Allergies Archives

Ragweed and Other Reasons to Keep Outside Out

If you’ve been experiencing itchy or watery eyes lately or noticed that you are sneezing, sniffling, or itching more than often, you might be allergic to ragweed pollens.

This is the time of year ragweed and other weeds are the most common pollens in the air. Single ragweed can produce over one billion grains of pollen. Can you imagine unleashing one billion particles of allergy-causing misery? It is like single ragweed is an invading army and your immune system just doesn’t stand a chance. Doesn’t it make you want to sneeze just to think about it?

Well, the same wonderful end of summer and early fall weather that triggers the ragweeds to produce pollen also tempts us to open our windows. But, if you have allergies it is really not a great idea. It is best to keep the outside out. It also seems counter-intuitive to the idea of “fresh” air.

I was speaking to a young man in the midwest earlier this week about his conflicting desires to want the “freshest” air in his house balanced with his desire for his daughter to breathe the cleanest air.

He had been researching air exchanging units and had read some pretty convincing marketing materials supporting the benefits of “clean” air from the outside. His question was spot on, “If this unit brought air in from outside and the air had pollen or mold, was he making things better or worse?”

Well, if this unit sucked the air from outside and did nothing to clean that air, then things would be worse. If the unit brought air in, cleaned it up, then dumped it into the house, then it truly would be “fresh” air.

Remember you don’t want to bring more pollen or mold into your house than already sneaks in every time you open a door. Remember, you also carry bits of pollen and molds from the air on your clothes and hair if you go outside when counts are high. It really is best to keep the outside out.

If you do open your windows, then run your HEPA air cleaner on high. Put it to work sucking up those particles. Look into using MicroAirScreen Window Air Screens that will allow you to open your window 8″ but still block those pollens and molds.

Also, take a moment to check the pollen levels before you open up. Many newspapers print pollen counts and you can always visit Pollen.Com to get your local forecast. They even have a mobile app that you can download if that’s your style. So, no matter how you approach it, keep the outside out and the inside in.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl

Sinus Infection Detected on Dental X-Rays

You learn something new everyday in this business. That’s for sure. I spoke with an elderly lady last week who told me her dentist had advised her to get a dust mite proof cover for her mattress. Yes, the dentist was able to diagnose a sinus infection from her dental x-ray!

We discussed how to measure the mattress for the cover and about the different type of fabric. We decided that she would be most happy with the AllergyCare 100% Cotton. Still, during the entire conversation, I kept hearing a little voice in my head saying “Seriously, the dentist told her to do this?”

As soon as we ended our conversation I fired up the trusty Google search and looked for the connection between dust mites and dentists. I was amazed.

Dentists frequently see patients with a toothache that is not a toothache. The person has a sinus infection, usually caused by uncontrolled allergies or a recent head cold that has not been resolved. But, they think it is a tooth that hurts when it is a sinus infection that is the source of pain.

From a dental x-ray, the dentist can see the maxillary sinus. Because it runs next to the upper teeth, pain from this sinus area is frequently confused with a toothache.

So, if you have a toothache in that area, ask yourself if you have had a cold recently and if you are prone to sinus infections. If you have taken an antihistamine or decongestant and the toothache went away, then your problem is probably a sinus infection. You need to see the doctor, not a dentist.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl
The Allergy Store

Allergies – Know the Enemy – Pet Allergy

Not too long ago I read an article where it said that a large majority of people who have a pet allergy also own a pet. I know it is a fact because our daughter owns two cats and pet allergy and dust mite allergy.

Dogs, Cats, And Other Furry Animals = Pet Allergy

Many animals such as horses, goats, and rabbits can be allergy-causing. But because they live so closely with us, household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to animals.

Many people think that their pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. But researchers have found that the major allergens are proteins secreted by oil glands in the animals’ skin and shed in dander as well as proteins in their saliva and urine, which sticks to the fur when the animal licks itself or empties its bladder.

People have always said that when it comes to allergies, cats are worse than dogs. We now know that it is because cats lick themselves more than dogs, thereby spreading allergen-laden saliva all over their bodies. In addition, cats may be held more and spend more time in the house, close to humans.

Urine is also a source of allergy-causing proteins. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins can then float into the air. Some rodents, such as guinea pigs and gerbils, have become increasingly popular as household pets. They, too, can cause allergic reactions in some people, as can mice and rats.

Urine is the major source of allergens from these animals. Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal.

Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for four to six weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in the household air for months after the animal has been removed.

Therefore, it is wise for people with a pet allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets have lived previously on the premises before they make a decision to rent or buy a new home.

Think there is such a thing as “Allergy Free Dogs”. Not really but there are some breeds that are better

Up Next – Public Enemy #4 – Mold

Till next time

Cheryl
Allergy Store – Helping customers since 1989
800 771-2246