As allergy sufferers gear up for the winter, they must take extra thought regarding the fact that they will inevitably spend more time indoors. Since indoor air can be as much as 12 times more polluted than outdoor air, individuals with asthma and allergies need to guard against the harmful effects of breathing polluted indoor air.

One of the best ways to do this is to try to keep pollutants from entering the home environment in the first place. For instance, taking off shoes at the door can stop many toxins from coming in, as discussed in our article Major Source of Indoor Dust: Outdoors.

Additionally, sensitive individuals should avoid burning candles in the home, using home fragrances, and traditional cleaning products. Instead, whenever possible, natural items such as the AllerAir Tub O' Carbon Odor Buster or EcoDiscoveries Natural Cleaning Products should be used.

No matter how many precautions you take, however, there are still pollutants in your home's air. Off-gassing from furniture, paint, varnish, and dry-cleaned clothing, to name a few, all contribute to toxic elements in indoor air. To minimize exposure to these, the pollutants must be taken out of the air.

While air purifiers, especially those fitted with carbon filtration, like our Austin Air units, are the most reliable way to reduce both allergens and pollutants in the home, Science Daily reports on new research that points to houseplants' ability to help eliminate indoor air pollution.

Stanley J. Kays, of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, led a study in which ornamental household plants were tested for their ability to remove harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air. "The VOCs tested in this study can adversely affect indoor air quality and have a potential to seriously compromise the health of exposed individuals," Kays explained.

In the study, 28 common indoor plants were tested for their ability to remove VOCs from the air, called "phytoremediation." Plants were grown in shade houses and then placed in gas-tight glass jars and exposed to several VOCs. Based on their phytoremediation rates, they were classified as superior, intermediate, or poor in removing VOCs from the indoor environment.

Purple waffle plants, English ivy, the variegated wax plant, and Asparagus ferns had the highest removal rates for all the VOCs introduced. Purple heart plants were rated superior for its ability to remove four of the VOCs tested for.

The study concluded that "simply introducing common ornamental plants into indoor spaces has the potential to significantly improve the quality of indoor air."

The source of dust was the subject of a recent study by Arizona scientists. Surprisingly, Science Daily reports that most of our indoor dust comes from outdoors.

Household dust is made up of a conglomeration of dead skin cells and fibers from carpets and upholstery (inside sources) as well as tracked in soil and airborne particles blown in from outdoors (outdoor sources). In fact, using a computer model that tracks distribution of outdoor contaminants into residences, the scientists found that over 60 percent of house dust originates outdoors.

What's most disconcerting is that much of the particulate matter brought into the home from outside is dangerous, including lead, arsenic, and other substances that make their way inside from outdoor air and soil. This is especially concerning if there are young children in the home, who may ingest these substances by putting dust-contaminated toys in their mouths.

University of Sheffield researchers have been helped by tropical zebrafish in the discovery of new anti-inflammatory drugs to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, according to Medical News Today.

The research team discovered significant parallels between inflammation in the tiny fish larvae and in humans. Thus, zebrafish can be used to screen anti-inflammatory drugs.

Published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, the reaearch focuses on the behavior of a certain cell that's key in the inflammatory response: neutrophil. Scientists are able to use zebrafish larvae to visualize neutrophils during inflammation, making drugscreens possible. By showing that anti-inflammatory drugs work in zebrafish, the researchers have established that the fish may be used to identify future medications for humans.

Dr. Stephen Renshaw, a lead researcher in the study, says, "I'm very excited by the potential of zebrafish to find new drugs for the human inflammatory diseases as we are always looking for better ways to treat the large numbers of patients with respiratory diseases...This success is only the first of a range of zebrafish drug screens, which I am hopeful will provide real benefits to health in the coming years."

Once again, the engineers at Miele have gone back to the drawing board and created a new line of canister vacuums for these tough economic times. If you want the same top level performance and cleaning capabilities but at a slightly more consumer friendly price, then the Miele S2 series offers the perfect vacuums for you.

Currently, there are three new canister vacuums in the Miele S2 series: the Miele Olympus, the Miele Delphi, and the Miele Titan. The S2 series is known for its lightweight construction, 7 year warranty on the body casing, its auto cord rewind, and its larger capacity G/N dustbags.

