Since dust mites play such a large role in allergies, we thought we'd take a closer look. Here are some possibly little known facts provided by the Medical Entomology Center about these tiny creatures that give us such trouble:

• Adult female dust mites are a mere 0.3 mm long; males are slightly smaller and thinner.
• Dust mites are mainly translucent.
• As arachnids, dust mites are in the same family as spiders and scorpions. They have eight legs.
• Because they lack an exoskeleton, dust mites are vulnerable to water loss. This is why they favor humid conditions, like beds.
• Dust mites have no eyes.
• Favorite habitats include mattresses or pillows because of the constant source of skin scales. Humans shed about one gram of skin a day while sleeping. We also produce about a pint of water in sweat every night, providing the high humidity that dust mites love. Dust mites also live in carpets, furniture, cushions, clothes, and stuffed animals.
• Adult females lay between 40-80 eggs in their lifetime. Eggs hatch into larval nymphs, which molt into two nymphal stages before reaching adulthood. Adults live between one and three months. Temperature and humidity affect both the speed of development and adult longevity.
• Dust mites produce around 2,000 fecal pellets in their lifetime, each of which contains digestive enzymes; it is these enzymes that people are allergic to.

To reduce dust mite allergen in the home, the Medical Entomology Centre recommends the following:

• Wash pillows and bedclothes regularly, at high temperatures if possible. If high temperatures are not an option, you can freeze pillows before washing them.
• Leave bedclothes turned back during the day.
• Use barrier fabrics, dehumidifiers, and steam cleaners.
• Vacuum mattresses, carpets, upholstery, etc. thoroughly.
• Replace mattresses and pillows that are over 10 years old.
• Use anti-allergen sprays.
• Put air filters around the home.

The name says it all--this vacuum is ideal if you have pets! The new Miele Cat & Dog vacuum cleaner packs great features and accessories into a powerful home cleaning machine. Similar to other Miele S7 uprights, it helps eliminate pet hair from your floors and furniture while keeping down pet odors with an Activated Charcoal filter. With superior cleaning ability and exceptional range, this vacuum cleaner makes it easier to clean your floors, drapes, furniture, and shelves. The included feature of a Miele handheld turbobrush is perfect for steps and pulling stubborn pet hair out of upholstered furniture. The sealed system and noise reducing insulation makes this vacuum one of the quietest available on the market. If allergens are a concern, the Cat & Dog can be upgraded to a HEPA filter at any time.

Here are the great features of this vacuum cleaner:

• Swivel-Neck
• Deluxe Handle Assembly
• Extendable Hose
• LED Brush light
• STB 101 Turbobrush
• AirClean Dustbags
• Active Air Clean Filter

Here is an excerpt from our Achoo Review of the Miele Cat & Dog Vacuum:

The first thing I noticed with the Cat & Dog vacuum, much like other S7 models, is this vacuum is much quieter than most other upright vacuums I have tested. When you have a dog that goes nuts when you run the vacuum, this feature helps out. Once I started using it, the suction stands out. Used on thick Saxony style carpeting, the Miele Cat & Dog had no trouble pulling up dog hair and dirt. In addition to deep cleaning, it also helped restore the carpeting, which, with Saxony, is often a problem. I dialed down the suction for the lower pile rugs we have at entryways; and I was quickly able to remove all traces that our dogs spend hours relaxing on them. In the kitchen, I simply disengaged the brushroll and effectively "swept" the floor clean... now if only it could mop for me. Overall, the cleaning performance on flooring was as efficient and effective as I've come to expect from any Miele vacuum cleaner.

At AchooAllergy.com, we frequently discuss the concept of total allergen load. Basically, the theory suggests that once a certain threshold of allergen exposure and other factors is reached (and this is different for various individuals), symptoms appear. A recent article in Medical News Today confirms this theory.

The study, published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, talks about how hay fever during ragweed season is "more miserable for those with dog, cat, or dust mite allergies." This is because year-round allergies "pre-prime" the immune system to react during seasonal allergies. This causes symptoms to hit harder.

Researchers set out to discover why some people with hay fever react more than others when ragweed season begins. Lead author of the study, allergist Anne K. Ellis, MD explains, "People with hay fever react differently when ragweed allergy season arrives. Some start sneezing right away, and others don't, so we wanted to determine what makes certain people develop symptoms more quickly."

