Preventing Airborne Allergens - Anti Dust Mites Products,
Mold, Pollen and Pet Dander Controls. Prescription Allergy Drugs.
What are Allergies ?
Allergies are a reaction to normally harmless substances (allergens), by an oversensitive
immune system these include hay fever, allergy to mold, dander, dust, food allergies, drug
allergies etc. An allergy is a type of immune reaction. Normally, the immune system responds to
foreign microorganisms or particles, like pollen or dust, by producing specific proteins called
antibodies that are capable of binding to identifying molecules, or antigens, on the foreign
particle. This reaction between antibody and antigen sets off a series of reactions designed to
protect the body from infection. Sometimes, this same series of reactions is triggered by
harmless, everyday substances. This is the condition known as allergy, and the offending
substance is called an allergen.
| Types of Allergies |
Allergy Treatment and Prevention |
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Allergies are relatively common.
Both hereditary and environmental factors have been found to play a role.
Here is a list of the most common.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Anaphylaxis
Asthma
Cosmetic Allergies
Drug Allergies
Eczema
Food Allergies
Hay Fever
Hives
Insect Stings
Latex Allergy
Plant Allergies
Sinusitis
Tests You Take
Doctor's Exam
Skin Test
Blood Test
Elimination Diet/Food Challenge Test |
Allergy Proof Your Environment
Allergy Medications
Allergy Shots
Antihistamines may help suppress
symptoms. Reducing the swelling of the
lining of the nose and conjunctiva of the
eyes. Short-acting antihistamines, which are
generally non-prescription, often relieve
mild to moderate symptoms but can cause
drowsiness. In addition, these short-acting
antihistamines can blunt learning in children
(even in the absence of drowsiness).
An example is diphenhydramine.
Longer-acting antihistamines can be equally
effective, but do NOT tend to cause
drowsiness or affect learning in children.
Also See:
Non Drug Products For Airborne Allergens |
| Common Allergens |
Reactions to Allergens |
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Common allergens include those that contact the skin, breathing passages, or surface of
the eye (such as pollen, mould, dander and dust Mites) Food allergies and drug allergies are also common. Allergic reactions can also
be caused by INSECT BITES, jewelry,
cosmetics, and almost any substance that
contacts the body. Some people have
allergic-type reactions to physical stimuli...
hot or cold temperatures, or sunlight. |
Inhalation can often cause:
Nasal congestion, itchy nose and throat,
mucus production, Cough or wheezing.
Plant allergies often cause SKIN RASH.
Drug allergies involve the whole body.
Some disorders may be associated with
allergies. These include ECZEMA and
ASTHMA, among others. See Skin Medications
and Asthma Medications |
| Allergy Shots (immunotherapy) |
Allergy Symptoms |
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are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Regular injections of the allergen are given, with each dose slightly larger than the previous dose. Allergy shots keep your body from over-reacting to the allergen.
They do not work for everybody and require frequent doctor's visits.
Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) require Epinephrine, which can be life saving when administered soon after exposure by
patients themselves. |
runny nose
tearing eyes, burning or itching eyes
red eyes, conjunctivitis, swollen eyes
itching nose, mouth, throat, skin
wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing
hives (skin wheals) skin rashes
stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
headache
Food allergens can cause nausea, vomiting, Abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea,
or life-threatening reactions. |
| Allergy Medications |
Allergy Prevention |
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Longer-acting antihistamines can be equally
as effective as short-acting antihistamines,
and do not usually cause drowsiness.
These medications, which normally require a
prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra)
and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Other drugs alleviate symptoms, these are
decongestants, nasal sprays, corticosteroids.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are effective and
safe for people with symptoms not relieved
by antihistamines alone. These medications
include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone
(Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ)
Normally, These corticosteroid and
antihistamine drugs require a visit to the
doctor as they are prescription medications. However, dependent on your country of
residence (or State of residence in the USA)
Purchase them online by means of a
Free Online Consultation (Questionnaire)
The online pharmacy will then issue a
prescription and send the drugs ordered
(assuming you satisfy the Physician that
you are eligible and have no health risks for this type of medication |
Children who have been breastfed are less
likely to have allergies. Mothers who avoid
cow's milk, eggs, nuts and peanuts while
breastfeeding can prevent allergy-related
conditions, incl. eczema, in some children.
