Everyone is coming out with a “Best Movies of the Year” list this month. One movie likely to be on the list is the popular 2009 summer movie the Hangover, which told the story of four friends and their comical adventures after a night of drinking in Las Vegas. The movie caused big laughs in the theater, but drinking alcohol can cause more than a hangover for some allergy sufferers.

In this article last week on the Medical News Today web site, they talk about the possible ingredients in alcohol that could trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.

One of the preservatives found in wine is sulfur dioxide. Sulfur dioxide is found in many foods that trigger allergy symptoms. Another cause might be histamine generated by the bacteria and yeast in alcohol. During an allergic reaction, histamine is naturally released by the body, so an increase in your histamine levels from drinking alcohol can worsen allergy symptoms.

Have a fun and safe New Year’s Eve and be aware of the dangers of drinking too much.

Do not miss this short opportunity to save some money on one of our most effective products, the SinuPulse Elite. The SinuPulse is currently on sale and you can take advantage of our 'Tis the Season Holiday sale to grab one of these nasal irrigators at an even lower price!

Nasal irrigation with saline removes bacterial and fungal toxins (the primary causes of sinus infections), as well as the mucus that retains these toxins. The calibrated pulsating action of the SinuPulse not only removes toxins and mucus, but it also stimulates the body's own natural defense systems. Designed and engineered in Switzerland, the SinuPulse Elite nasal irrigation system is just as reliable and accurate as a Swiss watch.

It is the only pulsating nasal irrigation system designed by experts to deliver both a thorough cleansing rinse and a mist spray for doctor recommended rinsing and moisturizing. The SinuPulse helps moisturize dry sinuses, relieve pain and pressure caused by congestion, and prevent sinus infections. This unit is recommended by leading healthcare professionals. It's very easy to use, and it provides natural relief of allergy and sinus symptoms in just minutes.

A recent German study has found that a pregnant woman’s exposure to microbes may protect her unborn child from developing allergies later in life. ScienceDaily reports that “environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in pregnant mice that renders their offspring resistant to allergies.”

Patrick Holt and Deborah Strickland, researchers involved in the study which is published in the online Journal of Experimental Medicine, discuss the biological mechanisms behind their findings and how they may one day lead to the prevention of allergies in humans.

Allergies have become increasingly prevalent in the past several decades, a phenomenon which many attribute to a theory called the "hygiene hypothesis". The theory involves the idea that children exposed to environmental microbes at a young age are less likely to develop allergies later in life. For instance, the most classically cited example is that children raised on microbe-rich farms developed fewer allergies than those raised in cities or non-farming rural regions.

However, it may not be the exposure that makes the difference. Children of farming mothers are less susceptible to allergies regardless of their own exposure. The findings were compelling, but the biological mechanisms behind the fact were a mystery. The new study sheds some light on this fact: pregnant mice exposed to inhaled barnyard microbes gave birth to allergy-resistant pups.

It is still unknown how this works exactly or whether the protection applies to a broad range of allergens. As with many recent research developments in the allergy field, however, the findings provide another piece in the puzzle of allergy prevention.

The new Dyson DC28 Animal is the perfect HEPA vacuum cleaner for an allergy sufferer or pet owner that needs maximum cleaning power in their home. This vacuum is recommended for a large home or apartment with wall-to-wall carpeting; however, with Dyson's new design this vacuum is also well-suited for smooth floor cleaning. This patented design allows the brush roll to lower while pushing the cleaning head into the carpet to give you a deep clean. On smooth floors, this ensures a tighter seal on the flooring you are vacuuming. With push button control, you easily can set the DC28 to clean high, medium, low pile carpeting, or smooth flooring. The new Airmuscle technology increases the suction power without increasing the weight of the head of the vacuum.

The Dyson DC28 Animal with Airmuscle technology uses three Dyson engineered components. The pneumatic actuator to control the cleaning head is explained above. The second piece is a powered cam that ensures the vacuum head remains at the optimal level for cleaning different heights of carpet. The brush roll will adjust up and down to match the pile of carpet you are cleaning. The last component is a high torque clutch. This works to maintain a constant speed of brush roll, while deep cleaning even the densest of carpets. These three new additions work together to make the DC28 Animal one of Dyson's best all around vacuum cleaners.

