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.
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."
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.
A recent New York Timescolumn 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
When maintaining your allergen avoidance routine, it's a good idea to keep the following hotspots in mind and give them the attention they need in order to minimize exposure to allergens.
Potted plants: Mold can grow easily in potted plants and spread to the floor. Make sure to remove dead leaves, use saucers to protect flooring, and avoid over-watering.
Pets' favorite spots: Pet dander, among the lightest of all allergens, floats in the air and also clings to carpets, furniture, and bedding. While keeping pets out of the bedroom is helpful, airflow nevertheless carries pet dander all over your house. Vacuum frequently and instruct family and friends to wash their hands after playing with the pets.
Carpeting: Both carpeting and area rugs become hotbeds for dust mites, who feed on the particles within them. Vacuum with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter. If possible, remove unnecessary carpeting.
Books: Don't neglect to vacuum your books, which are a notorious but often overlooked dust magnet. They can also harbor mold spores and booklice.
Upholstered furniture: Vacuum furniture regularly, and consider leather or vinyl surfaces, which lessen the presence of allergens. Use a dehumidifier for furniture stored in damp rooms, such as the basement, in order to reduce mold issues.
Bedding: Skin cells left behind in mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding are a tasty treat for dust mites. Cover mattresses, box springs, and pillows with allergy bedding, and wash sheets regularly.
Stuffed animals: Children allergic to dust mites could be reacting to their stuffed friends. Buy machine-washable ones, and wash them in hot water once a week. Or, you can place them in the freezer or the dryer.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are favorite spots for mold spores because they are warm and wet. Do your best to keep your bathroom clean and dry. Open windows when possible, and use fans. For unventilated bathrooms, dehumidifiers are a good idea.
Kitchen: The kitchen is another favorite hiding spot for mold. Standing water, old food, and cockroaches are all potential allergen sources.
Air conditioning units: Although air conditioning is helpful in keeping the air cool and dry, which helps fight allergens, sometimes the units themselves can pose problems. For instance, dust and mold can collect on the coils and be blown into your home's air. Be sure to install quality filters and change them regularly.
A recent Vietnamese study has added credence to the idea that parasitic gut worms, such as hookworm, could help in the prevention and treatment of asthma and allergies, reports the web site ScienceDaily in their article Gut Worms May Protect Against House-dust Mite Allergy.
The study, headed up by Dr. Carsten Flohr of the University of Nottingham and Dr. Luc Nguyen Tuyen of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Health Service, is the largest double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial testing the links between gut worm infections and allergic conditions.
A little background on this unusual and somewhat distasteful theory: Experts believe that over millions of years of co-evolution, worms have found ways to suppress the immune responses of their hosts (including humans) in order to prolong their own survival. Resultingly, our immune systems have become so used to this relationship that without gut worms, our immune responses can become unbalanced. With improvements in hygiene, parasitic worms have been nearly eradicated in humans living in developed countries. Some think that that unbalanced immune systems could account for the development of asthma and allergies.
The researchers conducted their study in rural central Vietnam, where two out of three children suffer from hookworm and other gut parasite infections - and where allergies are also extremely rare. The team looked at whether treatments to clear the body of the parasites made it more likely for the children to develop allergic conditions.
The results? The treated children did not demonstrate an increased risk of asthma or eczema, but did exhibit a significantly increased risk of having a positive skin allergy test to dust mites and cockroach allergen.
While the findings suggest that gut worms do have the potential to tone down human immune responses, further research is necessary to determine exactly how gut worm infection prevents allergic reactions. As Dr. Flohr puts it, "The next step is to understand exactly how and when gut parasites program the human immune system in a way that protects against allergic sensitization, and for such studies, follow-up from birth will be essential."
Note: It's important to remember that gut parasites can cause severe disease and are a major cause of iron deficiency in developing countries.
As the country knows, the Atlanta area, home to AchooAllergy.com's headquarters and storefront, recently experienced major flooding that touched the lives of almost everyone living in the region.
Sadly, flash floods claimed the lives of several individuals. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones. Others experienced severe damage to their homes due to flooding. Many, many others sustained more minor damage to their basements as water that had nowhere to go seeped into their homes.
Cleanup attempts began even as the rain continued to pour down, but the repercussions of water damage are long-lasting. And it's crucial that water-logged floors and walls are dealt with properly and quickly in order to avoid more long-term problems.
Here is a checklist of items that can help in the aftermath of flood damage:
An air dryer like the Dri-Eaz Ace TurboDryer helps dry out water-damaged areas by directing targeted air movement into problem areas.
The autumnal equinox is almost upon us (it officially occurs on 22-23 September, according to Wikipedia. While this heralds relief from sweltering summer days, it also means new concerns for allergy sufferers.
One of the most potent allergens in the fall is ragweed, a pollen from the sunflower family. Each ragweed plant produces a whopping one billion pollen grains per season. And, the grains can travel as far as 400 miles because they are so lightweight.
The good news for us in Atlanta is that this last week of almost incessant rain will hopefully do a lot to wash the pollen away. However, it's still a good idea to defend against this pervasive allergen.
Here's a brief checklist of ways to minimize reactions to ragweed:
As tempting as it is to throw windows open during these cooler days, keep windows closed to keep the pollen out of your home. When you do open windows, be sure to use window filters.
Keep car windows closed too.
Consider removing shoes at the door and having guests do the same; this will lessen the amount of pollen tracked all over the house.
Use an air purifier to help capture the pollen that will inevitably get into your house.
Check pollen counts and stay indoors when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen counts usually occur between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon.
Practice overall allergen avoidance. It's important to keep your Total Allergen Load as low as possible, so while your system is being bombarded with ragweed pollen, make sure to minimize your exposure to other allergens. Avoid exposure to chemicals and use allergy relief bedding.
Here in Atlanta, the home of AchooAllergy.com, we have had thunderstorms all week. Interestingly, we recently learned that thunderstorms can cause a higher incidence of asthma attacks, as Science Daily reports.
A research team composed of climatologists and epidemiologists form the University of Georgia and Emory University analyzed 12 years of emergency room data from 41 hospitals in 20 Georgia counties. Immediately following thunderstorms, emergency room visits due to asthma attacks were significantly higher.
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a meteorologist involved in the study, explains the connection: "The rainfall actually can break the pollens into smaller aero-allergens – the pollen grains – and this can actually exacerbate upper respiratory problems. Secondly, the windy gusts from thunderstorms actually serve to disperse these aero-allergens in a larger area around the thunderstorms themselves."
While this research may at first seem to just add to the long list of things that can trigger asthma attacks (pet dander, cleaning products, perfume, and pollution to name a few), the findings are actually helpful. Knowing what can trigger asthma attacks helps asthma sufferers either avoid triggers or take extra precautions when triggers are unavoidable.
As we stress over and over again, knowledge is not only power, but often times relief when it comes to dealing with allergies and asthma. Be sure to visit our Learning Center to learn more.
New research indicates that a commonly held belief that children who attend daycare have lower rates of asthma and allergies later in life has been disproved.
Medical News Today quotes Dr. Johan C. de Jongste of Erasmus University in the Netherlands, "We found no evidence for a protective or harmful effect of daycare on the development of asthma symptoms, allergic sensitization, or airway hyper-responsiveness at the age of eight years."
In fact, daycare attendance contributed to a higher risk of respiratory infections and wheezing in the first year compared to children who did not attend daycare. Additionally, having older siblings caused earlier infections.
The researchers followed about 4,000 Dutch children over the course of eight years. Parents filled out questionnaires during pregnancy, at three months, twelve months, and then every year until the children were eight years old. At that point, most of the children underwent testing for allergies.
Far from being protective, early darycare may actually pose problems. As Dr. de Jongste sums up the research's findings, "Early daycare merely seems to shift the burden of respiratory morbidity to an earlier age where it is more troublesome than at a later age. Early daycare should not be promoted for reasons of preventing asthma and allergy."
University of Michigan scientists, headed up by Dr. Robert Brook, discovered that breathing in bad air can increase blood pressure and cause unhealthy changes in blood vessels. These changes can last hours or even days.
Participants in the study were exposed to the same amount of particulates and ozone that would be found near local highways in two cities, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Toronto, Canada. Compared to those who inhaled filtered air, breathers of polluted air showed higher blood-pressure readings shortly after exposure. In addition, their blood vessels were impaired as long as 24 hours later. This type of prolonged high blood pressure is a risk factor for both stroke and heart disease.
Although it was previously known that fine particles in the air were associated with higher rates of heart disease and stroke, it was not known how the damage was done or what components of pollution were the most damaging.
The study's findings, however, suggest that particulates are worse than ozone and that two processes are likely occurring as unhealthy air is inhaled: Firstly, the central nervous system experiences changes as particulate matter is breathed in, causing the body to switch to a fight-or-fight mode. This raises blood pressure and heart rate.
Secondly, even after the pollution is less concentrated and blood pressure returns to normal, the particles which can lodge deep within the lungs induce inflammation. This inflammation can stiffen blood vessels and lead to longer-term damage to the flexibility of the blood vessels. These weakened blood vessels also cause an increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
The good news is for most healthy urban residents, the blood pressure changes aren't dangerous. However, Brook points out, "It's plausible that if someone has underlying hypertension or coronary disease, then these changes in blood pressure and blood-vessel function might be exaggerated and might even trigger a heart attack. The levels at which we encounter these particles today is still dangerous to people who are unhealthy and at high risk."
Still, the air in average North American cities contains about 14 micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air. This is much better than a decade ago because of clean-air laws. Levels deemed dangerous by the Environmental Protection Agency are between 151 and 200 micrograms. Cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, and Pittsburgh reach dangerous levels on many days.
Many people who live in polluted cities or who live near highways find relief from purifying the air in their homes with an air purifier. This is especially important for young children and individuals with respiratory problems like allergies and asthma.
In the most recent company newsletter, AllerAir’s featured article deals with the myths and facts of air purifiers and carbon filtration. I do not have a link to the article, but the following information is important for people to know when buying an air purifier. This information is excerpted from that AllerAir newsletter.
Myth #1 - "Air Purifiers are not built to remove airborne odor. Any company claiming otherwise is lying."
The problem with most wide-spread myths is that they tend to be mixed with some truth. That's the biggest problem in combating this statement. True, most air purifiers are not built to remove odors. An air cleaner equipped with only a HEPA filtration system can't possibly deal with odors. In fact, there are so few units that can do this effectively that consumers may not have even heard of carbon filtration. To break though this barrier, we like to refer to the long-standing track record of carbon. In fact, carbon has been used for thousands of years in water and air filtration and most notably in modern times, for military gas masks, in high-level scientific research facilities and in hospitals.
Myth #2 - "No residential air cleaner can handle a complex issue like tobacco or forest fire smoke."
In this case, only the right kind of air filtration system can effectively tackle these tough issues. Many manufacturers, who do offer some amount of carbon in their residential units, don't offer nearly enough carbon to do the job. That's why AllerAir's special smoke units are unsurpassed at dealing with these difficult IAQ challenges. The amount of carbon we offer, as well as the depth of our filters is unmatched in the industry.
Myth #3 - "Units which claim to clean odor actually emit ozone and are harmful to your health."
True, ozone technology poses a serious health risk, that's why AllerAir never uses ozone and why some states are banning it outright in residential units. It's important to be clear that AllerAir carbon air filtration does not in any way emit ozone or any other harmful substance. In fact, it's very natural, made from materials like coconut shell. It's a tried and true filtration method that's reliable, safe and effective.
In summary, carbon is the safest and most effective air filtration system for chemicals, gases and odors. Even the most expensive HEPA-only unit on the market cannot deal with these airborne pollutants. While some air cleaners may include a small amount of carbon, only a unit with pounds of carbon and a substantial carbon depth can truly combat odors and chemicals.
A recent study demonstrates the harmful health effects of many candles reports Health.com. South Carolina State University researchers studied petroleum-based and vegetable-source candles to determine their emissions. They analyzed substances released into the air after burning candles from various manufacturers for up to six hours in a small box.
Paraffin candles, which are the most inexpensive and most popular, emitted toluene and benzene which are both toxic chemicals. Soybean candles, however, did not emit these chemicals.
The researchers mentioned that using paraffin candles every once in a while is not likely a health threat. However, using candles often in unventilated areas can lead to problems, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies.
No matter which type of candle you use or how often you use them, it's a good idea to make sure that there is adequate ventilation because combustion alone contributes to indoor air pollution.
A new study has found that the concentration of toxic fumes in tunnels is so high that it can cause harm to passengers and drivers, Medical News Today reports.
Atmospheric Environment published the study which measured ultrafine particle concentration levels outside a vehicle in a tunnel in Australia. The study involved more than 300 trips through a four-kilometer-long tunnel with each trip lasting up to 26 minutes depending on the amount of traffic. The results showed that, at times, concentration levels of pollutants were up to 1000 times higher inside the tunnel than in other urban conditions.
Professor Lidia Morawska, director of Queensland University of Technology's International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health and co-author of the study says, "The human health effects of exposure to ultrafine particles produced by fuel combustion are generally regarded as detrimental. Effects can range from minor respiratory problems in healthy people, to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) in people with existing heart complaints."
Individuals in convertibles, on motorcycles, or in older cars that are inferior in terms of sealing out harmful air are the most at risk. Drivers and passengers should always keep windows closed when driving through tunnels. In addition, personal air purifiers such as the Amaircare Roomaid Air Purifier with an auto adapter kit can help combat the effects of toxic automobile emissions.
What do ET (yes, we mean the Extraterrestrial being from the Stephen Speilberg movie), asthma, and depression have in common?
They were all part of a recent study, reported on by FoxNews, which showed that children who have asthma and symptoms of depression experience greater airway resistance when they are sad or stressed.
Dr. Bruce D. Miller of State University of New York at Buffalo and his colleagues studied the breathing patterns of 90 children between the ages of 7 and 17 before and after they watched scenes from ET: The Extraterrestrial. After watching distressing scenes of the movie, asthmatic children who also had depression symptoms consistently exhibited breathing problems that indicated worsening asthma.
Even if asthmatic children do not have depression, it is important to know that stressful or emotionally traumatic events may cause more intense asthmatic reactions.
A recent Wall Street Journalarticle discusses the next wave of swine flu which is a big concern for parents as school children head back to class. The following quick facts are a summary of the information and recommendations presented in this article:
As of August 13, more than two million people have contracted swine flu in the United States. Over 7,500 have been hospitalized and 477 have died.
A vaccine against swine flu is being developed, but it is not likely that it will be widely available before the next flu season begins.
Health officials, though they originally feared swine flu would be much more deadly, have found that it is very much like seasonal flu.
One unusual thing about swine flu is that young people contract it while the elderly have generally been spared. This is possibly due to immunity they might have from exposure to H1N1 (the swine flu strain) from 1918 to 1957.
Pregnant women and those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses are most at risk.
The only way to know for sure if you have swine flu is a lab test.
Treatment for swine flu is similar to that for regular seasonal flu: rest, stay hydrated, take medicines to reduce fever. Additionally, it's important to stay away from others until 24 hours after your fever is gone. Children under 18 should not be given aspirin, and children under four should not be given cold medicine without talking with a pediatrician.
Call a doctor if you experience trouble breathing, chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, persistent vomiting, or if symptoms persist.
Antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza can shorten the duration and severity of swine flu, but they are not recommended for people with mild cases.
The vaccine may not be available until well into the flu season and will be recommended first for those at highest risk of complications as well as health-care workers and those in close contact with infants.
The swine flu vaccine will not provide protection against seasonal flu and vice versa. There are some concerns over the safety of the vaccine, but health officials believe it is safe.
To protect yourself from contracting swine flu, wash hands often with soap and water or use sanitizer. Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
According to WebMD, penicillin antibiotics are the most common cause of drug allergies. Additional related antibiotics, such as cephalexin, cefprozil, and cefuroxime can also cause problems for those with a penicillin allergy.
Reactions or side effects to penicillin are frequently mistaken as an allergic reaction to the drug, but a true allergy involves the immune system. Symptoms of an allergy range from a rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The best way to confirm a penicillin allergy is a skin test.
Higher risk groups for developing penicillin allergies are females, those with HIV/AIDS, those with cystic fibrosis, and those with a previous history of allergic reactions to penicillin or other drugs.
Individuals who have previously had a positive skin test for penicillin allergy, hives that appeared quickly after the drug was taken (as opposed to a few hours or days after it was taken), or an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to penicillin. Densensitization treatment, in which small amounts of penicillin help your body become accustomed to the medication, may be recommended.
Interestingly, people are not born with penicillin allergies, but rather develop them after exposure to the drug. Re-exposure can trigger an allergic response.
Preventing an allergy to penicillin entails avoiding the drug and similar antibiotics in general. Of course, some infections require the use of antibiotics, and in this case, allergy skin tests are an important way to discover a sensitivity to penicillin.
Remember that any sign of a penicillin allergy, such as trouble breathing, hives, or other symptoms of anaphylaxis (including shock, low blood pressure, constriction of the airways, flushed or pale skin, dizziness or fainting, and nausea or vomiting and diarrhea) should be taken very seriously and medical help should be sought immediately.
Regions Park stadium of Hoover, Alabama recently held a peanut-free night at the ballgame, CNN reports. For several consecutive days, the Barons power-washed the stadium to get rid of any peanuts or their remains. In addition, all peanuts and any products containing peanuts were removed from vendor booths.
One percent of all children in the United States have an allergy to peanuts. Each year, at least 120 deaths, among all ages, are caused by peanut allergies.
Families dealing with peanut allergies must always be on the look-out for contact with any peanut-containing food. One family who enjoyed the peanut-free baseball game described how they send their two peanut-allergic children to school with lunches from home and ask classmates' parents not to prepare any lunch food that could contain peanut products. In addition, the children always keep an EpiPen with them as well as an emergency inhaler for asthma attacks.
The exact reason for the rise in food allergies all across the globe remains unknown. Some theories include the hygiene theory and a lack of Vitamin D. Food allergy specialist Dr. Robert Wood of Johns Hopkins Children's Center says, "In reality, it probably is a variety of things over the past 10 or 20 years in the environment that has led to this increase."
Though immunotherapy treatment is "quite promising," as Dr. Wood put it, trials are still in their initial phases. In the meantime, awareness and preparedness are daily necessities for food allergic individuals.
Not long ago, we blogged about coffee allergies which are not always as straightforward as they seem. Some allergic reactions to coffee are often reactions to components of the coffee.
One component that can pose a problem is caffeine. Aside from the well-known and sometimes sought-after effects of caffeine (like keeping you alert), a caffeine allergy or intolerance deserves as much attention for what it is not as for what it is.
Here's what I mean: Caffeine can cause extreme alterations in behavior, including delusions, franticness, and mania. These behavior symptoms can lead to diagnoses of mental disorders like depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, ADD, or bipolar disorder. Properly recognized caffeine allergies could avoid these diagnoses, their attendant treatments, and other consequences.
As AllergyRemedy.org explains, caffeine targets cells and neurons directly causing the body to release large amounts of dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline, which are responsible for these alterations in behavior and personality. In smaller amounts, these chemicals produce the desired effects of caffeine, but when they are excessive, there is a problem.
Caffeine allergies are also interesting in that the cause of becoming allergic to caffeine is often related to a person consuming too much caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine causes the body to react to even a little amount of ingested caffeine, because of the high levels already present in the body.
Physical symptoms of caffeine allergy include a tingling in the mouth (often the first symptom), difficulty swallowing, itchy skin, chest pain, hyperventilation, heart palpitations, and anaphylaxis.
Remember that many products besides coffee contain caffeine including soft drinks, tea, chocolate, and even lotion!
Spreading awareness about caffeine allergy and how mental illness diagnoses may mask it is the first step in helping caffeine allergic individuals.
A recent exchange between the Canadian Lung Association and Canada's Health Committee highlights an important question: Should pets be allowed in the passenger cabin of airplanes given the risk to passengers and crew with asthma, COPD, and animal allergies?
Medical News Today reported on The Lung Association's online campaign for pet-free flights in July. The campaign followed Air Canada's decision to allow pets to travel in the passenger cabins of airplanes. The Health Committee Chair, Joy Smith, responded that she "shares the concerns for the effects ... on the health of those travelers with allergies" but that Air Canada's decision is "operational ... made by a private company at arm's length from the Government."
The Director of Government Relations for The Lung Association, Cameron Bishop, expressed the group's disappointment with such a stance. "As Chair of the Health Committee, Joy Smith has a mandate to act in the best interests of Canadians with lung disease who may be adversely affected ... Simply because a company makes an 'operational' decision does not negate her or her Committee's responsibility to review that in a public health context."
He continues, "People with asthma, COPD, lung cancer or other respiratory diseases should not be put at risk because of an airline's desire to put corporate needs in business class while public health is forced to ride in economy."
As many allergy sufferers know from unpleasant experience, the air inside airplane cabins re-circulates. Even a tiny amount of allergen spreads quickly; no matter how far away an allergy sufferer may be from a pet, they could still suffer and develop sypmtoms. For those who have asthma or COPD, the response can be wheezing, coughing, and swelling in the airways which can be life-threatening.
While products such as the Plane Clean Air Filter can help, sometimes they are not enough, and sometimes consequences are too risky.
What do you think? Should the government step in and regulate this issue? What has your experience been when taking flights with other passenger's pets onboard?
According to PetPlace.com flea allergy dermatits is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by the saliva left behind when fleas bite. Cats are also affected by flea allergies.
Symptoms of flea allergies in pets include intense itching, which causes chewing, licking, and excessive scratching. Hair loss is a secondary symptom. Bacterial skin infections are not uncommon. The animal's rump is the most usually affected area.
Ironically, most animals who are allergic to fleas groom excessively and therefore have only a few fleas - but only a couple bites every couple of weeks are enough to cause persistent itching.
Interestingly, fleas love humidity. So if you have a pet allergic to fleas, a dehumidifier may help give them some relief.
In the most recent issue of Coping with Allergies & Asthma, there is a great guide for parents who want to protect their kids from harmful sun damage this summer. Just a few serious burns can make kids more susceptible to skin cancer later in life. According to the magazine article, here are five ways to protect your child’s skin from the sun:
1. The sun is the strongest during the middle of the day. During those hours outside, grab some shade. On the beach this summer, my family used a small two person pop-up tent to provide some relief from the sun’s rays.
2. Cover up your skin. Any clothes that cover up the skin are helpful in preventing sun burn. Longer shorts and loose fitting t-shirts are recommended.
3. When you are outside, wear a hat. For young children, wearing a hat is a must in the summer sun. Hats can be fun, but if your child wants a baseball cap, you have to put sunscreen on the exposed ears and neck.
4. Be cool wear sunglasses. A great pair of shades that protect against UV rays is a must in the summer time.
5. You absolutely have to wear sunscreen during the summer. If you are on vacation at the beach, sunscreen is the most important part of UV protection. Sunscreen is the first line of defense. After applying sunscreen, make sure to use some of the other four steps in combination to prevent a sun burn. Apply sunscreen liberally and at the beginning of your sun exposure. Do not wait until your skin is exposed for any length of time and then try to apply the sunscreen. Your skin is probably already starting to turn pink.
If you follow this guide and combine these steps, you and your child can have a safe vacation and a happy summer playing in the sun.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a grant in the amount of $433,100 to the University of Chicago for researching how allergic reactions to food are initiated, Medical News Today reports. What is particularly fascinating, however, is that the investigation is intended to help assess whether pesticides produced in genetically engineered plants can trigger food allergies.
The EPA regulates pesticide-use and sets the allowed levels for pesticide residue in food. The agency also evaluates human health and ecological risks. The grant will fund a study as part of the EPA's Science to Achieve Results Program (STAR).
Specifically, the research teams will attempt to determine why it is that certain antibodies react to foods and allergens that are consumed. Once this is understood, it may be possible to assess the likelihood of people developing allergies to new genetically engineered foods.
Could this genetic engineering and pesticide use be what's behind the rise in food allergies, which already affect more than 11 million Americans? To put things in perspective, the number of allergy-related emergency room visits in the United States doubled between 1997-2002.
As Lek Kadeli, an administrator for the Office of Research and Development, puts it, "There is a shortage of information on how food allergies develop, what causes the allergic reaction, and how to prevent them. This study will bring us closer to identifying key immune factors that lead to food allergies."
As Medical News Today reports, the results of a recent study published in the July online issue of Pediatrics reveal that unborn children exposed to urban air pollution have an IQ lower than that of children exposed to less air pollution. The effect of these lower IQs is enough to affect academic performance.
Conducted in New York City by Dr. Frederica P. Perara of the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, the study measured the children's exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) while in the womb and then measured their IQs at the age of 5. Children exposed to more than the median level of PAH had overall verbal IQ scores over 4 points lower than children whose exposure levels fell below the median.
PAHs are harmful chemicals found in air pollution. They are the result of burning coal, diesel, oil, gas, and other organic substances, like tobacco. In urban areas, cars are the main source of PAHs.
PAHs can have a significant impact on those exposed to them. The children who were overly exposed to PAHs had IQ scores low enough to affect their school performance. In fact, Dr. Perara states, "The decrease in full-scale IQ score among the more exposed children is similar to that seen with low-level lead exposure."
These findings underscore the need for air purifiers, especially for those who live in densely populated urban areas. Extra precautions should be taken with expectant mothers and young children.
Of all the different types of food allergies, a corn allergy may be among the most difficult to deal with. Obviously, corn allergic individuals must avoid food items that contain corn - but these aren't always so easy to identify. Many, many food additives are derived from corn, and, unless you know what these ingredients are, there is no way to know that certain foods may trigger a corn allergy. For example, baking powder and brown sugar with caramel color may both cause reactions in those allergic to corn.
But food is not the only concern for those with a corn allergy. Many toiletry products contain corn product, including some toothpaste, hair sprays, contact lens solution, lotions, and body powders, to name a few. Furthermore, items with adhesives or gummed papers (such as stamps, labels, etc.), cements, plastic containers, and charcoal briquettes can contain corn product and cause reactions in allergic individuals. A recent article entitled Corn-Allergy Sufferers Face Hidden Corn Everywhere outlines one person's struggle to avoid corn.
Jenny Connors, a corn allergic individual who has developed her own extensive Web site devoted to living with corn allergies, discusses both "traditional and non-traditional" symptoms of corn allergies, drawn largely from her own personal experience. Typical allergic responses to corn, such as anaphylaxis, asthma attacks, rashes, and tingling are among the symptoms most widely recognized as allergy symptoms; however, she also mentions other symptoms accompanying corn allergies, such as depression, disturbed sleep, lethary, and night sweats. AllergicChild.com also discusses some ways that corn allergic individuals may be inadvertently exposed to corn.