However, each of these vacuums has its individual strengths:

• The Miele S2 Olympus is the most economical of this series. It is recommended for hardwood flooring, tile, area rugs, and some low pile carpeting. This is a straight suction vacuum with Miele’s classic combination carpet and smooth floor vacuum attachment.



• The Miele S2 Delphi is the same white lotus color as the Olympus, but it comes with the more powerful SEB 217-3 electric floor brush and the deluxe handle assembly. This vacuum is great for low to medium pile carpeting.



• The Miele S2 Titan combines the cleaning abilities of the other two vacuums with the added benefit of a HEPA filter for allergy sufferers. The Titan arrives with the SEB 217-3 and with a separate Parquet Floor Brush to clean smooth flooring. (See picture above.)

Compare all Miele S2 vacuum cleaners.

A recent column in the Washington Post highlights food allergic adults of which there are an estimated 12 million in the United States, alone.

With so much (deserved) attention focused on the dangers facing food allergic children, it's easy to forget about adults who face the same types of dangers. In fact, only a quarter of the total population of food allergic individuals are children.

There are a few basic differences between common food allergies in children and those in adults including:

• The most common food allergies in children tend to be milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts and tree nuts.
• The most common food allergy in adults is shellfish.
• Unlike children, adults are unlikely to outgrow their allergies.

Another frightening aspect of adult allergies to shellfish is that they can strike out of the blue in individuals who had never experienced food allergies. Often, these reactions are among the most severe. Typical allergic reactions to shellfish allergy resemble other food allergy reactions: swelling throat, blurred vision, numb tongue, hives, and trouble breathing.

To those who experience a first-time allergy reaction to food, Scott H. Sicherer, an associate professor of pediatrics at Mount Sinai's School of Medicine and medical advisor to the Food Allergy Initiative, advises, "Don't just go home and take a bath because it might get worse. If your reaction is severe, call 911 or get to the emergency room.

He also recommends a visit to an allergist to confirm a suspected allergy and receive guidance about avoiding the offending food. Food avoidance is a "big, life-changing" task that isn't always as simple as it might seem.

Adults with food allergies should always carry an EpiPen in case of exposure. EpiPens buy valuable time before medical attention is received. Food allergy cards are also useful in communicating food allergies especially when dining out.

Scientists are at work determining what causes adult-onset food allergies. One clue, according to Robert Wood, author of Food Allergies for Dummies and chief of pediatric allergy and immunology at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, is that many individuals who are allergic to shellfish are also allergic to dust mites or cockroaches. These three allergens share a common protein, tropomyosin.

As researchers forge ahead in studies that may eventually yield food allergy vaccines, food allergic individuals must continue to take every precaution to keep themselves safe. For more information, visit our Learning Center and our Food Allergy/Anaphylaxis Solution Guide.

It's fairly obvious that parents with food allergic children must be vigilant during Halloween festivities. Treats must be carefully monitored so that anything containing nuts, dairy, or other allergy triggers may be removed before allergic children eat them.

But what's less apparent, as Medical News Today reports, is the possible dangers asthmatic children face during Halloween. Clifford W. Bassett, MD, Chair of the Public Education Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) says, "If your child suffers from asthma and/or allergies, be aware and prepared for potential triggers to ensure a safe and fun time for all during the holidays."

The AAAAI offers the following tips to keep children with asthma and allergies safe and out of emergency rooms during the holiday:

• Beware of costumes. Mold, dust, and latex products can trigger asthma. Don't use costumes stored in the attic or basement, and be sure to wash new costumes before they're worn. Masks can trap dust and mold, so get a costume without one.
• Don't enter homes. Keep your child on the doorstep of homes during trick-or-treating. This will keep them away from indoor asthma triggers such as cigarette smoke or pet dander.
• Monitor weather changes. Both cold air and humidity can make breathing difficult for asthmatic individuals. Make sure your child is warm enough.
• Keep sick children at home. Cold and flu symptoms can severely aggravate asthma conditions, so if your child isn't feeling well, have him or her rest and recover rather than make matters worse by going out and trick-or-treating.
  
• Read labels carefully to avoid allergy-inducing foods before your child eats his or her treats. Homemade treats should be avoided entirely.
• Always be prepared. Carry your child's Epi-pen in case of any food allergy emergencies, and make sure a rescue inhaler is carried along.

