Epstein Barr Virus Antibodies - IgA Tips

The body’s reacts to anything suspicious by developing an allergic reaction. Some of the common substances inducing this reaction include certain food substances, pollen, insect bites and certain metals. This body recognises these suspicious substances as antigens and produces what is known as antibodies. These produce various allergic reactions in the body ranging from something as minor as a skin rash to something drastically fatal as respiratory distress and even death.

Features:

1. Angioedema is one of the most severe forms of allergic reactions.
2. Translated literally as swelling of the blood vessels, angioedema causes swelling of the blood vessels in the underlying layers and this can lead to the formation of giant hives.
3. The hives or rashes are extremely itchy, reddish, and can vary in shape (oval or circular). The hives also are warm and painful when touched.
4. Angioedema usually affects the skin but can have more severe effects like blocking the airway and leading to respiratory distress

Causes: Angioedema is usually caused by one of the following:

1. Insect bites or stings
2. People with allergies to foods like peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, chocolates, tree nuts, etc.
3. Pollen, animal dander, latex, poison ivy, and other common allergens
4. Medicines like penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and some anti-hypertensives
5. Autoimmune skin disorders like lupus
6. Reaction to incompatible blood transfusions
7. Weather conditions like extremes of cold, heat, or pressure
8. Infections like hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infections, Epstein-Barr infections, etc.
9. Conditions like leukaemia and thyroid disorders
10. Extreme emotional stress
11. Genetic angioedema, inherited from parents by children, which can last forever

Risk factors: Though hives usually develop without any warning signs, the following are some risk factors for developing angioedema.

1. Previous history of allergies
2. Predisposition to develop allergic reactions (overactive immune system)
3. Genetic history of allergies, especially of angioedema

Diagnosis:

1. In first-time patients, a detailed history with deep dive into similar instances in the past will be done
2. A physical exam to check for missed hives (like the back) is then done
3. Allergy testing may also be required to test if a person has a high predisposition to allergies
4. Blood testing to check for eosinophils, which is usually high in patients with allergies, is done.
5. Allergy testing to identify the trigger agent may be done if trigger is not known. This will help in preventing further attacks.
6. If genetic angioedema is suspected, C1 esterase inhibitor test and complement particles are also checked.

Treatment:
Non-medical treatment including loose clothing, cool compresses, and copiously moisturizing to reduce dryness and itching. This is usually sufficient in majority of the cases.
Medical: Antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are the next line of treatment. Very severe cases may require steroids like prednisone. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

While there is no vaccine or cure for Zika virus, there are precautions you can take to prevent from getting it. Pregnant women and women who might become pregnant should be extra careful, as this virus can cause severe birth defects in babies. when pregnant women are infected Such defects may include microencephaly(smaller head and brain size) brain defects, developmental problems, and vision and hearing problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there may also be link between Zika and Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause paralysis. Therefore, knowing ways to avoid Zika virus is a must.

1. Use Insect Repellent

2. Cover Arms and Legs

3. Travel Smart

Traveling smart means you may want to avoid Zika-infested areas when planning your vacation – especially if you’re pregnant or could become pregnant.

4. Use Protection During Sex

Zika virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, so protection during sex is a must. This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex.

5. Avoid Contact with Blood

Another way Zika is spread is by contact with the blood of an infected person. If you require a blood transfusion, make sure the blood has been tested for Zika.

Now we need to work on making our immunity better.

What to do if you are infected?? 1.Have lots of water 2. Take minimum 5 colour fruits daily for antioxidant content. 3. Avoid smoking and hard drinks 4. Take rest and avoid stressm 5.Avoid taking any medication without doctors prescription. 6.eat balanced meal with low fat content.

Breastfeeding is best for the baby and its benefits extend well beyond the paradigm of basic nutrition. Breast milk contains all the vital vitamins and nutrients, which a baby needs in the first six months of life. It is fully loaded with disease fighting substances, which protect baby from illness. Many international paediatric organisation recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and recent research reports have proven that breastfeeding is good for both mother and the baby.

Breastfeeding protects the baby from a long list of illnesses, such as ear infections, lower respiratory illnesses, stomach disorder and meningitis and are less severe when they do happen. Breast milk adapts as the baby grows to meet the changing needs. Breastfeeding builds a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby and it has long term benefits lasting right into adulthood.