Clearly, a corn allergy is drastically different from an allergy to the "top eight" foods (dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, shellfish, soy, and wheat) because corn-derived incredients are so pervasive. Education, the proliferation of knowledge, and community support - both among corn allergic individuals themselves and between corn allergic individuals and their surrounding communities at work, school, and home - are vital to the health and well-being of allergy sufferers facing the challenge of a corn allergy.
More scientists are discovering the interconnectedness of our bodies' systems and of the diseases and disorders that attack those systems. The results of a recent study conducted by Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland is no exception.
The landmark study reveals a new syndrome in children that shows up as a combination of allergy, apraxia, and malabsorption. Apraxia is an autism spectrum disorder. Verbal apraxia has previously been thought to be neurologically based; however, this study indicates that in some children the afflication could be a component of a larger and more complex syndrome involving food allergies, gluten sensitivity, and nutritional malabsorption.
"While it is critical to treat verbal apraxia symptoms that often include severe delays in expressive speech production with speech therapy, we need to start asking why these kids are having these problems in the first place, so that we can identify mechanisms we can actually target to treat the cause of the symptoms," says Dr. Claudia Morris, one of the leaders of the study.
Dr. Morris collected information from about 200 families with children who had verbal apraxia. She found a common cluster of allergy, apraxia, and malabsorption in a specific group within this larger group. Lab analyses of 26 of the children showed low carnitine levels, abnormal celiac panels, vitamin D deficiency, and gluten sensitivity. All of the children in this smaller group carried the gene associated with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.
This study comes soon after a recent discovery that children born to mothers with celiac disease are more than three times as likely to develop autism. Dr. Morris explains that "this brings some credibility to the anecdotal reports of gastrointestinal and behavioral improvements in children with autism spectrum disorders and/or verbal apraxia when eliminating gluten from their diets."
In an effort to bring variety to our blog readers, we are posting an article each month from an outside allergy blog. This two part article is reprinted with permission from a blog called The Renaissance Allergist. In part one of the posting last week, the author talked about two lessons that he thinks young allergists need to know before entering the profession. In this post, he continues with two more lessons and his concluding advice to a young allergy doctor.
Lesson 3: There are other things in the Allergist's life besides asthma. Open up your vistas, and start thinking of ALL mucosal organs (and the skin) as targets for allergic disease. Our professional societies have done a good job at "marking our territory" as asthma--that's all well and good, but you'll see plenty of patients with urticaria, migraine headaches, fatigue, and other issues besides asthma. Many of these patients come with a mix of IgE and non-IgE mediated illness. In truth, the allergist who only treats asthma is like the musician who only plays one song--it gets pretty boring and it is an incredible waste of talent.
Lesson 4: Revel in the mystery of allergy and develop your sense of curiosity in your practice. Just because we can't explain a patient's reaction in terms of what we presently understand from our training program, there is no need to deny it exists or delight in the mystery of how it happens. Why does Mrs. Smith get tired shortly after eating wheat products? Why does Mr. Smith get a headache 12 hours after cleaning up a moldy basement? Why do Mr. and Mrs. Smith have negative prick tests and IgE negative RAST tests to wheat and mold?
There is a subliminal tendency in many young allergists to not be interested in anything they can't explain. An observation is denied because the pathophysiology is unclear. That's backwards. It is the patient reactions we can't explain that should interest us the most! Thinking should begin with the negative prick test and the negative RAST test...not the positive ones. There are many, many, things we do not understand about how food and aeroallergens affect the patient, and the sooner we humbly acknowledge this, the better. This is the "Grand Mystery" of allergy. Accept it, embrace it, and study it.
Keep these four lessons in mind as you start your practice and you'll have a satisfying and rewarding practice for many years to come.
AchooAllergy.com would like to thank the writer for their permission to reprint this letter to a young allergist.
When it comes to identifying a tomato allergy, it is important to recognize the difference between a food intolerance and a true food allergy. While a food intolerance produces very real and uncomfortable symptoms, food allergies are much more serious in that they can be fatal.
Like other allergies, a tomato allergy is caused by a histamine reaction to a certain protein, in this case usually one found in the tomato's juice, seeds, or skin. Symptoms include swelling or itching near the mouth, hives, difficulty breathing, or a rash. Diarrhea and vomiting may also occur.
Interestingly, some individuals with a tomato allergy are able to eat cooked or processed tomatoes with no adverse reaction. However, tomato allergic individuals may have trouble with foods related to tomato plants like potatoes, tobacco, and eggplant.
As with any suspected allergy, it is necessary to avoid the food that causes a reaction. For a diagnosis confirmation, visit an allergist.
As a health article in today's New York Times attests, the resurgence of bed bugs has not gone away. Speculation regarding the reason for their re-emergence includes the elimination of powerful pesticides like DDT and the increase in international travel. Many people have been unfortunate enough to discover for themselves that bed bug infestation is no longer a problem relegated to slummy hotels. Instead, the pests have invaded thousands of households whose residents are shocked and horrified to find the bugs infesting their beds, furniture, and other belongings.
Although most people can hardly stand the thought of them, bed bugs are not usually a health hazard. However, some individuals experience severe allergic reactions to bed bug bites like asthma, hives, or even anaphylaxis.
In addition, bed bug infestation takes a severe financial toll on its victims. According to urban entomologist Jody L. Gangloff-Kaufmann, many families spend at least $5,000 on inspections, exterminations, and the cleaning and storage necessary to deal with bed bug infestations, not including the cost of items such as clothing, bedding, or furniture that need to be replaced. The worst part is that many families fall prey to fraudulent exterminators who take advantage of the ick-factor and offer treatments that simply don't work.
Here is a checklist outlining items anyone dealing with a bed bug problem should know:
Confirming a bed bug problem exists is often the beginning of the money spent on dealing with an infestation. Bites seem like an obvious indicator, but many people mistake other kinds of bites for bed bug bites. Feces from the pests, which look like tiny black dots, or blood stains are another indication.
Professional inspection can cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars. Typically, a visual inspection is conducted, but some companies use trained dogs that can even point out exactly where the bed bugs live. However, this service can cost between $300 and $600. If you decide on this type of inspection, make sure that the dog has been trained at a certified facility and has an individual trainer.
If a bed bug problem is confirmed, the next step is extermination. There's no shortage of companies that promise to eradicate your bed bug problem, but many of these companies have seen the bed bug epidemic as an opportunity for some quick money and are not truly qualified to deal with the pests. It's a good idea to choose a company that has been in business for a while and that has experience treating all kinds of pest problems.
Extermination fees can range from a few hundred dollars to near a thousand dollars per room. The actual price is determined by the level of infestation and the extermination techniques used.
While most companies use a combination of pesticides and steam heat, Ms. Gangloff-Kaufmann says that exposure to high temperatures is the only sure way to kill bed bugs. Recently, companies have begun using a freezing agent that kills bugs on contact, but it is expensive and not completely effective.
Pesticides alone will not work on bed bugs, so steer clear of any company that uses bug bombs or foggers to treat a bed bug problem. Whatever an exterminator uses to battle an infestation must come into direct contact with the bed bugs to kill them.
Make sure your exterminator is licensed in your state and comes from a licensed company. Also, make sure that they will return for at least one follow-up session and that you know the cost of these future visits.
Here are some things you can do to help counter a bed bug problem:
Cover your mattresses. Bed bugs can live for up to 10 months without eating, so keep your mattress and box spring covered for at least a year. Covers are also an excellent preventive measure.
Before your categorically throw things out, consider using your drier to kill bed bugs. Clothing, stuffed animals, backpacks, and other small infested items can be dried for about 20 minutes and come out cleansed of (live) bed bugs.
Hopefully, bed bugs are not something you will ever have to encounter first-hand, but if you do, make sure to be well-informed before you shell out the hundreds, or thousands, of dollars it may cost to get rid of them.
In an effort to bring variety to our blog readers, we are posting an article every month from an outside allergy blog. This two part article is reprinted with permission from a blog called The Renaissance Allergist.
An Open Letter to a Young Allergist,
Congratulations! After two years of Fellowship Training, you're about to be done and to be certified as an Allergist. The whole "World of Allergy" awaits you and you're about to take the big step forward into directly caring for patients on your own. As someone who has been "in the trenches" for nearly 30 years in treating allergic diseases, I have a few words of advice.
This letter could be entitled many things, but perhaps the best title would be, "Mistakes I've made and Lesson's I've learned". For you see, I've found that not everything you've learned in your training program applies to the “Real World” of allergy. Naming and learning leukotrienes is one thing, but dealing with patients is quite another. Here are four things to think about when you begin to see patients—four lessons I've learned in the last 28 years that have helped me in my practice:
Lesson 1: In the Real World of Allergy, patients don't give a damn whether they're sick because it's "IgE-mediated allergy" or not--they just want to get well. You'll see many, many patients with adverse reactions to foods and molds where your prick test is negative, and telling the patient "they don't have an IgE mediated allergy" is very cold comfort to them. They want answers, and telling them what it ISN'T is not nearly as satisfying to the patient as telling them what it IS. A practical point--they're not likely to refer you a whole lot of future patients, either. Here's the clinical pearl: In the Real World of Allergy, you've got to get comfortable with non-IgE mediated reactions--and fast--if you want to be a superior allergist.
Lesson 2: You've got to get experienced in delivering immunotherapy regularly in your practice, and preferably in a well tolerated, safe and effective form: SLIT. If the only thing you're interested in is treating asthma and allergic rhinitis with only drugs, you'll be a very lonely--and poor--Allergist. Face it: we have a lot of competition for treating the asthmatic patient, and the allergic rhinitis patient. We've got good symptomatic drugs too--which the family physician and pulmonologist and otolaryngologist can all deliver. You've got to deliver something the family physician and the pulmonologist and the otolaryngologist can’t deliver--and that's immunotherapy. SLIT is the wave of the future. Bone up on it. Fast.
Be sure to check out Achoo the Blog next Wednesday for the exciting conclusion to this posting.
The rice is in a new category of genetically modified foods. The first generation of gentically modified crops was designed to withstand insects and fight off weeds. Called "biopharmaceutical" crops, this next generation involves "creating" food with higher levels of vitamins and minerals - or even that contain medicines and vaccines.
This particular transgenic rice plant has been engineered to fight allergies to Japanese cedar pollen--an allergy that affects nearly 20 percent of Japan's population. In tests to see whether the rice is safe for consumption, researchers fed a group of monkeys with the modified rice and another group of monkeys with non-transgenic rice. After 26 weeks, the test monkeys did not show any health problems.
You can find the full report about the genetically modified rice in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Last week, we wrote about sunscreen allergies. Trying to juggle protecting yourself from the sun while avoiding allergy triggers seems hard enough; but can you imagine grappling with an allergy to the sun itself?
Sun allergies are rare but real. Also called sun rash or solar urticaria, sun allergies are characterized by hives, itching, and redness that appear on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. Symptoms often occur within minutes of sun exposure, and they usually recede less than a day after exposure has ceased.
Sun allergy is not merely a sensitivity to the sun, but a true allergy. Individuals with sun allergies produce antibodies against proteins found in their skin. When exposed to sunlight, the structure of these proteins changes, producing the antibodies reaction and the resultant hives. In extreme cases, an individual allergic to the sun can experience anaphylactic shock if exposed to too much sunlight.
Treatment of sun allergy includes antihistamines or the application of steroid creams. Oral steroids are also sometimes administered. Similar to the new peanut allergy treatment discussed recently, sun allergies may be treated by repeated exposure to sunlight. However, this should only be attempted under supervision by an allergist or dermatologist.
As Medical News Today reports, asthma and allergy medications have been under increased scrutiny lately - and the heat may shift patients in another treatment direction.
Last week, the FDA requested that Merck upgrade the warning about the psychotic side effects of Singulair. In addition, the FDA also announced that Zicam, a popular cold remedy, may cause a loss of smell.
As doubt is cast on the safety of popular medications, manufacturers of the ALCAT Test suggest going back to the basics. Hippocrates echoes their suggestion: "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food."
The ALCAT Test is a simple blood test that is used to predict foods that cause gastrointestinal disturbances and dermatological symptoms. Researchers from the Univery of Pavia (Italy), Polyclinic reported - also last week - that a staggering 54% of patients with GI problems and 86% of patients with chronic urticaria and dermatits experienced marked improvement by avoiding the foods indicated by the ALCAT Test.
Rapidly gaining recognition as an effective and natural tool in avoiding chronic inflammation and allergy problems, the ALCAT Test offers allergy and asthma sufferers the hope for relief - without the use of questionable drugs.
We all know the dangers of sun exposure, and as summer is officially upon us, we'll find ourselves throwing sunscreen into our beach bags and slathering its protection all over our bodies as a matter of course.
Most of us take it for granted that we can stay out in the sun and not get burned because we've used sunscreen. But many individuals suffer from allergies to sunscreen, making it difficult to be out in the sun with the proper protection from harmful rays.
Symptoms of sunscreen allergies include an itchy skin rash, and blisters. Risk factors for having a sun allergy include having a chronic sun-related skin condition (such as sun-damaged skin), having atopic dermatits, applying sunscreen to damaged skin, and having an outdoor occupation.
Sunscreen allergies are caused by reactions to chemicals in the sunscreen, and fall into two main categories: contact dermatits, which occurs when the sunscreen touches the skin; and reactions that occur in combination with UV exposure after sunscreen is applied. This latter type of reaction is called a photoallergic or phototoxic reaction.
While sun avoidance is an obvious way to keep away from both sun exposure and allergic reactions to sunscreen, it is not always a desirable, or possible, option. Instead, choose suncreens like Vanicream Sunscreens, which contain active ingredients that are both non-toxic and effective, even for those with sensitive skin.
In fact, Vanicream Sunscreen is an excellent sunscreen choice for everyone; even if you're not allergic to the chemicals found in most sunscreens, we can all benefit from living more chemical-free lives.
As the Mayo Clinic describes, a sulfa allergy most often refers to an adverse reaction to an antibiotic called sulfamethoxazole which is present in antibiotics that contain sulfonamides. Some of these antibiotics are Septra and Bactrim. Sulfisoxazole, present in Pediazole, should also be avoided.
In addition to antibiotics, there are many other medications that contain sulfonamides. These medications include some diuretics, oral diabetes medications, and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Check with your doctor to make sure these are safe.
Skin reactions are the most common reactions to sulfa medications, but the liver, kidneys, lungs, and blood also may be affected.
Note: Sulfa allergies are not to be confused with sulfite allergies, which involve allergies to common preservatives found in both foods and medications.
Symptoms of a coffee allergy can include runny nose and watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, nausea and vomiting or stomach cramps, and digestive trouble such as diarrhea. Skin irritation such as rashes may also develop.
A coffee allergy may be induced by one or more of several coffee components.
The protein found in coffee is one possible reason for an allergic reaction to coffee. Symptoms to coffee proteins are severe, including difficulty breathing, tongue and facial swelling, and shock.
Pesticides and herbicides are another possible culprit of a coffee allergy. Coffee drinkers who notice a reaction when consuming one brand of coffee but not another may be experiencing a chemical sensitivity to pesticides and herbicides. Consuming organic coffee may solve the problem. Symptoms of such a sensitivity include rash and a headache.
Keep in mind that other components of coffee can cause reactions that, while unpleasant, may or may not be indicative of an allergy. For instance, caffeine, whether in coffee, soda, chocolate, or tea, can cause jitters, headache, irritability, and insomnia in many people. These symptoms are not suggestive of an allergy. However, caffeine can cause allergic reactions such as a rash.
Lactose intolerance - again, we are not speaking of an allergy to milk - is another reason one may react to coffee. Obviously, reactions to dairy may be solved by drinking coffee black.
If you suspect an allergy to any of coffee's components, have your allergist test for them.
Strawberry allergies are fairly common. Symptoms are similar to those of many food allergies with the most common symptom being oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome includes symptoms like tingling, itching, and swelling in the mouth, throat, tongue, and lips. Hay fever-like symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose, are also possible strawberry allergy reactions. Hives and contact dermatitis (skin irritation where strawberry allergen makes contact) are also common reactions. Severe symptoms include respiratory problems, asthma, and anaphylactic shock.
People with strawberry allergies need to avoid eating and coming into contact with strawberries. Avoidance is not always as straight-forward as it seems. Strawberry leaves are sometimes found in herbal teas and cosmetics; strawberry flavoring is used in skin care products and medicines; and shampoo, conditioner, air freshener, laundry detergent and other household products may contain strawberry components. Allergic individuals should read the labels of such products carefully.
Interestingly, as a recent Swedish study discovered, white strawberries do not cause allergies; only red strawberries cause allergic reactions. This interesting fact seems to be because the white strawberries do not contain the suspected protein allergy which is apparently related to the strawberry's color. Breeders are working on making the white strawberry as flavorful as red ones.
As is often the case, strawberry allergies are intertwined with another allergy: An allergy to strawberries often coincides with birch pollen allergies because their allergens are similar. It is common for those with birch pollen allergies to develop a secondary allergy to strawberries. However, the reverse is not true; those with strawberry allergies are not more likely to be allergic to birch pollen.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Duke and Arkansas Children's Hospital suggests that long-term tolerance in children with peanut allergies may be achieved through carefully administered doses of peanuts.
The therapy consists of exposure to the peanut allergen at doses starting as small as 1/1000 of a peanut and increasing in size up to as much as 15 peanuts a day. This incremental dosage of peanuts changes how the body's immune system responds to the presence of the peanut protein that causes the allergic response.
Doctors involved in the study reported their findings of key immunologic changes, the factor that indicates the children's tolerance is likely long-term.
The body appears to build tolerance quickly, as tests of several immunologic indicators suggest. Dr. Wesley Burks, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at Duke states, "At the start of the study, these participants couldn't tolerate one-sixth of a peanut. Six months into it, they were ingesting 13 to 15 peanuts before they had a reaction."
The treatment is still in initial stages and is not currently recommended for patients. One remaining question is whether the decrease in response to the peanuts coincided with a natural outgrowing of the allergy. The next phase of testing is conducting a blinded study in which treated children are compared to a control group.
Nevertheless, the study is promising for families who struggle with peanut allergies. The allergy is among the most deadly. In fact, almost half of the 150 annual deaths attributed to food allergies are caused by peanut allergies. However, as Dr. Burks states, the treatment "gives other parents and children hope that we'll soon have a safe, effective treatment that will halt allergies to certain foods."
NOTE: THIS TREATMENT SHOULD NEVER BE TRIED WITHOUT STRICT MEDICAL SUPERVISION.
On June 1, Miele launched the latest upright vacuum cleaner in their S7 series, the Miele Twist. Like the S7 uprights that were originally launched in late 2008, the Twist is a quality vacuum cleaner but at a slightly lower price point.
Closest in features to the Calypso, Jazz, and Salsa, the Miele Twist has the same great features of these vacuums with two exceptions. The Twist lacks the LED lamp. In its place the Twist has a solid rubber bumper across the front. The second difference is the HEPA filter. The Twist comes standard with Miele's Super Air Clean filter, BUT is able to be upgraded easily to Miele's Active HEPA filter at any time.
Similar to the Miele Pisces canister vacuum, the Twist comes in a Royal Blue finish and retains the best features of this series, including the Swivel-Neck design, durable ABS construction, amazing wand reach, two separate motors, automatic height adjustment and large capacity, self-sealing HyClean dustbags.
Priced at the very bottom of the S7 line, the Miele Twist is an excellent starter vacuum for someone interested in the Miele uprights, but not willing to pay for the top of the line models.
Although many people believe they are allergic to chocolate, true allergies to chocolate - specifically, the cocoa it's made from - are actually rare. In addition, many reactions to chocolate are not true allergies, but are rather intolerances to other ingredients in the chocolate, such as milk, nuts, gluten, corn syrup, dyes, or other additives. Alternately, people may be sensitive to the naturally-occuring chemicals in chocolate like caffeine, theobromine, or phnylethylamine.
Whatever the case may be, common reactions to chocolate in those who are affected include headache, heartburn, skin rashes, and breathing problems. Sensitivity to chocolate ingredients can also trigger asthma attacks.
One reason for the prevalence of reactions to chocolate is that a good part of mainstream chocolate products in the United States contain several additives; it's these that people react to. The purest forms of chocolate contain cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, maybe vanilla - and nothing else. Mass produced chocolate, on the other hand, is often primarily composed of the additives mentioned above (corn syrup, dyes, etc.).
If an allergist has diagnosed you with an actual cocoa allergy, of course you need to stay away altogether.
Summertime is fast approaching, and in addition to barbeques and picnics and swimming and no school and all that other fun stuff, it also means the re-emergence of those buzzing, blood-sucking little pests, mosquitoes.
I've always been one of those lucky people whom "mosquitoes don't like," and I could stand outside in the muggiest weather at sunset without a problem while everyone around me was getting eaten alive.
Recently, though, I learned that the itchiness accompanying bug bites is not necessarily something that occurs with every bite. Actually, the itchiness results from an allergic reaction to the mosquitoes' saliva, as this Washington Post article mentions. So, apparently, I may be getting bitten just as often; I'm just less allergic to mosquito saliva.
Allergic reactions to mosquito saliva can increase with increased exposure, so even those who, like me, aren't that bothered by mosquitoes now should consider taking precautions against getting bitten.
Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, doing what you can to make sure mosquitoes don't bite in the first place is the surest way to keep mosquito bites from spoiling your summer fun.
The problem is that many mosquito repellents contain harsh chemicals that can irritate those with chemical sensitivities or sensitive skin. Before slathering on mainstream repellents that might give you another kind of itch, check out Herbal Armor DEET Free Insect Repellent, an allergy-friendly alternative.
When bites still occur despite your best efforts, allergy medicine, such as Benadryl, may be taken orally or applied topically through products like Caladryl. Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient, so make sure any generic brands you buy contain it.
Does anyone have any other allergy-friendly mosquito repellent or bite treatment tips?
The New York Times article Clearing the Air explores the issue of indoor air pollution and how to combat the problem.
Knowing that "anything released indoors is about 1,000 times more likely to be breathed in than something released outdoors" is enough to prompt most people to think about purifying the air in their homes.
While it is important, particularly for allergy sufferers, to maintain clean indoor air through air purification,it's also important to use the right equipment - and the first step in doing this is to be educated about what you're getting.
As the artilce discusses, knowing a unit's clean air delivery rate (CADR) and making sure your air purifier is equipped with a HEPA filter are two items to check for. In addition, if you are attempting to deal with a specific pollution issue in your home, such as smoke, make sure that your unit is equipped to deal with it. For instance, smoke and other chemical pollutants are only trapped by units fitted with carbon filters.
Another way to help purify the air in your home is to use your air conditioning unit as a kind of air cleaner. But to do this, you need to use allergen-reduction filters in your HVAC system. Vacuuming, while it gets your carpeting and upholstery cleaned, can also help clean your air. Again, make sure you use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to avoid blowing polluted, allergen-ridden air back into your home even as you're vacuuming it up.
One of the most critical steps to take in keeping your home's indoor air clean is to prevent pollutants from entering your indoor air environment in the first place. Common household items such as air fresheners, cleaning supplies, and candles, while they may mask odors, create a host of problems themselves.
Look for allergy-friendly alternatives for odor control and cleaning, and avoid any unneccessary combustion in the home - from candles or from using a fireplace, for example - whenever possible. As Dr. Kirk Smith, a professor of global environmental health at UC Berkeley puts it, "The best way to not have polluted air is to not have sources of pollution in the house."
After originating in Sweden, Blueair air purifiers quickly earned a reputation for top-notch performance, technological innovation, and quality design. Blueair’s focus always has been to design and manufacture the best air purification system available for allergy and asthma sufferers.
In keeping with their company mission, Blueair has totally redesigned their air purifier offering. The Blueair 01 air purifier series has been upgraded to the 03 series. In conjunction with Blueair’s changes, we have redesigned our Blueair web pages. Additionally, we also have bridged the room coverage gap in our selection by now offering our readers and fans the new Blueair 303 and Blueair 270E.
The new 03 series models have newly designed motors and fans, as well as new filter media that makes them more efficient than the older models. The changes have been made to upgrade performance to match the electronic series that Blueair produced in 2008.
The better performance is most apparent in the 650E model that now achieves the highest score that an air purifier can in the CADR test while maintaining the quiet operation that Blueair Air Purifiers are known for. The 650E tested at 100% efficiency in the smoke, dust, and pollen areas of the CADR test.
A recent article in the New York Times entitled Telling Food Allergies From False Alarms chronicles a Houston family's struggle to cope with the diagnosis of the children's multiple food allergies.
The Keeling children's allergist banned them from eating nuts, eggs, wheat, beef, peas, and rice. However, in-depth testing at a major allergy center uncovered that they were not in fact allergic to many of these foods.
It seems that the reason for such over-diagnosis, which has been on the rise, is the use of blood tests for antibodies that may or may not indicate a reaction to certain foods. While these tests are quick and convenient, they yield a high rate of false positives.
These false positives pose two major problems: firstly, the challenge of avoiding so many foods. When the Keeling family discovered that the diagnosis of a wheat allergy was actually false, Mrs. Keeling said, "Wheat is in everything, so [the fact that my children aren't allergic to it] makes life a whole lot easier." In addition to the difficulty of finding foods without the offending components, nonallergenic supplements can be quite costly.
Secondly, avoiding too many foods can often lead to nourishment deficiencies: "In extreme cases, misdiagnosed allergies have put children at risk for malnutrition," the article states.
Another interesting question also emerges: similar to the theory put forth in the hygiene hypothesis, it's possible that avoiding foods that children aren't allergic to may make them sensitive to these foods later on.
So what are allergic individuals, or their parents, to do? First, know that while blood tests can help doctors find potentially allergenic foods, they correlate with actual food allergies in less than half the cases. As David Felischer puts it, "The only true test of whether you’re allergic to a food or not is whether you can eat it and not react to it."
In most cases, blood tests should be followed up by an experienced allergist who performs medically supervised food challenge testing.
Food allergies should never be taken lightly. While it's crucial to know about the existence of food allergies, over-diagnosing them can be problematic as well. Going to reputable allergists and following all the way through with testing and treatment is a good way to guard against false diagnoses of food allergies and their attendant difficulties.
At AchooAllergy.com, our web design team has spent the past four weeks renovating the dehumidifier's section of our web site. We examined and upgraded every product, page, and supporting article to give you the best information possible as the rainy spring season approaches.
