A Survival Guide to Spring Allergy Season

Expect this allergy season to be one of the worst. Here are 8 unconventional coping strategies:

Spring has sprung—but it’s not all cherry blossoms and tulips. Thanks to an unusually mild winter, allergy season has blown in ahead of schedule, and is expected to last up to a month longer than usual. It’s also going to spell extra-itchy eyes and stuffy noses for sufferers. “People who [have] allergies are going to be in worse shape than usual,” says Joseph Leija, an allergist at Loyola University Health System’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, Ill. “Even people who don’t usually have problems are already sneezing.”

Here’s a spring allergy survival guide, with eight unconventional strategies to get you through it:

1. Don’t stop to smell the flowers. Yes, they’re pretty, but sniffing a daffodil or tulip could aggravate your symptoms. Fragrances and pollen from star jasmine, narcissus, gardenia, and lily of the valley are most likely to make you sneeze.

Click to learn more tips on how to deal with your allergies.

What Causes Allergies and Why Are Some of Us More Susceptible?

What causes allergies?

What causes allergies is a question that may frequently occur to those of us who have allergies and who often have their activities and life constrained by those allergies. An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. To put it simply, the body overreacts to harmless substances, perceiving them to be harmful.

Many kinds of foods, dust, pollen, medications, dander from pets and other animals and insect bites are usually not inimical to the body. But those who have an allergy to any of these substances are unable to tolerate these ‘allergens’ and produce reactions that could range from the mild to the severe. The body mistakenly produces the reaction that it would normally have to harmful bacteria and viruses.

What causes allergies may differ from person to person – the triggers, allergens, the kind of allergic reactions and their severity and so on. Also allergies can show a predictable pattern at times. For instance it a person is allergic to peanuts, there is a higher likelihood that they may be allergic to other nuts as well.

Medical conditions can be causes for allergies

Click to learn more about causes of allergies.

Source: http://www.allergyasthmazone.com/allergy/what-causes-allergies/

Skin Allergy Symptoms and Management

Allergy Asthma Zone!

Skin allergy symptoms are important to identify and to differentiate from skin infections. Though the symptoms are often similar, treatment of an infection can be very different from management and control of a skin allergy.

Identifying a skin allergy is important because a lot of the same symptoms could be produced by infections, heat, and inflammation and even as a reaction to prescription drugs. For instance skin allergy symptoms such as eczema can mimic those of psoriasis, which is not an allergic reaction but caused by a disorder that produces more skin cells than needed.

Click to learn more about symptoms of a skin allergy:

To test for allergies safely at home, we recommend MyAllergyTest.

Reference: http://www.allergyasthmazone.com/allergy/skin-allergy-symptoms-and-management/

Decorating to Reduce Allergies

Sometimes it’s the little things we do that can have some of the biggest impacts. Something as simple as the way you decorate your home could have a huge impact on your allergies. Our homes can be a haven for indoor allergy-triggers; but they don’t have to be. There are simple things you can do so you can breathe easier and feel better.

Objects/Flowers/Stuff

Reduce the number of dust-collecting objects that are sitting on your coffee table, side tables, mantle, nightstand, bureaus, and countertops. The more stuff there is, the harder it is to wipe down the surfaces of tables and countertops, and dust starts to accumulate on those surfaces as well as on the objects. Put objects, books, and toys inside drawers, cupboards, and chests when they are not being used. Remove scented candles and potpourri; synthetic fragrances are typical culprits for allergic rhinitis. Avoid keeping fresh flowers in the home, since pollen can trigger allergy. Instead, use live green plants which are actually beneficial as well as ornamental, as they help clean the air. Although be careful having plants in the bathroom, since they could promote the growth of mold.

Flooring

Avoid carpeting. Carpets can hold on to every kind of allergen and asthma trigger, including dust mite allergen, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers–pretty much anything that can be tracked in to your house on shoes. Even with diligent vacuuming with an Allergy and Asthma Certified vacuum cleaner, carpeting is much harder to keep free of allergens than other flooring alternatives. So rip out your carpet and, if you have hardwood floors underneath, lucky you! A simple DIY refinish is likely all that’s necessary. If you do not have hardwood under your carpets, consider natural flooring options like linoleum, bamboo flooring, or other eco-friendly materials.

Windows

Avoid heavy drapes, especially if they are dry-clean only. Drapes are notorious for hanging on to dust and other allergens. Drapery that needs to be dry-cleaned rarely gets washed. And when it does, you’ll be bringing chemicals into your home, polluting indoor air, and possibly triggering asthma or multiple chemical sensitivities. Instead, use curtains that you can throw in the washer so they can get washed frequently. Blinds are also a good option; although, you must remember to frequently dust them.