The first milk of the mother contains high concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), which guards against invading germs by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in baby's intestines, nose, and throat. Mother's body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in her body and makes secretory IgA, which is specific to those pathogens, creating protection for the baby based on to whatever mother is exposed. 

The antibodies in breast milk gives a baby's immune system a boost and also helps children avoid type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and inflammatory bowel disease that strike later in life. Babies who were not breastfed run the risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Breastfeeding boosts child's intelligence. Surveys have shown that premature infants with extremely low birth weight who receive breast milk shortly after birth improved their scores of mental development at eighteen months when compared with premature infants who weren't given breast milk. The emotional bonding happening during breastfeeding contributes to some of the brainpower benefits. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It reduces a child's risk of becoming obese as a teen or adult as the breast milk contains less insulin, which stimulates creation of fat. The high content of leptin in the milk regulates appetite and fat.

Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin that promotes relaxation and nurturing. Oxytocin released while nursing also helps your uterus contract after birth, resulting in less postpartum bleeding. It reduces stress level and the risk of postpartum depression. Research studies show that breastfeeding results in changes in breast tissue and lactation reduces the production of oestrogen, which reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

The body’s reacts to anything suspicious by developing an allergic reaction. Some of the common substances inducing this reaction include certain food substances, pollen, insect bites and certain metals. This body recognises these suspicious substances as antigens and produces what is known as antibodies. These produce various allergic reactions in the body ranging from something as minor as a skin rash to something drastically fatal as respiratory distress and even death.

Features:

1. Angioedema is one of the most severe forms of allergic reactions.
2. Translated literally as swelling of the blood vessels, angioedema causes swelling of the blood vessels in the underlying layers and this can lead to the formation of giant hives.
3. The hives or rashes are extremely itchy, reddish, and can vary in shape (oval or circular). The hives also are warm and painful when touched.
4. Angioedema usually affects the skin but can have more severe effects like blocking the airway and leading to respiratory distress

Causes: Angioedema is usually caused by one of the following:

1. Insect bites or stings
2. People with allergies to foods like peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish, chocolates, tree nuts, etc.
3. Pollen, animal dander, latex, poison ivy, and other common allergens
4. Medicines like penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and some anti-hypertensives
5. Autoimmune skin disorders like lupus
6. Reaction to incompatible blood transfusions
7. Weather conditions like extremes of cold, heat, or pressure
8. Infections like hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infections, Epstein-Barr infections, etc.
9. Conditions like leukaemia and thyroid disorders
10. Extreme emotional stress
11. Genetic angioedema, inherited from parents by children, which can last forever

Risk factors: Though hives usually develop without any warning signs, the following are some risk factors for developing angioedema.

1. Previous history of allergies
2. Predisposition to develop allergic reactions (overactive immune system)
3. Genetic history of allergies, especially of angioedema

Diagnosis:

1. In first-time patients, a detailed history with deep dive into similar instances in the past will be done
2. A physical exam to check for missed hives (like the back) is then done
3. Allergy testing may also be required to test if a person has a high predisposition to allergies
4. Blood testing to check for eosinophils, which is usually high in patients with allergies, is done.
5. Allergy testing to identify the triggering agent may be done if the trigger is not known. This will help in preventing further attacks.
6. If genetic angioedema is suspected, C1 esterase inhibitor test and complement particles are also checked.

Treatment:
Non-medical treatment including loose clothing, cool compresses, and copiously moisturizing to reduce dryness and itching. This is usually sufficient in the majority of the cases.
Medical: Antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are the next line of treatment. Very severe cases may require steroids like prednisone.
 

Allergic reactions are the body’s way of responding to foreign substances. The body recognizes these substances (be it food, pollens, insect bites, etc.) as antigens and produces antibodies. These antibodies can cause various reactions depending on the severity of the allergen, be it skin rash, hives, or angioedema. In severe cases, there could be swelling of the tongue and the respiratory tract, leading to choking of the airways.

Literally, angioedema means swelling of the blood vessels. These are located in the underlying layers of the skin and their swelling can lead to formation of giant hives, which can be extremely itchy, reddish, and oval or circular in shape. The affected area I usually warm and painful to touch.

