Allergy Relief Blog

Annual White Sale - 15% Off Bedding!

theblog@achooallergy.com — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:25:08 +0000

As February begins, we're excited to announce our Annual White sale! From now until the the end the month, save 15% on ALL bedding.

Save big while making your bedroom allergy and asthma friendly. All items, from our exclusive lines of Allergy Armor bedding to comforters, blankets and everything in between are now on sale.

Allergy bedding and allergy mattress covers are a simple solution to eliminating dust mites and improving your indoor air quality. So whether you just want a new pillow or organic blanket, or you want to stop waking up with puffy eyes, congested or sneezing, save today!

Allergic to... Bacteria?

theblog@achooallergy.com — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:58:55 +0000

A study released in this month's issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that some instances of asthma may be related to what could be classified as an allergic response to bacteria.

The allergic response, though not fully understood, is often fairly simple. When protein allergens like pollen, dander or dust mites enter airways and bind to IgE (Immunoglobulin E) receptors, mast cells release histamines which cause the swelling and inflammation. These are often what are behind the sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes.

For this study, researchers introduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common infection causing bacteria, in to mice. In response to this foreign bacteria in the lungs, white blood cells produced very high levels of histamine.

While histamine production in the lungs is not uncommon (histamines cause the most common symptom of asthma - inflammation) what is most significant is that it was produced by white blood cells, NOT the mast cells that produce histamines in allergic responses.

This study further complicates the blurry line between allergic and asthmatic responses, by showing that a common bacteria can cause white blood cells to exhibit allergen response-like traits. Ultimately, studies like this not only shed more light on the processes underlying these responses but can also lead a better understanding of how the body can combat allergies and asthma.

Weak Winter Not Good for Allergies

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:54:39 +0000

It's almost February, and many of us across the country are still wondering when winter will arrive. Though there have been some cold snaps, followed by 60-70 degree days, another weekend outdoors sans jacket or a coat is giving me the impression that this is about all we're going to get. If that is the case, allergy sufferers are in line for a tough spring.

Freezing winter temperatures actually help most seasonal allergy and asthma sufferers in a few ways, and for the most part, this winter has not brought these benefits.

Cold temps bring relief from those who suffer from pollinating plants and trees. - Colder temperatures drive pollen producers into a winter hibernation, but warmer temps mean some trees and plants are already budding.
Lower temperatures and/or snowfall holds outdoor molds in check. - As noted in a previous about mold allergies and fall, warmer temperatures can mean an uptick in mold spores from dead and decaying leaves.
Lastly, asthma sufferers are particularly sensitive to temperature/barometric pressure swings. - When temperatures spike and dip, as is common during the fall, asthma sufferers typically see an increase in symptoms, like wheezing, coughing and nasal swelling. Steady temps, warm or cold, minimize this.

With this year's winter feeling more like a prolonged fall, it has not provided the usual level of relief for allergy and asthma sufferers. And as trees and plants already begin to bud and even bloom, everything points to a long spring allergy season.

For non allergy sufferers out there, don't think you're in the clear. Warmer winters typically signal a good year for insects, which is usually only good news for... insects.

So while I may think it's nice to see that the daffodils and tulips in my back yard have already sprouted, the fact that they did so in January probably doesn't make them as welcomed a sight for allergy or asthma sufferers.

Allergy Certifications and Seals

theblog@achooallergy.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:15:43 +0000

In the industry that is allergy relief, just as with any market, there are a variety of products and providers available. One thing that manufacturers often do is proudly display any certifications they have attained for their products. But what do these seals and badges really mean or signify?

Certifications can vary greatly across a wide spectrum. Some certifications come from large, non-profit organizations while others are literally run out someone's basement. This has been and continues to be a huge problem in the area of green products and environmentally friendly certification. As a new market, this space has seen a flood of certification programs that are little more than a money-grab.

As any industry matures, the field of certifications offered, thins, and typically a select few will rise to the top of the certification list. In the case of green products, EnergyStar, LEED, and the new UL Environment certifications seem to have come out on top.

For allergy and asthma products, which seals carry the most weight? Allergy & Asthma Frendly? AHAM? Organic certifications? The logos look great, but again, what do those seals measure and mean to you?