The outcome, fully in line with the idea of total allergen load, was, as Dr. Ellis put it: "On average, those who tested positive for cat, dog or dust mite allergies developed symptoms either faster than, or to a greater degree than those who tested negative for those allergies."

This underscores the need for environmental control measures when it comes to allergies and where our products can be most beneficial to allergy and asthma sufferers.

On the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, many are looking back at the effects of the disaster. One devastation of the hurricane was the mold that spread across New Orleans. Not only did it destroy residences, but it also made children with asthma very sick. As Medical News Today reports in Asthma Symptoms and Attacks in Children Increased by Post-Katrina Mold, "experts point to increased sensitivities to environmental asthma triggers as a risk for more severe asthma symptoms and attacks in hundreds of New Orleans children."

To help with the problem, the Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. (MCAN) announced a pledge of about $2 million to Xavier University of Louisiana's Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education to sustain the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) problem, which has been assisting families manage their children's asthma.

Included in this help is research, and one of the most telling findings is that almost 80 percent of children with asthma in post-Katrina New Orleans are sensitive to mold. This is 30 percent more than children in seven other cities in the United States. In addition, asthma rates overall in New Orleans are three times higher than the national average. The city also has the highest childhood asthma death rate in Louisiana.

Dr. Floyd Malveaux, Executive Director MCAN, says, "We have heard a lot about how Katrina changed the city of New Orleans, but very little about how the city's post-Katrina environment changed health outcomes." He adds, "There is an undeniable connection between the environment and the health of children with asthma. Effective asthma management must go beyond traditional medical care and include additional interventions to manage the problem, as well as to reduce exposure to the specific environmental triggers known to exacerbate a child's asthma."

Products like dehumidifiers and mold control cleaners like M1 House Wash and Vital Oxide Mold Remover and Disinfectant help limit exposure to mold. To read more about mold and mildew and how to reduce exposure, see the Mold and Mildew Solution Guide.

It is the goal of every consumer to walk away with not only an excellent price and great customer service experience, but also the best quality product. We strive to provide our customers with all three. When we first opened nearly 10 years ago, AchooAllergy.com made a commitment to offer the best allergy relief products available on the market. Before we decide to sell any product, we do extensive research, testing, and training to ensure our customers are receiving the best of the best.

We are proud to say that many of our products have been tested by Consumer Reports National Testing and Research Center in Yonkers, NY. These products have ranked high on their ratings as well as made it to the coveted slot of being personally recommended by their organization. Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, was founded in 1936 to help consumers have a fair, just, and safe marketplace. It is dedicated to lobbying for changes in legislation that favor consumer interests.

Air purifiers are an important appliance to have in each and every home to ensure healthy indoor air quality. We carry the top model Consumer Reports specifically recommends after thorough testing - the Whirlpool AP51030K air purifier. It rated excellent for dust, pollen, and smoke removal and received an overall rating of 74, making it the best in its class. Also making the top ten for air purifiers is the Blueair 503, the Blueair 650E, Airgle 750, and the Honeywell 50250. We offer all of these models.

In the world of dehumidifiers, one of our top selling models is also a recommended dehumidifier by Consumer Reports – the Danby 50 Pint. Its water removal capacity was rated excellent, and this home dehumidifier is EnergyStar qualified. We have customers frequently calling and emailing to thank us for recommending this particular model, often stating that within hours of plugging it in there was a world of difference.

Since Miele, without a doubt, makes one of the best HEPA vacuums available, we weren’t surprised when the Miele Bolero made it to the coveted list for upright vacuum cleaners. If a canister vacuum cleaner is what you need, the Miele Olympus is an entry-level Miele model that combines the quality of a Miele with a price that’s easy on the pocketbook.

Aside from Consumer Reports rated models, we also carry a wide selection of products that have been recommended and recognized by a variety of publications and organizations. From Women’s Health to Good Housekeeping our bedding and home appliances are recognized as effective environmental control solutions. So when purchasing from AchooAllergy.com you can rest assured that you are receiving high quality products and the best customer service around.