Once you develop allergies, you cannot
prevent them. It is therefore important to
treat the allergies and carefully
avoid the allergens that cause them.
If sensitive to outdoor allergens such as
pollen, stay indoors during the heaviest
concentrations of it or when it's windy.
Turn on your air conditioner (making sure
that the filters are clean) both in your house
and car. Clean your dog or cat after it's
been outside as pollen can cling to fur;
or give your pet away.
Take a shower yourself after being outdoors.
If allergic to dust, keep your house clean.
Get rid of carpets and other fabrics, such as
curtains. Wash clothes and bedding often.
Do not use down pillows or comforters.
Consider a Dehumidifier
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| No Prescription Needed |
Allergy Nutrition and Diet Alternatives |
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Scientific studies have shown that only 1% to
2% of adults truly have a food allergy, and
90% of all food allergies are caused by the following eight foods:
milk, egg, wheat, peanut, soy, tree nuts, fish
and shellfish.
If you have allergy symptoms that you believe
are food related, it's helpful to keep a food
diary. Always seek qualified assistance if you,
or a member of your family, want professional
help for your food-allergy investigation.
Studies in Agents and Actions and the Journal
of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan found
that quercetin, a bioflavonoid, was able to
reduce the release of histamine from mast cells,
an integral part of triggering allergic reactions.
Some studies indicate that vitamin C may have
some abilities as an antihistamine, but the
evidence is not consistent.
Another study found that the components in
ginkgo biloba interfere with the action of
platelet-activating factor, a key component in
triggering allergic reactions. The Journal of
Pharmacy and Pharmacology published a study
which found that the compounds in the herb
feverfew have an ability to inhibit the release
of histamine from mast cells. Another herbal
remedy is elder flower for use in colds and
congestion as it increases bronchial secretions.
Eucalyptus leaf and oil is also Commission E
approved for use as an expectorant for
congestion of the respiratory tract.
Commission E also approved Ephedra for
diseases of the respiratory tract accompanied
by mild bronchospasms in adults and children
over the age of six. Be aware that Ephedra
should not be used by individuals with:
high blood pressure, glaucoma, anxiety,
impaired circulation of the cerebrum,
adenoma of the prostate with residual urine
accumulation, pheochromacytoma or
thyrotoxicosis. Side effects can include:
insomnia, irritability, restlessness, headaches,
nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (palpitations). |
| Airborne Allergens and Links to Non Drug Prevention Products |
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Cat or Dog Dander Cat allergen, the allergy-causing material from cats, is not actually cat hair
but instead a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. The allergens become airborne
as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, can produce allergic
symptoms. There is no relationship between the pets hair length and allergen production,
and no such thing as a non-allergenic breed.
Dander in soft materials, such as carpets,
mattresses, upholstered furniture, and clothing, can persist in that fabric for long periods of
time. That is why, unless special steps are taken, pet dander can remain in a home for up to
six months after the pet has been removed. |
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Dust Mites
Anti Dust Mite Bedding - Use of these barriers are a must for dust mite allergen sufferers.
Dehumidifiers and Pollen and Mold Control
Mold Control Specialized products can be used to treat mold problems within your home.
These products, including the Mold Zapper, a treated shower curtain, mold cleaning
products, and others, work to either kill mold spores or inhibit mold growth.
Asthma - drug-free nasal irrigation treatments
RinoFlow Nasal Wash & Sinus System is a safe, drug-free nasal irrigation treatment,
that you can use daily to help prevent infections by keeping your nasal passages clean.
It can help anyone suffering from upper respiratory ailments such as:
Sinusitis - Allergic Rhinitis - Allergies - Common Cold
It can be especially helpful when used along with any allergy medication your doctor might have prescribed because keeping the nasal passages clean and moisturized may give your
medicines the best chance of working. You can also use RinoFlow when you feel well,
as a preventative cleansing therapy to help keep you from getting a sinus infection.
Also See:
Nebulizer Kits & Masks |
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