Because seals and certifications are meant to inspire confidence as well as approval of a product, take the time to see what the ACTUAL standards are behind any seal or certification. If you cannot find the standards, criteria or testing guidelines, this can signal serious credibility issues with the seal.

Seal or certification programs help to provide a much needed baseline when measuring and comparing similar products or services against each other. However, they are just one factor, in a list of many, that you should consider when making an informed decision about any product or service that concerns your health.

New Study on Vacuums Confirms Old Advice

theblog@achooallergy.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +0000

If you've spent time on this site investigating indoor air quality or simply looking for ways to relieve allergy symptoms, you have likely come across specific characteristics we suggest that you should look for in a vacuum cleaner.

For years we have recommended that allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers invest in a quality HEPA vacuum cleaner that features a sealed system. The reason was because only this type of vacuum can truly remove allergens and the ultra fine particles in the air that can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions. Researchers in Australia recently published findings confirming what we have long recommended.

In testing 21 different types of vacuum cleaners, researchers concluded that the models tested allowed between 40,000 and 1.2 billion particles to pass completely through the vacuum. The size of the particles in this range was .5 to 20 microns, which means that in a typical household it could include common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust.

Some of the models tested include Dyson, Hoover, iRobot, and Sanyo. The ages of the vacuums tested also ranged from 6 months to 22 years old.

An article from WebMD highlighted this study, pointing out other practices and products we have recommended for allergy sufferers, including the use of HEPA filters, microfiber or electrostatic dust cloths and the removal of carpet.

While the testing did not cover a comprehensive sampling of models, there are a few important take aways. First, vacuuming with a traditional vacuum cleaner that lacks a sealed system or HEPA filter will NOT help to remove allergens and fine particles. Secondly, using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter can improve indoor air quality while cleaning your floors. Lastly, and most importantly, this study highlights the link between vacuuming and its relationship to indoor air quality in the home.

To read the Study's Abstract

Remove Hidden Allergens From Guests

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:06:02 +0000

For pet allergy sufferers, keeping dander out of the house seems like an easy task if you don't own a pet, but there are still some hidden ways that dander can make it's way inside your home and on your furniture.

Since pet dander can be as small as just a few microns, it can easily become airborne and attach to household items, particularly clothing and upholstered furniture. So while your buddy, Phil, may be bringing the cheese dip for the Superbowl party, he's likely also carrying a healthy dose of cat dander from his three shorthaired Persians.

But don't exclude Phil just because he's a cat owner (or a Patriots fan). There are a couple quick and easy ways to ensure that the cat dander that came with him doesn't make you miserable for the next week.

By vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, you can not only clean up the nacho crumbs left on the sofa but also pet dander and other allergens that guests can commonly bring inside your home. When vacuuming to improve your health (not just appearances) always opt for a vac that has a sealed system and true HEPA filter. Vacuums that lack these features often only redistribute allergens throughout your home.

For throws and decorative pillows, you can simply toss these in the dryer, on high heat, for 15 minutes to kill and remove most allergens that may have settled on them.

For any surface that is prone to collecting allergens from visitors, another convenient solution is an anti-allergen spray. These come in a few varieties but all do the same thing, denature or oxidize protein allergens.

So even after a house full of guests, these simple things can help remove hidden allergens that have made their way into your home.

Introducing - Allergy Armor Organic Cotton Blanket

theblog@achooallergy.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:40:01 +0000

After months of preparation and planning, we are proud to introduce the exclusive Allergy Armor Organic Cotton Blanket!

For allergy, asthma and MCS sufferers, certified organic products provide relief from the chemicals and toxins that pollute our everyday lives.

Grown in the U.S., without the use of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers, our organic cotton is a natural alternative to modern textiles. Free of dyes and modern treatments like formaldehyde, the Allergy Armor organic cotton blanket is comfortable, features a luxury weave with a natural color.

With well-stitched seams, this blanket is constructed to withstand frequent washing and won't fray. Though the blanket feels like it has some weight, it's light enough for year round use and well suited to compliment your winter comforter.

Machine washable, the weave tightens some after the initial washing (shrinkage is factored into the dimensions prior to construction).