Humidity and moisture in your home can make for an unpleasant living environment. It can lead to musty smells, mold growth, and dust mite activity. Here are three steps (and associated links to our site) that you should take when purchasing a dehumidifier:
First, you need to determine the size of the room or work area that you want to dry out. This will help determine the size and type of dehumidifier that you need. Dehumidifier capacity is usually measured in pints per 24 hours and is determined by two factors: the size of the space that needs to be dried out, and the conditions that exist in the space before dehumidification.
Secondly, determine the scope of your humidity problem. What is the level of your dampness problem? Do you have a moderately damp space that feels damp and has a musty odor only in humid weather? Or a very damp space that always feels damp and has a musty odor? Damp spots that show on walls and floors are a big problem. If the walls or floors sweat and seepage is present, your room needs immediate attention.
Thirdly, you need to decide what you want to do with the excess water that is removed from the air. If you do not want to hand carry water everyday, there are two solutions to this problem. You can transport the water from the dehumidifier with a simple gravity drain; or you can use a condensate pump to route the water over a longer distance. You will need to decide where you want the water to empty. You also must determine where you are going to position your dehumidifier.
Following these steps will make using a dehumidifier very easy. To help find the model that is right for you, begin your search by answering the questions listed in our pre-buy checklist. Your answers will narrow your search and give us a better idea of what you need and expect from your dehumidifier. Give us a call and our experts can point you in the right direction toward your new dehumidifier.
Many of our loyal readers and Achoo! Allergy shoppers love their pets. We receive calls every day from allergy sufferers who need pet allergy solutions to maintain a close relationship with their beloved cat or dog. I could not help but think about all of these people when I saw a very special report about pets this morning on CNN.
Intrepid reporter Jeanne Moos had a great segment on a blog called Cute Things Falling Asleep. Pet owners and parents can post videos of their cute loved ones falling asleep. It is hilarious, fun and very addicting—you can get distracted and watch video after video. I was in danger of missing my lunch break. The only problem with this web site is that people could start posting footage of co-workers falling asleep in meetings!
We have all heard the saying, “If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door.” This saying about innovation means that if you could improve a product that everyone uses, you would be able to make a fortune. The new Miele S7 vacuum cleaner is the better mousetrap of the upright vacuum cleaner marketplace. With its innovative features and improved styling, the new Miele S7 upright vacuum cleaner is threatening to take the U.S. vacuum market place by storm.
Most people like to use conventional upright vacuum cleaners; however, there is a basic flaw with the design of older uprights. The main problem or complaint is that the fixed wheels on conventional vacuums are designed to move in straight lines—backward and forward. Push, pull, push, pull, etc. You have to move behind the vacuum to maneuver it into proper cleaning position. Wasted motion and wasted time are big drawbacks in everyday use.
To solve that traditional movement problem, Miele’s team of engineers and designers has developed the Swivel-Neck body design. The body of the vacuum still is a one piece construction, but immediately above the vacuum head Miele has added a flexible swivel. By manipulating the handle with a turn of the wrist, the head will turn while the body is still moving forward. By combining the Swivel-Neck design with rotating front wheels, this innovative vacuum can make 90 degree turns.
How does the Swivel-Neck aid the user? This feature gives the user more mobility and flexibility when they are vacuuming. It allows for better turning and cornering around furniture. You can vacuum without having to move every piece of furniture. By allowing you to keep vacuuming and not constantly turning the machine on and off, you save time.
The new Miele S7 vacuums have the traditional look of an upright vacuum cleaner with the added convenience of improved movement. The Swivel-Neck design is just one of many new features that make the new Miele S7 one of the most innovative uprights in the industry.
A recent MSNBC segment on bed bugs states that reports of bed bugs have increased by 71% in the past five years, according to the National Pest Management Association.
Although typically associated with low-quality hotels or poor sanitation, bed bugs are not discriminatory; they are just as happy living in a five star hotel as in a run-down, dirty place. And they don't just live in beds; they can live on walls, in furniture, upholstery, and more. Usually people bring them home with them in their luggage after they travel. The bed bugs are only too happy to take up residence in their new locale. What's really awful is that they are extremely difficult to erradicate once they've infested an area.
One reason they're hard to kill is that they are hard to locate. That's why more and more people who find themselves with bed bug problems are turning to dogs. Studies have shown that dogs are about 98% accurate in locating bed bug hideouts, while exterminators have a rate closer to 30%. Using dogs to sniff out where the bed bugs are can cut down on the amount of time it takes to achieve a successful extermination, cutting down, therefore, on costs because efforts can be focused on the areas of the home that need it.
Ways to protect yourself from bed bug infestations in the first place include the following:
When you return home from vacation, keep suitcases and clothes in a bag or in the garage until you are able to wash them in very hot water.
Wash or dry clean all clothes - and your suitcase - even if they haven't been worn.
Use special mattress covers that will keep bed bugs from infesting your mattress, while still letting air circulate through.
With Thanksgiving next weekend and the Christmas holiday season right around the corner, lots of people are gearing up for a ritual as time honored as pumpkin pie with Thanksgiving dinner. Most people will be traveling to visit relatives this holiday season. Whether you are traveling by car or traveling by plane to a far away state, you should be concerned about the air quality on your voyage. For you weary travelers that want to breathe better, we have two great personal space air filters to do the job this holiday season.
When I was growing up, my grandparents often spent the winter season at their summer home in Florida. My family would fly from Ohio to Florida during our school’s Christmas break. Sometimes, we would end up with a cold or the sniffles. Partly, this result was from the poor air quality in airplane cabins due to the recirculation of air that includes contaminants like heated oils, hydraulic fluids, and pesticides. Allergy sufferers on airplanes have to deal with low oxygen levels, chemical pollution, germs, and allergens in the recirculated cabin air. The Plane Clean Air filter is an effective solution to this poor air quality. It creates a curtain of clean air around your face.
In the past few years, we have been driving from Atlanta to see my wife’s family on Thanksgiving Day. Her family lives near Chicago. This is over a ten hour car ride.
We have to pass through a couple of cities, and the car exhaust and fumes are terrible. Last year, we tested out the Roomaid Air Purifier with the auto adaptor. This kit allows you to strap the air purifier into your car, plug it into the cigarette lighter, and avoid toxic VOC emissions. If you are seeing relatives but are staying in a hotel, you also can take the lightweight, portable Roomaid out of the car and set it up in your hotel room.
Whether you are taking a short flight or a long car ride to visit your friends and relatives, these solutions will help you breathe better during your travels this holiday season.
On Sunday, I was watching football on television and checking out the Ryder Cup during the commercials. The golf was incredible, and I sent a text message to a friend to see if he was watching the US beat the Europeans. He texted me back saying that he could not watch golf because he was cleaning up mold in his house. They exact text message read: “No golf. Mold!” He moved into his house less than a year ago. The mold problem reared its ugly head sometime this summer. Mold is a powerful and pervasive allergen that can be inhaled in the form of airborne spores. Ironically, removing mold and mildew involves harsh chemicals that cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma attacks. Because our company carries mold cleaners, I called him later that day and asked him some questions about what he was using to clean up the mold and mold stains. My friend said that he was using bleach. To our staff, using bleach is a poor (and somewhat dangerous) choice to fight mold and to control mold’s affects in the home.
The war against mold involves two fronts. Initially, you must determine your moisture problem. Mold can ONLY flourish in damp areas. You need to dry out the area or room where the mold is present. For this job, a dehumidifier works very well. Plus, it works to ensure that the damp area stays dry. Secondly, the mold has to be removed with a cleaner. The mold may leave stains, but more importantly, you must remove the spores. On drywall, you can replace the damaged piece or you can clean the mold and apply paint. If you take care of your water problem and clean the area thoroughly, you should not have a reoccurrence of mold.
More than 80% of allergy sufferers are sensitive to mold spores. Because mold causes sneezing, chronic cough, runny nose, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, rashes, sinus headaches, and respiratory problems, cleaning up the mold in your home is a health and safety issue. Most household cleaning products are composed of chlorine bleach; yet bleach is one of the most dangerous substances to use when cleaning your home. You must be careful not to mix the bleach with anything other than water. The wrong mixture of bleach with an acid causes chlorine gas to be produced which is very dangerous. Also, any combination of chlorine bleach and ammonia can be explosive, if not fatal.
Often, bleach cleaners fail to remove the mold spores. Because bleach whitens, you could be fooled into thinking you have removed the mold when in reality you have simply whitened it. To clean the area, remove the mold, and protect the surface is a two step process. Clean the area and remove the mold with Vital Oxide. Vital Oxide is a safe and effective solution for mold removal, odor control, green cleaning, and broad spectrum disinfection. To seal and protect the area after cleaning, we recommend M-1 Sure Cote Mold and Mildew Resistant Sealant or AllerMold. M-1 Sure Cote is a clear, non-yellowing, non-toxic, and odorless mildew resistant coating. The compound protects any surface exposed to moisture, high humidity, and weather. It instantly eliminates musty odors. AllerMold is a safe non-toxic agent which inhibits the growth of mold. If applied every two months, AllerMold can help prevent the recurrence of mold in your home. So, the next time you need to remove mold in your house, please think twice before quickly reaching for the bleach. There are more effective and safer alternatives available.
Growing up in New England I was accustomed to digging out the family’s collection of humidifiers at the onset of the colder months. We had a wood stove to heat our home, but it was more like a glorified, high-efficiency fireplace. It was both an irritation to keep up with and a pain to breathe the dry air. Our collection of humidifiers strategically placed around the house was a necessity.
Humidification is something that has become a year-round staple to my family. Currently, I live in Georgia; and while I no longer manage a wood stove, I do struggle with the oppressive heat in the summer. Not only does the heat dry out any moisture in the house, but also we've been in drought conditions for years. This combination makes for very dry indoor air all year round.
My daughter's bedroom is ground zero in terms of the driest room in the house. The sun beats down against her windows all day long. During the summer months I keep her shades pulled in an effort to reduce the heat in her room. This doesn't stop the moisture in the air from completely drying out. We run a humidifier every night for her while she sleeps, and she refuses to go to bed without it. We run it during the winter months as well, as the air is dry due to the heater. Additionally we have also found that if we keep a 40 - 50% level of moisture in the air, the heat is maintained more efficiently in the house, helping with our gas bills.
Humidifiers are just as important to my family as the furnace, the a/c or even the sofa. We need them to feel comfortable and happy all year. It’s no surprise that I have bought many over the years. With this experience, I have found that there are certain aspects that I require from my humidifier and other aspects that I would like to have if available.
My Humidifier Requirements:
A large capacity - since I use it year round. I have smaller units but find it annoying to have to continuously refill them.
A germicidal feature - If I'm going to run a humidifier with a large capacity, I am concerned about stagnant water and mold growth. (My humidifier has a UV light that kills both germs and mold.)
Automatic shut off when it is empty.
The ability to swivel the direction of the vapor without moving the whole unit.
For as long as I can remember there were plants all throughout our household. Some, like the Aloe Vera, I understood. More than once during my childhood I had the gel from this plant applied to burns. What can I say? It took me a while to catch on to cooking. Other plants, like the spider plant, cactus, and a variety of ferns, seemed to have little value to me aside from giving me a new source of dirt in which to play. After high school, I picked up the habit of keeping at least a couple spider plants in the apartments or houses where I have lived, and aside from their aesthetic appeal, plants have a practical purpose in the home.
As technology and advances in home building has grown, houses have become more tightly sealed. More tightly sealed homes help reduce your heating and cooling costs but unlike the drafty house I grew up in, the air inside newer houses is not often exchanged with outside air. Harsh chemicals used in the production and treatment of wood, carpet, furniture and paint remained trapped. Add to this a few burnt dinners, a pet and a smoker and you can see how the air inside your home can be just as, if not more, polluted than outside air. This is partly why we stress the use of an air purifier so much.
Air purifiers will filter and trap dust, pollen, odors, VOC’s, chemicals and other pollutants found more commonly in modern homes. In addition to these, keeping a few plants around the house is a good idea. Certain plants have the innate ability to filter chemicals, like benzene or formaldehyde, very efficiently. A Peace Lily, like the one in our office, effectively removes benzene, xylene and toluene, while a spider plant will absorb formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is commonly found in glues and resins used in flooring, furniture, cabinets, and countertops, among other things. This increasingly important chemical can be found in nearly all aspects of our lives, yet simply because it is present does not make it safe.
Short and long term exposure to formaldehyde can have serious consequences to your health, particularly your respiratory system. However, plants like the spider plant will absorb significant amounts of these chemicals. Different varieties of Dracaenas, Philodendrons, palms and ferns all have been shown to absorb chemicals commonly off-gassed by flooring, paint, carpet, etc.
Some people have concerns about plants inside the home and not without reason. Plants do often accumulate dust. One way I get around this is periodically setting my houseplants outside when it is about to rain. If I don’t feel like packing them outside, I place them in the kitchen sink and rinse them with the kitchen sprayer. Both ways work well to eliminate dust. Mold is another concern some people have with keeping plants. As a general rule, if plants are growing in ideal conditions, mold will not be an issue. Often overwatering is the culprit in mold formation. Mold needs moisture, and overwatering your plants can create an environment where mold can flourish.
Regardless of your situation, a few plants around the house can be very beneficial. When used with other allergy control measures they can be add a little color and life to your home as well as do their part to keep the air you breathe clean.
For adults and children who suffer from food allergies, knowing the contents of the food you consume is of the utmost importance. When dining out, food allergy cards are a great way to help those who prepare your food avoid problems, but in your own home the responsibility lies with you. Knowing the exact ingredients of what you purchase is vital in preventing an allergic reaction and possibly anaphylactic shock. Food allergy sufferers must rely heavily upon food manufacturers to accurately label the ingredients contained in their products. That is a great deal of trust to place in the hands someone/something you will likely never meet or interact with beyond purchasing their products at the supermarket. While manufacturers do work to ensure their labels are accurate, mistakes do sometimes occur.
To help consumers remain aware of possible label errors or omissions, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network has created an alert page on their website. On this page they list products that have been incorrectly labeled. To more specifically address each issue, alerts contain as much information as possible including the dates the products were distributed, UPC’s, distribution areas, and how to contact the manufacturer. For manufacturers there is a contact number they can use to report mislabeled or undeclared ingredients.
The site promotes two way communication. Not only can manufacturers help get the word out about possible problems, but consumers can also do their part by utilizing this site’s information on what to do should someone use a product and it cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, by signing up here, consumers can receive the same alerts listed on site, via email.
Though unfortunate for anyone in this situation, getting the word out by alerting manufacturers and consumers alike is crucial in preventing further complications for others. Using resources like these in conjunction with regular preventative measures can help to ensure that those with food allergies remain reaction free.
Allergy Armor Pillow Covers are a great way to reduce the effect of allergens during sleep. They completely seal your pillow from dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other common allergens that can settle on and in your bedding and cause night after night of restless sleep.
Often times when creating a pillow cover that keeps allergens out, the fabric itself, as well as how it is processed, can create an uncomfortable situation. If you truly didn’t care about comfort or noise you could likely seal it up with plastic wrap and tape. You may end up sleeping on something that more closely resembles a bubble rather than an actual pillow. So with enough wrap and tape, you could get the job done, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The balance between effectiveness and comfort is what matters here. The fabric must keep the allergens out without being rigid or too noisy.
The Allergy Armor Ultra brand strikes a perfect balance between the two. The process used to finish the fabric shrinks the pore size down to a 2.8 micron size, which will keep most of your common allergens out. The fabric itself is tightly woven but has a soft feel to it.
There are those who will find that after they cover their pillow it seems loud. This is a good time to remind those folks that pillow covers are not the same as pillow cases. Pillow cases can come in all shapes, colors and sizes. You could have cartoon characters, kittens, or a simple plaid pattern on your pillow case. While stylish, these will not keep allergens out of your bedding. Once you cover your pillow with Allergy Armor, you then put your oh-so-chic pillow case over the pillow, and that noise you may have heard, will likely disappear.
By itself the fabric of the pillow covers can create some noise when you try to sleep on it. Just as the mattress covers, once your regular pillow case and sheeting is used over top of it, what little noise there was dissipates. So it is best to think of our pillow covers as an addition to your regular bedding, not a replacement.
Ancestors of Allergy is an abbreviated history of the origins and pioneers in the broader field of immunology. Beginning with accounts that stretch back thousands of years, Ancestors walks us through the rudimentary descriptions and treatments of allergies and asthma up through current times. For those interested in a brief but interesting history of those who discovered and shaped the study and treatment of these respiratory ailments, Ancestors is a quick, but excellent read.
Culture by culture, allergies and asthma have been described and treated. Over two thousand years ago the Chinese had identified asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing, and were treating it with the ephedra plant. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates first coined the terms "asthma,” and the Greeks were the first to recognize pollen as a source of asthmatic symptoms. From the Egypt to China, India to the Americas, ancient civilizations often used a mix of religion and medicine to recognize and develop treatments for medical symptoms similar to what we more modernly describe as allergies and asthma.
In the 1600's with the advent of the microscope, researchers were able to begin studying microscopic particles that caused many of these ailments. With the invention of the stethoscope in 1816, discoveries and advances began to occur at a rapid pace. The practice of vaccination, with one byproduct being hypersensitivity (later recognized as anaphylactic shock), was first introduced and observed during this period. Though often uneven and disjointed, by the late 1800's there were individuals across the globe studying allergies and asthma. Their work laid the foundation for advances that would come during the 20th century.
The 20th century was a time of great change in the field of immunology. As research grew, those involved began carving a legitimate space for immunology studies in the larger field of medicine. Early on epinephrine was starting to gain ground as a treatment while the Leopold brothers developed the first dust-free and temperature- and humidity-controlled room, complete with a rudimentary air cleaning system, used to study and treat asthma, allergies and other respiratory ailments. Factors such as heredity and seasonal changes were more concretely linked to respiratory problems, and the identification of causative agents grew. During the 1930’s antihistamines and the basis for the skin prick test were also discovered, and the actual physiological basis for allergic and asthmatic reactions was outlined. All of these discoveries, some actively sought and some found by accident, sent the field speeding along while advances in pharmacology have brought us to where we are today.
Filled with excerpts from historical texts and pictures of the pioneers of the day, Ancestors gives us a general outline of how allergies and asthma have grown from a condition attributed to displeasing a deity to a branch of medicine studied on the molecular level. While it may seem a bit disjointed at times, it is good to remember that this is an abbreviated history that spans six continents and thousands of years. Ancestors reminds us that in spite of all the advances we have made, there is still much that is unknown, and as pharmacology continues to evolve so advances the understanding and treatment of allergies and asthma.
Last week an article in USA Today confirmed what my co-workers and I have been talking about in our weekly meetings for months. The bedbug is back, and back with a vengeance! From hotel rooms and movie theatres to dorm rooms and luxury resorts, bedbug attacks have been cropping up across the United States. Even across the pond in Great Britain, the number of bedbug infestations has soared over 500% in the last few years. They thrive in high occupancy areas. Doing a Google search for “bedbug” brings up over a million articles from all over the world. This includes many very, very creepy You Tube videos! Be on the lookout, because adult bedbugs are visible to the naked eye.
Image source, Cooper Pest Solutions / USA Today
As students return to campus this fall, they are finding themselves on the front lines in a battle against this resilient foe. Though visible to the eye, bedbugs are hard to exterminate. A bedbug can live for over a year without a meal. They cling to old sheets, luggage, and clothes. One expert calls them a “fantastic hitchhiker.” So, even if you have taken precautions, your roommate, your roommate’s friends, your friends, or the girl down the hall can carry bedbugs into an already crowded living space.
The USA Today article sites a couple of examples from campuses around the country. At the Ohio State University, an outbreak of bedbugs in May 2007 caused the university to treat over 114 dorm rooms. In the past year, Texas A&M University has spent $37,000 dollars to bring in dogs that are capable of sniffing out the pests. Texas A&M also will try to eradicate any bedbugs with an overnight room heating system. These are drastic measures to be sure, but the bedbug bites, feeds on human blood, and leaves nasty welts on the body. Welts are characterized by severe itching and by the tendency to stay visible on the skin for several weeks. In a small percentage of people, bedbug bites can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
Here at achoo! Allergy, we think the best way to fight this pest is to control your environment. Our Allergy Armor bedding is a great way to protect your mattress and pillows from outside allergens that can affect sleeping and breathing. The bedding is zipper sealed and goes on the mattress or pillow underneath your regular bedding. By sealing the zipper with 3M tape, you can effectively fight against bedbugs. We offer The Complete Dust Mite Dorm Bedding Package which includes one pillow, blanket, pillow cover, and mattress encasing: everything you or your child needs to be cozy, comfortable, and allergy-free. Great advice about this battle is that if you see bedbugs or bloodstains on sheets or furniture, or if you have bedbug bites, you should speak right away to a trusted exterminator, landlord, or college administrator that will take your problem seriously.
When it comes to buying an air purifier, a consumer has many choices. For that smart consumer who likes to be “green” in today’s society, look no further than the Blueair ECO10 unit. This is the world’s most efficient air purifier that runs on only ten watts on high speed. The eco-friendly air purifier uses up to 95% less energy than other air cleaners in its class making it nearly 10 times more energy efficient than the minimum performance requirement for the Energy Star rating.
All Blueair products are environmentally aware and offer exceptional performance without polluting the environment. Blueair replaces standard filters (which can harm the environment) with safer, nontoxic polypropylene filters. In addition, Blueair air purifiers are coated with a special powder finish that produces no chemical off-gassing. The polypropylene filters also resist contamination from mold, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike many electrostatic air cleaners, the Blueair ECO10 air purifier is safe for allergy and asthma patients because it releases no ozone by-products.
As with all things that are “green” and “organic,” the consumer usually have to pay a higher price, but the Blueair ECO10 has just been marked $200 off the unit. Plus, you also get a free $20 gift certificate that may be redeemed towards your next purchase at achoo! ALLERGY & AIR Products, Inc. This promotion is only good for a limited time. Click on the following link to learn more about the unit and to make the purchase: http://www.achooallergy.com/blueair-eco.asp. Remember, the Blueair ECO10 not only saves energy, but it also saves you money in operating costs.
For as long as I can remember our family has always had at least one dog as a pet, though only once did we have one that actually spent the majority of its time inside the house. Happy, as my sister named the small American Cocker Spaniel, lived in our house for about a year until my mother, then pregnant with my youngest brother, exiled him to live with my aunt. Not until I began bringing my dog with me on visits to my parent’s house was there another dog indoors. While the main issue I have with my pet is cleaning up his hair, my father, unfortunately, is allergic to dogs. My dog spending a few days in the house when I visit is not something that will severely affect my father, but I have found that when it comes to allergies – not all dogs are created equal.
Using the term “hypoallergenic” in regards to a dog is somewhat of a misnomer. There is no dog known to man that is allergen free. All produce dander and thus the protein that causes allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic dogs are breeds that generally shed their skin and hair less, produce less saliva and/or only have only a single coat (many dogs have two coats, an undercoat and topcoat). Simply because a breed has little or no hair does not necessarily mean it is less allergenic. Dog hair itself is not the cause of allergic reactions, but it is where the skin cells and saliva containing the allergen often cling to the animal. Breeds such as the Poodle, Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, and Maltese are some of the small breeds that tend to be less allergenic while the Greyhound, Portuguese or Spanish Water Dog, and many of the terrier breeds are some of the mid to larger size dogs that are often considered hypoallergenic.
When adopting or purchasing a new pet, those with pet allergies need to take extra care in their selection. Aside from picking a hypoallergenic breed, regular bathing and brushing in conjunction with the use of an air purifier can help lessen the amount of pet allergen in the house. Doing a little research before getting a new pet can help prevent parting with it, sooner rather than later.
Rarely a week passes where a new event or study is touted as a result or indication of global warming. While politicians endlessly debate the causes of global warming most scientists agree in principle that the earth is gradually warming, and there is little debate over the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The impact of these two trends is still not fully known, but coinciding with these is an increase in the cases of allergies and asthma diagnosed each year.
A recent Newsweek article discusses this further, but the central idea is that as global warming increases there will be a very real impact on allergy sufferers worldwide. In addition to this, preliminary data suggests that urban allergy and asthma suffers will feel an even greater effect from these changes.
Increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels are linked to higher levels of tree pollen, earlier allergy seasons due to trees blooming sooner than in the past, a proliferation of mold and fungal spores as well as an increasing toxicity of many common allergens. All of this spells trouble for allergy sufferers.
The mix of ozone, smog and increasingly high levels of pollen is making it ever more important that those who suffer from allergies control their environment as much as possible. Whether it is using an air purifier or encasing your bedding, the plight of allergy sufferers looks like it will get worse before it gets any better.
In an effort to create “the Cleanest Possible Automobile Interior Space” Toyota Boshoku, a member of the Toyota Group, has partnered with Sekisui Chemical Co. to develop and manufacture dust mite proof seat fabric. Announced earlier this year, the new fabric is being dubbed “Anti-Mite Allergen Processed Seat Fabric.” In spite of its long name, the fabric, coupled with an anti-mite compound Aller Buster, purportedly eliminates approximately 98% of all dust mite activity within seats.
Up to this point, little has been done in regards to eliminating dust mites in car upholstery, but Toyota will be putting an end to that within the next few years. As with many Japanese products, the seats will first be tested in Japan before making their way to the U.S. If they prove to be viable product and pass EPA and FDA standards, we could see dust mite proof seats in Toyota cars and trucks in three to four years. And, with the way the auto industry works once one manufacturer has paved the way, others will likely follow.
Few people take much notice of how their vehicle’s interior is a potential breeding ground for dust mites. Most spend far more time in bed than in their vehicles, but for an unlucky number of super commuters it is not out of the question to spend anywhere from 3-4 hours a day in traffic. If you have them in your home then it is generally safe to say you likely have them in your vehicle as well. They can easily be transmitted via clothing, and once inside your car or truck, they set up camp and do what they always do – eat your dead skin cells and reproduce. While that is certainly not an attractive mental image, this new fabric installed with the Aller Buster compound applied to its undersurface could undoubtedly reduce or eliminate the problem all together.
With bedding, it is easy and relatively inexpensive to encase your pillows, mattresses and duvets. Encasing your car seats is a little more difficult. First, there is nothing on the market to effectively encase them. This leads to only one other option, steam cleaning or shampooing your vehicle’s interior regularly. I cannot speak for everyone, but steam cleaning my truck seats is hardly a priority for me.
After researching I wondered if this would be necessary with leather seats. As leather furniture is by far a better deterrent to dust mites than cloth, the same is true for vehicle interiors. Until this new fabric hits the market my advice is go with the leather in that new vehicle, particularly if you have moderate to severe dust mite allergies. For some, relief cannot come soon enough.