We've talked before, in Vitamin D Deficiencies Linked to Allergies, Asthma, about the important role of vitamin D consumption especially for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Now, new research suggests that vitamin D may treat or prevent allergy to common mold.

Researchers Dr. Jay Kolls, Professor and Chair of Genetics at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, and colleagues, have "found that vitamin D may be an effective therapeutic agent to treat or prevent allergy to a common mold that can complicate asthma and frequently affects patients with Cystic Fibrosis," reports Medical News Today.

One of the most prevalent fungal organisms inhaled by people, Aspergillus fumigatus does not generally cause problems for most people. For those with asthma and Cystic Fibrosis, though, this common mold can trigger severe allergic symptoms. However, only a certain subset of patients develop the allergy; the reason for this disparity is what the researchers set out to determine.

They found that those with heightened reactivity to the mold had a lower average blood level of vitamin D than those who exhibited less reactivity. Dr. Jay Kolls summarizes: "We found that adding vitamin D not only substantially reduced the production of the protein driving an allergic response, but it also increased production of the proteins that promote tolerance."

Low vitamin D levels are dangerous for other reasons as well. Recent studies have indicated that low levels may contribute to heart disease, a higher risk of diabetes, some cancers, and depression, in addition to asthma, colds, and respiratory disorders. As Dr. Kolls puts it, "Our study provides further evidence that vitamin D appears to be broadly associated with human health."

Image courtesy of sckin.org

High school graduates across the country are gearing up for the rite of passage of moving out of their parents' homes for the first time. And as if the anxieties of living on their own and starting college aren't enough, Health.com reports on 9 Health Hazards Hidden in College Dorms.

The list includes:

• Meningitis
• Mononucleosis
• Colds and the flu
• Mold
• Bedbugs
• Athlete's foot
• Sleep deprivation
• Binge drinking
• STDs

While preventing many of these involves good hygiene practices and knowledge on the subject matter, mold and bedbugs are two items that are somewhat out of a college freshman's control. But AchooAllergy.com can help with both of these issues.

In terms of mold, it should be noted that a suspicion of mold infestation in the building itself, such as in walls or ceiling tiles, should be cause for moving out. The hazards are simply too great, and remediation in that situation is not in the student's hands. However, for matters such as a too-humid room, a small dehumidifier goes a long way, not only in preventing moisture buildup and mold growth, but also in keeping the dorm room comfortable.

When it comes to bedbugs, the scenario is similar: If upon inspection, a dorm room appears to have a bed bug problem – get out of there. But if the coast is clear, use Allergy Armor Bed Bug Mattress Covers in conjunction with Allergy Armor Ultra to keep both bed bugs and dust mites at bay.

We have two cats and a short-haired dog. While no one in our family is allergic to animal dander, we regularly have guests who are allergic to cats. Needless to say, it's important to me to keep our home as clean as possible from pet dander to avoid triggering guests' allergic reactions.

Of course, I use my beloved Dyson DC24 All Floors all around the house several times a week. Lightweight and small, but oh-so-powerful, I can easily cart this vacuum around to clean everything from the kitchen floor to the office's futon mattress. I also use it on upholstery with the car turbine head that came in the car cleaning kit. (I've found that the secret when using this tool is not to press too hard on the upholstery which can keep the turbine head from spinning properly.)

When I'm not vacuuming, however, my Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter is a little miracle worker. I just swipe it in short strokes on pet hair covered cushions, and it collects fur like a magnet. I also use a lint roller which works really well too. I prefer the Pet Hair Lifter because I don't have to throw away or replace any tape.

Even though these methods may remove visible hair, it's important to remember that vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner is necessary for removing smaller animal dander particles. I try to do right before allergic guests arrive.

Do you have any favorite tips for removing animal dander from your home?

Use of acetaminophen can lead to the development of asthma and eczema, Science Daily reports in their article Acetaminophen Use in Adolescents Linked to Doubled Risk of Asthma. Monthly use of the drug was linked to more than a double risk of asthma and eczema; while yearly use was associated with a 50 percent increase in the risk of asthma.