When you are traveling, do you wake up with a scratchy throat and itchy eyes? Your problems may be caused by dry air from hotel heating systems. The Air-O-Swiss travel humidifier is a unique, new product that we are offering for people on the move.

One of the few truly portable small humidifiers, the 7146 Travel is a lightweight solution to dry air wherever you go. This compact, travel humidifier will fit in a travel bag, a purse, or a briefcase. There are no tanks to fill. Instead, you insert into the unit a 16-20 oz. water bottle that you can purchase nearly anywhere. Then, you plug in the Air-O-Swiss 7146 and enjoy moist, healthy air.

While at work, visiting family, traveling, this Air-O-Swiss unit is the perfect solution for dry air wherever you go. When you are finished, wipe the unit down before storing. Most bottled water is distilled or purified, but if sediment or mineral buildup is a concern EZCal Cleaner will work just as well with the 7146 as with any Air-O-Swiss humidifier.

The Air-O-Swiss 7146 features include:

• Light-weight design to take it everywhere you go
• Travel bag included for your convenience
• Auto Shut-off and empty indicator
• Mist output control
• Transcontinental AC adaptor and exchangeable plugs
• Ultra quiet operation
• Ideal for use at home, in the office, or while traveling

A recent New York Times column investigates the claim that hot water should be used instead of cold water to wash your hands.

Many take it for granted that washing with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent the spread of germs, but does the temperature of the water really make a difference?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) points out that hot water that is still comfortable to wash your hands in is not hot enough to kill bacteria. Interestingly, however, the FDA reports that hot water does remove oils that can harbor bacteria from the hands.

On the other hand, a report in a 2005 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine points out that in studies in which subjects had contaminated hands and then were instructed to wash with water ranging in temperature from 40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperatures had "no effect on transient or resident bacterial reduction."

In fact, allergy sufferers have a reason to wash their hands in cooler water. The same report notes that the "irritant capacity" of some soaps is increased when hot water is used. This could cause contact dermatitis.

Hot water or not, many allergic individuals react to the preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and other chemicals that are in many personal care products. Browse our personal care products for allergy friendly soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and more.

An interesting Medical News Today report, which states that the symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are more severe than allergic rhinitis, prompted us to highlight the differences of these two conditions.

The main difference between allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis is that nonallergic rhinits occurs without an allergic response.

Symptoms of the two are basically the same. Rhinitis refers to the swelling of the lining of the nose due to expanding blood vessels. In turn, this expansion stimulates the mucus glands in the nose. This results in a congested and drippy nose. One distinguishing characteristic between nonallergic and allergic rhinitis is the absence of itchy eyes and throat in nonallergic rhinitis.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptom triggers for individuals with nonallergic rhinitis include:

• Environmental or occupational irritants like secondhand smoke, strong odors, perfumes, chemical fumes, and pollution.
• Weather changes such as alterations in temperature or humidity.
• Viral infections like the flu and a cold. Although it usually clears up in a few weeks, lingering mucus in the throat (postnasal drip) or sinusitis can occur.
• Foods and beverages, such as spicy foods or alchohol.
• Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. In addition, nonallergic rhinitis can also be triggered by sedatives, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, or overuse of nasal decongestant sprays.
• Hormone changes likw those that occur during pregnancy or menstruation.
• Stress can a be a trigger for rhinitis.

Diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis is mainly a matter of ruling out other possible diagnoses. Allergic causes are ruled out through skin and blood tests; and sinus problems are ruled out through tests such as a nasal endoscopy and a CT scan.

Treatment options for nonallergic rhinitis are the same as those for allergic rhinitis and include the following:

• Oral decongestants help narrow the blood vessels in order to reduce congestion in the nose.
• Saline nasal sprays thin mucus and soothe irritated membranes.
• Other nasal sprays, including prescription antihistamine sprays, anti-drip anti-cholinergic nasal sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and decongestant nasal sprays. NOTE: Do not use decongestant sprays for more than three or four days because they can cause severe congestion to return.