When I was a child, every day after school I’d come home, pour myself a bowl of cereal and watch an episode of the Jetsons. I loved how they had all those hip, modern conveniences of ‘Living life in the Future!’ Even funnier to me now, the future meant having a home packed full of helpful and handy appliances. Comparing my life to Hanna Barbera’s vision of the future was a passion of mine. Scanning my surroundings, I found that the central vacuum system in our home would be something Jane Jetson would find most convenient.
Our central vacuum system was pretty cool. We had receptacles all over our home making it easy to attach the hose (which was quite long and could reach every nook and cranny) and vacuum without much noise or the hassle of dragging a motorized unit around. I thought it was great. My brother thought it was great too, as he often used it as a torture device for several G.I. Joe men. Opening the flap to the wall receptacle, he would allow them to be sucked into the bowels of our home where the central vacuum motor was hung on a wall in the basement.
The Modern Age: Central Vacuum Conveniences: There are several great advantages to having a central vac. You have one place, usually in a garage or basement, where the motor, filter, and dust bag are housed. Because of this you cannot hear the unit while running the vacuum. Emptying the dust bag is easy, and you don’t have to drag a canister behind you while you vacuum or shove around a large upright unit. Another plus is that it can serve as an action figure morgue, as my brother and his friends quickly discovered.
The Modern Age: Is Convenience Always the Answer? There are some downsides to the modern age central vacuum system. My parents bought our home with it already installed, making it super convenient. My husband I were looking to install one into our mid-century-modern home (yes, I’m still obsessed with the Jetsons.) and found it to be ultra expensive in addition to the extreme amount of work required for the installation. With these two things in mind, it would be best if a central vacuum system was installed during the construction of the home.
Another issue we have is our daughter’s allergies to dust and dust mites. I have a Miele canister vacuum with a HEPA filter, and find that vacuuming with my HEPA filtered canister improves the air quality in my home, room to room; it’s like toting an air purifier and a vacuum around in tandem. A central vacuum air filtration system is located with the motor, and the unit is stored in a home’s basement or garage, allowing no extra indoor air filtration while running.
Although I aspire to live in the ultra modern lifestyle like the Jetsons, I suppose I’ll settle for my wifi, convection oven with Speed Bake and cruise control. I’ll continue to use my HEPA filtered Miele canister vacuum and enjoy the money I’m saving while improving my indoor air quality. Besides, I’d be super annoyed if my daughter figured out that she could suck her Polly Pocket dolls down the central vac receptacle.
In researching the history of achoo! Allergy’s headquarters in Chamblee, I discovered an interesting and ironic twist relating to the actual building. During the renovation of our facility we found several clues as to who occupied this space. Though separated by more than two decades, two companies at different ends of the air purification spectrum are joined.
In 1985 Purafil, Inc. sold three properties in Chamblee. One was an office building situated across the street from the second property… a brick structure located at 3411 Pierce Drive, the address of our offices. After learning of this and doing some research on Purafil I decided to give them a call and speak to someone who had worked here back then.
At the 3411 Pierce Drive location Purafil had three points of focus. Engineering and laboratory testing were both performed here, but the majority of the work done was fabrication and assembly of none other than air cleaner housings. During the renovation of this building, we found one of these very same cleaning units connected to the HVAC system.
Purafil developed and engineered gas-phase air filtration systems to eliminate corrosive, hazard and even toxic gases. To this end they employed a variety of oxidizing agents that break down harmful chemicals into non-toxic components. One such example these oxidizers is potassium permanganate. This compound is produced by Purafil, some of which is sold to air purifier manufacturers who in turn blend this with activated carbon to produce air filters. The end result of this is a filter technology that can handle some of the most heavily contaminated and polluted environments in the world.
Now based in Doraville, GA, Purafil has been a world leader in gas-phase air filtration media, systems and air quality monitors. With over 70 in-house employees and 250 sales representatives worldwide, Purafil pioneered technology that transforms some of the most volatile and toxic gases into harmless solids. Today you can find Purafil’s technology preserving works of art, making workplaces safer, and keeping some of the most delicate environments free of harmful compounds.
After discovering all of this, I couldn’t help but to smile. Nearly 20 years ago a company that developed and produced some of the same innovations and products used in the air purifiers we sell to our customers moved from the exact location we occupy today. While a “circle of life” comment would perhaps be a bit much, it is still interesting how this one building connects two companies with the same goal, cleaner air for all.
In the move to our current location on Pierce Drive in Chamblee, GA, we have put a great deal of time and effort into restoring and transforming an old brick office and warehouse into a modern, lofty headquarters. We will have been here for two years next March, yet we are still renovating and updating our facility almost daily. While not only adding value to our workplace and creating a more employee friendly work environment, we feel very fortunate to be in the heart of a small but rapidly expanding business community in Chamblee.
Chamblee is located on the north side of Atlanta within the perimeter, in a historically industrial area. In addition to its rich history of antique shops, Chamblee has welcomed several new businesses that are revitalizing the area while offering residents something more than the usual chain and big box establishments.
As an achoo! Staff member, the location provides convenient and diverse local amenities. In the mornings I can pick up a coffee or latte at the corner coffee shop, Get Coffee, located literally right next door to our facilty. The proprietors of Get Coffee opened their doors several weeks ago after completely converting and renovating an old Pure Oil service station. They offer traditional coffeehouse fare in a unique setting. As an added bonus for someone like me, they are pet friendly, which means my dog, Cotton, can partake in a complimentary doggie treat while I sit on the patio and enjoy a cappuccino as the trains and Marta pass by. Around lunch if we are looking for something other than a panini, we can walk a few blocks or take a very short ride and grab a slice of pizza and salad at Vintage Pizza. Vintage Pizza preceeded us in the neighborhood by a few months and their pizza and pasta are wonderful. It is a frequent favorite here, and we all love their lunch special. We also enjoy the Old Chamblee Bistro for sandwiches and look forward to trying the newly opened Beyond the Bayou for some authentic Cajun cuisine.
Unlike many communities that have failed to keep up with change, Chamblee is growing, and growing in a good way. From new condominium and townhome developments to businesses like ours, Chamblee is a blossoming municipality that we at achoo! Allergy are proud to call home.
It's not uncommon for any us to go out for dinner at a local restaurant, and on occasion receiving a mixed up or incorrect order is rarely more than a minor inconvenience. Though for individuals with severe food allergies, this minor irritation can quickly become something much more serious.
A Hampton, GA man was having dinner just south of Atlanta, Sunday evening, when a mixed up order resulted in the customer being served a dish with crab meat. Being severely allergic to shellfish, the customer went into anaphylactic shock and tragically, died a short time later.
Anaphylaxis can be avoided and does not have to result in such tragic circumstances. For people with severe food allergies, it would be helpful to carry Food Allergy Restaurant Cards. While YOU know what you are allergic to, those preparing and serving your meals do not. These small cards let your preparer and servers know which ingredients and foods need to be avoided for your protection. In more severe cases your doctor may prescribe an EpiPen®, to be used in emergencies such as the one described above. A shot of epinephrine from an EpiPen® could have bought this man valuable time which could have saved his life.
This terrible situation, as with many cases of anaphylaxis, can been avoided with some simple precautionary and immediate treatment measures. As this story highlights, anaphylaxis can be a life threatening complication, but awareness and being prepared are half the battle.
The expert from prevention.com suggested replacing pillows every year because, "Hair and body oils will have soaked into a pillow's fabric and stuffing after a year of nightly use, making it a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria and allergy-triggering." She went on to suggest that using pillow protectors will double the usable life of a pillow.
I do agree that most people keep their pillows far too long. I am a case study. I took my favorite pillow from my grandmother's to college with me. The first time I tried washing it, it disintegrated. Lesson learned. Our Allergy Armor Pillowsand Allergy Armor Pillow Protectors will not only make your pillows healthier but they will also increase their useful life.
On the subject of mattress replacement, I agree with the contributor. She noted, "Get deeper sleep: Toss your mattress after five to ten years. A good mattress lasts nine to ten years, according to the National Sleep Foundation, but consider replacing yours every five to seven years if you don't sleep well. A study at Oklahoma State University found that most people who switched to new bedding after five years sleep significantly better and have less back pain."
I was a victim again in college while moving to a new apartment. I was riding with my mom and suggested we stop on the side of the road and pick up a mattress. Horrified, she informed me what a terrible idea this was, going on to describe what an unhygienic and disgusting state the mattress was likely in. Though an idle suggestion then, I know with certainty now.
Be cognizant of the age of your pillows and mattresses. Our Allergy Armor Pillows have a place for customers to write in the replacement date of the pillow, which is two years from date of purchase, so customers would know when to replace them.
As I write this, more than 12,500 firefighters are battling 1,088 fires across Northern California - and windy weather over the weekend could make the situation even worse.
"It is increasing almost hourly," said Carol Jolley of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as reported by USA Today. "We have so many fires... There's a logistical problem just getting to them."
The fires have consumed 159,000 acres so far.
A 100-mile endurance foot race in Northern California had to be cancelled because of air pollution.
"I've been working for this agency for 22 years, and I've never seen a level of pollution this high," said Andy Goodrich, director of the Air Quality Management Division of the Washoe District Health Department in Reno.
Residents in polluted areas are urged to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible.
Christina Ragsdale, spokeswoman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, said, "We've got more than 1,000 fires burning. No matter what direction the wind is blowing, we're going to be getting some smoke from the fires."
If you live in an area affected by the fires, wear a mask if you must go outdoors, especially if you have a respiratory condition like asthma.
Air purifiers will eliminate polluted air if it's getting inside your home or office.
In the video above, Dr. Joseph Mercola explains that UVB rays from sunlight produce vitamin D in the skin. Sunlight is the ideal source for vitamin D. See Sunlight Exposure, Allergies & Asthma to learn about the role of vitamin D in allergic disease.
Most sunscreens block beneficial UVB rays, but many do not filter harmful UVA rays.
On top of that, most sunscreens contain toxic chemicals. Octylmethocycinnamate (OMC) is in 90 percent of sunscreens, and when it is exposed to sunlight, it undergoes a chemical reaction that makes it extremely toxic!
Besides OMC, Dr. Mercola warns that the following chemicals have been found to easily penetrate your blood stream:
When choosing a sunscreen, Dr. Mercola advises to "make sure it's screening for UVA and doesn't have these toxic chemicals - because otherwise, you are defeating the purpose and actually making the situation worse."
Vanicream Sunscreen is a safe, non-toxic sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
I'd like to follow-up on my post about the Top 10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S. At the end of the post, I asked you to share your experiences about dirty hotel rooms.
Little did I know that I would soon be attacked by a bedbug in an upscale hotel in Las Vegas! See My Totally Gross Hotel Bedbug Experience to read my whole story.
Bedbugs have become a big problem in recent years, especially in hot spots for international travel like Las Vegas, New York, and Atlanta. Always check your bed for signs of bedbugs. I also recommend taking Allergy Armor allergy bedding for added protection.
Watch this report from Good Morning America to learn more about bedbugs and other health hazards in hotel rooms:
Oh, and by the way, do not drink from the glasses in hotel rooms! See this I-team video to learn why:
Benadryl Allergy is among the most popular OTC allergy medications. It is used to relieve runny noses; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; and itchy throats. Side effects of the drug include drowsiness and possible excitability. Care should be taken when taking Benadryl Allergy and driving or operating machinery. In addition, alcoholic drinks should be avoided while taking the medication; alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase the side effect of drowsiness. An overdose of Benadryl Allergy may cause liver damage - make sure to get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately if overdose occurs.
Ironically, some people seem to have experienced an allergy to Benadryl itself. Reported symptoms include hives, welts, rashes, and swelling. Although it is (remotely) possible to have a reaction to the active ingredient in Benadryl, a reaction to additives in the Benadryl Allergy capsule is more likely. Additives include coloring and the excipient component (the substance used as a carrier of the active ingredients) of the medication. If the coloring is the culprit causing the reaction, forms of Benadryl without dye are available. Be sure to discuss any suspected allergies with your doctor. Benadryl Allergy Ingredients:
An article published today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows that children who lived on streets lined with trees have lower rates of asthma, reports Medical News Today.
The study looked at asthma rates in children ages four to five as well as hospital admissions in children up to age 15 in 42 health service districts in New York City. This data was compared to city data on the number of trees growing, pollution sources, racial and ethnic factors, and population density.
Researchers discovered that a total of 9% of young children had asthma, and that there was an average of 613 trees per square kilometer in New York City. For each standard deviation increase of tree density (343 trees per square kilometer), asthma rates fell by a quarter in the age group examined. Even when considerations of pollution, affluence, and population density were taken into account, the pattern remained. Interestingly, the pattern held just for this young age group; once children were older, lower asthma rates did not coincide with higher tree densities.
Authors of the study speculated that the trees may help either by improving air quality or by encouraging children to play outdoors.
"In addition to the typical pollen-producing allergies that are rampant during the months of spring, technophiles should take caution that some of their favorite gadgets may be the culprit of certain allergy symptoms," says Dr. Todd Rosengart, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stony Brook University Medical Hospital and Chief Medical Advisor of MDX Medical.
Exposure to radiation and microwaves from cell phones may lead to electromagnetic sensitivity and cause skin rashes, fatigue, and headaches.
For allergy sufferers, cell phone use can trigger allergies and make seasonal allergy symptoms worse, according to rehabpub.com.
Veteran entomologist Rick Cooper had never actually seen a live bed bug until 1999. Since then, bedbugs have turned into a full-time job for his pest management company.
"I would say it's spinning out of control," says Cooper.
Indeed, Orkin Pest Control reports that bed bug infestations are now surging in all 50 states, and MSNBC reports that bed bugs are even showing up in new mattresses!
Sometimes new mattresses are stored in warehouses with refurbished, contaminated mattresses, allowing for the transference of bed bugs.
To protect your mattress from these blood-sucking critters, cover it with impenetrable Allergy Armor™.
And be careful when you're buying a new mattress! Make sure it hasn't been stored in a warehouse that could be contaminated. (You'll never encounter that problem if you purchase a Royal-Pedic mattress - because each one is custom-built!)
Mothers who have allergies or asthma may want to think twice before enrolling their babies in swimming classes. ScienceDaily reports on a recent study conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH)using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Study (MoBa).
Most children who are enrolled in baby swimming classes do not manifest an increase in lower respiratory tract infections, ear inflammation, or tightness and wheezing in the chest; but among babies whose mothers have allergies or asthma, a slightly higher percentage of babies who participated in swimming had chest tightness or wheezing: 47% in baby swimmers, compared to 44% of non-swimmers.
Department Director at the NIPH's Division of Epidemiology and primary author of the study, Wenche Nystad, says, "The difference is not large but it indicates a tendency to respiratory problems."
Previous studies suggested a link between airway infections and baby swimming, possibly due to environmental factors like volatile chlorination products used in indoor swimming pools.
The presence of a particular protein profile in the blood of those suffering from chronic sinusitis may lead physicians to be able to objectively diagnose and treat the disease, ScienceDaily reports.
Using surface enhanced laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (SELDI-TOF-MS), researchers found that 96 chronic sinusitis patients possessed a protein profile that was absent in 38 healthy control subjects. Corresponding author on the study, Dr. Stilianos E. Kountakis of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine, remarks, "We can diagnose this disease with a totally objective test that does not depend on symptoms or observations."
As it is now, diagnosing chronic sinusitis is quite subjective, based mostly on a patient's discussion with his doctor of symptoms that characterize the disease, including dripping nose, sinus pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing. Although doctors routinely use an endoscope and may also use a computerized scan, researchers say that the "overall management of [chronic sinusitis] is still hampered by the lack of quantifiable, molecular and genetic markers to aid in screening."
If symptoms persist for 12 weeks, sinusitis is considered chronic. Causes of the disease include respiratory inflammation, bacterial infections, mucosal disease, and nasal polyps. Patients may have a genetic predisposition to polyps and asthma, putting them at increased risk for developing chronic sinusitis. Dr. Kountakis explains, "You may have a bacterial infection, allergies, mechanical problems. There are numerous genes that control respiratory function. Any of these things can go wrong to predispose the patient to develop chronic sinusitis." Objective diagnosis will also help doctors administer the proper treatment. Surgery is sometimes performed on deviated septums, polyps, or other anatomical causes. There are no FDA-approved drugs specifically for the treatment of chronic sinusitis; physicians routinely treat symptoms with steroid sprays to reduce inflammation, mucus thinners, and saline irrigation. New diagnostic tools will help classify which patients actually suffer from chronic sinusitis and will help researchers study the effectiveness of drugs. Classification will also help group patients by the severity and type of chronic sinusitis they have.
As the Mayo Clinic describes, a sulfa allergy most often refers to an adverse reaction to an antibiotic called sulfamethoxazole, which is present in antibiotics that contain sulfonamides. Some of these antibiotics are Septra and Bactrim. Sulfisoxazole, present in Pediazole, should also be avoided.
In addition to antibiotics, there are many other medications that contain sulfonamides. These medications include some diuretics, oral diabetes medications, and some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Check with your doctor to make sure these are safe.
Skin reactions are the most common reaction to sulfa medications, but the liver and kidneys, lungs, and blood may also be affected.
Note: Sulfa allergies are not to be confused with sulfite allergies, which involve allergies to common preservatives found in both foods and medications.
The pollen count in Atlanta was 1705 today. It was over 1000 last Thursday as well... and anything over 120 is considered extremely high.
Yessir, this is allergy season.
I went to visit an old friend last Thursday night, and because the pollen count was so high, his roommate was wearing a mask - indoors! So of course I gave him a copy of The Allergy Sufferer's Survival Guide. He told me that he already uses several products from achoo! ALLERGY, as he has tested positive for nearly every allergen. He also gets weekly allergy shots, even though he believes that the shots give him panic attacks (soon after he receives the shot). Hearing about his situation made me really appreciate the fact that my allergies are under control for the most part.
On a realted note, last week I woke up really early one morning to visit the National Allergy Bureau pollen count center here in Atlanta. It was very interesting to see how the technicians collect and count the pollen. Don't worry; I took plenty of photos. Look for the article in our next newsletter!
Although many people believe they are allergic to chocolate, true allergies to chocolate - specifically, the cocoa it's made from - are actually rare. In addition, many reactions to chocolate are not true allergies to the chocolate itself, but are rather allergies or intolerances to other ingredients in the chocolate, such as milk, nuts, gluten, corn syrup, dyes, or other additives. Alternately, people may be sensitive to the naturally-occurring chemicals in chocolate. These include caffeine, theobromine, and phnylethylamine.
Whatever the case may be, common reactions to chocolate in those who are affected include headache, heartburn, skin rashes, and breathing problems. Sensitivity to chocolate ingredients can also trigger asthma attacks.
One reason for the prevalence of reactions to chocolate is that a good part of mainstream chocolate products in the United States contain several additives; it's these that people react to. The purest forms of chocolate contain cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, maybe vanilla - and nothing else. Mass produced chocolate, on the other hand, is often primarily composed of the additives mentioned above (milk, corn syrup, dyes, etc.).
If an allergist has diagnosed you with an actual cocoa allergy, of course you need to stay away from it altogether. In addition, if you have an allergy to milk, nuts, or corn, don't take any chances eating chocolate. (For more on food allergies, see the Food Allergy FAQ.)
However, if you are intolerant of ingredients that may be included in inexpensive chocolate varieties, try a premium quality chocolate that comes closer to chocolate's purer form. One of my all-time favorites is Chocolove. Mmmmmm....
Allergy sufferers' red, itchy, watery eyes may in part be a response triggered by an allergic response of the nose.
As Reuters Health reports, the nasonasal reflex, in which an allergen introduced into one nostril causes the other nostril to respond in kind, has been demonstrated previously. Because the eyes and the nasal cavity share the same nerve supply, researchers thought that eye allergies occurred not only from direct exposure to allergens, but also due to a similar reflex response.
Indeed, research demonstrated that histamine release in the nose does in fact trigger eye allergies. This means that the pollen or other allergens you inhale are most likely the culprit in your eye allergy symptoms; while some allergen does probably get into your eye directly, this amount is much smaller than the amount you inhale.
In further corroboration of these findings, corticosteroids that are delivered through the nasal passages can also reduce eye allergy symptoms.
Dr. Fuad M. Baroody and his colleagues at the University of Chicago reported their findings in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The researchers conclude, "The eye symptoms associated with allergic rhinities probably arise, in part, from a naso-ocular reflex."
Ammonia is found in a wide range of cleaning products, including many glass cleaners, and is poisonous if swallowed. It can burn the skin on contact, and fumes can also irritate and damage the eyes. Ammonia also aggravates the respiratory tract and can trigger asthma attacks. Note: NEVER mix ammonia-containing products with bleach. The combination makes a deadly gas.
Antibacterial cleansers with triclosan are dangerous on two fronts: they are absorbed into the skin and can be tied to liver damage, and they are suspected of contributing to the increase in antibiotic-resistant germs.
Butyl cellosolve (also known as butyl glycol, ethylene glycol monobutyl) is poisonous if ingested, is absorbed through the skin, and is also a lung tissue irritant. It's often found in carpet sprays, wax strippers, and heavy-duty cleaners.
Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) irritates the lungs and eyes.
Diethanolamine, commonly known as DEA, can combine with preservatives to crease cancer-causing nitrosamines. These can penetrate the skin.
Fragrance often contains phtalates,chemicals that can build up in the body, trigger asthma attacks, and have been linked to reproductive abnormalities and liver cancer in lab animals.
EcoDiscoveries Natural Cleaning Products and Begley's Best Natural Cleaning Products have no added fragrances. EcoDisoveries AirZyme is a natural and safe odor remover that eliminates odor rather than just covering it up like many fragranced cleaning products and air fresheners do.
Phosphates soften the water in detergents, but cause food-chain disrupting algae blooms in waterways once they're flushed down the drain.
Sodium hydroxide, commonly found in drain cleaners, metal cleaners, and oven cleaners, is severely irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat, and is also extremely corrosive to these same tissues.
Many natural cleaning advocates suggest using a paste made of water and baking soda to clean ovens. Simply spread it around the oven, leave overnight, and then wipe clean the next day.
Sodium lauryl sulfate, used as a sudsing agent, can penetrate the skin, leading to contact dermatitis.
I often see "mucus" and "mucous" used incorrectly, so I thought I'd try to explain the difference here. (Yes, I'm a geek...)
Mucus - Noun - A viscous, slimy mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes, epithelial cells, and leukocytes that is secreted by glands lining the nasal, esphageal, and other body cavities and serves to primarily protect and lubricate surfaces. Example: Whenever I'm around cats, my nose produces more mucus.
Mucous - Adjective - pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling mucus. Example: During cold, dry months, I often use Ayr Saline Mist to rehydrate the mucous membrane in my nose.
Mucosa - Noun - another term for mucous membrane; a membrane lining all body passages that communicate with the air, such as the respiratory and alimentary tracts, and having cells and associated glands that secrete mucus. The plural is "mucosae." Example: Pollen makes my nasal mucosa feel itchy.
Depsite its bad reputation, mucus plays an important role within your immune system. It traps inhaled particles like allergens. However, the production of too much mucus is unpleasant.
Mucinex is an OTC medication that loosens and thins out mucus to relieve nasal and chest congestion.
At this year's meeting, several allergy researchers spoke about SLIT - sublingual immunotherapy. This "new" allergy treatment is similar to SCIT- subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) - but SLIT delivers the solution in the form of drops under the tongue, as opposed to a needle in the arm.
Some allergists in the U.S. already offer SLIT, although it has not yet been approved by the FDA. SLIT has been available in Europe for several years. In 1998, the World Health Organization concluded that sublignual immunotherapy is a viable alternative to injection.
SLIT accounts for 40 percent of allergy treatment in Europe, and FDA approval is pending.
SLIT may be a viable option for food allergy treatment as well; more studies are under way.
People receiving SLIT treatments should not exercise during the four hours following treatment, as vigorous exercise could induce a reaction, possibly anaphylaxis.
SLIT is a wonderful option for children and people who have a phobia of needles.
Immunotherapy (both SCIT and SLIT) is underutilized, even though it is effective and long-lasting. Hopefully, once the FDA approves SLIT, more people will open up to the idea of immunotherapy.
Licensed social workers Melissa T. Korenblat-Hanin and Jennifer Moyer Darr spoke to healthcare professionals about the psychosocial impact of asthma. An asthma diagnosis can be devastating to children on psychological and social levels. Suddenly they hear that they're not supposed to exercise or play too hard, that they're not supposed to get too hot or too cold, and maybe even that they have to get rid of their favorite pet. A great sense of loss can accompany a childhood asthma diagnosis, and it's important that someone asks the child, "How are you handling this?" That's what social workers do best, sometimes by asking the child to draw their asthma.
I vividly remember two children's drawings from the educational session: One showed an asthma monster strangling a child who was all alone. The other showed a similar monster - but this time the child was with his family, and the father held up a large umbrella that protected the whole family from the looming asthma monster.
And that brings up an important message: Asthma is a family problem, not an individual problem. Asthmatic children who have support from family and friends are much more likely to deal with their disease appropriately. Children without proper support are prone to non-compliance with medication, poor symptom perception, anger, mistrust, sleep problems, self-esteem issues, and feelings of guilt and isolation. Asthmatic children without a solid support network are also more likely to die from the disease.
Social workers try to help connect children with positive resources. One such resource is the Asthma Explorers Club, founded by Korenblat-Hanin. Also see asthmacamps.org.
Before I begin this post, allow me to restate that I am not a doctor, and therefore my understanding of information presented at the AAAAI 2008 meeting is not 100% clear. That said, I will do my best to accurately relay what I learned about the role of vitamin D in atopic disease.
Dr. Matthias Wjst, MD, explained that dietary sources of vitamin D are not ideal. It is best to get vitamin D from natural sunlight exposure. In fact, dietary supplementation of vitamin D may be related to the increase in allergies and asthma.
Early vitamin D3 supplementation has been linked to asthma. Dr. Wjst also pointed out that inhabitants of the islands of Tristan da Cunha have a very high incidence of allergies and asthma - and they also consume a very high amount of dietary vitamin D from sea bass.
Many "allergy" genes seem to be regulated by vitamin D, and vitamin D also appears to regulate an antimicrobial response within the immune system. Dr. Wjst proposed that oral vitamin D supplementation could be a not-so-visible component of the hygiene hypothesis.
The hygiene hypothesis is a hot topic among allergists; it suggests that the prevalence of allergic diseases in modern, developed societies is related to our overly hygienic lives. For example, kids who grow up on farms usually have lower rates of allergies and asthma. However, if a child stays indoors in a sterile environment all the time, then his immune system is never challenged and never has a chance to "learn" what it should attack. Thus, the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen.