Causes

Angioedema is caused due to the following:

1. Food allergies including eggs, peanuts, shellfish, milk, tree nuts, chocolates, etc.

2. Insect bites or stings

3. Pollen, latex, animal dander, poison ivy, and other common allergens

4. Medications like aspirin, penicillin, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure medicines

5. In response to blood transfusions

6. Auto-immune disorders like lupus

7. Conditions like leukemia and thyroid disorders

8. Infections like hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infections, Epstein-Barr infections, etc.

9. Weather conditions like extremes of cold, heat, or pressure

10. Extreme emotional stress

11. Genetic angioedema, passed on from parents to children, which could last forever

While hives usually develop without any warning, the following condition puts a person at risk of developing angioedema.

1. Predisposition to allergic reactions (highly active immune system)

2. Previous history of allergies

3. Genetic history of allergies or angioedema

Most angioedema cases are limited to the skin and hives, but there could be severe cases leading to respiratory distress.

Diagnosis

If it is the first instance of hives, the doctor would ask detailed questions about similar occurrence in the past. They would also check if there are similar hives on other parts of the body like the back, which you may have missed. If required, this examination is followed by allergy testing and blood testing. The allergy testing will help identify if you are allergic to some of the common things which cause allergy. The blood test will look for your eosinophil count, which is usually high in people prone to allergies. C1 esterase inhibitor test and complement particles also can be checked, if there is suspicion of genetic angioedema.

Treatment

This would depend on the severity of symptoms

1. In case of angioedema, admission in hospital may be needed.
2. Tracheostomy may also become essential to save patients life.
3. Vigorous therapy with intravenous medications like steroid, antihistamines and others may be needed.
4. Under medical treatment, antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are prescribed. However, severe cases may require steroids like prednisolone.

Prevention

Once you know what caused it, avoid exposure to these substances and further attacks can be prevented. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Allergic reactions are the body’s way of responding to foreign substances. The body recognizes these substances (be it food, pollens, insect bites, etc.) as antigens and produces antibodies. These antibodies can cause various reactions depending on the severity of the allergen, be it skin rash, hives, or angioedema. In severe cases, there could be swelling of the tongue and the respiratory tract, leading to choking of the airways.

Literally, angioedema means swelling of the blood vessels. These are located in the underlying layers of the skin and their swelling can lead to formation of giant hives, which can be extremely itchy, reddish, and oval or circular in shape. The affected area I usually warm and painful to touch.

Causes

Angioedema is caused due to the following:

1. Food allergies including eggs, peanuts, shellfish, milk, tree nuts, chocolates, etc.

2. Insect bites or stings

3. Pollen, latex, animal dander, poison ivy, and other common allergens

4. Medications like aspirin, penicillin, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure medicines

5. In response to blood transfusions

6. Auto-immune disorders like lupus

7. Conditions like leukemia and thyroid disorders

8. Infections like hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infections, Epstein-Barr infections, etc.

9. Weather conditions like extremes of cold, heat, or pressure

10. Extreme emotional stress

11. Genetic angioedema, passed on from parents to children, which could last forever

While hives usually develop without any warning, the following condition puts a person at risk of developing angioedema.

1. Predisposition to allergic reactions (highly active immune system)

2. Previous history of allergies

3. Genetic history of allergies or angioedema

Most angioedema cases are limited to the skin and hives, but there could be severe cases leading to respiratory distress.

Diagnosis

If it is the first instance of hives, the doctor would ask detailed questions about similar occurrence in the past. They would also check if there are similar hives on other parts of the body like the back, which you may have missed. If required, this examination is followed by allergy testing and blood testing. The allergy testing will help identify if you are allergic to some of the common things which cause allergy. The blood test will look for your eosinophil count, which is usually high in people prone to allergies. C1 esterase inhibitor test and complement particles also can be checked, if there is suspicion of genetic angioedema.

Treatment

This would depend on the severity of symptoms

1. In case of angioedema, admission in hospital may be needed.
2. Tracheostomy may also become essential to save patients life.
3. Vigorous therapy with intravenous medications like steroid, antihistamines and others may be needed.
4. Under medical treatment, antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are prescribed. However, severe cases may require steroids like prednisolone.

Prevention

Once you know what caused it, avoid exposure to these substances and further attacks can be prevented. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor.

Allergic reactions are the body’s way of responding to foreign substances. The body recognizes these substances (be it food, pollens, insect bites, etc.) as antigens and produces antibodies. These antibodies can cause various reactions depending on the severity of the allergen, be it skin rash, hives, or angioedema. In severe cases, there could be swelling of the tongue and the respiratory tract, leading to choking of the airways.