Study first author Richard Beasley, M.D., professor of medicine at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand on behalf of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) says, "This study has identified that the reported use of acetaminophen in 13- and 14-year-old adolescent children was associated with an exposure-dependent increased risk of asthma symptoms." The research will be published online on the American Thoracic Society's website, followed by publication in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

More than 300,000 13- and 14-year old children in 113 ISAAC centers throughout 50 countries participated in the study. They were given two written questionnaires and one video questionnaire, which asked them to quantify their acetaminophen use as well as their asthma, eczema, and allergy symptoms.

Researchers discovered a significant association between acetaminophen use and the risk of asthma and eczema: 43 percent higher in medium users (at least once in the last year) and 2.51 times the risk in high users (at least once in the last month). Allergic nasal congestion was also linked to acetaminophen use: 38 percent higher for medium users and 2.39 times greater for high users. Eczema risk was 31 percent and 99 percent higher in medium and high users.

While a causal link could not be definitely determined because of the way the study was conducted, evidence gained from other studies does suggest such a link. Biologically, acetaminophen may have a systemic inflammatory effect that leads to enhanced allergic immune responses. In addition, the drug may suppress the immune response to and prolong the symptomatic illness from colds, leading to asthma exacerbation.

Dr. Beasley points out that "if the associations were causal, they would be of major public health significance" and that "randomized controlled trials are now urgently required to investigate this relationship further and to guide the use of antipyretics, not only in children but in pregnancy and adult life."

All of AchooAllergy.com’s allergy laundry products can be used in front loading washing machines. You can use any of these products, but you just have to make sure that you follow the directions on the product labels.

Front loading washing machines and high efficiency washing machines are growing in popularity in the United States due to their many benefits over top loading washing machines. Front loading washing machines have some great advantages:

• They hold more laundry.
• They are gentler on clothes.
• They operate more quietly.
• They use less water and less detergent.
• They are easier to stack with a dryer.
• They leave clothes dryer, so your drying time is shortened.

Anti-Allergen Laundry Detergent: This environmentally friendly low sudsing detergent is ideal for use in front loading machines. Simply follow the instructions on the label.

Allersearch Allergen Wash: Use slightly less than the instructions state. Instead of the ¾ of the included red cup, use ½ of a cup or 1 ½ tablespoons.

De-mite Laundry Additive: Fill the De-Mite measuring cup one-half full and add it to the liquid detergent already in the dispenser compartment. If you do not have the measuring cup, just add 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons of De-Mite.

For anyone suffering from hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, a stroll in the park or admiring the flowers may cause much more suffering than joy. Instead, itchy watery eyes and a runny nose may send you right back inside. When pollen gives you grief, it may be helpful to know some of the most common allergy-causing plants and trees, their peak seasons, and where they thrive. Here are the top five culprits, as presented by Health.com:

Ragweed

Found in abundance in the Midwest and the Mississippi River basin, you’ll find ragweed in fields, riverbanks, roadsides, and rural areas, especially in the summer and fall. According to Dr. Warren V. Filley, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, ragweed is the "most allergenic plant we have." About 75 percent of Americans with plant allergies are sensitive to this plant, which much smaller in stature than the next instigator.

Mountain Cedar

For the allergy sufferer in the Texas hill country, it does not get any worse than the majestic mountain cedar. Found in mountainous areas, especially in Arkansas, Missouri, and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and of course Texas, this tree causes some of the most severe allergy symptoms. Their peak time is in spring.

Ryegrass

Grasses are often a problem for those who have allergies. What’s worse is if you mow your grass, you also pick up mold as well as pollen, not just the grass itself. Ryegrass is seen in dry, cool lawns, meadows, and pastures in the northern parts of the United States. It does the best in the spring and summer, along with its cousins who often also cause allergies: timothy, blue, and orchard grasses, though these don't earn the prestige of the "top five" list.

Maple

The pride of Canada, there is also a profusion of maple trees in the eastern United States. Indeed, this beautiful, colorful tree is found throughout the United States, especially the ash-leaf maple that produces potent allergens. Maples cause the worst allergies in the early spring and are seen along streams and woods. The red, silver, and sugar varieties of the maple are more moderate.

Elm

Another beautiful tree, the elm is seen in cultivated, wetland habitats, especially in the eastern and midwestern United States. The American Dutch elm peaks in the spring and the lace bark elm in the fall.