Though we have offered organic cotton blankets for several years now, we have been striving to offer this product exclusively. Now, when you purchase an organic cotton blanket from us, you're not only receiving the benefits of a certified, American organic cotton blanket, but also getting one that is cut, sewn and packaged locally in our Atlanta location. We hope it brings you years of relief and that you enjoy it as much as we do!

Dirty Schools, Dirty Lungs?

theblog@achooallergy.com — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:35:56 +0000

There have been countless studies done on how certain issues like lack of sleep, and even problems at home, can affect children and their performance in school. More recently, individual states and cities have been taking this a step further and have examined the link between poor indoor air quality and increased instances of hospitalization due to asthma.

Studies like this are important for two reasons. First, they highlight how building maintenance and cleaning procedures (or lack thereof) can impact students vis-�-vis indoor air quality issues (IAQ). Secondly, they illustrate the link between increased instances of asthma and how this can affect students' academic performance.

In this New York State Department of Health study, even school districts with Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) programs in place found that there were still environmental allergy triggers and conditions present.

As some of the largest respiratory irritants, dust or dust reservoirs were reported in 99% of schools. Additionally, 84% reported mold or moisture issues, and nearly half (42%) reported possible exposure to diesel fumes and exhaust (usually from idling school buses).

A recent CNN article highlights that these conditions are often exacerbated by a poor economy. With today's slimmer budgets, renovation, upkeep, and the construction of new buildings are often an afterthought. Unfortunately, a possible consequence of this can be a slow but steady increase in the rates of allergies and asthma � both of which can negatively impact a child's educational experience.

These problems are not just confined to students. Surveys of some of the nation's largest school systems have shown as many as 30% of teachers reporting health issues or sickness related to the school environment.

With 7 million children currently diagnosed with asthma¹ and approximately 8.5 million who have suffered from respiratory allergies in the last year, the impact of poor IAQ in our schools is no small matter.

Aside from dealing with these issues on an individual level, either with OTC antihistamines or non-pharmaceutical allergy relief methods, there are some excellent CDC resources as well as helpful tips and guides that can be useful in highlighting this situation and helping improve conditions in your local schools.

¹CDC Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Children � December 2011

How to Help Pet Allergic Guests Feel at Home

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:46:30 +0000

We have two cats and a dog, and I do what I know to do in order to keep pet dander around the house to a minimum. I try to keep the animals out of bedrooms, I have a leather couch, I have minimal drapery, and I vacuum frequently with my Dyson. But I'm sure I'm not as motivated to keep pet dander under control as I would be if any of my household were allergic to cats or dogs.

When allergic guests come to my house, however, I become all too aware of how pervasive pet dander can be, and how hard it is to actually get rid of.

Last night, some dear friends from California arrived for a visit, and we had them over for dinner. The husband of the family is quite allergic to cats. I dusted and cleaned the floors one last time at the last minute before they came, and we gave him some homeopathic drops that are supposed help forestall an allergy attack. And of course we locked the cats in a room while he was here.

He seemed to be okay, at least for a while. But by the end of the evening, though it took our asking for him to tell us, he was definitely feeling the effects of his cat allergy. As a hostess, it's an awful feeling to know that your guests are uncomfortable in your home � though of course, the person we should feel sorriest for is the allergic one!

We always keep allergy medicine (as well as those homeopathic drops) on hand for when pet allergic guests come to our house. But sometimes it's not enough. What do you do in addition to your regular environmental control to help allergy sufferers feel at home in your home?

Daily Habits for Allergy Relief

theblog@achooallergy.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:04:43 +0000

Knowing that you can do something to take charge of your allergy symptoms is empowering, especially if you've resigned yourself to the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes as facts of your life. Butallergen avoidance and environmental control can really change an allergy sufferer's life.

When implementing an allergen avoidance routine, your first steps should include using basic environmental control products, such as air purifiers in the bedroom and allergy relief bedding. In addition, practicing the following simple daily habits will help keep allergy symptoms in check so that you can live every day breathing better:

Cleanse nasal passages with a neti pot. Most allergens find their way into your body through your nose. Flushing allergens out of your nasal passages gets rid of many allergens before they can set the allergic response in motion. Keep a neti pot, and safe water, within arm's reach in the bathroom and make a habit of using it every morning and any time allergens are especially pervasive, such as after dusting or when pollen counts are high.