Dr. Wjst suggested that perhaps oral vitamin D supplementation early in life leads to fewer infections and therefore more allergies; this is another way of looking at the hygiene hypothesis.
Dr. Margherita Cantorna, PhD, presented molecular evidence for the role of vitamin D in asthma and autoimmune diseases. A great deal of this evidence went over my head, but I did learn that T-cells have vitamin D receptors, and that vitamin D deficiency exacerbates autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, arthritis, type I diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Also, inflammatory bowel disease is much more prevalent in urban areas, Northern areas, and developed countries.
So... It looks like too much vitamin D in the diet can increase the incidence of allergic diseases; however, too little vitamin D can make allergic diseases worse.
Dr. Cantorna told attendees that vitamin D seems to normalize T-cell function in the immune system.
Here's the key point: People generally don't get hyper-doses of vitamin D by spending time in the sun; however, it's easy to get hyper-doses of vitamin D through oral supplementation.
My takeaway: I'm going to try to spend more time outdoors in the sun, allowing the vitamin D machinery in my skin to do its job.
This was not the first time I had heard about the possible role of vitamin D in atopic disease. Several months ago I interviewed Dr. Thomas A.E. Platts-Mills, former President of the AAAAI and one of the world's preeminent allergy researchers, and he alluded to the possible vitamin D connection.
Dr. Platts-Mills believes that the hygiene hypothesis does not offer a full explanation. He thinks that the rise in allergies and asthma is due to the fact that we have essentially become an indoor species:
"Yes, you need cleanliness in order to get allergy, but the rise in asthma from 1960 onward, which was occurring among allergic patients, is much more likely to be due to the major change in lifestyle that occurred then, which is that we moved indoors and have essentially become an indoor species. In the 1950s, children would spend three hours a day outdoors playing. From about 1960 onwards, that's progressively decreased so that now it's unusual for children to go outdoors. The outdoor exposure could be beneficial because it allows the children to open up their lungs and exercise their lungs; it could be beneficial because they don't get so fat; it could be beneficial because their environment is better; or even, as has recently been suggested, because they get more exposure to the sun and therefore aren't vitamin D deficient."
It may not be news that cockroaches cause allergies because of their feces, saliva, and bodies, but the Madagascar hissing cockroach poses additional allergy threats, as Medical News Today reports.
Unlike the household pests we detest, hissing cockroaches have enjoyed the status of educational tools and even pets for many years. Reported to be gentle (whatever that means in an insect), hissing cockroaches are large enough to "pet" and emit intriguing sounds for which they're named.
However, these cockroaches harbor and create even more allergens than their less-revered cousins - mold. Researchers have identified 14 types of mold on and around hissing cockroaches, housed in their hard bodies and feces. Many of these molds are associated with allergies, and others may cause secondary infections if they enter the lungs or an open wound.
Lead author of the study, Joshua Benoit of the entomology department at Ohio State University, states, "This is mainly a point of public awareness. We are not criticizing their use. We are just saying that if you handle these cockroaches, you should wash your hands when you're done." He also advises that the cockroaches' cages should be cleaned regularly to avoid the build up of feces and exoskeletons, favorite homes to these cockroach-induced mold allergens.
However, it may be best for allergy sufferers to avoid the temptation to befriend these moldy cockroaches altogether.
I just got back in town from Philadelphia, where I attended the 2008 annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The trip was exhausting, but it was also a wonderful, non-stop learning experience.
achoo! ALLERGY had a booth in the exhibit hall, and we enjoyed interacting with allergists and allergy nurses from all over the world. Kimberly Bryant (achoo! Customer Service Manager, pictured on left) and Khristina McClinic (achoo! Physician Services Manager, on right) answered questions about our environmental control products and gave out stuffed dust mite toys to attendees. Nearly 300 physicians requested samples of Allergy Armor™!
While Kimberly and Khristina operated our exhibit booth, I went to as many of the educational sessions as I could. Because the sessions were intended for doctors, some of the material was over my head, but I learned quite a bit about recent advances in allergy research. I'll be posting my notes from the sessions here on the blog.
I also got the chance to meet several other players in the online world of allergy relief - like Sloane Miller, award-winning author of the Allergic Girl blog. We recently published an interesting interview with Sloane, and it was great to meet her in person.
Actress and allergy sufferer Molly Shannon has teamed up with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the makers of Zyrtec to launch the Allergies Are No Laughing Matter campaign.
Molly and the AAFA will teach allergy sufferers about different treatment options and how to avoid allergy triggers. The site contains an online quiz to help people learn if they may have allergies.
In the youtube video below, Molly explains, "It's something I could really relate to - putting the word out about how to manage your allergies better."
Researchers discovered a link between high exposure of expectant women to bleach and air freshener, among other common products, and asthma and wheezing in their small children. The increased risk for persistent wheezing and sub-normal lung function in children under 7 was 41 per cent.
Although experts are not certain about which chemicals are responsible for the effects, research in the past indicates that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are likely responsible. Disinfectants and bleach were the most common cleaning products found in homes, followed by window cleaner, air fresheners, and aerosols. VOC levels were highest in homes that used air fresheners and aerosols.
The study was led by Dr. John Henderson, a pediatric respiratory specialist at Bristol University, and was published in the European Respiratory Journal. He states, "This research points to the direct effects of chemical-exposure on lung development or irritation of the airways after birth."
The Westin A. Price Foundation, a non-profit charity focused on nutrition, has asked the FDA to block the "heart healthy" label from use on soy food products, according to physorg.com.
"We have filed this petition because there was never a sound basis for a soy health claim and the heavy marketing of soy as a 'miracle food' has put American men, women and children at risk," says Kaayla Daniel, lead author of the 65-page petition that was officially filed by Sally Fallon, president of the foundation.
The petition also documents concern about soy's possible role in carcinogenesis, thyroid disease, reproductive problems, and other illnesses.
In 2006, the American Heart Association advised physicians that soy has little effect on cholesterol and is unlikely to prevent heart disease.
To learn more about possible health risks associated with consuming too much soy, and soy's connection to food allergies, see Is Soy Really A Health Food?
In addition to the hypoallergenic egg that may be in development, scientists are at work on soy products that would be safe for soy-allergic individuals.
Medical News Today reports on two studies by the University of Illinois that show how fermenting soy by exposure to microorganisms greatly reduces its allergenic properties and increases its level of essential amino acids.
A University of Illinois associate professor, Elvira de Mejia, reports, "When we fermented soy seeds, flour, or meal by introducing certain microorganisms, immunoreactivity was significantly reduced - by as much as 99 percent. This shows that we have the potential of developing nutritious, hypoallergenic soy products."
The fermentation process breaks down proteins into small pieces that aren't identified by the antibodies responsible for allergic reactions.
Although cleaning products have been linked with increased asthma in cleaning professionals, this study reports that others are also at risk. In fact, exposure to cleaning products may account for one in seven adult asthma cases.
Jan-Paul Zock, an epidemiologist at the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona, wrote: "Frequent use of household cleaning sprays may be an important risk factor for adult asthma."
Air fresheners, glass cleaners, and furniture cleaners are reported to have the strongest effect. The study also showed that the risk of developing asthma increased with the number of different sprays, as well as with the frequency of cleaning. On average, the risk of developing asthma was 30-50% higher in people exposed to cleaning sprays at least once a week.
It is important that those with allergies and asthma maintain a clean environment. But common household cleaners often trigger asthma in these same sensitive individuals.
What may seem intuitive to many who suffer from allergies and asthma is that the two are linked. And now it's official: results from a recent national survey have found that "asthmatics that have allergies may alleviate symptoms by reducing allergen exposures inside their homes," as Medical News Today reports.
The study used data from the National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing (NSLAH) to look at factors that contribute to high allergen levels in homes. The researchers then looked for an association between elevated household allergen levels and occupants' asthma status. Their findings are the first to relate total allergen burden inside American homes and its relationship to asthma.
Principal Investigator in the Laboratory of Respiratory Biology at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Darryl Zeldin, M.D., states, "Indoor allergen exposures are of great importance in relation to asthma because most people spend a majority of their time indoors, especially at home." He further adds, "This study confirms that indoor allergens play a major role in asthma."
Another lead researcher of the NIEHS, Paivi Salo, Ph.D., says, "Our results highlight the importance of reducing exposure to allergens as a fundamental part of asthma management. Although homes cannot be made allergen free, asthmatics that have allergies may need to do a better job in reducing allergen levels in their homes to improve asthma control."
Fox News Health reports on the question, "What Can You Give Your Children When They Are Sick?"
Since the January FDA warning against giving children under the age of 2 cough and cold medicines, many parents have begun wondering what they should use to treat their sick children. The American College of Chest Physicians actually recommeneds not giving cold medicines to children younger than 15.
Ian Paul, associate professor of pediatrics at Penn State Chidlren's Hospital, agrees. He adds, "Over the last 10 to 15 years, there has been increasing concern over the lack of effectiveness of those medicines." In addition, over 7,000 emergency room visits a year are due to accidental overdoses of cough and cold medicines.
As alternative treatments for cold and cough symptoms in children, Paul recommends the following:
A single-ingredient pain reliever such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil.
WebMD reports on allergy facts and statistics, based on the best available data:
Percentage of the U.S. population that tests positive to one or more allergens: 55%.
Number of people in the U.S. who have either allergy or asthma symptoms: 1 in 5.
Rank of allergies among other leading chronic diseases in the U.S.: 5th.
One estimate of the annual cost of allergies to the health care system and businesses in the U.S.: $7.9 billion.
Number of workdays lost each year as a result of hay fever: 4 million.
Number of weeks by which the ragweed pollen season has increased in the last 10 to 15 years, likely as a result of global warming: 4.
Odds that a child with one allergic parent will develop allergies: 33%.
Odds that a child with two allergic parents will develop allergies: 70%.
Number of ER visits in the U.S. caused by food allergies each year: 30,000.
Percentage of the people in the U.S. who believe they have a food allergy: up to 15%.
Percentage of the people in the U.S. who actually have a food allergy: 3% to 4%.
Percentage of our lives that we spend indoors: 90%.
Degree by which levels of indoor pollution in U.S. homes exceed levels of outdoor pollution: 2 to 100 times, depending on factors such as whether the residents smoke.
Percentage of U.S. households with one or more dogs: 39%.
Percentage of U.S. households with one or more cats: 36%.
Percentage of all U.S. households with detectable levels of dog and cat dander: 100%.
Increase in the prevalence of asthma in the U.S. between 1980 and 1994: 75%.
Increase in the prevalence of asthma in U.S. children under age 5 between 1980 and 1994: 160%.
Percentage of annual ER visits in the U.S. caused by asthma: 25%.
Percentage of people hospitalized for asthma who are children: About 44%.
Number of deaths each year in the U.S. from asthma: About 5,000.
Number of people with chronic allergy-like symptoms -- runny nose, congestion and cough -- but who have nonallergic rhinitis instead: 1 out of 3.
Last year, Sharper Image settled a class-action lawsuit which alleged that the company misled customers about the effectiveness of their Ionic Breeze air purifiers. Sharper Image agreed to offer $19 merchandise credits to each of their 3.2 million customers who've bought an Ionic Breeze air purifier since May 6, 1999. The company also agreed to pay $1.875 million in legal fees to settle the case.
Like other ionic air purifiers, the Ionic Breeze emits ozone. Ozone is a lung irritant that can actually cause allergy and asthma attacks!
Consumer Reports initiated Sharper Image's downward spiral by publishing several negative reviews of the Ionic Breeze air cleaner.
Yesterday, Sharper Image filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to CCN Money. They're currently seeking a loan to continue operating, and they have plans to close 60 of their 183 stores.
If you have allergies or asthma, stay away from ionic air cleaners; instead, choose a HEPA air purifier.
CNN Health reports on some "surprising things that give you headaches." Listed first is perfume. Some people are so sensitive to fragrances that even a whiff of a candle can set off a headache. These individuals have senses of smell that can even detect a co-worker's change in laundry detergent. The reason for the headache is that the strong odor may activate the nose's nerve cells, which stimulate the nerve system associated with head pain. In addition to perfumes, fragranced personal products like soaps and shampoos, household cleaners, and air fresheners can produce similar headache reactions.
You can control the environment in your home by using odorless cleaners perfect for those with chemical sensitivities, natural air fresheners,and unscented laundry detergent and deodarant. But things can get tricky in the work environment. Some people ask their colleauges not to wear heavy perfume, but this doesn't always work.
Rather than relying on medications such as aspirin for relief, an alternative could be to purify the air in your work space. AllerAir's Air Tube and Blueair's AirPod are two great personal air purifiers that provide you with clean, pure, breathable air even while at the office. In addition to protection against fragrance-induced headaches, these personal air purifiers also help filter other toxins and odors out of the air.
Did you know that unfamiliar noise at night can disturb your sleep pattern and suppress your immune system, even if you don't wake up?
"White noise" helps block out disturbing noises and allows for a more restful sleep.
Air purifiers are known for their white noise, and many of our customers tell us that they have trouble sleeping without the familiar white noise from their bedroom air purifier.
For this reason, we now offer the SleepMate White Noise Generator. It doesn't clean the air like an air purifier, but it does produce adjustable, soothing white noise. Weighing just over a pound, you can take your SleepMate anywhere for a better night's sleep.
New parents love the SleepMate, too, as it helps newborn babies easily drift off to sleep. In the the Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby's First Year, Mayo Clinic editors write: "White noise, such as the continuous, monotonous sound of a vacuum cleaner or a recording of ocean waves, can often relax and lull your baby."
A Fox News Health video reports on how fragrances can cause skin allergies - and worse.
Senior Editor of Body + Soul magazine, Hillary Geronemus, describes how there are 3,000 or more ingredients used to make fragrances, most of which are synthetic. "Repeated exposure over the lifetime makes a toxic soup out of our bodies," she says. Skin allergies are the most common reaction to synthetic fragrances. But, as the March issue of Body + Soul reports, they can also cause problems in immune, reproductive, and central nervous systems as well as changes in kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, endocrine systems, and asthma aggravation.
Dermatologist Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell suggests that, even when prodcuts say they're fragrance-free, you look at ingredients. Fragrances, which are added in small amounts but can stil cause reactions, are usually at the bottom of the list.
Healthy choices of prodcuts that don't include harmful synthetic fragrances include products that are upfront about what's in them and have few ingredients listed. It's also a good idea to test a new product on a small patch of skin. Safe fragrances, made from essential oils, are also available.
Dr. Verallo-Rowell herself has begun a line of products deemed by many as the "gold standard of hypoallergenic products." She has devised a numbering system rating the amount of allergens in a product: the higher the number, the more allergens the product does not contain.
An article in this month's Newsweek entitled The Chemicals Within discusses how the potentially harmful chemicals in many common household prodcuts are actually being discovered in people's bodies.
Two of the chemcials in question are used in plastic: BPA hardens plastic; phthalates (pronounced "thowlates") soften plastic. Another chemical group featured in the article is PBDEs, flame retardant chemicals that are often used in upholstery.
A November report called "Is It in Us?" determined that these chemicals are in fact in us. The biomonitoring project tested people's blood and urine for traces of the chemicals. Every single one of the 35 participants from seven states tested positive for all three chemicals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also conducts similar surveys and has found that 148 chemicals are present in Americans of all ages. Antibacterial components of liquid soap have also been found in breast milk and the cord blood of newborns. In fact, an Environmental Working Group study found an average of 200 chemicals in the cord blood of 10 newborns. As Sharyle Patton of Commonweal (the company that cosponsored "Is It in Us?") puts it, "Our babies are being born pre-polluted."
So how do these chemicals get into us and what harm do they cause? Take BPA, for example. The chemical is part of the plastic that's found in CDs and DVDs, but it's also found in many baby bottles and sippy cups, as well as in the linings of many food and beverage containers. The plastic can leach chemicals when the plastics begin to wear down due to heat or wear and tear. Then it gets into us when we consume food or drink from these chemical-leaching plastics.
Although the chemical industry and the Food and Drug Administration contend that the small amounts are safe, reproductive biologists fear that studies done on animals could point to potential problems in humans as well. These chemicals act like hormones in both animals and human cell cultures, and therefore can lead to reproductive problems.
Cancer and behavioral problems are also potential effects of exposure to these chemicals. Referring to the presence of chemicals in our bodies, Devra Lee Davis, director of the Center for Environmental Oncology at the University of Pittsburg says, "We've changed the nature of nature."
According to msnbc.com,the U.S. Pharmacopeia report shows that the rate of drug name mix-ups has more than doubled since 2004, primarily because of new drugs with similar names to pre-existing drugs.
One child was given the schizophrenia drug Zyprexa instead of the allergy drug Zyrtec.
"The patient returned to the ER after fainting, at which time the medication error was discovered," states the report.
The New York Times recently interviewed Robyn O'Brien on her view that the alarming increase in childhood food allergies stems from a profit-driven global conspiracy.
O'Brien has a daughter with a severe food allergy, manages allergykids.com, and has designed a universal symbol for child food allergies.
After much research, O'Brien thinks that the food supply is being manipulated with additives, genetic modification, hormones, and herbicides, causing increases in allergies, autism, and other childhood disorders. Her theory, however, is not supported by leading researchers in major allergy advocacy groups.
O'Brien encourages people to throw out nonorganic processed food and avoid anything that's genetically modified, artificially created, or raised with hormones.
"Don't eat food with ingredients you can't pronounce," she advises.
"It was absolutely terrifying to unearth this story," says O'Brien. "These big food companies have an intimate relationship with every household in America, and they are making our children sick. I was rocked. You don’t want to hear that this has actually happened."
Allergy Armor ADVANCED has an average pore size of 6 microns, meaning that the most common allergens - dust mites, mold, and pollen - cannot get in or out. In fact, Allergy Armor ADVANCED provides certified protection against dust mites. A zippered encasing also ensures compelte protection.
Unlike many traditional allergy bedding items, Allergy Armor ADVANCED is made of soft, cool, luxurious microfiber. Allergy Armor ADVANCED has no plastic membrane, which often makes allergy relief bedding hot, noisy, and overall uncomfortable. Allergy Armor ADVANCED has an antimicrobial finish that further guards against stains, bacteria, and mold. Durable and long-lasting, Allergy Armor ADVANCED is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Many of our customers are thrilled by the difference using allergy relief bedding makes. Instead of waking up sneezing, with itchy eyes and a runny nose, they wake up well-rested and refreshed.
Take advantage of the fantastic savings of 20-40% and experience for yourself the relief that Allergy Armor ADVANCED provides.
Dust mite encasings are also an excellent gift for a loved one who suffers from allergies. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better gift is there than a good night's sleep?
The only protein 6-year-old Timmy Armstrong can eat is venison, Fox News reported this week. Young Timmy can also stomach small amounts of natural oats, salt, and sugar. He also receives an amino acid-based formula through a feeding tube.
Timmy has eosinophilic esophagitis, a relatively new disease characterized by intense inflammation of the esophagus that's linked to allergies.
Dr. Jeffrey Hyams at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center says that the disorder has become widespread in the last 10 to 15 years. He states, "I will tell you, we are literally seeing two new cases a week of this, 100 cases in a year. The inflammation is pretty much throughout the entire esophagus, and that inflammation somehow affects motility ... the way that it pushes food down."
Although the cause of eosinophilic esophagitis is as yet unknown, many doctors believe that the environment may be a factor since the disorder and others like it are hardly seen in underdeveloped parts of the world.
For more information on food allergies, see the Food Allergy FAQ.
Science Daily reported this week that researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a sensor system that monitors the air around asthma-prone invidivuals. The sensor, which is worn inside the pockets of a vest, may help researchers understand what causes asthma attacks.
The asthma researchers hope to learn what was going on environmentally at the time of asthma attacks. Asthmatic people's lungs can overreact to environmental stimuli, so the sensor system will help indicate exactly which components cause asthma attacks in various individuals. In addition, the system will enable users to see where there are high concentrations of environmental irritants so that they can either remedy the problem or stay away from that area.
The sensor system measures an asthmatic individual's airborne exposure to formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, temperature, relative humidity and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are found in many everyday items, such as cleaning supplies, paints, and furniture, to name a few. A special mesh filter will also collect particles.
One of the asthma sufferers who volunteerd to test the comfort and effectiveness of the system has already gained valuable information from the system. He found that his home contained higher volatile organic exposures than anywhere else he'd been. Based on this information collected by the sensor system, the researchers found that gas and exhaust fumes were making their way into the volunteer's home from his garage.
Charlene Bayer, one of the principal GTRI researchers hopes to eventually use the sensory system to study asthmatic children's environments. She states,"With this system we can determine what children are exposed to at home, at school and outside where they play. Chances are there are some overreaching compounds that seem to trigger asthma attacks in more children."
The correlation between environmental pollutants (many of which are undetectable by scent) and asthma attacks doesn't come as a surprise to those who experience asthma or allergic reactions when exposed to certain cleaning products or even perfumes. Although HEPA filters do a great deal to remove particulate matter such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander from the air, activated carbon is necessary to remove chemicals and gases like formaldehyde and VOCs. As researchers learn more about the effects of these compounds in triggering asthma attacks, many more people may come to appreciate and take advantage of the benefits of high quality air purification. Wearing masks, especially ones containing carbon filtration, in environments with high concentrations of pollutants can also help reduce the incidence of environmentally triggered asthma attacks.
The ABC News Medical Unit reported yesterday, in an article entitled Saline Rinse May Cut Cold Symptoms, that "treating stuffy noses with a saline wash could represent a drug-free, potentially effective approach."
A study conducted by Czech researchers looked at 401 children between the ages of 6 and 10 who were suffering from cold or flu symptoms. Some participants received standard cough or cold medicine, while the others received the medication plus a saline nose rinse. The research demonstrated a marked improvement in symptoms including stuffy nose, sore throat, coughs, and nasal congestion in the group that had received the saline nasal rinse.
Not only so, but Dr. Ivo Slapak, the leader of the investigation, adds, "The study results show that saline nasal wash significantly improved nasal symptoms in the common cold in children, and shows potential to prevent the recurrence of upper respiratory tract infections."
The study also showed that those who used the saline nasal rinse used less drugs than the those who didn't use the nasal wash: only 9 percent in the saline group used fever-reducing drugs, while 33 percent who didn't use the saline rinse used these drugs. The use of cold medications showed similar results: while 47 percent of the non-saline rinse group used nasal decongestants, only 5 percent of the saline wash group felt the need to use them.
To add to the good news, the study showed that the saline wash had no significant adverse effects. The saline rinses are believed to aid in the treatment of nasal congestion and other problems by clearing out the nasal passages. Clearing out the nasal passages in turn reduces the amount of inflammatory compounds in the respiratory system.
Dr. Anne Moscona of the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center states, "[H]ere's a simple remedy that has no risk, that is not only good, but intrinsically better than over-the-counter cough and cold medications. I would suggest my patients choose this approach." Now that should reassure parents.
President of the American Rhinologic Society, Dr. Marvin Fried, confirms: "I would encourage parents to use this method, and have long advised the use of saline spray in kids."
Sprayable sinus rinses and other sinus relief products are useful in performing saline nasal washes. This news coincides with the recent surge in popularity of the neti pot, which was endorsed on Oprah last year. The neti pot facilitates saline nasal washing,and may well become a standard household product for cold-prone children, allergy sufferers, and anyone who needs relief from nasal congestion.
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore has announced that it has banned latex products.
"Latex hospital gloves were invented here, so it's only fitting that Johns Hopkins takes the initiative to promoting alternatives," says anesthesiologist Robert H. Brown, who chairs the hospital's Latex Task Force, according to newsdaily.com.
Studies show that approximately 15 percent of healthcare workers are allergic to latex - because of constant exposure to the allergen.
Latex is used in gloves as well as tourniquets, stethoscope tubes, and other medical devices.
In severe cases, an allergic reaction to latex can lead to anaphylaxis. For more on anaphylaxis, see the Anaphylaxis Solution Guide.
A recent study suggests that women who live in areas with high fine particle or carbon monoxide levels, such as that caused by heavy traffic, are up to 25% more likely to give birth to their babies before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
The American Journal of Epidemiology reports that the association between preterm births and air pollution is present even after accounting for other factors such as smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
Women who breathe polluted air during their first trimester and toward the end of their pregnancies are the most susceptible to the harmful effect of air pollution.
The study was conducted in Los Angeles. Dr. Beate Ritz from the School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angles stated that "air pollution in Los Angeles County remains a major public health problem affecting everybody, particularly pregnant women."
She added that the study "helps confirm the results we reported previously - that air pollution mainly caused by vehicle traffic increases the risk of preterm birth even when we take other risk factors into account."
Preterm births are not only risky for the baby, but also for the mother. Women who give birth preterm seem to be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease for decades after they give birth to a preterm infant.
Air purifiers are an effective way to combat the negative effects of air pollution. Air purifiers can trap many different kinds of pollutants, including the urban pollution caused by traffic. Investing in an air purifier to achieve cleaner air is a great way to protect the longterm health of both infants and their mothers.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), many symptoms of the common cold could actually be signs of allergies.
Anju Peters, M.D., Chair of the AAAAI's Rhinosinusitis Commmittee, says, "Millions of Americans think they are suffering from a cold during the winter months when they're acutally experiencing allergies."
Dr. Peters describes the reason for the difficulty in distinguishing between cold and allergy symptoms:
"Cold and allergy symptoms can be very similar, making it hard to decipher a difference between the two. The main difference is the length of time symptoms last. A cold normally disappears after a week or so, but allergies can last much longer. In order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, it is important to differentiate between a cold and allergies."
A runny or stuffed nose, wheezing, coughing, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, post nasal drip, and a dull headache are common to both a cold and allergies. Fever, body aches, and sore throat lasting up to a couple of weeks are indicative of a cold.
While a cold is a condition that just requires a bit of time to clear up, allergies do necessitate treatment. Allergies are caused by exposure to allergens, which include dust mites, pets, pollen, and mold. Environmental control is critical in the treatment of allergies.
Depending on the type of allergens present in your home environment, allergy relief products such as dust must encasings for your bedroom, air purifiers, and special cleaning products can help stave off allergic reactions. Products to combat cat dander and other pet-related allergens are also useful in minimizing exposures that could trigger allergy attacks.
Most people associate seasonal allergies, or hay fever, with the spring and fall, but winter allergy sufferers know all too well that winter brings on its own set of allergic reactions. Although many pollens may have left the air by the time of the first frost, other allergens are present, often in greater amounts.
Winter can actually be the worst time of the year for some allergy sufferers for a few reasons. Firstly, when home owners turn on heating systems that have been dormant for months, allergens that have been trapped in filters are introduced into your home environment. In addition, the furnace can stir up allergens that have been "resting" in the carpet, under furniture, or on top of shelves.