Natural remedies include:

• Rinsing out nasal passages with a neti pot or a squeeze bottle.
• Blowing your nose regularly to clear nasal passages of mucus and irritants.
• Using a humidifier in the your bedroom or work area will help loosen mucus.
• Drinking water to stay properly hydrated.
• Using an air purifier can rid the air of pollutants that trigger nonallergic rhinitis symptoms.

As a digital humidifier, the Air-O-Swiss 7142 Ultrasonic Digital Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier combines top of the line humidification with state of the art electronic and automatic controls. Like many other Air-O-Swiss models, the 7142 features electronic controls with an LCD screen; however, this humidifier’s special feature is its use of Intelligent Temperature Compensation (ITC).

Just as many modern appliances will function based on their surrounding environment, so too will the Air-O-Swiss 7142. With ITC functionality, this humidifier will adjust mist output based on the temperature of the room. This works to maintain a comfortable humidity level with little worry or supervision. This automatic function is great for asthma and allergy sufferers on the go, or anyone who wants a constant relative humidity level without having to spend a lot of time monitoring it. This model also has dual warm mist and cool mist capabilities to meet your needs.

Three features work together to make this humidifier one of the safest to use. The 7142 uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to turn the water in your tank to mist and to destroy most bacteria, viruses, and microbes. The patented Ionic Silver Stick from Air-O-Swiss uses the natural anti-microbial properties of silver to eliminate bacteria and viruses from the water. The Ionic Silver Stick needs to be replaced only once a year. A demineralization cartridge which should be replaced every three months prevents mineral residues from contaminating the water and from being sprayed into the air.

Air-O-Swiss 7142 Product Features:

• Modern design with large LCD Display
• Intelligent Temperature Compensation (ITC) - automatically regulates output, adjusted to temperature of room
• Dual, warm mist humidifier and cool mist humidifier
• Ionic Silver Stick, Ultrasonic Vibrations & Demineralization Cartridge work to destroy bacteria and other microbes while capturing minerals in the water before they are dispersed into the air
• Hygrostat & Mist Output Regulator
• Empty & Cleaning Indicators
• Sleep Mode with Timer
• Timer: Set unit for 1 to 8 hours of run time
• Large and transparent water tank (water level clearly visible)
• Ultra Quiet Operation Energy Efficient

Temperatures are cooling, and many in various parts of the country are already fluffing down comforters, digging their cozy slippers out of the closet, and cranking up the heat.

Colder air brings relief from sweltering summers and their attendant humidity problems which spell trouble for allergy sufferers. Air that's too humid causes dust mite populations to thrive and can lead to mold colonies proliferating.

However, heated indoor air poses its own issues for allergy sufferers. Heat generated by forced air heating systems (the kind found in most homes) dries out the air and leads to humidity levels that can be too low for comfort.

In addition to symptoms like dry skin, itchy throats, and watery eyes, allergy sufferers may notice that their nasal passages and sinuses may become irritated in enivornments that are too dry. This is of special concern for those who experience recurring sinus infections, or sinusitis.

As WebMD recommends, those who are prone to sinusitis can take the following measures:

• Keep sinuses moist by using saline sprays or nasal irrigation
• Avoid very dry indoor environments. To keep the air in your home from becoming over-dry, use a humidifier to restore proper moisture levels to the air.
• Avoid exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or strong chemical odors. Using natural cleaning products and avoiding home fragrances and other unnecessary chemicals can help keep indoor air unpolluted. Air purifiers filter the air of airborne particles and chemical fumes you can't control.

Staying on top of potential dry air problems before they actually become issues will help you breathe better all winter long.

Many allergy and asthma sufferers have first-hand experience encountering indoor air that exacerbates symptoms. Indoor air pollution has many sources, including cleaning products, fireplaces, and home fragrances. But what if your home itself was polluting your indoor air?

This is exactly what has happened to thousands of homeowners whose homes were constructed with drywall imported from China, according to a recent New York Times article. Individuals like Bill Morgan, who moved into one such affected home in Virginia, have experienced nosebleeds and headaches from the persistent noxious fumes that filled their houses. The fumes are so strong, in fact, that they even cause the metal in the homes' interiors to corrode or turn black – including the appliances, which don't take long to fail completely.