Prevent dry skin by moisturizing. Slathering lotion on dry skin doesn't do as much as sealing in moisture by applying lotion after washing hands or showering. Overly dry skin can lead to eczema flare-ups, and a compromised skin barrier allows allergens to enter your body through the skin. Be sure that your lotion itself doesn't cause problems; choose moisturizers without fragrances and other irritating chemicals.

Implement a shoes-off policy. It's astounding the amount of chemicals and allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and more that we track into our homes on our shoes. Make it a practice to take shoes off at the door, and find a way to politely suggest that guests do the same.

Keep pets out of the bedroom and off of upholstered furniture. For most pet owners, Fido and Fluffy are part of the family. But to reduce allergy symptoms, it's important to keep pets out of the bedroom and off of upholstered furniture in order to reduce the amount of lingering pet dander. Provide designated, comfortable areas for pets to relax and train them to stay away from allergen magnets. For more on pet allergies, see Surviving Pet Allergies

Check pollen counts. Knowing what you are allergic to and when and where those allergens are abundant is the core concept of all allergen avoidance measures. Especially during spring and fall, check pollen counts and try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Note that particular times of day can be higher than others.

Choose allergy-fighting foods. With growing evidence that nutrition plays a vital role both in the formation of allergies and in how susceptible we are to the effects of allergens, learning about foods that help allergies and incorporating them into your diet is another easy way to minimize allergy attacks.

Nail Polish Chemicals: The Toxic Trio

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 9 Jan 2012 13:25:17 +0000

The Allergy Consumer Report recently covered the topic of toxic ingredients in nail polish in the series, Toxic Indoor Air in Nail Salons, Parts One and How Toxic is Your Nail Polish Really?.

The toxic trio comprises three extremely toxic chemicals that, until recently, were found in almost all nail polishes: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate, or DBP. As the article describes:

"Formaldehyde � is a known human carcinogen and can also cause eye, throat, nose and skin irritation. DBP is a known reproductive and developmental toxin, while toluene is a possible reproductive and developmental toxin and can also cause headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. All of these chemicals can be absorbed into the body through the nail bed."

In 2006 and 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics exerted enough pressure on the nail polish industry to prompt some companies, such as OPI, Sally Hansen, and Orly, to phase out all or some of the toxic trio chemicals.

The European Union went so far as to ban DBP, but the United States does not restrict its usage in beauty products. As with so many matters , particularly related to chemicals contained in everyday household items, we cannot count on government agencies � and certainly not production companies � to keep us safe from toxic products; rather, consumers must educate themselves and check labels.

Check out the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetics Database for a comprehensive database of personal products and their toxicity ratings.

Are Schools Prepared for Allergy Emergencies?

theblog@achooallergy.com — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 09:48:41 +0000

The death of a first-grader in Richmond, Virginia highlights the possible unpreparedness of schools to deal with allergy emergencies.

Ammaria Johnson had a peanut allergy. While out at recess, she broke out in hives and began complaining of shortness of breath. Though she was taken to the school clinic, they had nothing they could give her and called 911. Sadly, she didn't make it.

Head of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network Maria Acebal says of the incident, "When consequences can be life-threatening, then you've got to have schools prepared for an allergic reaction. It's very straightforward. There is no magic to this. It's just proper education, how to recognize it, and how to treat it."

Since 8 percent of American schoolchildren have food allergies, it seems imperative that schools have on-hand the life-saving equipment and medication to treat a food allergy attack. But as Shawn Smith, spokesman for the Chesterfield County school district points out, although there are extensive guidelines for treating students with severe allergies, the parents of the allergic children must provide prescribed medication to the schools, along with a form authorizing the school to administer it if an emergency arises.

In the absence of these, the nurse attempts to make contact with the family in time to obtain and give medication � an outcome that seems unlikely given the speed with which allergic anaphylaxis can cause death.

To me, this whole situation seems like a tragic, bureaucratic gap in addressing the severe consequences of an allergy attack. Yes, health officials must know how to recognize an allergy attack, but it seems like we have to find a way to allow schools to carry and administer epinephrine when an allergic attack is evident and death is imminent.

