of the disease that diagnostic testing is usually not needed or performed.

Depending on the severity of the infection, several treatment options are available, but treatment may not even be necessary. Typically, kennel cough is a mild condition and treatment, if any, is often symptomatic. As mentioned earlier, this is an upper respiratory infection which usually “cures itself,” and antibiotics, cough suppressants and/or bronchodilators may or may not be administered for mild cases. Medication may, however, hasten recovery or help to minimize kennel cough symptoms. in addition, because pressure on the throat can make the cough worse, using a harness or head collar instead of a neck collar can help.

The situation is different for moderate and severe cases of kennel cough. When the dog is running a fever, not eating, being lethargic or exhibiting symptoms of pneumonia, antibiotics are frequently used to combat the infection. Bronchodilators or even aerosol inhalation therapy might also be administered. Prompt veterinary care is essential when kennel cough leads to pneumonia, which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated properly. Speak with your veterinarian immediately if your dog becomes listless or experiences rapid breathing.

kennel cough is highly contagious, and treatment will not shorten the period during which the dog can transmit the infection to other dogs. Fortunately, intranasal and injectable kennel cough vaccines can prevent transmission of the disease to dogs that have been inoculated, although neither type of vaccination is guaranteed to provide protection. in fact, the best way to prevent a dog from contracting kennel cough is to not expose him to other dogs, particularly young puppies.

Medical science has only recently become aware that Bordetella bronchiseptica might indeed cause health issues in humans, especially people whose immune systems are suppressed or otherwise compromised. kennel cough does not appear to pose a risk for normal, healthy adults, but young children and people with compromised immune systems should avoid coming into contact with any dog that shows kennel cough symptoms.

Learn how to deal with minor dog health problems before they become major ones. Avoid needless vet bills with an essential home guide to dog health.

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Dog Health : Kennel Cough Symptoms in Dogs

Symptoms of kennel cough in dogs include coughing three to five days after their stay, white foam coming out of the mouth, a low-grade fever and an unproductive cough. Discover how dogs with kennel cough will often retch and gag with help from a vete…

Dog Symptom | Symptoms of kennel cough will develop within a week …

The symptoms of kennel cough should be considered. Tracheobronchitis canine infectious tracheo-bronchitis, Bordetella or Bordetella are some of the medical terms used to illustrate the kennel cough. One of the most common disorders in …

Publish Date: 12/04/2010 10:33

dog.petsgo.org/dog-symptom-symptoms-of-kennel-cough-will-develop-within-a-week-after-a-dog-has-been-exposed/

How long does “kennel cough” symptoms usually last? – – questions …

Infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease usually caused by Bordetella Bronchiseptica. it is passed from one dog to another in confinement or close contact situations when the infected …

Publish Date: 09/16/2010 9:00

vetinfo.com/vets/answers/how-long-does-kennel-cough-symptoms-usually-last

Frequent sinus infections in children are a common problem, especially for children in daycare settings. the average child can have six to ten upper respiratory tract infections a year that have symptoms including nasal discharge and blockage.

Other factors that contribute to frequent sinus infections are environmental allergies, exposure to second-hand smoke, immunodeficiency, congenital craniofacial anomalies and some inherited conditions. Children with lung problems such as asthma and cystic fibrosis often have related sinus problems.

Most viral infections will resolve without treatment. A small percentage will progress to bacterial sinusitis that will require antibiotics for treatment. Narrowing or blockage of the nasal passages or sinus openings may increase the chances that a cold will progress to bacterial sinusitis.

Often, children may need medication to help treat sinus problems. This could include nasal steroids, nasal saline, mucous-thinning medications called mucolytics, and some allergy medications such as anti-histamines.

In a small percentage of children, surgery may be necessary to relieve the blockage and open the sinuses or nasal passages. Prior to any surgery, a thorough work-up is necessary in order to determine the appropriate treatment course. Younger children do not typically need surgery on the sinuses as their sinuses are still developing.

Younger children with frequent sinus infections often have their adenoid, a patch of tissue located where the nose and throat join, removed. the adenoid can be a haven for bacteria and can often block the nasal passages. Removing the adenoid is a simple and painless surgery that can be very effective.