Literally, angioedema means swelling of the blood vessels. These are located in the underlying layers of the skin and their swelling can lead to formation of giant hives, which can be extremely itchy, reddish, and oval or circular in shape. The affected area I usually warm and painful to touch.

Causes

Angioedema is caused due to the following:

1. Food allergies including eggs, peanuts, shellfish, milk, tree nuts, chocolates, etc.

2. Insect bites or stings

3. Pollen, latex, animal dander, poison ivy, and other common allergens

4. Medications like aspirin, penicillin, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure medicines

5. In response to blood transfusions

6. Auto-immune disorders like lupus

7. Conditions like leukemia and thyroid disorders

8. Infections like hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infections, Epstein-Barr infections, etc.

9. Weather conditions like extremes of cold, heat, or pressure

10. Extreme emotional stress

11. Genetic angioedema, passed on from parents to children, which could last forever

While hives usually develop without any warning, the following condition puts a person at risk of developing angioedema.

1. Predisposition to allergic reactions (highly active immune system)

2. Previous history of allergies

3. Genetic history of allergies or angioedema

Most angioedema cases are limited to the skin and hives, but there could be severe cases leading to respiratory distress.

Diagnosis

If it is the first instance of hives, the doctor would ask detailed questions about similar occurrence in the past. They would also check if there are similar hives on other parts of the body like the back, which you may have missed. If required, this examination is followed by allergy testing and blood testing. The allergy testing will help identify if you are allergic to some of the common things which cause allergy. The blood test will look for your eosinophil count, which is usually high in people prone to allergies. C1 esterase inhibitor test and complement particles also can be checked, if there is suspicion of genetic angioedema.

Treatment

This would depend on the severity of symptoms

1. In case of angioedema, admission in hospital may be needed.
2. Tracheostomy may also become essential to save patients life.
3. Vigorous therapy with intravenous medications like steroid, antihistamines and others may be needed.
4. Under medical treatment, antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine are prescribed. However, severe cases may require steroids like prednisolone.

Prevention

Once you know what caused it, avoid exposure to these substances and further attacks can be prevented.

Breastfeeding is best for the baby and its benefits extend well beyond the paradigm of basic nutrition. Breast milk contains all the vital vitamins and nutrients, which a baby needs in the first six months of life. It is fully loaded with disease fighting substances, which protect baby from illness. Many international paediatric organisation recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and recent research reports have proven that breastfeeding is good for both mother and the baby.

Breastfeeding protects the baby from a long list of illnesses, such as ear infections, lower respiratory illnesses, stomach disorder and meningitis and are less severe when they do happen. Breast milk adapts as the baby grows to meet the changing needs. Breastfeeding builds a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby and it has long term benefits lasting right into adulthood.

The first milk of the mother contains high concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), which guards against invading germs by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes in baby's intestines, nose, and throat. Mother's body responds to pathogens (virus and bacteria) that are in her body and makes secretory IgA, which is specific to those pathogens, creating protection for the baby based on to whatever mother is exposed. 

The antibodies in breast milk gives a baby's immune system a boost and also helps children avoid type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and inflammatory bowel disease that strike later in life. Babies who were not breastfed run the risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Breastfeeding boosts child's intelligence. Surveys have shown that premature infants with extremely low birth weight who receive breast milk shortly after birth improved their scores of mental development at eighteen months when compared with premature infants who weren't given breast milk. The emotional bonding happening during breastfeeding contributes to some of the brainpower benefits. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It reduces a child's risk of becoming obese as a teen or adult as the breast milk contains less insulin, which stimulates creation of fat. The high content of leptin in the milk regulates appetite and fat.

Breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin that promotes relaxation and nurturing. Oxytocin released while nursing also helps your uterus contract after birth, resulting in less postpartum bleeding. It reduces stress level and the risk of postpartum depression. Research studies show that breastfeeding results in changes in breast tissue and lactation reduces the production of oestrogen, which reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Glomerulonephritis is a disease that is caused due to inflammation of the small filters that are present within the kidneys or glomeruli. Glomeruli eliminate the excess waste, electrolytes and fluids from the blood, discharged through urine. A glomerular disease can be either acute or chronic. If the condition arises without a combination of any other disease, it is termed as primary glomerulonephritis. Secondary glomerulonephritis is characterized by diabetes or lupus (an auto-immune disorder) being at the root of the disease. Prolonged or severe inflammation can take a toll on the kidneys.