Warmer Winter Temps A Drag for Allergy Sufferers

theblog@achooallergy.com — Thu, 5 Jan 2012 14:56:47 +0000

This winter has been an odd one for many parts of the U.S. Unlike last year when Atlanta experienced several inches of snow and colder than average temperatures, this past December was punctuated by nearly a weeks worth of temperatures in the 70�s - literally 20 degrees warmer than average! This pattern has not just held true here in the South, but all over the U.S.

Aside from ski resorts having to make more snow than usual, another effect of these warmer than average temperatures is an increase in mold allergies this winter. Normally, cold temperatures and snow stunt mold growth. So in places where rotting fall foliage produces massive amounts of mold spores, snow usually stops the growth and blankets the spores. But with little to no snowfall, mold sources are foregoing their usual pattern of winter hibernation.

While mold is more prevalent, the warmer temps generally mean people are not spending as much time as they normally do indoors. The combination of these two factors has led to many allergists seeing an increase in the number of patients coming in during what are traditionally slower months.

Luckily, there are several effective ways to reduce your likelihood of having to visit the allergist with the best solution being nasal irrigation. It does not matter what type of irrigation that you use (bottle, neti pot, pulsing irrigator) since all will rinse away allergens, like mold spores, that can accumulate in your nasal passages.

By rinsing in the morning and evening you can not only wash away allergens that cause sneezing, watery eyes and other symptoms, but irrigating during the winter months is also a great way to combat the symptoms of low indoor humidity. For an economical solution, try a bottle rinse kit or neti pot. For those looking for a more versatile product with expanded features, the Sinupulse Nasal Irrigator can be a great choice.

Stay Protected During Flu Season

theblog@achooallergy.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:35:52 +0000

With winter fully upon us, the flu season is in full swing. From children to the elderly, the flu is keeping millions of people away from school, out of work and in the house. Worse for specific groups, the flu is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S. While the flu virus itself is found in multiple variations and mutations, two of the easiest ways to avoid it are two of the most simple things you can do each day.

First, wash your hands. Unfortunately for most people, hand washing is something that happens only a few times per day. However, if there is one thing that is true about all variations of the flu virus, it is that the flu virus is resilient. Washing your hands may not kill it, but it removes the virus and other germs you encounter every day from door knobs, water fountain spigots, desks and other surfaces we commonly touch.

Secondly, wear a mask. Look specifically for something that is at least N95 rated. This is the minimum recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) to protect against the influenza virus.

Masks come in a variety of styles and sizes with different filtration options, but something as simple as a basic N95 mask can put a barrier between you and illness. While there is still some stigma associated with wearing a mask in public, this in minor when compared to some of the virulent strains of the flu that are out there. You only need read the second paragraph of this CNN article to highlight this point.

Additionally, for the elderly, the very young and for those who are at risk of flu complications, it is recommended to get an annual flu shot. While this does not guarantee you will not contract the flu, it does reduce your risk. To find your nearest location to obtain a flu vaccination visit the Flu.gov website.

By taking a few simple steps and making minor changes to your hygiene regimen, you can do yourself a big favor and increase your chances of keeping the flu away during the holiday season.

Taking Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid, for Allergies

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:45:38 +0000

We've talked before about the positive effect of some particular nutrients on preventing and relieving allergy symptoms. For instance, omega-3, whether taken as a supplement or through foods, helps a great deal in diminishing eczema symptoms and even allergy symptoms in general. Making sure to get enough vitamin D also helps allergy problems.

Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, can also ease allergies. Specifically, as DigitalNaturopath.com describes, allergy sufferers who take pantothenic acid supplements before bed often find that their nasal stuffiness clears and they aren't awakened by excess mucus, stuffiness, or other allergy symptoms during the night. It should be noted, however, that taking too much of the supplement can induce nasal dryness.

Livestrong.com also discusses pantothenic acid in relation to allergies, and describes the nutrient's effect on allergies as follows:

"Pantothenic acid is needed to make coenzyme-A, which is necessary for certain chemical reactions to generate energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Coenzyme-A is also used during the production of cholesterol, hemoglobin, brain chemicals and hormones, especially from the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, are particularly relevant to allergic reactions because they secrete the hormones during an immune response, such as cortisone. Cortisone is the primary hormone in preventing the release of histamine and allergic symptoms. According to "Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition," the single most important nutrient for adrenal gland function is pantothenic acid; insufficient levels of pantothenic acid reduce the necessary amounts of cortisone from being secreted."