An increase in the amount of time spent indoors due to inclement weather also increases exposure to these indoor pollutants. Poor air circulation and tight insulation exacerbates the problem.
The accumulation of mold on fallen leaves is another prevalent winter allergen that can incite winter allergy attacks. Pets also spend more time indoors as the weather gets colder, so the concentration of pet allergens also increases. Finally, Christmas trees can also trigger allergy attacks: live ones can harbor mold, and artificial ones collect dust, as do Christmas ornaments.
Dust surfaces, making sure to protect yourself from inhalation of allergens with the use of a face mask.
Vacuum carpets to remove allergens. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter; otherwise, you're simply stirring up allergens and redistributing them.
Use air purifiers to keep indoor air fresh and free from harmful pollutants and allergens.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was responsible for an estimated 94,000 life-threatening infections and nearly 19,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2005, reports WebMD. In the same year, roughly 16,000 Americans died from AIDS.
The number of deaths from MRSA doubled in just five years.
Most MRSA infections can be traced to a hospital or other healthcare setting, but about 15% of MRSA infections occur in people outside of healthcare settings. People over age 65 are four times more likely to get a MRSA infection.
"Hand washing is one of the most important ways to decrease the spread of MRSA in hospitals, but hand washing compliance rates [among health care professionals] are rarely 100%," says infectious disease specialist Elizabeth A. Bancroft, MD. "One thing a patient can do to reduce their risk is make sure everyone they come into contact with washes their hands or uses an alcohol hand rub."
For every 1,000 patients treated in U.S. hospitals, 46 cases of MRSA now occur.
Dr. Bancroft says that rates of invasive MRSA are likely to climb even higher.
Vital Oxide, a new, safe, environmentally friendly disinfectant, kills MRSA as well as mold, mildew, Norovirus, Legionella pneumophila, and E coli. It's also great for odor control.
A couple of weeks ago, one of the largest truffles unearthed in the past 50 years was dug up in the Italian countryside by Cristiano Savini's truffle-hunting dog Rocco.
The truffle was donated to a charity auction held simultaneously in Macau, London and Florence, Italy and fetched $330,000, according to Reuters.
Truffles (not to be confused with chocolate truffles) are highly prized in Italian cuisine for their unique flavor and aroma.
Truffles are a kind of mushroom that grows beneath the ground as opposed to sprouting above ground. Both truffles and mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi and are members of the same family as mold.
People who are allergic to mold may also be predisposed to react to truffles or mushrooms or other foods containing mold, such as certain blue-veined or aged cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola.
Oral allergy syndrome is the more common type of reaction, but anaphylaxis, though rare in the case of mushroom allergies, has also been reported.
WCVBTV in Boston reports that a new dating service is the first to use DNA analysis for match-making.
ScientificMatch.com uses DNA technology to find people dates who have "a natural odor you'll love, with whom you'd have healthier children and a more satisfying sex life."
The company analyzes DNA and identifies compatible mates by matching two people with different immune systems.
"Nature attracts us to our genetic matches with our noses. The fact is, we love how other people smell when their immune systems are different from ours—they smell sexier," claims ScientificMatch.com.
Greetings from Las Vegas! I'm here in the city that never sleeps with Craig Avramovich (achoo! ALLERGY's web developer) for PubCon Las Vegas 2007. PubCon is the leading search engine and internet marketing conference. Keynote speakers include Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist.org, and Matt Cutts, software engineer at Google.
Thanks to this blog, I was able to attend a Blue Man Group show as part of PubCon's "Blogger's Night Out." (That's me in the photo with a member of Blue Man Group.) While the percussion-based, multimedia performance was awesome, I was a little miffed by the extreme waste of paper. Near the end of the show, a wave of paper streamers made its way from the back of the theater to the stage. Those of us in the audience were passing along the paper above our heads for several minutes. I actually heard someone near me say, "There goes another forest!" Okay, I'll admit, the stunt was unique and fun, but it definitely wasn't very environmentally friendly. I guess that's why they're not called Green Man Group.
Yes, Las Vegas is certainly a land of extravagance and excess - not very environmentally friendly - and not very allergy friendly, either. One might think that Las Vegas would be a great vacation spot for allergy sufferers since it's in the middle of the desert, but so many non-indigenous plants have been introduced to the city that pollen allergies are actually a big problem here these days.
To make matters worse, smoking is permitted nearly everywhere, and I have yet to see an air purifier!
But, unfortunately, most rooms in Las Vegas harbor germs, cigarette smoke, dust mites, and perfumes, as well as chemical sprays, detergents, and deodorizers. Be warned; this is not a great vacation spot for allergy sufferers.
Thanks to my arsenal of allergy relief products and the allergy immunotherapy I received several years ago, I normally don't have problems with my allergies (unless I'm in close contact with a cat), but I have been sniffling ever since I arrived in Vegas.
Craig and I are on our way to a Q & A session with Google engineers, so that's all for now, folks, but I'll be back in Atlanta and blogging as usual next week.
To ensure that you have a happy National Sleep Comfort Month this year, treat yourself to the most comfortable mattress available: a Tempur-Pedic® Sleep System.
If you've ever dreamed of owning a Tempur-Pedic® mattress, now is the time to act.
Tempur-Pedic® prices are going up at the beginning of 2008.
If you haven't noticed, we've add several new Tempur-Pedic® mattresses to our offering in the past month.
As a Tempur-Pedic® Medical Division dealer, achoo! ALLERGY is in a unique position to offer The Pro-HealthCore Bed by Tempur-Pedic™; you cannot purchase this mattress at a regular retail mattress store. The Pro-HealthCore Bed by Tempur-Pedic™ was designed specifically for people with chronic back pain.
And the best part about TEMPUR® material: Dust mites cannot live in it!
Several pharmaceutical companies had impressive exhibit booths at the 2007 ACAAI meeting in Dallas.
One of the more interesting booths was for Xolair, a medication to treat allergic asthma. Xolair works by blocking immunoglobulin E (IgE), an underlying cause of allergic asthma. Approximately 60% of asthma cases are mediated by IgE.
The Xolair "Air Xperience" was a 3-D, multimedia experience that allowed me to feel the chest tightness and difficult breathing that occur with asthma attacks.
As you can probably see from the photo, I wasn't very comfortable in the tight vest (I was really trying to smile) - and I had not yet stepped into the Air Xperience when the photo was taken.
Besides the vest, I also had to wear 3-D glasses. Once inside the Air Xperience booth, I watched a 3-D movie about allergic asthma. Whenever the main character had an allergic asthma attack - when a cat walked into the room, for instance - the vest got very tight around my chest (much like an arm cuff on a blood pressure machine), making it harder to breathe.
I was relieved to take off the vest, but I'm glad that I got to experience some of the discomfort of an asthma attack.
Visit www.xolair.com to learn more about the medication.
The hygiene hypothesis is a hot topic among allergists and immunologists; it suggests that the prevalence of allergic diseases in modern societies is related to our overly hygienic lives. For example, kids who grow up on farms usually have lower rates of allergies and asthma. However, if a child stays indoors in a sterile environment all the time, then his immune system is never challenged and never has a chance to "learn" what it should attack. Thus, the immune system overreacts to substances like pollen.
The Washington Post recently reported that Duke University researchers think that the appendix - long thought to be a vestigal organ - may serve an important function after all.
Appendectomies have been common throughout the history of modern medicine, and people live fine without an appendix, so it was thought that the organ was non-functional. It turns out that the appendix plays a role in the immune system by protecting good germs. The human body contains both bad bacteria (that cause illnesses) and good bacteria (that assist with bodily functions like digestion).
The appendix "acts as a good safe house for bacteria," says Dr. Bill Parker, study co-author. It's a bacteria factory that cultivates good germs. This is important because some conditions (like cholera) can kill off all the good bacteria in the gut. In such a case, the appendix can reboot the system.
In modern society, a "reboot" is usually not necessary because if a person's good bacteria get killed off, it's very easy to pick up more good germs from other people. So, if you have an inflamed appendix (appendicitis), you should still have it removed. About 400 Americans die from appendicitis each year.
Dr. Parker says that the appendix may be another case of an overly hygienic society triggering an overreaction by the body's immune system.
Learn more about the hygiene hypothesis in the following interview:
This week's cover story for Newsweek expores the problem of children's food allergies at school.
Peanut allergies among children under five doubled between 1997 and 2002. Kids are developing allergies to all sorts of foods like sesame and kiwi, and childhood food allergies are lingering longer than they did in the past.
The articles points out that some research suggests that kids born by C-section could be at higher risk for allergies.
Many schools now have "peanut-free zones" in their cafeterias to protect kids with food allergies, and many airlines have quit serving peanuts.
The best advice for parents of food allergic children is to always have an EpiPen handy for emergencies.
Two-thirds of adults report that their disease is under control, according to WebMD. However, more than half experience asthma symptoms at least once a week.
Even more telling, one in three adults say they use a rescue inhaler at least once a day. Guidelines warn against using an inhaler more than twice a week.
"Using a rescue medication regularly is a sign that asthma is not properly controlled and you may be ailing from the disease unnecessarily," says William E. Berger, MD, of the University of California, Irvine. "Patients should talk to their doctor to evaluate their treatment regimen and find out if maintenance therapies are right for them."
Mike Tringale of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) points out, "There is a large disconnect between what asthma patients are saying and how they are actually affected by their asthma every day, which calls for better education on how to properly control the disease."
Halloween can be an scary time of year - especially for children with food allergies and their parents.
According to HealthNewsDigest.com, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offers the following advice:
When classroom parties are planned, parents can help by packing treats from home that their food-allergic child can eat. Create a "candy swap" with siblings or friends so that allergen-containing candies can be traded for other treats such as stickers or toys.
Take the focus off of trick-or-treating by hosting a costume party that emphasizes fun instead of candy. Halloween stickers, pencils, spider rings and stamps are great alternatives for goody bags.
Provide neighbors with allergy-safe candies for your child or ask neighbors to hand out only candy with individualized labels-so kids with allergies can determine whether the treat is safe to eat or not. (I plan to give stuffed dust mite toys to the trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood!)
Teach children to politely refuse offers of cookies and other homemade treats.
Remember that candy ingredients can vary for different sizes of the same product such as full-size candy bars and their miniature versions, which are not always individually labeled.
Always carry emergency epinephrine! Clip on an Ana-Tote for convenient carrying of your epi-pen or ana-kit.
If your child has ever had an allergic reaction to a food, or has a history of food allergies, seek the care of an allergist/immunologist for a follow-up evaluation and to discuss treatment and environmental control options. For more information, visit AAAAI.
Fox News reports that allergies may play a role in Britney Spears' aversion to wearing panties.
A source in the wardrobe industry claims that Britney has suffered from allergic reactions to underwear in the past:
"Britney has sensitive skin all over. We tried lots of different materials, but sometimes she would get a bit of a reaction, which naturally is very uncomfortable, especially when she would be on stage under the hot lights performing. All that sweating makes things worse."
At this point, the pantyless escapades of Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton have not been attributed to underwear allergies.
If you have sensitive skin, don't throw away your underwear! Learn how to treat eczema flare-ups with the Eczema FAQ.
Vanicream Skin Cream, recommended by dermatologists, is very popular among people with sensitive skin.
Sublingual allergy drops constitute a form of immunotherapy - just like allergy shots - but the drops are not injected with a needle. Rather, one drop is placed under the tongue three times a day, and the drops can be self-administered.
According to CW2 News, Dr. Michael Menachof, an ENT physician in Englewood, CO, says, "Generally, with the shots, it's in the six-to-nine-month range that they start to feel better. With drops, we have people coming back two, three months, sometimes even six weeks, noticing a big difference.
"Medicines can work well but they don't do anything for the underlying allergies; they are just treating the symptoms. This actually effects the underlying allergies as well."
Allergy drops cost about $13 a week, but many allergists do not offer them yet. So far the drops have not received FDA approval, but Dr. Menachof says approval is on the way.
Yahoo! News reports that 75 percent of homes have unwated "dust bunnies" that aggravate allergies.
In an air quality survey, more than half of residents said that someone in their home suffers from allergies, yet only 25% of households report using an air purifier or humidifier - and only 58 percent report that they changed their furnace filters in the past six months.
According to HULIQ.com, new research shows that some children are likely being misdiagnosed with asthma.
Asthma is, without a doubt, the most common chronic condition facing children, but many children who are diagnosed with asthma in emergency room settings may actually have Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD). The symptoms are very similar (such as difficulty breathing because of a closed throat, or constricted airway), but the treatments are very different.
Children with asthma need medicine, whereas children with VCD need to learn breathing exercises.
Scientific American reports that penicillin allergy is more common in women than men, according to the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
The study found than penicillin allergy is more likely to develop in women, even after factoring in the effects of other allergy risk factors.
Dr. Miguel A. Park of the Mayo Clinic notes that one to 10 percent of the population reports having penicillin allergy, while the rate of life-threatening reactions to this antibiotic is estimated to be 0.01 percent to 0.05 percent.
"Females were also 2.6 times more likely than males to report multiple drug allergies," reports Park's research team. Other studies have also found that being female is a risk factor for adverse drug reactions in general.
The Indoor Air Quality Commission Newsletter reports that some laser printers can generate the same amount of ultra-fine particles as tobacco smoke! Breathing in these tiny particles can irritate the lungs and, over time, lead to more severe conditions like heart disease and cancer. The recent study also found that the indoor air pollution from laser printers increases fivefold during work hours.
Here at the achoo! ALLERGY Headquarters, there is a large laser printer in my office space. Fortunately, there are also five or six air purifiers in the same room (it's a large, open space with several employee work stations). An Austin Air Health Mate Jr. sits right beside me, blowing clean air into my breathing zone all day. Additionally, our office is well ventilated, and we change our Allergy Zone furnace filters frequently, so I don't feel very threatened by the particulate pollution from the laser printer. achoo! ALLERGY CEO Cade McDonald has worked hard and invested extra money to create a clean, allergy-proof work space for us employees. Stay tuned for more news about our allergy-proof office building and showroom. In the coming weeks, we'll be sending out a press release about how we allergy-proofed our headquarters.
For the third day in a row, the city of Atlanta (home of achoo! ALLERGY) faces a Code Red smog alert, which means that the air is unhealthy for everyone.
With temperatures in the high 90s and heat indexes over 100, ozone levels have soared. Ozone, the main component of smog, is classified as a health hazard by the Environmental Protection Agency. The formation of ozone requires dry heat, and more heat means more ozone. A 10-degree rise in temperature doubles the number chemical reactions that produce ozone.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the air also contains high amounts of soot, dust, and other particulate pollutants.
This is the smoggiest summer Atlanta has seen in four years, and the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic has witnessed an increase in respiratory problems. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions are most vulnerable to problems caused by air pollution. Everyone should limit outdoor activity during Code Red smog alerts.
A 1999 ScienceDaily article describes Atlanta as an "urban heat island," based on a NASA study. Due to the removal of trees and paving of land, heat-absorbing materials (like roofs and roads) hold onto the heat and keep the city hotter than surrounding rural areas.
The Non-Toxic Times Newsletter reports that some people in the scientific community think that the startling, inexplicable rise in food allergies in recent years can be traced to genetically modified foods.
Thirty years ago, food allergies were rare, but now they affect more than 11 million Americans. Rates of peanut allergies in the U.S. doubled between 1997 and 2002.
Genetically modified (GM) foods entered the U.S. market in 1994 without any special labeling. Now, experts estimate that 60-70% of processed foods contain genetically modified ingredients. The most common GM foods are soybeans, corn, and cotton. (Cottonseed oil is a common ingredient in many processed foods!)
GM foods contain foreign genes from different species. These foreign genes are inserted to create desirable traits for farmers and increase profits. Many GM foods, for instance, have been modified to resist a particular disease or pest.
Here are just a few pieces of evidence that GM foods may be fueling the increase in food allergies:
In 1999, an annual study of food allergens in the U.K. found that soy allergies had increased 50% over the previous year. This trend coincided with the first imports of GM soy from the U.S., which led scientists to strongly suspect a connection.
A Monsanto company study on GM Bt corn (which the company was forced to reveal through legal action) showed that rats who ate it experienced a significant increase in three types of immune system blood cells.
Mice fed a diet rich in GM soy had significantly lower levels of pancreatic enzymes, which are needed to break down proteins in the digestive tract. When proteins last longer in the body, they’re more likely to provoke an allergic response.
A type of GM potato has been found to damage the immune systems of rats.
If you'd like to learn more about GM foods, I suggest that you watch the documentary The Future of Food, which you can watch in its entirety on Google Video.
Even though this topic is not directly related to allergies, I just have to blog about it because this is something I've wondered about my entire life, and I've never heard a satisfactory explanation until now...
(And, while this topic is not directly related to allergies, it is related to otorhinolaryngology, the medical specialty concerned with conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.)
Have you ever wondered why people (and animals) yawn? Have you ever wondered why yawns are contagious? I certainly have!
After much research, scientists have concluded that yawning is a way for the body to cool the brain, reports The New York Times. (Why didn't I think of that? It seems so obvious!)
Yawning is not related to boredom or a lack of oxygen in the blood. It is simply a mechanism of drawing air up into the sinus cavities to cool the brain.
Yawning seems to be associated with sleepiness because when people get sleepy, they tend to breathe through their mouths more, and the mouth does not provide the same cooling effect that the nose does.
As a matter of fact, yawning is not so contagious when one is breathing through the nose only, or when one is holding a cold pack to the forehead.
According to the new theory, cooling the brain makes people more alert, and contagious yawning probably developed as an evolutionary mechanism to help groups remain vigilant against danger.
Newsfood.com reports that certain proteins in birch pollen and soy beans are so similar that people who are allergic to birch pollen may experience an allergic reaction after eating soy; this is known as cross allergy or oral allergy syndrome.
Those allergic to birch pollen may also experience cross reactions with peanuts, hazelnuts, apples, celery, strawberries, and carrots. Typical symptoms include itching of the mouth, hay fever, skin rashes, and digestive problems.
CBS News reports that ozone pollution (smog) is making breathing difficult for children who have asthma.
"On days of high levels of ozone, people with asthma are more likely to have symptoms or shortness of breath," says Dr. Homer Bouchley of the University of California.
"When he has his attacks, you can see his ribs," say Qiana Abram, mother of 18-month-old Walter, who has asthma. "He's hurting. I cry for him."
Studies done by researchers at Yale and Johns Hopkins show that smog can actually kill. In the studies, an increase in daily ozone levels was associated with more than 3,700 additional deaths each year due to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
As unbelievable as it may seem, many popular ionic air cleaners actually produce ozone!
If you're looking for a safe air purifier to effectively remove allergens from your home, you should avoid those that produce ozone. See New to Air Purifiers for more introductory information.
News-Medical.Net reports: The use of home cleaning products in the form of aerosols, at least once a week, is related to the appearance of respiratory difficulties and asthma in adults.
This association is even strong when aerosol cleaning products (glass cleaners, furniture cleaners, air fresheners, etc.) are used several times a week. Non-aerosol cleaning products have not demonstrated a connection to asthma.
Researchers say, "Despite the fact that the use of aerosol cleaners is related to a significant risk of developing asthma in adults, this finding requires future research in order to identify the actual chemical composition responsible for the sensitisation and the characteristic inflammatory reactions of the induced respiratory effects in adults."
Be nice to your lungs! Throw out all of those harmful cleaning products, and replace them with the only all-purpose cleaner you need: M-1 House Wash. M-1 House Wash packs industrial-strength cleaning power - but it is safe, water-reducible, biodegradable, and odorless. It does not contain solvents, phosphates, abrasives, or chlorine.
According to Life Style Extra, the non-stick chemical Teflon could be making people more prone to allergies.
The chemical Perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA), found in Teflon, has already been identified as a likely carcinogen, and it is also a known immunosuppressant.
Now the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has shown that PFOA may prime the immune system to overreact to allergens like dust mites and animal dander.
Lab mice exposed to PFOA before being exposed to an allergen produced more antibodies and experienced more constriction in the airways.
The widespread use of Teflon is yet another possible explanation for the rising incidence of asthma among children. Nearly everyone has measurable levels of PFOA in their bodies. A recent study at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore found that 100% of newborns were contaminated by PFOA.
Teflon also contributes to thyroid problems, immune system problems, and cancer of the testes, liver, and pancreas in lab animals. People exposed to high levels of PFOA may be at increased risk for testicular, hepatic, and pancreatic cancer.
Teflon, discovered by accident in 1938, has been used in cookware in the U.S. since 1960.
But when it's heated above a certain temperature, Teflon breaks down and releases PFOA.
In 2004, the DuPont chemical company agreed to an out-of-court settlement and paid out $50 million to residents living near its West Virginia Teflon plant. The residents claimed that their water supply had been contaminated with PFOA, causing birth defects and other heatlh hazards. DuPont paid an additional $22 million in legal costs and $10 on special water facilities to filter out PFOA. DuPont maintains that PFOA does not pose any danger to the public.
Excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps can strip a protective layer of oil off the skin, leaving the skin barrier vulnerable to allergens, according to the UK's Telegraph.
"We are not saying that people should not wash, but if they overdo it they can compromise the skin barrier," says lead researcher Professor Robin Callard.
In a related story, Medical News Today reports that antibacterial soaps may do more harm than good.
Antibacterial soaps not only kill disease-causing bacteria, but they also kill "good bacteria" on the skin. Most bacteria are non-pathogenic, and they're important for the development of a healthy immune system.
Furthermore, antibacterial soaps may contribute to the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Bacteria that develop resistance to antibacterial soaps may also become resistant to antibiotic medications that work similarly.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has questioned the overuse of antibacterial soap: "Whether applied to the skin or swallowed, it is still an antibiotic and should not be available without a prescription. Many people, especially parents, unknowingly use these products many times a day on their children. Would they be as willing to give them an oral antibiotic as often? Most people don't realize that the skin is the body's largest organ and is capable of absorbing many substances into the body."
When it comes to hand-washing and germ reduction, regular soap and water works just as well as antibacterial soap. Just don't scrub too hard!
According to Nursing in Practice, the use of antibiotics for non-respiratory infections doubles a one-year-old's risk of developing asthma by the age of seven.
"Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for young children for both respiratory and nonrespiratory infections," said Mark Roser, president of the American College of Chest Physicians.
"Understanding the relationship between antibiotic use and asthma can help clinicians make informed decisions about treatment options for children."
In a recent interview with Dr. Wellington Tichenor, he pointed out that the use of antibiotics may also contribute to the development of chronic sinusitis.
Asthma Editor Amy Cuebas of BellaOnline points out the following six Myths about Childhood Asthma:
1. Yoga / Swimming / Herbs will cure asthma.Nothing can turn off the switch that's responsible for the inflammation associated with asthma, but certain treatments like yoga can make the lungs healthier and improve breathing. Still, a reduction of symptoms is not a cure.
2. Children often outgrow asthma. True asthmatics will always be susceptible to flare-ups, although some children will see improvements in their condition as they grow older.
3. Treating children flare-by-flare is healthier than giving them preventative steroids. Unlike anabolic steroids abused by athletes, inhaled corticosteroids are safe for children. Side effects may include the slowing of growth, but the minimal side effects are better than severe flare-ups. Stick to the physician's maintenance plan to avoid massive pulmonary scar tissue from too may flare-ups.
4. Letting asthmatic children work through asthma attacks without medication will teach their lungs to overcome attacks. This is the most dangerous myth; frequent, untreated flare-ups will only make the asthma worse.
5. A child who doesn't wheeze doesn't have asthma. Frequent coughing (not wheezing) is actually the number one asthma symptom. Some children with asthma never wheeze.
6. Children with asthma should not run or play sports. Preventative treatment and care will allow children with asthma to do anything they want. Some of the world's best athletes have asthma.
Up to 80% of asthma sufferers may be sensitive to one or more allergens. If you have asthma and have not been tested for allergies, see your allergist so that you can learn what your specific triggers are. You can reduce allergic asthma symptoms by avoiding allergens with environmental control measures like allergy relief bedding, air purifiers, and HEPA vacuum cleaners.
eMaxHealth reports that asthma is the single greatest factor that increases risk of death from anaphylaxis (allergic shock).
Anaphylaxis affects the entire body and is responsible for 500 to 1,000 deaths in the U.S. each year - and most of them are children. Peanut allergies and tree nut allergies are the leading causes fatal anaphylaxis.
If you have a food allergy or other potentially fatal allergy, you should always carry your epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector at all times - especially if you also have asthma.
Animal allergy symptoms commonly include licking, scratching, skin irritations, hair loss, and ear infections.
Veterinary dermatologist Jeanne Budgin says, "Many skin disorders are a result of allergies. It's extremely important for the comfort and health of your pet to determine the source of the allergy and treat it appropriately."
Common sources of allergic reactions in pets include:
Flea Allergies (the most common among dogs and cats)
Food Allergies
Tree & Grass Pollens
Molds
Dust Mites
Allergies are basically the same in humans and animals, and they're usually treated similarly. If you have a pet that may have allergies, talk to your veterinarian about allergy testing. If you find that your pet is allergic to indoor allergens like mold and dust mites, you can provide allergy relief with environmental control measures like dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and HEPA vacuum cleaners.
If your pet has irritated skin, try Quick Bath Cleansing Wipes; they not only contain Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera to sooth your pet's skin, but they also remove dander, which causes allergies for many humans.
mediLexicon reports that ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) urges doctors to consider the strong link between allergic rhinitis and asthma.
ARIA is a worldwide non-governmental organization that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) to educate and implement evidence-based management of allergic rhinitis in conjunction with asthma.
ARIA presented new treatment guidelines at the recent European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) conference in Sweden.
ARIA Chairman Professor Jean Bousquet of France says, "People with rhinitis frequently develop asthma and people with asthma frequently develop rhinitis. In fact, it is possible to detect evidence of inflammation in the lungs of rhinitis patients even when they have no overt asthma symptoms. We therefore recommend that patients with persistent rhinitis should be evaluated for asthma and those with persistent asthma be assessed for rhinitis."
The ARIA guidelines state that up to 80% of people with asthma also have rhinitis. Professor Bousquet says, "There has been a real need for a global document that highlights the interactions between the upper and lower airways in terms of diagnosis, epidemiology, common risk factors, management and prevention. I am pleased that this new update does exactly that."
The quotes from Professor Bousquet remind me of a recent interview with Dr. Wellington S. Tichenor, who explained the Unified Theory of Respiratory Disease: "The belief that the entire respiratory tract – including sinuses and lungs – are really all one organ, so that if one part of the respiratory tract is infected, typically the balance is affected too."
