Let's Talk Allergies

Cockroach Allergy is for Real

We’re wrapping up this month’s discussion of annoying pests with the venerable cockroach. Have you ever heard of cockroach allergy? Just like dust mites, people can be allergic to cockroaches and they are a main source of allergens in densely populated areas. Twenty-three to sixty percent of urban residents with asthma test as sensitive to the cockroach allergen.

Cockroach allergy was first reported in 1943. Skin rashes appeared immediately after the insects crawled over patients’ skin. How gross is that? The first allergy skin challenge test to confirm cockroach allergy in a patient was in 1959.

How do Cockroaches Cause Allergy?

Just like dust mites, cockroaches contain proteins in their bodies that are easily misidentified by the immune system as an enemy invader. When you inhale this protein, your body thinks it is a germ and kicks your immune system into high gear.

The bad news is that when cockroaches die, they create in the environment even more of the allergy causing protein. That’s because the protein is released as their wicked cockroach bodies break down and crumble.

Cockroach Allergy Symptoms

Cockroach allergy symptoms can be similar to dust mite allergy symptoms, except they don’t only occur and night and in the morning. Coughing, wheezing, skin rash, and a runny nose can all be symptoms of cockroach allergy. As stated earlier, cockroach allergy frequently contributes to asthma.

Control the Cockroaches!

The best way to control your cockroach allergy is to control the cockroaches. Integrated pest management practices will reduce cockroach populations with the least amount of poison. In addition, The American College of Asthma, Allergies, and Immunology suggests that you:

Keep food and garbage in containers with tight lids. Never leave food out anywhere.
Clean up food crumbs and spilled liquids immediately.
Wash dirty dishes right away, never leave them out.
Don’t leave out pet food, except when the pet is eating.
Keep counters, sinks, stove, tables, and floors clean and clear of clutter.
Clean the kitchen floor after meals. Mop the floor at least once a week.
Repair leaky faucets, drain pipes, and other moisture problems.
Get rid of cardboard boxes and newspapers, where cockroaches may hide.
Plug up small spaces around the house, such as cracks between the wall and floor, where cockroaches can enter.

Control the Allergens

If you find that cockroaches have invaded, once you get the invasion under control you can attack the allergens they left behind. Almost every product that we sell that controls dust mite allergen will work on cockroach allergen as well. This means that if you find cockroaches in a box of stored clothing, you can wash the clothing with Allergen Wash and the cockroach allergen will be washed away.

If you have had cockroaches crawling on your floors or furniture, you can lightly spray with ADMS Anti Allergen Spray. It will safely denature the cockroach protein and is safe for your furniture and fabric surfaces. All it takes is a light mist. If you have had a serious cockroach invasion, you might need to make two treatments.

Unfortunately cockroaches are probably here to stay. In the end, it will probably just be sharks, cockroaches, and dust mites roaming the planet and seas. Until then, if you think you are allergic to cockroaches, talk to your doctor about it. They can perform skin or blood tests and suggest medications to get symptoms under control until you can control the little buggers.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl

cockroaches courtesy japanachai@freedigitalphotos

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

Ragweed Allergy Season is Here

The calendar says fall is still a few days away, but fall seasonal allergies have already started. The cool and wet summer experienced by much of the country means a strong ragweed allergy season is on tap.

Fall Seasonal Allergens

Ragweeds, goldenrods, and molds are the most common fall seasonal allergy culprits. Fortunately, the ragweeds and goldenrods will be gone with the first few frosts. Mold can linger all winter.

Just one ragweed plant can produce one billion pollen particles and they are so small and light that the wind can carry them many miles. Goldenrods get a bad rap in the fall because they bloom at the same time as the ragweeds and the plants look similar. However, goldenrod pollen isn’t as likely to become airborne because it depends on insects for dispersal. The goldenrod pollen grains are much larger and are sticky, so they don’t get blown about the neighborhood. You can blame the goldenrods, but the ragweeds are the real problem.

Ragweeds and goldenrods can be found on the roadsides, the edges of pathways, and the perimeter of fields and forests. They will be in areas that aren’t frequently mowed. To reduce pollen exposure, drive with your windows up and avoid the areas where the ragweeds are growing.

Fight Back this Ragweed Allergy Season

If you have fall seasonal allergies, you may want to consider moving your exercise activities indoors. If the idea of running on a treadmill doesn’t excite you, then continue your jogging routine while wearing a U2SportMask to protect against pesky pollen particles. These masks are also great for:

Walking;
Biking;
ATV trail riding; and
Gardening and raking leaves

Nasal Irrigation for Ragweed Allergy Control

Nasal and sinus irrigation is making a comeback as a means of natural allergy control. As people are more interested in finding ways to control their allergies without medication, the market has responded with advanced technologies for more comfortable nasal and sinus irrigation. Read how to get Relief from Seasonal Allergy Using Nasal Irrigation to discover more about this technique.

While the bad news is that the fall ragweed allergy season is off to an early and strong start, it won’t be long lived. Most temperate areas are expecting early frosts which will kill the ragweeds and put an end to the ragweed allergy season.

Till Next Time!

Cheryl