Causes-

Nephrotic syndrome can be primary, being a disease specific to the kidneys, or it can be secondary, being a renal manifestation of a systemic general illness. In all cases, injury to glomeruli is an essential feature. Kidney diseases that affect tubules and interstitium, such as interstitial nephritis, will not cause nephrotic syndrome.

Primary causes of nephrotic syndrome include the following, in approximate order of frequency:

1. Minimal­-change nephropathy

2. Focal glomerulosclerosis

3. Membranous nephropathy

4. Hereditary nephropathies

Secondary causes include the following, again in order of approximate frequency:

1. Diabetes mellitus

2. Lupus erythematosus

3. Viral infections (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] )

4. Amyloidosis and paraproteinemias

5. Preeclampsia

6. Allo-antibodies from enzyme replacement therapy

Nephrotic-­range proteinuria may occur in other kidney diseases, such as IgA nephropathy. In that common glomerular disease, one-third of patients may have nephrotic-­range proteinuria.

Nephrotic syndrome may occur in persons with sickle cell disease and evolve to renal failure. From a therapeutic perspective, nephrotic syndrome may be classified as steroid sensitive, steroid resistant, steroid dependent, or frequently relapsing.

Treatment-

1. Whether one is suffering from acute or chronic nephrotic glomerular , with symptoms moderate or severe, the treatment lies in treating high blood pressure and other underlying conditions of the disease.

2. Water pills help control sweating, thus increasing the fluid flushed from the kidneys.

3. Statins reduce cholesterol level.

4. Blood thinners such as anticoagulants lower the risk of blood clots.

5. Corticosteroids regulate the immune system and ease the inflammation that results from kidney disorders.

6. Incorporating certain lifestyle changes such as opting for lean proteins, cutting on the intake of fat in the diet and consuming lesser amounts of salt can treat inflammation and swelling.

7. For kidney failure, dialysis can come to the aid in eliminating excess fluids and regulating hypertension.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Glomerulonephritis is a disease that is caused due to inflammation of the small filters that are present within the kidneys or glomeruli. Glomeruli eliminate the excess waste, electrolytes and fluids from the blood, discharged through urine. A glomerular disease can be either acute or chronic. If the condition arises without a combination of any other disease, it is termed as primary glomerulonephritis. Secondary glomerulonephritis is characterized by diabetes or lupus (an auto-immune disorder) being at the root of the disease. Prolonged or severe inflammation can take a toll on the kidneys.

Causes-

Nephrotic syndrome can be primary, being a disease-specific to the kidneys, or it can be secondary, being a renal manifestation of systemic general illness. In all cases, injury to glomeruli is an essential feature. Kidney diseases that affect tubules and interstitium, such as interstitial nephritis, will not cause nephrotic syndrome.

Primary causes of nephrotic syndrome include the following, in approximate order of frequency:

1. Minimal­-change nephropathy

2. Focal glomerulosclerosis

3. Membranous nephropathy

4. Hereditary nephropathies

Secondary causes include the following, again in order of approximate frequency:

1. Diabetes mellitus

2. Lupus erythematosus

3. Viral infections (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] )

4. Amyloidosis and paraproteinemias

5. Preeclampsia

6. Allo-antibodies from enzyme replacement therapy

Nephrotic-­range proteinuria may occur in other kidney diseases, such as IgA nephropathy. In that common glomerular disease, one-third of patients may have nephrotic-­range proteinuria.

Nephrotic syndrome may occur in persons with sickle cell disease and evolve to renal failure. From a therapeutic perspective, nephrotic syndrome may be classified as steroid-sensitive, steroid-resistant, steroid-dependent, or frequently relapsing.

Treatment-

1. Whether one is suffering from acute or chronic nephrotic glomerular, with symptoms moderate or severe, the treatment lies in treating high blood pressure and other underlying conditions of the disease.

2. Water pills help control sweating, thus increasing the fluid flushed from the kidneys.

3. Statins reduce cholesterol level.

4. Blood thinners such as anticoagulants lower the risk of blood clots.

5. Corticosteroids regulate the immune system and ease the inflammation that results from kidney disorders.

6. Incorporating certain lifestyle changes such as opting for lean proteins, cutting on the intake of fat in the diet and consuming lesser amounts of salt can treat inflammation and swelling.

7. For kidney failure, dialysis can come to aid in eliminating excess fluids and regulating hypertension.