In Wales (United Kingdom), three children in every class have asthma, according to icwales.
Wales has one of the highest asthma rates in the world with one in 10 children suffering from the disease.
An asthma charity launched a training program at a primary school to ensure that every teacher knows about asthma.
Catrin Shorney, spokesperson for the charity Asthma UK Cymru, says, "It will ensure teachers know what to do if a child they are looking after has an asthma attack - and could help save lives.
"The training will also reassure the parents of children with asthma that they are in the safest possible hands and we are planning further training sessions for teachers across Wales.
"We would like to take training into all schools. We want every school to have a policy on asthma and every teacher to be aware of asthma and its implications."
The two-hour training will be taught by an asthma specialist nurse and will show teachers how to recognize and manage asthma attacks, including information on the use of medicines and inhalers.
One mother says her son Gwyl would have had a much better experience in school if his teachers had been trained to deal with asthma: "Gwyl’s asthma scared them, I think. If teachers had gone through some kind of training to know how to deal with it, I think he would have enjoyed school much more. He felt very much like an outcast.
"If he had a problem playing sport, instead of just dealing with it they’d call me up and I’d have to go in and get him. And then they’d ban him from doing any sport, which made him feel awful, like an outsider. This was the case throughout all his schooling and it knocked his confidence, I think."
It seems as if a new theory to explain the rise in childhood asthma pops up every week.
According to health columnist Julie Deardorff of the Chicago Tribune, the "pool chlorine hypothesis" asks whether the rise in childhood asthma stems from indoor swimming pools.
Indoor swimming pools give off toxic gases and aerosols, which can be especially harmful to the lungs of small children.
A recent study in Belgium suggests that trichloramine (a chlorine byproduct that gives indoor pools their distinctive odor) is one of the most concentrated air pollutants to which children in developed countries are regularly exposed. When pool chlorine reacts with organic matter like sweat and urine, it produces trichloramine, and the gas is released into the air.
Trichloramine and other chlorine-based chemicals can be associated with airway changes that predispose children to developing asthma and recurrent bronchitis.
If you plan to take your child to an indoor pool, make sure that it's well ventilated!
Alfred Bernard, lead researcher in the Belgian study, says, "If there is no strong chlorine smell in the pool hall, there should be no problem with the pool air."
Just remember, children breathe more often and their lungs are smaller, so they are much more susceptible to respiratory problems stemming from poor indoor air quality.
Allergist Dr. Daniel More, M.D., of About.com explains that cosmetic allergy is usually contact dermatitis rather than a true allergy: "Contact dermatitis is not due to a true allergy, and no allergic antibodies are involved. Instead, the reaction is caused by various cells of the immune system. The diagnosis is made using patch testing, a procedure very different from skin testing."
Dr. More points out that it's often difficult to differentiate between contact dermatitis and allergic dermatitis, but it's usually not important to make that distinction. Contact dermatitis is an itchy skin rash caused by direct contact with a substance.
Cosmetic products and makeup often cause contact dermatitis, with fragrances and preservatives being the most common causes. Hair products and fingernail polishes may cause contact dermatitis, too.
Other common causes of contact dermatitis include latex allergy, nickel allergy, and plants from the Toxicodendron family (poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac), which contain irritating chemicals called urushiols. Some topical medications may also cause contact dermatitis.
EARTHtimes.org reports that the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) recently published a paper on the diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity.
While most people tolerate it, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger violent allergic reactions, asthma, sinusitis, or urticaria (hives). Such reactions may lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal multi-system reaction.
Hypersensitivity to aspirin is one of the most common adverse drug reactions, and it is largely under-diagnosed. At least 0.5% of the general population suffers from aspirin hypersensitivity, and asthma sufferers are more likely to be affected. A recent study found that about 20% of asthmatic adults are hypersensitive to aspirin.
The only way to test for aspirin hypersensitivity is to administer a challenge test, in which very small amounts of aspirin are given to the patient in increasing doses. The GA2LEN paper outlines the protocols for a challenge test.
"We hope this position paper will enable physicians to proceed with diagnosis," says Professor Andrew Szczeklik, the main author of the paper. "A long list of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs for common indications, such as headache, is contraindicated to hypersensitive patients. A proper diagnosis will have a real benefit for them as they will be directed by their doctors to alternative medication[s] that are completely safe to take, without any side-effect[s]."
According to ScienceDaily, researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased cigarette use may explain the childhood asthma epidemic.
"We have identified parallel increases in childhood asthma and cigarette use among adults during the past century in the United States," says author Renee D. Goodwin, PhD, MPH. "These parallel trends suggest that the increase in cigarette use may be a contributing factor to the rise in asthma among children during the same period through increased exposure to environmental tobacco smoke."
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is more harmful to children since they breathe more air and have smaller lungs. ETS actually has higher concentrations of some toxic substances (like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) than the smoke inhaled by smokers.
The risk for developing childhood asthma was 2.5 times greater in children with mothers who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day indoors, compared to mothers who smoke fewer cigarettes or none at all. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, ETS increases a child's likelihood of developing asthma by 63 percent.
"Previous data that show more recent higher rates of cigarette smoking among lower socioeconomic status segments of the population within the United States are consistent with our theory, since these are the most vulnerable segments of the population among whom rates of childhood asthma are currently the most concentrated," says Goodwin. "Although cigarette consumption has declined in some segments of the United States population since its peak around 1981, the consequences and health effects of the drastic increase in the mid-1980s are still affecting adults and children."
I have mixed feelings about this complicated issue. On the one hand, I feel that the U.S. should stick to the Montreal Protocol, a 1978 treaty signed by 186 countries that called for a complete withdrawal of CFC products because they deplete the ozone layer. I think all asthma and allergy sufferers should be concerned about the environment. As global warming gets worse, so do allergies and asthma.
On the other hand, CFC inhalers have been exempt from the Montreal Protocol for years as medical necessities, and they release negligible amounts of CFC propellant. University of Florida professor Leslie Hendeles has stated that CFC inhalers do not pose a threat to ozone depletion. So why are they being banned after all these years?
Several asthma sufferers are not happy with the cost or effectiveness of the new inhalers, and the National Organization of Asthma and COPD Patients has started an online petition that now has over 500 signatures.
What do you think about the upcoming ban on CFC inhalers?
Has anyone out there tried the new HFA inhalers? Do you notice any difference in effectiveness?
I know that several of you are staunch environmentalists, and I'm curious about your perspective on this issue, too.
According to a 2003 PubMed abstract from the International Journal of Legal Medicine, a 47-year-old farmer was found dead in his bathroom around midnight. He had been previously diagnosed with an allergy to house dust mites and sometimes had episodes of airway symptoms, nausea, low blood pressure, and diarrhea - usually after going to bed.
The initial forensic autopsy offered no clue to the cause of death. However, a blood test showed substantially elevated levels of the mast cell tryptase, which is indicative of anaphylaxis. His mattress contained high levels of dust mite allergen, and immunological tests support the assumption that he died of anaphylactic shock.
It's a shame that this man's death could have been prevented with simple mattress and pillow covers. If you have family or friends who are allergic to dust mites, please email this page to them and help us spread the word about how to eliminate dust mites.
People have been using neti pots to wash out their noses for thousands of years, Dr. Mehmet Oz tells the audience on Oprah.
Warm water from the neti pot stimulates sinuses and clears out mucus.
"A lot of folks that have allergies, who have sinusitis, that have conditions that we treat with medications are equally well treated by actually washing the areas of your body," says Dr. Oz. "When you think about it … you wash your underarms. You have bidets. Why wouldn't you wash a pretty important part of your body, your sinuses, in the same fashion?"
Oprah invited an audience member up on stage to demonstrate the neti pot. "I thought it would feel like drowning, but it feels good," says the audience member.
"You never want to wash [human] tissue without having saltwater in [the neti pot]," cautions Dr. Oz. "Your own cells like it more."
"The doctors who are specialists in this area will often say this is a better treatment than a lot of the other drugs that we try to offer folks, because it mechanically cleans out the problem," concludes Dr. Oz.
Order your neti pot today for immediate sinus relief:
When I left my house this morning to go to work it looked very foggy outside. Only thing is it wasn't fog, it was smoke from the wildfires in South Georgia. Not only was visibility really bad, the smell of burning was very strong.
My drive to work was the same, very smokey and very smelly.
Now that I am at work, several of my coworkers have noted that their throats hurt and their eyes sting.
What am I going to do about this?
I am going to stay inside and limit my outdoor activities.
I most likely will not use a mask, but I have one if I experience any respiratory symptoms.
This has to be really bad for asthma sufferers.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the smoke concentrations are nearly twice as high today as they were when the smoke from South Georgia blew into Atlanta last week.
Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD)has been measuring high levels of soot in the air around Atlanta as well as Athens and Augusta.
Even though the smoke is coming from wildfires 250 miles away, it is reducing visibility at Atlant's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The National Weather Service says winds pushed the smoke over metro Atlanta, and a low-level inversion - where a layer of warmer air was on top of cooler air at the surface - pushed the smoke to ground-level. Warming temperatures should help dissipate the smoke.
Until then, the EPD recommends that even healthy Atlantans should limit outdoor activity.
"Those that have some pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart conditions, we recommend they stay inside and have their air conditioning running on recirculate, if possible, so they are not pulling in a lot of fresh air," says Susan Zimmer-Dauphinee of the EPD.
According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, 52 fires that were burning late Monday have scorched more than 345,000 acres in South Georgia.
ScienceDaily reports that researchers at Wake Forest University found that people with mild asthma may be able to switch from twice-a-day steroid medication to once-a-day treatment with an inhaler or possibly even a single once-a-day pill.
In the study involving 500 adults and children with mild, persistent asthma, once-a-day treatment with a combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol in a single inhaler (Advair® Discus) was equally effective as treatment with twice-a-day fluticasone propionate (Flovent® Discus). Both treatments had failure rates of 20 percent, where "failure" is defined as hospitalization or urgent medical care, the need for additional medications for asthma, a decline in lung function, or the need to take more than 10 puffs a day of a rescue inhaler for two consecutive days. Treatment with the oral medication montelukast (Singulair®) had a 30 percent failure rate.
"This study suggests that patients whose asthma is well controlled on twice-daily fluticasone can be switched to once-daily flucitasone/salmeterol without increased rates of treatment failure," says lead author Stephen Peters, M.D. "While the group on the combination inhaler therapy clearly did better than those on the oral montelukast therapy, it is important to note that 70 percent of patients on this oral therapy did well according to the treatment failure criteria, and were symptom-free on 79 percent of days."
"Patients should find a therapy that that works for them and fits their desires, preferences and lifestyle," stresses Dr. Peters. "Patients who are doing well with the gold standard which is twice a day inhaled corticosteroid, but want to try other options, should talk to their doctors."
Newswise reports that particulate matter like construction dust may cause heart problems for asthma sufferers, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health.
In people with asthma, a slight increase of particulate matter in the outdoor air raised bad cholesterol and increased white blood cell counts (a sign of inflammation).
"This research was all done with study participants just being outside and breathing outdoor air," says Dr. Karin Yeatts, research assistant professor of epidemiology at the UNC School of Public Health, a member of the UNC Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma and Lung Biology, and the study’s principal investigator. "Our results indicate that susceptible people really need to pay attention to air pollution warnings and stay inside when the air pollution is bad. This is particularly the case for people with asthma."
As if outdoor air isn't bad enough, indoor air is often five to ten times more polluted. Fortunately, you can clean the air in your home. A HEPA air purifier captures particulate matter, making the air safer for your lungs and your heart.
Many of you are allergic to pet dander, pollen, and dust, but just imagine being allergic to one these allergens...
Indystar.com reports that sunlight, cockroaches, cereal, stuffed animals, and even people can trigger allergies.
Sunlight causes "polymorphous light eruption" in approximately 10 to 15 percent of Americans. Women are afflicted more often than men, and symptoms include an itch skin rash. Similarly, a photoallergic eruption can occur when sunlight hits a chemicals that's been applied, like sunscreen, perfume, or ointment. Some medicines also increases sensitivity to sunlight and the risk of photoallergic eruption.
Cockroaches produce potent allergens and may cause severe asthma attacks. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) states that between 23 and 60 percent of urban asthma sufferers are sensitive to cockroach allergens.
Cereal contains grains like wheat, barley, and rice with proteins that may cause allergies.
Stuffed animals often contain materials thought to cause allergies, but more often than not, the true culprit is mold or dust mites living in the toy. Purchase only stuffed animals that can withstand frequent washings in hot water to avoid this problem.
People can cause allergic reactions, too! A small number of women are allergic to proteins in semen, and some people are sensitive to cologne, perfume, lotion, makeup, laundry detergent, or similar products on other people.
According to News-Medical.Net, a new study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) finds a strong association between domestic violence and asthma.
"Classic environmental triggers for asthma have been carefully studied, but there is less information on the role of stress in asthma episodes," says lead researcher S.V. Subramanian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Society, Human Development and Health at HSPH. "The risk posed by domestic violence - and perhaps other psychosocial factors - could be as high as some well known environmental risk factors such as smoking."
The study found that women who had experienced domestic violence in the past year had a 37 percent increased risk of asthma. Additionally, for women who had not experienced domestic violence themselves but lived in a household where a woman had been abused in the past year, there was a 21 percent increased risk of asthma than for women who did not live in such households. Living in a household where a woman was abused also increased the risk for reported asthma in children and adult men.
But the researchers caution that the study cannot prove a causal link between domestic violence and asthma. There are several possible mechanisms to explain such a strong relationship between the two. Exposure to violence and psychological stress is known to affect the immune system. Also, those exposed to violence may adopt certain "Coping" behaviors that predispose them to asthma, such as smoking cigarettes.
According to PeanutAllergy.com, on May 8, 2007, Mayfield Dairy Farms recalled 1.75 quart cartons of Mayfield Turtle Tracks ice cream with a code date of 4/11/08 and UPC code of 75243-20120. These cartons contain peanuts that are not listed on the label.
The recalled cartons were produced in Athens, TN and distributed to stores in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky.
Consumers who purchased this product may return it for a full refund or exchange wherever it was purchased.
The Handyman Glenn Haege writes in The Detroit News that a 1,500 square foot home generates 40 pounds of dust in a year, and bigger homes generate even more dust.
Haege highlights several interesting facts about dust mites:
Each of us sheds about one-fifth of an ounce of dead skin a week.
Human and pet skin flakes are the prime food of dust mites.
Ten percent of the weight of the average 2-year-old pillow is dead dust mites and their droppings.
Dust mites and their droppings are not harmless. According to an article at NewScientist.com by John Pickrell, their fecal matter contains enzymes that break down human skin.
Every time you move or the furnace goes on, dust mites and broken bits of their bodies and their droppings are whooshed into the air. You breathe them into your lungs and eat them day and night.
Our indoor atmosphere is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.
NewsTarget.com reports that the burning of incense releases high levels of some chemicals associated with lung cancer. New Scientist magazine reported that a set of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of primary concern. PAHs include carcinogenic chemicals like the components of benzene and the chemical used in mothballs.
Dr. Ben Kim says the studies serve "as a good reminder to allow fresh air to circulate throughout one's living space." Dr. Kim says it is "beneficial to one's health to simply open a few windows for a minute or two each day to allow some fresh air to enter the residence."
Eurkalert reports that a new study found that allergic workers missed an hour of work per week during peak hay fever season. While an hour may not seem like much, it adds up quickly since 20 to 50 million Americans suffer from hay fever.
"That means the potential loss of millions of hours of work productivity, not to mention the associated economic costs," says Sheryl Szeinbach, lead author of the study. Some estimates suggest that nearly 4 million days of work are missed each year due to allergy symptoms.
Study participants cited a lack of sleep and a negative impact on their overall health as the two main reasons for missing work.
The free screenings will be conducted at 300 locations throughout the country in May as part of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. The screenings will consist of a meeting with an allergist, a 20-question survey, plus a lung function test that involves blowing into a tube.
"A cough that bothers you at night, shortness of breath when going up stairs, colds that go right to your chest - these are all symptoms of asthma, but few people recognize them," says Dr. John Winder, chairman of the Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. "Instead, people often make unnecessary lifestyle compromises to live with their condition, and there's no reason to do that. People with breathing problems, or who think their asthma could be better managed, should attend a free asthma screening."
See Screening Locations for locations and dates of the free ACAAI asthma screenings.
According to Forbes.com, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ranks Tulsa, OKlahoma as the worst city for allergy sufferers this spring. Rankings are based on pollen counts, medication usage by allergy patients, and the number of board-certified allergists per patient.
Dallas - Forth Worth, Texas came in at the number two spot on the AAFA list. Southeastern cities, with oak, maple, and elm trees that produce a lot of pollen, normally dominate the high end of the list. Atlanta, Georgia, home of achoo! ALLERGY, is number 10 on the list.
achoo! ALLERGY was featured in the March 2007 issue of Points North Magazine in an article titled "What To Do When Allergies Attack Atlanta."
Here's a snippet from the article:
Evade the Invaders
"We want allergy sufferers to know that medicine, prescription or OTC, is not the only path to allergy relief," said Scott Smith, director of marketing for achoo! ALLERGY & AIR Products Inc., a Chamblee-based mail order retailer founded by allergy sufferer P. Cade McDonald in 2000.
"Allergens are particles in the environment, and environmental control measures, when used alone or in concert with medication, provide allergy relief as well." From HEPA air filtration systems and HEPA filter vacuums to window filters, allergy relief bedding, nasal washes and hypoallergenic laundry detergents, achoo! ALLERGY offers a wide variety of allergy, asthma and sinus relief products that are not only designed to keep allergens under control within your home but also help to alleviate your symptoms. The HEPA products are especially helpful because the filters remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles that are .3 micrometers or larger. This includes pollen particles that are tracked inside on your clothes, shoes and hair, as well as by your pets. So, when you vacuum with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, for instance, instead of spewing the allergens back into the air, the interior filter traps them and keeps them from affecting your indoor air quality. Window filters are also very effective, allowing you to keep your windows open to enjoy the fresh air while eliminating 92 percent of the pollen particles you normally would let in. achoo! ALLERGY even carries facemasks for when you have to do yard work.
"Most employees at achoo! ALLERGY are either former or current allergy sufferers, and we’re here to help fellow allergy sufferers," Smith said. "Vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and encasing your mattress and pillows in Allergy Armor may not be as easy as swallowing a pill, but if you avoid the allergens that make you sick, then you’ll feel better. It’s that simple."
Science Daily reports that the new hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) asthma inhalers are effective and safe but will come at nearly triple the cost to consumers.
The use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) metered-dose inhalers will be prohibited after 2008 because of CFC's ozone-depleting effects.
Albuterol is the seventh most commonly prescribed drug in the United States. About 52 million prescriptions are filled each year, and most contain a generic version of CFC propellant.
A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine predicts that Americans will spend an additional $1.2 billion a year on three patented brands using the HFA propellant (Ventolin, ProAir, and Proventil) until generic versions become available around 2012. Patients will pay an average of $26 more per prescription. That adds about to about $312 more per year. People who have prescription benefit plans will likely face higher co-pays.
There are a few differences with the new HFA inhalers. One brand, for example, has a shelf life of just two months after its protective pouch has been opened, while most CFC inhalers can be stored for 15 to 24 months. Also, only one brand (Ventolin) will come with a counter to track the amount of medicine.
"There isn't any reliable way of estimating when they're going to run out," says Leslie Hendeles, University of Florida professor of pharmacy and pediatrics and consultant to the FDA.
HFA inhalers also tend to clog more easily. To prevent clogging, patients should remove the metal canister and clean the plastic actuators once a week.
HFA inhalers are spew slower and warmer plumes of medicine that CFC inhalers, so some patients may feel that they're not strong enough.
"There undoubtedly will be some people who are absolutely certain it doesn't work as well," Hendeles says, adding that patient education is the key to proper care. However, it's the same drug in both types of inhalers, and they both work fine.
Two brands of the new inhalers contain ethanol (alcohol), which may not be appropriate for some because of religious beliefs. They may also cause false positives on breath alcohol sobriety tests performed by law enforcement officials.
Hendeles notes that CFC inhalers release negligible amounts of the propellant and do not pose a threat to ozone depletion; however, in 1978 the United States and 185 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol, a treaty for the complete withdrawal of all CFC products. CFC inhalers were considered medically necessary until the development of HFA inhalers.
Asbury Park Press recently interviewed allergist Dr. Ellen Sher, who lives in Ocean Township, NJ, works as a partner in Atlantic Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates, and attended Georgetown University for undergraduate and medical studies.
The interview gives us a look at what it's like to be allergist.
Job Description
"An allergist treats allergic diseases, which include nasal allergies, asthma, sinus problems, hives, eczema, drug allergies, insect allergies, food allergies and immune deficiencies."
How did you get your job?
"I got interested after I was already in my residency in internal medicine. I knew I wanted to specialize in some field, because I have the type of personality that needs to know everything about what I do, so being a generalist wasn't going to do. I sort of fell into allergy because I come from a very allergic family. My grandfather had very severe asthma when I was growing up. I have nasal allergies myself.
"I had kind of forgotten about allergies (as a specialty) when I was in my residency because it's an outpatient specialty, so you don't see a lot of allergists in the hospital setting. But one day it hit me, and I thought it would be a perfect fit for me and it was an area where I could really help people."
Salary
"According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the salary ranges from $100,250 to $206,000."
What is a typical day like?
"We're primarily an outpatient practice, so I cram a lot of patients into a very busy day. I examine patients and see how they're feeling. I also do a little bit of clinical research for drug studies as well.
"The examination mostly concentrates on the upper and lower respiratory system. We're looking at the nose, the mouth, the ears, the eyes. We feel the neck for lymph nodes and we listen to the heart and lungs. After I'm done doing my assessment, especially with a new patient, we do allergy skin tests to find out what the patient is allergic to, and we'll do breathing tests if there's a suggestion the patient has asthma or similar symptoms.
"Our testing is usually pretty accurate and can pinpoint the problem. But there can be some frustrations. Sometimes people can have all the symptoms of an allergy, but the tests will come back negative. They may have nonallergic rhinitis, which is nasal congestion with no allergic cause.
"There are basically three things an allergist can recommend for treatment. The first is avoidance, so if there is something in the environment, you try to avoid exposure to it. Beyond that, we will treat with medications, and if medications are not effective, then we recommend putting them on allergy shots. They're very effective, but they're a bit time-consuming.
"Allergies are on the rise worldwide. They are a disease of industrialization. They're a dysfunction of your immune system. Your body's immune system goes into overdrive and starts to make antibodies against things it doesn't need to make antibodies against. Allergies didn't exist before the Industrial Revolution.
"There are many reasons for this. We're immunizing our children against just about every bad disease out there, which is good. But what happens is their cells become more allergic and produce more antibodies. Another thing is our ultra-clean society. Researchers believe because we're very obsessed with cleanliness, our immune systems develop differently. Kids who grow up on farms tend to be less allergic than kids who grow up in suburban America.
"Our homes are more tightly sealed and tend to be warmer than older homes, and we've got wall-to-wall carpeting and plush pillows and stuffed animals, all of which are conducive to dust mite and mold growth."
What do you like about your job?
"Most of the diseases that we see are treatable and controllable. Many are quality-of-life diseases, and a lot of doctors don't deal with them. Often the patients have learned to live with a stuffy nose or a cough and don't know they can do anything about it. It's nice to be able to give people a better quality of life. It's very gratifying."
What do you dislike about your job?
"I don't like when I get so busy that I can't get to patients who need to be seen. It's frustrating, because everybody wants to be seen, and there's only so many hours in the day."
Any suggestions for people considering becoming an allergist?
"You have to go through medical school and a residency in pediatrics or internal medicine. Then you specialize in allergies. It takes a lot of years."
Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine are investigating a new medicine for allergic asthma, and 850 patients with are needed to participate at 150 sites across the country.
Patients enrolled in the study will have a 50 percent chance of being assigned to one of two treatment groups. The first group will receive standard treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and a long-acting beta-agonist with the addition of the investigational drug for 48 weeks. The second group will receive standard treatment with the addition of a placebo for 48 weeks.
To qualify for the study, men and women between the ages of 12 and 75 must have moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma that is inadequately controlled with standard treatments. To enroll in the study, call 314-977-4440.
(If you decide to participate in the study, please email us and let us know how it goes!)
MSNBC reports that the lack of rain in the Southeast is to blame for the extremely high pollen counts.
"Everybody who walks through the door, you can see it in their faces," says Atlanta pharmacy owner Ira Katz, who is running low on medication to treat what he said is the worst allergy season of his 26 years in the business.
Atlanta’s pollen count hit 5,499 particles per cubic meter of air on Monday, the highest so far this season and the fourth highest in the 12 years that the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic has been keeping records. A reading of 120 is considered extremely high.
Atlanta has had only four rainy days this month, and there is no rain in the forecast for at least a week.
"Unless we get some rain, people could be having symptoms for quite some time," says Dr. Stanley Fineman of the Atlanta allergy clinic.
Experts recommend that allergy sufferers stay indoors as much as possible, especially in the morning when pollen counts are highest. Also, if you have allergies, avoid the temptation to wash pollen off your car - because that only makes it airborne, and the coat of pollen will be back soon.
My once-black car is now more of a yellow-green color, and here in Atlanta, friends who normally don't even have allergy problems are feeling the effect of thousands of pollen grains flying up their nostrils.
I wasn't surprised to see Atlanta at the top of The Weather Channel's Allergy Hot Spot List.
As a follow-up to my previous post about alternative medicine treatments for allergies...
United Press International reports that experts at the university of Washington warn that patients seeking alternative allergy treatments should not stop taking standard medications.
"Anyone with moderate to severe allergies and asthma should absolutely remain on standard, conventional forms of medication. Asthma in particular is a potentially life-threatening condition, especially in children," says Barak Gaster, associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington.
NorwichBulletin reports that the presence of cockroaches in schools and homes is a contributing factor in the rise of asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Entomologist Jennifer Dacey says that cockroach shells, dropped after molting, along with the insect's feces, dissipate into the air and become respiratory irritants.
Allergy Nurse Terry Gardner says cockroach allergies are predominant in the southern states but can occur in any urban area. Gardner says few people are allergic to cockroach allergen alone, but many are affected by it when it's combined with other allergens like dust and mold.
"Cockroaches are highly allergenic, and we do see some positive tests," Gardner says. "But symptoms vary from person to person."
The most common symptoms are difficulty breathing and throat irritation.
Public Health Nurse Eileen Boulay says the main problem with cockroach allergen is its role as an asthma trigger.