Interestingly, there is a possibility that pantothenic acid deficiency could be involved in allergies. Dosages for supplementation fall between 100mg and 500mg. Or, you can get pantothenic acid in food rich in the nutrient, including organ meats, fatty fish, shellfish, yeast, egg yolks, avocado, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and dairy products. Treating allergies with pantothenic acid would be a good topic to discuss with your allergist.

Stressed Infants More Prone to Allergies

theblog@achooallergy.com — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:34:32 +0000

We've previously discussed factors that influence the development of allergies and asthma in children. For instance, children born by c-sections and aren't exposed to as much bacteria during their birth are more likely to develop allergies. Those whose mothers take probiotics during pregnancy are less likely to develop allergies. In addition, children who are exposed to dogs are less likely to develop eczema.

Science Daily's Few Allergies in Unstressed Babies, Swedish Researchers Find covers a recent study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The study sheds light on an additional factor that affects allergy development: cortisol levels in infants. Published in the December paper issue of the Journal of Allergy and Immunology, the study shows that infants with low levels of the hormone cortisol in their saliva develop fewer allergies than other infants.

As Dr. Fredrik Stenius of the Department of Clinical Research and Education at Stockholm South General Hospital says, "Psychosocial factors and the stress hormone cortisol are associated with allergic diseases. Our study found that children with low salivary cortisol levels as infants have a lower prevalence of allergies during the first two years of life, compared to other children."

Such information adds to the growing body of research that attempts to answer the question of why allergic disease is on the rise, and hopefully will contribute to new ways of looking at how to address the issue.

Neti Pots and Naegleria Fowleri

theblog@achooallergy.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:22:41 +0000

For the second time this year, neti pots have been linked to tragic fatalities via the contraction of Naegleria fowleri , the �brain-eating amoeba�. While this raises alarms over the use of neti pots to relieve congestion and allergy symptoms, the neti pot itself is NOT the problem. Indeed, there is something in the water.

Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm, freshwater sources and is most often contracted while swimming in lakes, ponds and rivers. Contraction is more common in the American South and Southwest as these areas typically have large bodies of fresh water that remain warm throughout the year. Though the occurrence of contraction is extremely rare, due to the terminal nature of the microbe, reported incidences are often very high profile.

In the most recent instance, a Louisiana woman contracted the Naegleria fowleri after rinsing her nose with tap water. Though chlorination kills most organisms like this, it is not 100% effective. This is believed to be the case twice this year in Louisiana, and currently the CDC is assisting the Louisiana Department of Health in investigating the source of the microbe.

Nearly all types of neti pots recommend using distilled water. Using sterile or distilled water, or even water that is boiled then cooled to room temperature, is safe and effective. And for as much as we would like to believe that the water we consume, cook and bathe with is safe, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Despite these instances, neti pots remain one of the most effective ways to relieve congestion and rinse away allergens without the use of medication. However, when using a neti pot, please follow the instructions as listed by the manufacturer and remain safe while relieving allergy symptoms.

Bedbugs' Inbreeding Leads to Fast Infestations

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:02:26 +0000

You're probably aware of the resurgence in bedbugs that has plagued apartment buildings, hotels, and homes throughout the country, regardless of social class. Bedbugs are notoriously easy to get, and infestations happen quickly and pervasively, often filling entire apartment complexes from the initial infestation of just one unit.

If you've ever wondered just why infestations happen with such speed and intensity, a study discussed in Fox News article Inbreeding Reason for Bedbug Spread provides some insight.

Entemologists led by Coby Schal and Ed Vargo of North Carolina State University presented a study at the recent American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in Philadelphia. The scientists studied "the genes of bedbugs infesting three multistory apartment buildings in North Carolina and New Jersey and found very low genetic diversity, meaning most of them were very close relatives."