The drywall is believed to be contaminated with various sulfur compounds. It was imported into the United States when our own supplies ran low. Sadly, there is no quick and easy way to repair the problem. Estimates to rip out and replace tainted drywall and replace damaged electrical equipment run at about $100,000 to $150,000 per home. Lawsuits aimed in all directions – at home builders, insurance companies, drywall suppliers, and Chinese manufacturers – are piling up. In the meantime, many homeowners are being forced out of their homes and into financial ruin.

Interestingly, only homes in the United States seem to be experiencing problems from the contaminated drywall. Homes in Asia, where the drywall was also installed, remain unaffected. One safety commission official, who chose to remain anonymous, conveyed that Chinese officials believe the reason is because American homes are more tightly built, with less ventilation than homes in China.

This certainly brings to mind the importance of proper ventilation in the home – an issue that often poses a conundrum, especially for allergy sufferers, who must often choose between open windows, which may let in pollen or other pollutants, or a tightly shut home, in which indoor pollutants can build up.

Air purifiers, reconciling the necessity for air circulation with the need for pure air, are often the answer. In conjunction with employing measures to reduce allergens in the home, such as not having pets, vacuuming frequently, and using high quality furnace filters, using air purifiers helps reduce the total allergen load by ridding the air of airborne microscopic pollutants.

The Swizz Fred Humidifier is a stylish, modern humidifier that has had a highly successful debut in Europe. The Fred is now ready to conquer the U.S. market!

When the weather turns cooler and we start heating our homes, the relative humidity inside out homes drops and the air dries out. We, our plants, our furniture and other household items suffer from the dry environment. To counteract this, the Fred lets off steam to keep us comfortable and control indoor humidity. To humidify the air, the Teflon-coated plate heats up water to generate clean steam which is free of minerals, germs, and bacteria.

The Fred Humidifier, created by designer Matti Walker of Switzerland, adds function to modern contemporary style. This humidifier is available in silver and red. It will balance the sharp edges of your home decor with its round, stylish appearance.

These humidifiers help return to our homes or office the balance our modern lifestyle often ignores. These are not your typical, generic appliances. These humidifiers are quiet and chic, perfect for modern home or office decor. The Fred humidifier was a finalist for the 2008 Housewares Design Award in Chicago.

Want to know more about this brand new humidifier offering from AchooAllergy.com? Check out the Swizz Fred's special features and its technical specifications.

Allergy products aren't just for allergies anymore. As wintertime approaches and colds and flus are all around us, it's great to know that many allergy treatments are quite helpful in alleviating cold and flu symptoms as well.

WebMD's Natural Cold & Flu Remedies Slideshow is right in line with this idea. Here are some natural remedies that can be used for dealing with both allergies and sickness:

• Chicken soup - The most classic of all natural home remedies, recent research has actually validated what your grandmother always knew. Inhaling steam helps ease nasal congestion and fluid intake helps avoid dehydration. Chicken soup may even soothe inflammation.



• Hot tea - Tea functions in much the same way as chicken soup to relieve congestion and keep you hydrated.



• Steam/Humidifier - Breathing in steam, a major factor of soup and hot tea's benefit, can also be obtained through the use of a humidifier. Humidifiers also help keep allergy sufferers from nasal, throat, and eye irritation caused by dry winter air.



• Neti pot - This ancient treatment clears nasal passages of mucus with a saltwater solution. Those who are ill with the flu or a cold will find immediate relief by cleaning out their nasal passages. Some even say that regular neti pot use can keep you from getting sick in the first place by flushing out germs. Allergy sufferers benefit greatly by cleansing their nasal passageways of pollen and other allergens. All in all, we feel a neti pot is an essential addition to any medicine cabinet.



• Menthol ointments - Many of us probably have memories of our mothers spreading this soothing ointment on our chests or around our noses to relieve nasal congestion. Menthol contains a mild numbing agent which soothes the pain of skin that's raw from too much blowing. Using a humidifier with a medicine cup also eases coughing and opens up clogged passages. (Note: Menthol ointment should only be used in children over the age of 2).

Allergy relief through allergen avoidance is inherently a natural way to prevent allergy attacks. Using products like those mentioned here, as well as allergy bedding, and air purifiers can minimize exposure to allergens keeps your body from producing an immune response in the first place so you don't have to use medicine to treat symptoms, or at least not as often.