'Tis the season to enjoy great savings on almost all of your favorite AchooAllergy.com products. We are excited to announce that we are offering a great combination End of the Year Sale and Prize giveaway. When you place an order during Christmas week, New Year's weekend, or even the first week of the new year 2010 (specific times are available at the link below), you receive great savings and you will be automatically entered to win a $500 gift card from Best Buy!

Are you busy this holiday season searching the internet and retail stores for discounts and sales on great gifts? Do you want real savings on your much needed allergy products? You are not alone. Everyone is looking to save money this holiday season. During the next few weeks, you can avoid the holiday shopping rush, save money on gas, spend more time with your family, and order from us from the comfort of your own home!

For more information, check out these sale and contest details.

If you don't have a humidifier in your allergy avoidance arsenal, here are five compelling reasons to have one and use one during the winter months:

• Ease cold and flu symptoms: By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier relieves congestion and nighttime stuffiness so sick family members can breathe better, sleep easier, and get well faster.

• Prevent sinus infections: Dry sinuses are irritated sinuses. This can lead to sinus infections in susceptible individuals. Keep sinuses hydrated by using a humidifier when heating makes the air in your house dry.

• Keep skin happy: Cold air outside and dry air inside combine to make skin dry, leading to painful cracking and even eczema. Don't wait until skin gets to this point. Use a humidifier to prevent your skin from drying out in the first place.

• Cut heating costs: Air that's properly humid feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature. This spells lower heating costs while you enjoy the other benefits of proper humidity levels.

• Take care of your home: Dry air and the flux between summer's humidity and winter's dryness can damage your home's wood floors, furniture, and paint. Keep your home's environment from drastic shifts in humidity levels by using a humidifier during winter months when forced air heating dries out the air.

For more information on the importance of humidification, see Benefits of Home Humidification and Using Humidifiers for Allergy Relief and More. For help choosing a humidifier that's right for you, see our Humidifier Buying Guide or call us at 1-800-339-7123.

Recent research published in the December 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has revealed that asthmatic smokers may be able to reverse some of the damage caused to their lungs by quitting smoking. This interesting result is being reported on the website ScienceDaily.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Martine Broekema, explains, "We found that exposure to cigarette smoke appears to increase the thickness of the epithelium, or lining, of the airways in the lung. This may be the underlying cause of the fact that smoking asthma patients experience more asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath and phlegm production, compared to non-smoking asthma patients."

The study included 147 participants with asthma, 66 of whom never smoked, 46 who used to smoke, and 35 who were current smokers. Patients were assessed for the severity of their allergies and asthma and then given surveys in order to determine the extent of their smoke-induced symptoms. Then, they had bronchial biopsies.

Scientists discovered several differences between the group of current smokers and the ex- and non-smokers: Current smokers had more mucus-producing goblet cells in their epithelium and the epithelial cell layer also contained more mucous protein overall when compared to asthmatics who never smoked. In simple terms, this means that smoking affected the severity of phlegm production.

"Smoking asthmatics also showed a distinct inflammatory profile in their lungs compared to never-smoking asthmatics," says Dr. Broekema, adding, "Our data suggest that smoking cessation can reverse the thickening of the lining of the airways."

Interestingly, the researchers found no association between the amount of smoking or the duration and epithelial remodeling.

Dr. Broekema sums the results up this way: "This study shows again how important smoking cessation is for pulmonary health, and this appears to be especially true for asthmatic patients. The good news is that quitting appears to have a measurable benefit in these individuals."

Primaloft comforters mimic the dreamy softness and warmth of down without the allergen risk. These blankets are soft and plush. Sink into bed at night with this cozy comforter, knowing you will sleep soundly and allergen free. Its fluffy loft provides quality insulation that is light as a feather. This medium weight, white comforter is warm in the winter and comfortable all year long.

