Before the Needle Although many people have heard about Botox, few people know what it actually is. So, what are Botox injections? Many people would be surprised to learn that it actually is a drug derived from a neurotoxin created by a specific bacterium, the Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning. When ingested in its natural form, Botox can cause paralysis that spreads through the body until it eventually works its way to the breathing muscles, causing respiratory failure. This is why it is important to educate yourself before considering Botox injections. Why Do People Get Botox? Although this is a toxin, it is safe to use in small doses for medical use. Doctors often use the substance cosmetically. It is probably best known as an anti-wrinkle agent used to treat fine lines and signs of aging. Most commonly, it is used to treat wrinkles in the neck or face. Some people also get Botox injections to minimize their forehead lines. [youmaylike] In addition to smoothing skin to give it a more youthful appearance, it serves other medical purposes. Some patients use it to treat severe underarm sweating, migraines, uncontrollable blinking, overactive bladder and strabismus (misaligned eyes). How Does Botox Work? Botox causes paralysis. While this can be fatal in large, targeted doses, it is the property that helps with treatment. It acts locally, upon the injection site where it will weaken or paralyze targeted muscles. This is done as the neurotoxin attaches to nerve ending and blocks impulses from coming through. Instead of contracting as normal, the injected tissues will remain relatively frozen. Reducing the pulling of the skin is what makes the skin look more youthful. This signal-blocking property is also assisted with the other medical applications of Botox. It is important to realize that these are not the same as a filler. How Long Does Botox Last? The effects of Botox do not last forever. After a while, the signals will begin to pass through again. Procedures are expected to have a visual effect that lasts three to six months. Botox will not lose its effect overnight. Rather, you will experience a gradual decline in results as the muscles slowly regain their movement. The effects of your first session will wear off faster than the later sessions. Your first session is expected to last around three months where the later sessions will gradually last up to six months. Is Botox Safe? Under controlled medical environments, Botox injection procedures are considered low-risk. Most procedures are carried out safely and effectively with little side effects. The side effects one does experience are normally what is expected from any sort of injection procedure. This would be some temporary redness, bleeding or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, one may experience a headache in the first two days after the procedure or temporary drooping. With this being said, there are certain situations where you should avoid getting Botox injections. You should not undergo treatments if you: Are 65 years of age or older, or under 18 years old. Have breathing problems. Have bleeding problems. Are allergic to or have sensitivities to Botox products. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking as there may be some interactions that could be dangerous. If you immediately experience signs of an allergic reaction upon the treatment, seek medical help immediately. To reduce any of the potential complications, it is important that you thoroughly research the performing physician. You need to make sure you are going to someone who knows what they are doing and has an adequate environment to perform hygienically and legally. It is not worth the risk to seek other methods. Does Botox Hurt? Botox procedures use very tiny needles. While injections are associated with some pain, the size of the needles keeps this pain at a minimum. Botox injections are generally preceded by some sort of anesthetic treatment to numb the pain. This is often done with a topical anesthetic cream or a cold pack. Most people report minimal to no pain at all. The Cost of Botox The cost of Botox will vary greatly depending on the specifications of your procedure. Some facilities will charge you by the area covered, but more often they charge you per unit of Botox used. On average, you will pay about $20 per unit. As the average treatment is about 20 to 60 units on average, you will likely pay between $500 and $800. The number of units used in a session will vary greatly depending on the space that you want to be covered. The bigger the area, the more units you will need to pay to achieve results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, insurance will likely not pay for any of the costs. You can talk with your insurance provider to find out if they offer financial compensation for non-cosmetic procedures.
Caffeine Allergy Symptoms
Chugging a Red Bull during a basketball game, drinking coffee in the morning, having a cup of tea at the end of the night—that is what dreams are made of when you have a caffeine allergy. You may experience caffeine allergy symptoms and not even know it.
Although it plays a small part in your daily diet, caffeine has a significant role in improving your health. A report published by Harvard Medical School explains that coffee consumption leads to a decreased risk of type II diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cirrhosis, colon, liver, and uterine cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease.
While your caffeine-loving mind may love these dramatics, the truth is that caffeine is not a part of the essential food groups. So, even if you give up on caffeine, you won't experience any earth-shattering changes.
Caffeine Allergy Symptoms
Remember that caffeine sensitivity and caffeine allergies are not the same.
Caffeine sensitivity occurs when your body is slow to metabolize caffeine, so you experience caffeine's effects differently. In comparison, caffeine allergies cause a range of varied reactions. For example, some of the physical symptoms caused by caffeine allergies include:
- Hives
- Lip, mouth, and tongue itchiness
- Swollen tongue or lips
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Nervous jitters
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Stomach pain and diarrhea
- Muscle tremors
These symptoms typically develop within hours of exposure and are usually treated with antihistamines. But for those who experience severe allergic reactions such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, that calls for further medication.
Your doctor will tell you not to ingest any food or drink with caffeine in it. But, they will also recommend staying away from self-care products that may contain caffeine. This includes bath bombs, lotions, and skincare products.
Do I Need to See a Doctor for a Caffeine Allergy?
The worst thing you can do if you suspect a caffeine allergy is to self-diagnose your condition.
If you've consumed caffeine before and are suddenly experiencing symptoms, that is concerning, and will require a medical check-up. Once your doctor conducts a skin patch test and diagnoses a caffeine allergy, you should only think about cutting caffeine from your diet.
Your doctor will provide you with a list of products that contain caffeine—such as tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, soda, diet soda, vitamin supplements, and some medications—so that you can avoid them in the future. They will also be able to explain why you are experiencing these allergic reactions.
What Can Cause a Caffeine Allergy?
Specific diets, medication, vitals, biochemistry, and age, in addition to a variety of factors, can impact your response to caffeine.
If you're an active caffeine drinker, there's the chance that you may have exhausted your adrenal glands, which may be causing other symptoms. If you develop a caffeine allergy over time, it's also possible you may have had caffeine intolerance all along, and it may not have reached its peak yet.
With caffeine allergies, it's unfortunately difficult to diagnose them definitively because they are rare. If your doctor asks you to skip all caffeinated food and drinks from your diet, and you see a positive response, it may confirm the diagnosis that you, indeed, have a caffeine allergy.
Managing Effects of Caffeine Withdrawal
If you've consumed caffeinated products regularly your whole life it won't be easy to manage your withdrawal from them, but it won't be impossible.
In the beginning, you will experience symptoms such as:
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Shakiness
- Irritability
Remember that caffeine is a drug, so you will need to be patient when moving on from its use. Within two weeks, you will find yourself feeling much better. However, if you can't find a source of energy or a way to help you stay alert, here are some things you can do:
- Take breaks from staring at the screen. Instead of causing eyestrain by staring at the computer or your phone, moving away from the screen or closing your eyes and resting them will help you feel refreshed. If you can, get up from your desk and walk around for at least 5–10 minutes. You'll feel refreshed too.
- Drink water. A tall glass of water will make all the difference if you're feeling sleepy. Hydrating your organs will not only replenish the liquids you've lost during the day, but it'll also help you feel alert.
- Get enough sleep. 6–7 hours is enough to freshen up your mind. Whenever possible, take catnaps or close your eyes. Do what you can to give your overworked mind some rest.
- Eat a healthy diet. This doesn't mean that you give up your pizza but be sure to have balanced meals that fill your stomach.
Closing Thoughts
Your caffeine allergy will have no power over you if you follow the right tips. Stay true to your doctor's orders, and give your body some rest, so it can energize you when caffeine can't.
Trust these words: you will feel happier, healthier, and lighter, even without a cup of coffee in your hands!