The upshot of this finding is that it may only take one or two bedbugs hitching a ride on some furniture or a suitcase to begin an entire infestation. Imagine how quickly a mated female can proliferate: Once her eggs hatch, the new bedbugs mate with each other and with their mother � and bedbug populations soar.

Interestingly, this type of inbreeding (without the detrimental genetic effects that occur when some animals inbreed) is also found with cockroaches, another insect that can lead to allergies.

For more on bedbugs and bedbug prevention, see:
Allergy Armor Bed Bug Bedding Packages
Bed Bug Prevention Tips
How to Avoid Bringing Home Bed Bugs

Holiday Allergy Conundrums

theblog@achooallergy.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:56:40 +0000

Deciding to implement allergen avoidance routines makes a huge difference in many allergy sufferers' lives. Certain measures are no-brainers: using allergy relief bedding, keeping pets out of the bedroom, putting air purifiers in bedrooms, and using a HEPA vacuum cleaner. However, other environmental control measures require careful, weighed consideration so that the measures themselves don't become issues.

The holiday season makes these difficult-to-navigate issues especially apparent. Below are some allergy conundrums that come up this time of year:

What kind of Christmas tree?
Recently, we discussed the presence of lead on artificial Christmas trees. No amount of lead exposure is safe for children or animals, and lead often ends up in household dust. Furthermore, artificial trees tend to harbor dust and other allergens. For these reasons, choosing a real tree seems like the best option.

However, some individuals are allergic to fresh trees. CNN highlights this point in On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and � Wheezy?, which describes how those allergic to pine trees experience itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and even a skin rash if there's contact with a pine tree.

Fragrance Overload
Everyone knows that holiday decorations can be an onslaught for all the senses. Strong artificial fragrances often hit you in the face when walking into department stores or craft stores, to mention a couple. For some, these smells might evoke the holiday spirit, but to allergy sufferers and those with chemical sensitivities, these scents are a powerful symptom trigger.

One allergic woman, Kimberly Burton, who is quoted in the CNN article, describes the effect of these fragrance-laced decorations: "Unfortunately, it makes me dread holiday decorations coming out - and also forces me to get much of my shopping done well before the holidays are even here." Ms. Burton must avoid malls between September and February, when all the scents has been aired out.

Humidify � But Carefully
Since the heater can make indoor air exceptionally dry, many people use humidifiers during cold winter months. Allergy sufferers definitely should use humidifiers because dry nasal and respiratory passages can lead to or worsen allergy symptoms.

But not gauging humidity levels properly can lead to additional problems: Humidity levels over 50 percent can lead to mold growth, which is unhealthy for everyone, but particularly allergy sufferers. If your unit has a built-in hygrometer, use it, and if it doesn't, be sure to have a separate hygrometer on hand to keep humidity at optimum levels.

Key Symptoms: Flu, Cold, or Allergies?

theblog@achooallergy.com — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 13:08:32 +0000

It's that time of year when it seems that you or someone you know is sick all the time. With many of winter's common sicknesses having similar symptoms, it's often hard to know what the sickness is.

You definitely want to prevent the spread of the flu, especially, and colds as well, so it's important to know how to identify the difference between the flu, colds, and allergies. Because you can show up at the Christmas party if you know it's allergies, but you don't want to risk being a "typhoid Mary" and getting everyone else sick if you have something contagious.

In Is it a Cold, the Flu, or Something Else? Fox News Health offers some very handy tips for telling the flu (both seasonal and swine), colds, and allergies apart. Below is a summary of their advice:

Seasonal flu symptoms. The key symptom that shows up with the flu is a fever that comes on suddenly. Chest discomfort, aches and pains, and exhaustion are also clues. Populations who are at particular risk from the flu, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and the chronically ill, should be extra vigilant about knowing if what they have is the flu.

Swine flu or H1N1 symptoms. What makes these flu strains different from the regular seasonal flu is the accompanying symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms make it especially important to stay hydrated.

Cold symptoms. Often, the identifying feature of a cold is nasal congestion. Noticeably absent when you have a cold are the body aches and high fever characteristic of the flu.

Allergy symptoms. While allergies can cause several of the above symptoms (minus fevers), itching tends to be a symptom unique to allergies. While spring or fall tend to bring on the most allergy trouble, the buildup of indoor allergens in winter can trigger allergies.