Furniture

Choose leather. While the initial cost to purchase leather rather than upholstered furniture may be higher, consider it an investment against allergies. Upholstered furniture is a hotbed for allergens, which penetrate far beyond the reach of any vacuum. Leather furniture, on the other hand, is impermeable. Dust mites can’t live in it, and other allergens like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores can’t take up residence in it either. If you do have upholstered furniture, in addition to regular vacuuming, use a steam cleaner frequently to denature allergens that the vacuum may not be able to reach. Its important to use a steam vapor cleaner, because the high temperatures of the steam ensures that it evaporates quickly and won’t leave behind moisture that could lead to mold growth.

Bedding

Use allergy relief bedding. Allergy covers are among the most heavily endorsed allergy relief products by allergists. They should be the foundation of your bedroom decorating plan. Cover mattresses, bedsprings, and pillows with allergy relief bedding sets. Washable wool blankets and natural wool mattress pads are good allergy-free bedding options which are warm in winter and breathe in summer. Additional allergy relief bedding, like an allergy duvet or comforter cover, should be used to supplement your environmental control measures.

Paint

Use green paint. The fumes from conventional paint can cause headaches and respiratory problems even for people who do not normally suffer from allergies. Look for paints that are low in or free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If possible, go for water-based paints that have natural pigments as well.

Cleaning

Clean and dust your home regularly. To help you remember, add these tasks to your calendar. Do not use dust brushes or dust rags as they simply disrupt dust and send it swirling around the air. Rather, use natural organic cleaning products, warm water and a soft rag for dusting. Use anti-allergen, fragrance-free laundry detergents or additives when you wash curtains and rugs. There are anti-allergen products that ensure dust mites are controlled, even if you can’t use hot water.

Take a look around your home and begin by making a list of changes you’d like to make. It doesn’t all have to happen immediately, just start with one thing at a time. Implementing these allergen reduction measures in your home will go a long way in making your house as allergy friendly as possible, and best of all, will have you breathing better in no time!

 

References:

http://www.achooallergy.com/decorating-minimize-allergies.asp

http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/home-decorating.aspx

http://www.treeliving.com/allergy-reducing-decoration-ideas

Spring is in the Air!

Ah, yes! Springtime! More sunlight, warmer temperatures, leaves budding, flowers blooming, & new beginnings! Springtime is a magical time of year. And yet, as Chinese philosophy says, everything has both ying and yang aspects. Ying and yang are dualities, such as positive and negative.

Spring has a huge array of positives, but for allergy sufferers, its can have more than its share of negatives, too. As nice as those warm spring breezes feel, they carry pollen and spores from all those pretty blooming things! So, as an allergy sufferer, what can you do to get through this fabulous yet difficult time of year?

First, know what you’re allergic too. This is the first line of defense in managing allergies. A couple of options are available for testing: ImmuneTech has an easy to use, home allergy test kit or you can go see an allergist for a test. The bottom line is: don’t guess; get tested.

Once you know your allergy triggers, you can keep an eye on allergen levels in the air. Many websites are available that track these levels for you. One option is pollen.com, they even have a mobile app! The site will tell you the concentration of pollen grains in the air & which trees/grasses are the predominate pollens in your area. You’ll be able to plan your day better knowing what is out in the air; is it a day for allergy medicine and precautions or not.

Speaking of allergy medicines… there are lots of allergy medications out there, prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medicines available at your local grocery story or pharmacy. Medications are often a necessary part of an allergy management plan – antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, eye drops, and throat lozenges – all of these have a place when used appropriately for allergy management. However, knowing what’s best to use, how often, etc. can be confusing! Some over the counter medications may cause drowsiness or could pose problems if you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, etc… Rather than try to figure it out on your own, its best to consult an allergist for a personalized allergy management plan. Your allergist may even suggest immunotherapy or allergy shots as a solution for you.

Beyond medications, many other solutions can help manage allergies as well. Keep your windows closed, even on a nice spring day. If you spend any length of time outside, take a shower as soon as you come back in to wash off all the allergens that may be on your skin. Wash the clothes you were wearing immediately, rather than allowing them to sit in your hamper or on your floor where allergens are free to float around your home. Wash your bedding and pajamas often as well. Another important solution is an air filter. An air filter can dramatically reduce the number of airborne allergens in your home. Along those lines, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum is also a great option. Check out this link for tips on the best way to vacuum your home to eliminate allergens. And finally, a solution that I use on a daily basis is rinsing your nose with a saline nasal rinse, spray, or neti-pot. Rinsing your nose with saline washes away any allergens that are trapped in the hair-like cilia that line the nasal and sinus cavities, allowing yourself to breathe cleaner!

So, arm yourself with one or all of these solutions and welcome spring in!

Concerned about Symptoms?

Sometimes understanding the symptoms you or your loved-one are dealing with is difficult & confusing. I used to wonder, “What is it that my body is trying to tell me – I just don’t understand!?” With the exception of an anaphylactic shock , the reaction to an allergen may be delayed from the initial contact or ingestion or not a “typical” symptom, making it frustrating to determine the cause of the symptom. Because of this, people do not even correlating the symptom they’re having to an allergy.