Primaloft Comforter Features:

• Machine washable and dryer safe for easy care
• Permanent anti-microbial finish
• Suitable for use with duvet cover or all by itself
• Medium weight for year round use
• Smooth 230-thread count ticking
• Down proof and fully quilted
• Hypoallergenic

Check out this 5 star customer review from a customer who called the comforter a "Great Buy":

CA Mommy from San Diego, CA

This comforter is wonderful! It's perfectly warm in the winter-time, but light enough to use even when it's not freezing cold. It's also been a godsend for all of the allergy-sufferers in our family. We have had no issues at all with this blanket. I also love how you can wash it in a normal washing machine instead of dry cleaning. That is a huge savings! And it's really good quality. The quilting keeps the filling in place. We had bought a Queen-sized one last year and were so happy with it, we bought another one in King-size for our bed.

It seems that every season has unique challenges for allergy and asthma sufferers, and the holidays are certainly no exception. But as always, knowledge and prevention help keep those with allergies and asthma safe and breathing well.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology offers the following 12 tips to help keep your holiday season symptom free:

1. Let live Christmas trees dry in an enclosed space like a porch or a garage before bringing them in to decorate. Some retailers have a shaking machine, which helps remove some allergens from the tree.


2. Artificial Christmas trees gather dust and sometimes mold while in storage. Thoroughly clean them outside before bringing indoors.


3. Launder fabric decorations before displaying them. Allersearch Allergen Wash removes allergens in any temperature of water.


4. Consider sticking to plastic, metal, or glass decorations that don't harbor dust mites.


5. Use a mask to keep from breathing lung-irritating chemicals that could trigger an asthma attack while spraying artifical snow.


6. If you or your family members have food allergies, make sure to let the host of holiday parties know and ask about ingredients used in meals.


7. Don't forget to bring your EpiPen with you, especially when eating others' homemade items that don't list ingredients.


8. Remind family and friends that the only way to manage food allergies is with strict avoidance; even a tiny amount is dangerous.


9. When visiting friends or family with pets, be sure to take medication beforehand to minimize your reaction.


10. Try to keep stress levels down; stress can trigger an asthma attack.


11. Stay away from wood-burning fires. The smoke can trigger asthma attacks.


12. Be sure to travel with an allergy relief pillow cover in order to minimize exposure to dust mite allergen.

Every allergy sufferer knows how awful it is to sneeze repeatedly during the day. But even what is described as "sneezing nonstop" can't match 12-year-old Lauren Johnson's experience of sneezing up to 12,000 times a day.

As reported by Fox News, Lauren started sneezing constantly throuhgout the day after a bad cold in November. Her only relief came when she slept.

Before they arrived at their diagnosis, doctors referred to Lauren's condition as "machine gun sneezing." Now, they know that she has Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus, also known as PANDAS.

The diagnosis is a welcome relief because now Lauren can receive treatment, which in this case is a course of antibiotics, and begin returning to her normal activities such as school.

Symptoms of the condition, which occurs following a strep infection(most often strep throat) include cognitive inflexibility, obsessive or compulsive argumentative behaviors, Tourette's syndrome, and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Every Sunday in USA Weekend, contributing editor Dr. Tedd Mitchell writes an article called "HealthSmart". In the October 2-4 issue, he related the following beneficial tips for parents who are trying to manage allergies in school children. Here are Dr. Mitchell's tips:

• Talk with the school staff. Provide the teacher and the school nurse with a brief written history of your child's allergies. You need to include specific information about symptoms and medications.


• Check out the classroom environment. You can always ask that your child be seated away from possible sources for allergy triggers like chalkboards and windows.


• Do not forget to ask about pets. Some teachers keep class pets and need to know if your child is allergic to pet dander.


• Keep an eye on the lunch menu. Most children can bring a weekly menu home. Give school officials information about what foods could be dangerous to your child.


• Create an action plan for treatment if an allergy attack occurs. Work with the school nurse and staff and make sure they know what medicine your child needs.


• Provide emergency contact numbers for you, your allergist, and pediatrician.


• Communicate with your child and make sure that older children always have their medicine or EpiPen with them.