When the sinus problem is more involved than an enlarged adenoid, the sinuses need to be imaged via a special X-ray called a CT scan to investigate the anatomy of the sinuses and determine if the openings of the sinuses are blocked. If sinus openings are blocked, they can be enlarged using special instruments and a small camera called an endoscope. This is called endoscopic sinus surgery. the natural openings are widened and preservation of normal anatomy is the goal.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Rhinology Clinic is unique in that it offers allergy testing and endoscopic evaluation during the same visit. This allows both the allergist and otolaryngologist to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider prior to starting or stopping any treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Ever wanted to ask a vet how to tell if your cat is sick? Online Vet Reviews Sick Cat Symptoms

Our feline friends are not as easy to read as dogs, and cats are much less likely to complain when they are ill. As a veterinarian, all too often my cat owning clients bring their pets to me when their cats are far more ill than they realized. some studies have shown that cats will act perfectly normal when their people are around, but then show symptoms of illness, such as licking a wound or limping when they are alone.

What does this mean to you? As a responsible pet owner, you should educate yourself on how to do a basic pet owner physical exam on a weekly basis and be aware of the common indicators that your feline friend is under the weather.

After all, you know your cat better than anyone, and learning his or her “normals” could mean the matter in life or death.

Let’s review the basics of sick cat symptoms.

Is your cat sneezing more or having nasal discharge? is your cat pawing at his nose? is there swelling at the nose or a red crusty scab? Use common sense; a sneeze or even four in a row is not reason to rush to the veterinarian. perhaps you are cooking with a spicy ingredient or the dog has brought a new pollen in on their paws that is triggering your cat to sneeze. If it continues or is accompanied by green thick discharge, you should ask a vet.

Eyes should be clear, bright, and free of redness or discharge. When a cat starts squinting their eye, indicating pain, this is NOT something to wait around and keep an eye on. It may mean a scratch on their eye, called a corneal ulcer, which needs immediate medical attention.

Ears should be clean, without copious wax or discharge, and not a major source of itching. If you cat has large amounts of black ear discharge and is scratching at their ears frequently, this is a sign of an ear infection which warrants a vet visit.

A cat’s mouth should be free of odor, red gum-lines, tartar and plaque build up. If your cat is drooling excessively, it very likely is the result of oral pain, such as an infected tooth with associated nerve pain. If your cat has blueish gums or abnormal swellings in their mouth, this is a cause for concern.

If your cat is gasping for air or open-mouth breathing, please, don’t wait to see if it improves. Get to the vet ASAP. If your cat is just breathing a little harder after a long game of catch the laser, this is likely not of medical concern (except to spend more time enticing your cat to exercise). Does your cat have attacks of wheezing? Cats frequently get asthma, and this is nothing to blow off.

Your cat’s coat should be smooth and soft to the touch. Their skin should be free of sores, scabs, or lumps, masses, bald spots, and rashes. Does your normally well-groomed cat now have mats and spend less time grooming? This is likely an indication of a sick cat.

Body Condition (Weight):

You should be able to feel your cats ribs (subtly, not pronounced) when you rub your hands over your cat’s ribcage. Can’t find them? Over 50% of these cats are overweight or obese. It may be time to place Tigger on a diet. Sudden weight loss or gain is dangerous in cats and can indicate an underly disease such as diabetes, kidney failure, or hyperthyroidism.

Gastrointestinal system:

Ever wonder why cats vomit? Cats have hairballs, and depending on the cat, some are regular occasional vomiters. nonetheless, if your cat’s vomiting increases, loose stools become a repeat visitor, or if your cat’s stool has blood in it, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.

Ahhh…my personal least favorite cat illness, and unfortunately a very frequent one, if not the most frequent. has your cat started going outside the box? If it is accompanied by an increased amount of urine, blood in the urine, straining while urinating, a trip to the emergency vet is in order. also, if your male cat has stopped urinating, is straining in unusual places and crying loudly, RUN RUN RUN to the vet. This can be a sign of urinary blockage which is life-threatening. If your cat urinates in unusual locations, you may be stuck with a more complex problem to deal with. If this problem is recurring, your vet can work with your to find out if this is a behavioral or medical problem.

Attitude/Appetite/Energy:

Changes in any of the above can signal an underlying disease. A formerly nice cat that has turned aggressive may be in pain, such as arthritis or even a tumor affecting their behavior. has your cat’s energy and activity decreased? is your cat eating less? These are all signs that something more serious may be dangerously lurking. Get to the veterinarian and provide as detailed of a history and symptoms as possible.

Is your cat just not acting right? Follow your instincts. you know your cat better than anyone, and oftentimes those subtle hunches picked up by you the owner can help us as the veterinarian arrive at an accurate and speedy diagnosis. want to find out if your hunches warrant a vet visit? Ask a vet online 24/7 for a small fraction of the cost of inconvenience of an in-person vet visit.

It’s your cat’s health! Educate yourself, and protect your loved one

Laci Schaible, DVM is a veterinarian and writer for numerous pet publications. She works in Pennsylvania with her husband Jed, also a veterinarian.

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