Most people are familiar with “hay fever” symptoms of itchy eyes, a runny nose, & sneezing. However, that is just a start to the many different ways that allergens can affect us. Allergens can cause reactions is many different aspects of our body.

Are you or a loved one symptomatic with any of these?

Head – Headache, Dizziness, Insomnia

Eyes – Itchy/watery eyes, Puffy/swollen eyelids, Dry eyes, Dark circles or bags under eyes, Blurred vision

Ear, Nose & Throat – Earache or infections, ringing/popping or itching in ears, Stuffy nose, Sneezing, Coughing, Wheezing, Gagging, Excessive mucus, Itchy throat, Sore throat

Skin & Mouth – Itchy skin, Swollen or discolored lips & tongue, Sensitive gums, Canker sores, Acne, Hives, Rashes, Dry skin, Hair loss, Hot flashes, Flushed skin, Excessive sweating

Heart, Chest & Lungs – Chest pain, Irregular heartbeat, Congestion, Asthma, Bronchitis, Breathing difficulties

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract – Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Ulcers, Bloating, Flatulence, Heartburn, Intestinal Spasm, Stomach ache

Joints & Muscles – Arthritis, Muscle pain, Joint pain, Stiffness, Muscle weakness

Genitals & Bladder – Infertility, Unusual genital discharge or itch, Frequent or urgent urination, Bladder pain

Weight & Energy – Excessive cravings for particular foods, Weight gain, Weight loss, Water retention

Mind & Spirit – Fatigue/sluggishness, Hyperactivity/restlessness, Poor concentration/distractibility, Difficulty following instruction/confusion, Poor physical coordination, Slurred speech, Learning disabilities, Poor memory

Emotions – Mood swings, Irritability, Anxiety, Aggressiveness, Depression, Compulsive behavior

Of course, this is not an all-inclusive list of allergy symptoms. The symptom that you or your loved one is suffering through could be something else entirely. Or, you could have a symptom listed here that isn’t actually caused by an allergy, rather caused by another medical condition that needs addressed by a healthcare provider. The most important thing about symptoms is really to listen to your body. These and other symptoms are very impactful to one’s quality of life. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it! The best way to determine if it is an allergy is to get tested. Stop suffering & start living.

For additional resources, check out the following site:

http://www.womentowomen.com/inflammation/allergysymptoms.aspx

What are allergies? Do you have allergies? How do you know?

Allergy symptoms range widely in their effects for an individual from simply irritating or bothersome to seriously debilitating or even life threatening. Some people get stuffy noses, watery eyes, sneeze attacks, etc. Others break out in hives, rashes or have gastrointestinal problems. The most dangerous symptom is when someone has an anaphylaxis response or a severe, whole-body allergic reaction. So, what are allergies?

The Mayo Clinic has a simple definition and explanation of what allergies are:

“Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander.

The immune system produces proteins known as IgE antibodies. These antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn’t. This triggers the release of histamines and other substances that cause allergy symptoms.”

Essentially, an allergy is your body being hypersensitive to something it thinks is harmful, even though it really isn’t. When your body is exposed to an allergen it is hypersensitive to, the allergic reaction occurs and the symptoms begin.

One of the confusing things about allergies is that many of the symptoms from allergies are similar to other illnesses or diseases. For example, if I wake up one morning with a stuffy nose & watery eyes, do I have a cold or could it be allergies? Or, if I have gas & bloating, did I eat something bad or could it be allergies? Severe anaphylaxis responses are easier to determine the cause since they are very rapid in onset. Although being exposed to an allergen that could cause an anaphylaxis response & waiting to see what happens is probably not the best way to see if you’re going to have a severe reaction. Other allergy symptoms are not nearly as easy to figure out. Sometimes it is really hard to determine, especially with food allergies, what exactly is the cause of your symptoms. This is where testing comes in.

Testing for allergies is so important and an essential first step in managing & living with allergies. Knowing if you have allergies and what you are allergic to allows for proper treatment & management of the allergy. Testing for allergies can be done by either a skin test or a blood test. Skin prick tests are done in a doctor’s office where the doctor pricks your skin with a bit of the allergen and watches to see if you develop a reaction or raised red bump where you were pricked with the allergen. Most blood tests are done at a laboratory where you go get your blood drawn and then it is processed. Another way to get a blood allergy test is with a home blood test kit. A home test kit provides a convenient way to go about getting a blood test done without having to visit a lab or your doctor’s office. ImmuneTech offers a home blood test kit for ten of the most common allergens. Their test is available without a doctor’s prescription and it is FDA cleared for over the counter use. For additional information on a home test kit or to order, visit Immunetech.com.

Regardless how you get tested for allergies, the key step is to get tested. From there, you can begin to manage & “live” with allergies rather than simply suffering through symptoms.