"Cockroaches are a big allergen. But, since asthma is not a reportable condition, there's no way of tracking how many individuals are affected through cockroach exposure," Boulay says.
Some people are also reluctant to talk about problems caused by roaches.
Public Health Director Patricia Beckenhaupt suggests using HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners amd cleaning all food from household surfaces to cut down on cockroach allergen exposure.
eMaxHealth reports that, according to a study in the Journal of Ambulatory Pediatrics, only 20 percent of children with persistent asthma have a level of control that is optimal.
"That leaves almost 80 percent who are suffering more than they need to," says the study's lead author, Jill Halterman, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. "They may be experiencing unnecessary symptoms, missed school days, and restrictions on activity. That's a problem."
The study showed that 37 percent of children with persistent asthma receive no preventive medication - and of the children who did receive medication, 43 percent still had poor symptom control.
"This second group – the children who were experiencing poor symptom control despite the use of preventive medications – has received relatively little attention until now," Halterman says.
Halterman found that reasons for the poor symptom control include inconsistent use of the medication, exposure to environmental triggers like mold or pet dander, or simply not receiving adequate education about asthma.
"The bottom line is that there's much work that needs to be done in making sure that children with asthma receive appropriate and effective care; it's more complex than one might think," Halterman says. "Asthma care involves coordination on everyone's part. Parents and patients need to report and track symptoms, relay this information to their doctor, use medications as prescribed, and steer clear of triggers. Physicians need to recognize persistent symptoms in their patients, and take time to prescribe, educate and draw up unique action plan for each patient's management."
Henna, an ink from the leaves of a shrub grown in India, North Africa and Sri Lanka, is relatively safe and has been used for many years in hair dyes and temporary skin tattoos; however, according to The London Free Press, black henna ink contains paraphenlyendiamine (PPD) as an additive to darken the color, and many people become sensitized to PPD after receiving a temporary tattoo.
Dr. Joel DeKoven has treated several patients for allergies related to henna tattoos. He explains, "Subsequent exposure to PPD - even in low concentrations, such as those in hair dyes - can lead to a delayed hypersensitivity reaction."
Dr. DeKoven has seen such reactions in patients who went to hospital emergency rooms a day or two after dying their hair. Symptoms included redness and irritation around the hairline and scalp, face swelling, where the eyelids were shut, and a rash all over the body. The common link is that all previously had at least one black henna tattoo.
While approximately 80% of household dust is dead skin, a new EPA study reveals that dust emanating from mattresses and televisions contains potentially hazardous polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), according to Medindia.com Health News.
It is not yet clear how dangerous these PBDEs are, but some of them are already banned in most parts of Europe, and their structure is strikingly similar to PCBs. PCBs are suspected of causing cancer and can definitely alter human development. Exposure to PCBs also causes various skin problems like rashes. U.S. Congress banned the domestic production of PCBs in 1977, but they're still used in electrical equipment like capacitors and transformers.
To avoid PBDEs when cleaning, avoiding sweeping, which only circulates dust. Instead use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Vacuum and dust frequently, and avoid touching used vacuum cleaner filters. Air purifiers will also help remove particulate and chemical pollution. Also, let fresh air into your home as often as possible.
The Courier News announces that allergy season is here once again. And one allergist, Dr. Greg Sharon, is preparing for a busy season.
"There has been a major paradigm shift, a huge genetic change," says Sharon. "We are pretty much the same people as 100 years ago but our prevalence for allergies have skyrocketed."
In the 1950s, six percent of the population was diagnosed with asthma and 16 to 20 percent had allergies. Now, according to a survey by Dr. Sharon's Asthma and Allergy Center, 50 percent of grade school students have allergies and 16 percent are asthmatic.
Dr. Sharon says that mold and pollen counts are increasing, and dust mites and animal dander will be a major concernt, too.
"One of the best things in our business is cats," Dr. Sharon jokes. "I recommend every household get a cat."
The article also lists the following springtime allergy tips, courtesy of achooallergy.com:
When you have to work outdoors (especially if you're raking or mowing the lawn), wear a dust & pollen mask to avoid inhaling dust, pollen and mold.
Limit outdoor activity when pollen counts or mold counts are high.
When you go outdoors during your particular season of sensitivity, shower and change your clothes afterward because pollen grains and mold spores stick to clothing, skin and hair.
Don't hang clothes outside to dry because allergens will stick to them.
Use an allergen wash to remove allergens from your laundry in any water temperature.
Avoid early morning outdoor activity (because that's when pollen is emitted).
Pets can also carry pollen and mold. Bathing them every two weeks will eliminate these allergens and reduce dander which can aggravate seasonal allergies (and is itself an allergen).
Keep windows closed or use window filters to keep allergens from floating inside.
At the 63rd annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) in San Francisco last month, investigators presented findings that children with asthma who live in urban settings often have under-diagnosed and therefore under-managed allergic disease.
A study of 5,250 children with asthma showed that less than half had received a diagnosis of allergies, and among those with an allergy diagnosis, less than half had undergone allergy testing, said presenting investigator Jeanette A. Stingone, MPH, research coordinator, department of community and preventive medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States. In addition, among the children who had been tested for allergies, 40 percent had not received any education regarding the importance of avoiding allergy triggers.
The findings of this study have serious clinical implications because of the strong overlap of asthma and allergies and the consequent importance of allergy management to asthma outcomes such as missed days from school and work.
Medical News Today reports that prescription antihistamine Astelin (azelastine HCl) relieved the major symptoms of pollen allergy, including sneezing, runny nose and congestion, within 15 minutes of application compared to placebo and maintained efficacy at all time points for 8 hours in a randomized, single dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
MedPointe Pharmaceuticals announced the results of the 450-patient study at the 2007 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Conference in San Diego.
In addition, a group of patients treated with intranasal Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) did not show symptom improvement compared to placebo during the eight hour study period.
"Patients suffering from seasonal allergies want rapid relief from their symptoms. These new data confirm that the second-generation antihistamine nasal spray Astelin is fast-acting and maintains significant control of moderate to severe allergy symptoms," said William E. Berger, MD. "Because Astelin rapidly relieves the full range of rhinitis symptoms, including congestion, caused by both seasonal allergens and environmental irritants, and is well-tolerated, it is a particularly effective first-line therapy for most patients."
"This study contributes to the robust body of data we've been assembling on the broad utility of Astelin in the treatment of seasonal allergies and nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis," said Paul R. Edick, President and CEO of MedPointe Pharmaceuticals. "This single-dose study demonstrated that Astelin provided significant, rapid relief of nasal symptoms as early as 15 minutes and maintained efficacy over the entire 8 hour study period, while Nasonex did not separate from placebo at any time point in the study. Because Astelin is a product in a highly competitive therapeutic category where fast relief is important, an established rapid onset of action gives Astelin the hallmark of a potential market leader."
Astelin (azelastine HCl) Nasal Spray is a steroid-free prescription antihistamine nasal spray that provides rapid relief from symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, itchy eyes/nose, and sneezing, associated with seasonal allergies or environmental irritants. Astelin is the only prescription antihistamine nasal spray approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of both seasonal allergic rhinitis and nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis.
Asthma expert and registered nurse Kathleen MacNaughton writes on about.com:
"People often think of wheezing and shortness of breath when they think of asthma symptoms. And those are 2 of the most common asthma symptoms. However, a chronic cough is sometimes the primary sign that something is wrong, especially in children."
"Asthma in children can be hard to diagnose, since kids can't always tell us how they are feeling. If you notice your child coughing a lot, you may want to call your doctor to get him or her checked out. Asthma is very common in children and much of the time, it doesn't get diagnosed as soon as it should have been."
"Early treatment and learning how to manage your child's lifestyle to avoid asthma triggers can make a tremendous difference in his or her health."
Researchers have long noted that many asthma sufferers also have atopic dermatitis - often called eczema - a chronic disease of the skin that can leave it red, raw, scaly, tender, oozy and excruciatingly itchy. But scientists are looking at whether such ravaging of the skin creates the conditions that can trigger asthma.
Last spring in the journal Nature Genetics, British scientists reported that people who suffer from both eczema and asthma carry the same gene mutation and concluded that eczema may actually lead to asthma in some cases.
Until now, it had largely been assumed that dander, dust mites, pollen and other allergens that can cause asthma enter the body through the respiratory system. But the researchers said they now believe that they can also enter the body through tiny breaks in the skin’s surface - something that occurs in patients with eczema.
"Allergens from our environment can actually enter the skin through these cracks," says Dr. Thomas J. Hudson, an immunologist and the president and scientific director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, who was not affiliated with the study but wrote a commentary on it in Nature Genetics, "and the immune cells under the skin cells appear to be reacting and forming an allergic reaction."
That allergic reaction "can prime the immune system so that subsequent inhalation of the same allergens leads to a reaction in the lungs and contributes to the development of asthma," Dr. Julie Schaffer, an assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, wrote in an e-mail message.
The researchers also found that two gene mutations, known to diminish the skin’s ability to form its protective outer barrier, were present in people with both asthma and eczema, confirming that the two can be genetically linked. But individuals who had asthma but no eczema did not have the mutations.
The lack of a direct link between asthma and the mutations - when eczema was not present - suggests that sensitization may arise after eczema sets in, as a result of a weakened skin barrier, Dr. Hudson concluded.
Doctors said their strongest hope is that the discovery could lead to new ways to prevent asthma in people who are genetically susceptible. The measures could be as simple as using moisturizers and gentle cleansers on babies and children to improve the health of their skin, said Dr. Jon M. Hanifin, a professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University and a consultant to drug companies.
Dr. Hudson said: "When we find here a direct link between the skin barrier and asthma, it makes you think, 'Could we be doing something different? Could we be affecting the skin of our kids?' But if there were ways we could improve the maintenance of this epithelial barrier, we would prevent subsequent asthma."
This month's National Geographic magazine contains a colorized scanning electron micrograph showing different pollens at "roughly 3,000 times their itchy, sneezy life size." The beautiful photograph by David Scharf shows Bermuda grass in green, maple in red, and ragweed in yellow. Click the link above to view the photograph. Even on such a small scale, the ragweed pollen appears foreboding.
ScienceDaily reports that results of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) suggest that at least 81 million Americans experience dry, itchy, or scaly skin during the winter months due to blasts of colder, dryer air, winter sun exposure, and over-heated homes and offices.
“Winter is no friend to the skin any more than summer is,” says Rebecca A. Kazin, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center. “Keeping warm is a priority, but it sucks the moisture out of your skin.”
Kazin’s prescription for preventing skin damage includes a heavy dose of common sense, some elements borrowed from summertime skin care, some easy dietary shifts and moisture, moisture, moisture.
Kazin's tips include:
Proper moisturizing is job one, she says. “Switch to an oil-based cream or lotion and apply it often. “The more oil the better.” People with sensitive skin prefer Vanicream skin cream.
Use a humidifier at home and in the office and bag the long hot showers, however tempting. Take warm short ones, and slather on the moisturizer while skin is still damp to keep water in the upper layers of skin and decrease dryness and itching.
Because frequent hand washing is recommended to prevent winter colds and flu, in winter “use hand soap that contains moisturizing ingredients or an alcohol-free hand sanitizer,” says Kazin.
Don’t’ forget the sunscreen, the fruit, and the water if you are outdoors even for brief periods, and especially if you’re skiing. “Sunscreen belongs not just on your face, but also your hands and lips. And because snow reflects 80 percent of sunlight, use SPF 15 or higher all winter,” Kazin says.
Promote healthy skin with a diet of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and plums, and foods with essential fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts and canola oil. Drink water and green tea in sufficient quantities to hydrate body cells and increase anti-inflammatory chemistry. If you are exercising, you need more fluid.
Yesterday I started a new diet plan based on the results of my ALCAT Food Sensitivity Home Test. My results indicate that the following foods trigger an immune system response in my body and should be strictly avoided for three to six months:
broccoli
rice
tuna
corn
cow's milk
garlic
sweet potatoes
After three to six months, I should be able to slowly incorporate most of these common foods back into my diet. It will be extremely difficult for me to avoid all these foods for at least three months, but my determination remains strong on day number two. The most difficult aspect of this diet plan, in my mind, is No More Pizza! I love pizza... and cheese... and Italian food with garlic. And I'm giving it up for at least three months to see what the ALCAT test can do for me.
In a study from Baylor Medical College, 98% of the subjects following an eating plan avoiding their own trigger food, as determined by the ALCAT test, decreased scale weight and/or improved muscle to fat ratio. They also experienced improvement in skin, more energy, elimination of migraines, reduced sugar cravings, better mood and sleep, and other benefits.
I could certainly lose a pound or thirty, and I look forward to doing so by following the ALCAT diet plan and exercising moderately.
Food sensitivities, also known as food intolerances or hidden food allergies, may go unnoticed without an ALCAT test.
"When you're measuring these sensitivities, you're measuring something that's causing your body to be inflamed," explains Fred Pescatore, MD, author of The Hamptons Diet. "And when your body's inflamed, it can't function properly. Your metabolism can't function properly. Your digestive system can't function properly. Your body can't metabolize food and nutrients properly. That's why it's so important that we have tests like the ALCAT test."
Following a diet plan based on my personal ALCAT Home Test comes with an added bonus: Now I have to carefully read all labels and think about everything that I'm putting into my body. Already, it has made me realize just how much junk food really is out there. It seems like the majority of the foods I've been eating my whole life have been overly processed and contain several chemicals along with other foods that you may not expect to find on the list of ingredients.
For example, now that I can't eat corn, it seems like some form of corn is in everything! Earlier today I had Chik-Fil-A for lunch and ordered a side salad instead of my usual southwest chargrilled salad because it turns out that the chicken itself actually contains garlic and corn.
High fructose corn syrup, made from corn starch, appears in most processed foods from soft drinks and condiments to juices and salad dressings. After some research, I discovered that food manufacturers started switching from sugar to high fructose corn syrup in the 1970s because it's cheaper to make and sweeter than sugar. In the April 2004 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that consumption of high fructose corn syrup increased by more than 1,000 percent between 1970 and 1990. Many experts think that high fructose corn syrup is a major contributor to our current obesity epidemic.
And so, due to the pervasive presence of high fructose corn syrup, most processed foods are now off-limits to me - but after learning about some of the problems associated with eating processed foods, I'm not disappointed at all.
I've had several people ask me: What are you going to eat?
Well... I guess I'll just have to learn how to eat real foods - fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats - organically grown whenever possible. I will have to avoid nearly all fast food and keep dining out to a minimum. I'm sure this new diet will be tough at times, but I'm looking forward to eating healthier, paying more attention to what goes into my body, and feeding my body foods that don't cause hidden inflammation. I'll keep you posted with my progress.
WFRV reports that many teens with food allergies are taking dangerous risks. A new survey shows that 54 percent of teens sometimes intentionally eat food they know may harm them, and only 61 percent always carry their Epi-Pen.
Researchers blame peer pressure and lack of education for the frightening findings.
Dr. Stanley Fineman of the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic says, "My biggest fear [about a particular patient] is that he wouldn't tell someone because he gets embarrassed when he starts breaking out."
About 2 million school-aged kids have food allergies. Children with tree nut allergies and asthma appear to be at the greatest risk for severe or life-threatening injuries.
WQAD.com reports that people who are allergic to metals in jewelry may also be allergic to metal crowns and other dental implements.
"For 80 percent of the people that have an allergy on their skin, they also have a problem inside their mouth," says Dr. Joseph Kravitz, a prosthodontist at The Washington Center for Image Dentistry in Bethesda, Maryland.
Studies show up to 16 percent of women and six percent of men are allergic to metal that's found in onlays, crowns, and dentures.
"It gets red, it gets swollen, it gets itchy, and you have a strong metallic taste," says Dr. Kravitz.
The solution is simple -- replace metal crowns with all ceramic ones -- and the allergies usually fade within a day.
The most common allergy is to nickel, but other metals like gold and chromium can also cause problems -- and these allergies can develop over time.
If you have nickel allergy, you can test for the presence of nickel in jewelry and protect yourself from nickel exposure with Nickel Solution.
Life Style Extra reports that allergy sufferers with hay fever may face year-long allergies as the climate changes.
Lindsey McManus, spokeswoman for Allergy UK, says, "The pollen season gets earlier every year..."
"Most allergies have increased over the last ten to twenty years. If the weather gets warmer, it’s bad news for people who are allergic to mold as well, because it tends to be in September or October that the spores are around because they live in leaves, compost, and damp houses."
McManus also warns that if left untreated, allergies may lead to asthma: "If hay fever is not caught early it can lead to asthma, particularly in children. If allergic rhinitis is not kept under control, it is known it can develop into asthma."
"With a lot of allergies, a lot of people haven’t had them diagnosed. There are going to be an awful lot of people out there affected by it who don't know they have it and aren't getting treatment."
Paolo Pianosi, MD, an asthma specialist at the Mayo Clinic, weighs the risks and benefits of inhaled steroids for asthmatic children at ABC Health News.
Dr. Pianosi references the new ads from Partnership for a Drug Free America which warn people to not take steroids. However, Dr. Pianosi goes on to explain that steroids are not all alike, and they can have good and bad effects depending on how they're used.
"The body manufactures many different kinds of steroid hormones: sex steroids, anabolic steroids (used by athletes of notoriety), steroids that maintain salt and water balance in the body, and steroids that help regulate the body's immune system," says Dr. Pianosi.
Steroids used to treat asthma help regulate the body's immune system and reduce inflammation in airways.
Dr. Pianosi says, "The best part is that very low doses of steroids bring great benefit. There is no question that some patients with asthma require higher doses to control symptoms, but this is the exception rather than the rule."
High doses of inhaled steroids can be harmful. For instance, a high dose may cause the body's adrenal glands to stop producing necessary steroids, which could lead to dehydration, a drop in blood pressure, and low blood sugar.
Inhaled steroids can sometimes affect growth in children as well. Studies show that when children start taking steroids, their growth velocity drops just a bit. Steroids may knock off a half inch of final height. But poorly controlled asthma may negatively affect growth as well.
Pianosi concludes that steroids are arguably the most effective medication available to control asthma:
"Ultimately, the decision — to inhale or not to inhale, so to speak — boils down to a risk versus benefit analysis, and (conveniently enough) a summarized analysis has come down from the top asthma brass — a collaboration of the American College of Chest Physicians, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
"The preponderance of evidence concludes that the proven clinical effectiveness of inhaled steroid treatment for asthma decidedly outweighs the proven risks. Do not let steroid phobia interfere with your child's well-being. You want your child to be out there with his or her playmates and not standing dejected at the sidelines."
The Washington Post reports that antibiotics won't necessarily speed your recovery if you develop a sinus infection this winter.
"In the vast majority of cases, rhinosinusitis is a self-limiting disease," says Dr. An De Sutter, of Ghent University Hospital in Belgium. "It can last 10 days or longer, but antibiotics do not influence the course of the disease."
While 50-70% of sinusitis patients are prescribed antibiotics, the drugs can only effectively treat bacterial sinusitis; they are ineffective against viral or fungal sinusitis.
Instead of prescribing antibiotics, doctors should focus on symptom relief: paracetamol for pain relief and intranasal decongestants in case of a blocked nose, De Sutter suggests. "Some patients experience subjective relief by inhaling hot steam," she adds.
WFRV News in Haddenfield, NJ reports on the connection between allergies and migraine headaches:
"If you do have nasal allergies, you're actually 14.3 times more likely to have migraine headaches than a person without nasal allergies," says Dr. Min Ku.
Excess histamine, the chemical released by immune cells during allergic reactions, may cause migraine headaches.
"We think that when nasal allergies occur, a lot of that histamine here can trigger that very first response in the development of migraine headaches, namely vasodilation," says Dr. Ku.
Vasodilation is when blood vessels swell up and stretch.
Dr. Ku concludes, "Our experience has been that if we treat the nasal allergies aggressively, that often times the migraine headaches get a lot better."
Dr. Ku says many allergy patients are diagnosed with sinus headaches when they really have migraines.
HealthScout reports that asthma deaths among American children have dropped since 1999, but rates of doctor visits for asthma have more than doubled over the past decade, according to a CDC report released on December 12, 2006.
Some highlights from the report:
In 2005, 9 percent of American children under age 18 had asthma, compared to 3.6 percent in 1980 and 7.5 percent in 1995.
Asthma death rates increased steadily between 1980 and 1998, but for the most part have declined since 1999, when asthma accounted for 3.2 deaths per one million children. In 2004, the rate was 2.5 deaths per one million.
In the early 1990s, asthma accounted for less than 40 doctor visits per 1,000 children. In 2004, the rate was 89 visits per 1,000 children.
Puerto Rican and non-Hispanic black children have the highest asthma rates, 19.2 percent and 12.7 percent, respectively.
Data from 2003 showed that children with at least one asthma attack in the previous year (nearly 4 million children) missed a cumulative total of 12.8 million school days due to asthma.
Rates of asthma-related emergency department visits for children remained fairly stable from 1992 (103 visits per 10,000 children) to 2004 (97.6 visits per 10,000 children).
An analysis of data from 37 states found that Massachusetts, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Maryland and Rhode Island had the highest rates of childhood asthma. Utah, California, Iowa, Tennessee and Washington had the lowest rates.
It is estimated 80% of asthma deaths could have been prevented with proper asthma education.
Southern Medical Journal points out that natural rubber latex and poinsettia plants share some common allergen proteins, and people with latex allergies may develop cross-reactivity with poinsettia. The medical journal abstract references a latex allergy sufferer who developed a rash after a friend brought a poinsettia plant to her in the hospital. The rash cleared up with antihistamines.
In Hollister Free Lance, veteranarian Dr. Quick reports that allergies in pets are often misdiagnosed by sales people in pet stores who try to increase pet food sales by suggesting that pets have dietary allergies. In fact, only about two to three percent of pets experience dietary allergies - and the symptoms are constant and year-round. However, about 15 percent of pets have environmental or seasonal allergies.
Pets rarely sneeze and cough; their allergy symptoms usually appear as skin problems. Dr. Quick writes, "When I am told that a dog is constantly chewing at their feet, often to the point of damaging the skin, the allergy flag begins to wave. Another frequent sign of allergies is redness and inflammation of the ear flaps, especially without an ear infection. In cats more generalized skin problems often occur. Cats are more prone to developing multiple small scabs around the neck, face and rump."
Dr. Quick also says (in a statement that certainly applies to humans as well): "You must realize that we are talking control, not cure." And t
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Here in Atlanta, the home of AchooAllergy.com, we have had thunderstorms all week. Interestingly, we recently learned that thunderstorms can cause a higher incidence of asthma attacks, as .jpg)
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Last week, we wrote about 
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It's not uncommon for any us to go out for dinner at a local restaurant, and on occasion receiving a mixed up or incorrect order is rarely more than a minor inconvenience. Though for individuals with severe food allergies, this minor irritation can quickly become something much more serious.
I watched a piece on The Today show this morning titled, "From pills to pillows, when to replace your stuff." View it here... 
Little did I know that I would soon be attacked by a bedbug in an upscale hotel in Las Vegas! See .jpg)
An article published today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health shows that children who lived on streets lined with trees have lower rates of asthma, reports 
"In addition to the typical pollen-producing allergies that are rampant during the months of spring, technophiles should take caution that some of their favorite gadgets may be the culprit of certain allergy symptoms," says Dr. Todd Rosengart, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stony Brook University Medical Hospital and Chief Medical Advisor of MDX Medical.
Mothers who have allergies or asthma may want to think twice before enrolling their babies in swimming classes. 
The presence of a particular protein profile in the blood of those suffering from chronic sinusitis may lead physicians to be able to objectively diagnose and treat the disease, 
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Allergy sufferers' red, itchy, watery eyes may in part be a response triggered by an allergic response of the nose.
National Geographic's Green Guide reports on 
At this year's meeting, several allergy researchers spoke about SLIT - sublingual immunotherapy. This "new" allergy treatment is similar to SCIT- subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) - but SLIT delivers the solution in the form of drops under the tongue, as opposed to a needle in the arm.
Before I begin this post, allow me to restate that I am not a doctor, and therefore my understanding of information presented at the 
It may not be news that 
The Daily Mail reports that 
Speaking of soy...
What may seem intuitive to many who suffer from allergies and asthma is that the two are linked. And now it's official: results from a recent national survey have found that "asthmatics that have allergies may alleviate symptoms by reducing allergen exposures inside their homes," as 
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An article in this month's Newsweek entitled 
Don't let the 
According to 
Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore has announced that it has banned latex products.
"Cold and allergy symptoms can be very similar, making it hard to decipher a difference between the two. The main difference is the length of time symptoms last. A cold normally disappears after a week or so, but allergies can last much longer. In order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment, it is important to differentiate between a cold and allergies."
Most people associate seasonal allergies, or hay fever, with the spring and fall, but winter allergy sufferers know all too well that winter brings on its own set of allergic reactions. Although many pollens may have left the air by the time of the first frost, other allergens are present, often in greater amounts. 
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was responsible for an estimated 94,000 life-threatening infections and nearly 19,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2005, reports 
A couple of weeks ago, one of the largest truffles unearthed in the past 50 years was dug up in the Italian countryside by Cristiano Savini's truffle-hunting dog Rocco.
Thanks to this blog, I was able to attend a 
This week's cover story for 
Two-thirds of adults report that their disease is under control, according to 
Halloween can be an scary time of year - especially for children with food allergies and their parents.
Sublingual allergy drops constitute a form of immunotherapy - just like allergy shots - but the drops are not injected with a needle. Rather, one drop is placed under the tongue three times a day, and the drops can be self-administered.
According to 
The Indoor Air Quality Commission Newsletter reports that some laser printers can generate the same amount of ultra-fine particles as tobacco smoke! Breathing in these tiny particles can irritate the lungs and, over time, lead to more severe conditions like heart disease and cancer. The recent study also found that the indoor air pollution from laser printers increases fivefold during work hours.
For the third day in a row, the city of Atlanta (home of 
Even though this topic is not directly related to allergies, I just have to blog about it because this is something I've wondered about my entire life, and I've never heard a satisfactory explanation until now...
According to 
Excessive scrubbing with harsh soaps can strip a protective layer of oil off the skin, leaving the skin barrier vulnerable to allergens, according to the UK's 
According to 
1. Yoga / Swimming / Herbs will cure asthma. Nothing can turn off the switch that's responsible for the inflammation associated with asthma, but certain treatments like yoga can make the lungs healthier and improve breathing. Still, a reduction of symptoms is not a cure.
The 
It seems as if a new theory to explain the rise in childhood asthma pops up every week.
Allergist Dr. Daniel More, M.D., of 
According to 
achoo! ALLERGY was featured in the March 2007 issue of 