To see the next five worst plants and trees for your allergies, check out the full list at Health.com.

To obtain accurate pollen and mold levels in your area, go to the National Allergy Bureau website, which reports pollen and mold levels by area.

Health.com recently reported on the detrimental effects of mouth breathing which often occurs in those who suffer from allergies. In fact, the article states that "chronic mouth breathers" are "most often children with allergies."

The problem is that those who breathe predominantly through their mouths have trouble getting sufficient oxygen into their blood. This outcome affects their size, weight, and sleep quality which could affect other aspects of life, like school performance.

Mouth breathing occurs because of nasal obstructions, which allergies or chronic infections can cause. Untreated mouth breathing can lead to unattractive facial and dental development, including long face syndrome, narrow mouths, and receding or protruding jaws.

Sleep apnea is also associated with mouth breathing. Additionally, the effects of mouth breathing can lead to the misdiagnosis of other conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), due to the similar manifestations of the disorders.

Dr. Yosh Jefferson, a general dentist in Mouth Holly, N.J. and author of the study, states, "Mouth breathing is a medical problem that touches almost every family. It's an unrecognized epidemic that needs immediate attention" and says that those who suffer from chronic mouth breathing are "suffocating and literally dying a slow death that robs them of their appearance, health, longevity, and quality of life. Mouth breathing is very treatable, but to do this it must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible."

Would you like to try the FURminator for free? To enter the contest, all you have to do is "Like" our AchooAllergy.com page on Facebook and then submit a photograph of your dog. Tell us a little about why he or she deserves this great gift basket of pet products. Our resident AchooAllergy.com dogs, Truman and Cotton, will be the judges and decide which furry scoundrel is the winner!

On September 15th, we are giving away a free FURminator product basket that will include:

• One FURminator deshedding tool
• One FURminator microfiber towel
• One FURminator waterless deshedding shampoo and conditioner

The FURminator deshedding tool is a specially designed shed-less treatment for cat and dog owners. FURminator's unique blade is designed to remove loose hair like no other. Dog groomers love this deshedding brush because it removes undercoat hair from dogs and cats while leaving the shiny top coat intact and healthy. The FURminator is proven to decrease shedding by 60-80% and reduce shedding for about four to six weeks.

With school's start just around the corner, many parents of allergic children face the challenge of making sure their children are healthy and safe even while not under their direct supervision. The back-to-school season is a time of high pollen and mold levels, and exposure to both (and additional) allergens and viruses at school can take a large toll on children's health. Asthma, triggered in large part by allergies and respiratory illnesses, accounts for a 46 percent increase in emergency room visits among children during the fall, Medical News Today reports.

Following are some tips offered by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) to help children stay healthy and avoid missing school:

1. Schedule a back-to-school checkup with your child's allergist to make sure allergy and asthma symptoms are under control. If you've never taken your child to an allergist, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for allergy testing and developing a treatment plan.


2. Communicate your child's treatment plan with school staff. This should include a list of allergens that trigger your child's allergy or asthma symptoms, medications, and emergency contact information.


3. Protect your child against the flu (both seasonal and H1N1) through vaccinations, especially if he or she has asthma.


4. Meet with the school nurse, teachers, and coaches to ensure that they are familiar with your child's symptoms and treatment plan. Remind them that the inability to concentrate, temper tantrums, and irritability, rather than mere behavioral problems, could be subtle signs of battling asthma or allergy symptoms.


5. Have a plan in place for emergencies. Children can keep inhalers with them at school with an allergist's recommendation. In addition, those at risk of anaphylaxis should have their Epi-pens at the ready. Make sure both your child and school staff know how to use these emergency medications, and make sure that you've filled out a permission form allowing staff to administer medications if they're needed.


6. Discuss ways to avoid allergy triggers with your child.


7. If your child is allergic to pets, ensure that your child isn't exposed to class pets that could be triggering symptoms.


8. sure that coaches and gym teachers recognize signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.


9. Broadcast food allergy information. Share a list of allergic foods and safe alternatives with lunch staff, teachers, medical staff, and class volunteers.


10. Tour the school to indentify substances that could trigger your child's allergy or asthma symptoms.