Your Complete Allergy & Asthma Relief Source

What is an Allergy?
An allergy is defined as an abnormal sensitivity to a substance, which would normally be tolerated and considered harmless. The most common allergens include house dust, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and mildew. Since the early '70's, homes have been built with airtight specifications to conserve energy, allowing allergens to stay trapped in your home for prolonged periods of time. Your first step should be to learn from your doctor what allergens you are allergic to. By following our steps to avoid these specific allergens in your home, you will significantly increase your chance of finding allergy and asthma relief!
 
What is an Allergic Reaction?
An allergic reaction occurs when a harmless particle enters your body. Your immune system is tricked into thinking this substance is harmful and tries to fight them off. In turn, this triggers sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes. In severe cases, allergies can be linked to asthma and sinusitis. In extreme cases, allergies can result in fatalities.
 
How do I achieve allergy & asthma relief?
There are three main treatments that aid in allergy and asthma relief. This decision should be left up to your doctor for the correct steps to take. First, there is environmental control. The less allergens you are exposed to, the less chance you have of experiencing allergic reactions. Second, there are pharmaceutical drugs, which don't actually rid your body of allergens but do block the symptoms and provide relief. Third, there are allergy injections, which are usually reserved for more severe cases but have been proven to be very successful. By injecting your body with the actual allergen you're allergic to, your body starts to build up a tolerance to them. Injections begin with a very small amount of the allergen but increase over time, decreasing your vulnerability to them.
 
Why does house dust cause me to have an allergic reaction?
House dust is a main trigger to allergic individuals all over the world. Even though there are many different particles that make up house dust, the one that causes the most problems is the dust mite. A dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) is a microscopic creature that makes its living by feeding on the dead skin flakes from humans and other warm-blooded creatures. The dust mite is similar to an insect and is part of the arachnid family. Many people believe we are allergic to the dust mite itself, when in fact, we're allergic to their waste products and body parts when decomposition occurs. The average mite will produce around 20 waste products each day. Due to their extremely small size, many of these become airborne and inhaled.
 
Where do Dust Mites Live?
Dust mites thrive in warm, dark and humid areas such as pillows, mattresses, furniture, carpets and even draperies. Dust mites need at least 50% humidity and a plentiful source of food to survive. The dust mite population in a typical mattress can contain over two million unseen predators. They reproduce exceptionally fast, making them very hard to control. An average female will lay between 20 and 50 eggs every two to three weeks. Although complete elimination is impossible, there are steps to follow in order to dramatically decrease your exposure to dust mites.
 
How do I achieve relief from Dust Mites?
When considering using steps to aid in dust mite avoidance, your first area of concentration should be in the bedroom, since we spend 6 - 8 hours here daily. By following your physician's recommendations and our simple steps, you can greatly increase your chance of achieving allergy and asthma relief.
 
Steps that will aid in Dust Mite Avoidance
(In order of importance)
 
  1. Encase pillows in a zippered allergen impermeable encasing.
  2. Encase mattress, box spring, and comforter in allergen impermeable zippered encasings.
  3. Make sure to wash all other bedding in at least 130-degree water every two weeks.
  4. Remove carpeting. If usable:
    1. Use a miticide to kill mites.
    2. Use tannic acid to denature allergens in the carpet.
    3. Vacuum every week, using a HEPA vacuum cleaner to prevent allergens from becoming airborne. Always wear a mask when doing house chores.
  5. Try to remove upholstered furniture from the home. Instead, decorate with wood, vinyl, tile or leather.
  6. Freezing can also be used to control levels of dust mites. Place items outside on a cold night or in a freezer to aid in the removal of them.

  
  1. Control and monitor the humidity in your home by using an accurate humidity guage. Optimal humidity level should be between 35% and 40%. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners will help to maintain this level.
  2. Remove stuffed animals that cannot be hot water machine-washed from the bedroom.
  3. Remove heavy curtains and blinds. Replace with window shades. Keep clothing in closets with the doors closed at all times.
  4. Cover all heating vents in the home with electrostatic filters. Also, consider replacing central furnace filters with permanent electrostatic filters.
  5. Clean all dust collecting articles in the home as often as possible with a special cloth that prevents dust from becoming airborne.
  6. Consider using a HEPA air purifier to aid in the removal of airborne allergens.



 
What is mold?
Molds are simple microscopic plants that are among the most prevalent creatures on earth. Mold fungi that produce mold spores are among some of the oldest forms of life. They survive on tiny amounts of decomposing plant or animal matter. Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air that settle on organic matter and grow into new mold clusters. Mold counts are present indoors and outdoors almost year round but are higher in the summer months. Mold spores thrive in warm, dark and moist places. In the fall, mold can be found on fallen leaves and rotting logs. Inside the home, mold can be found in damp basements, bathrooms, air conditioners, humidifiers, mattresses, and carpets.
 
How do I achieve relief from mold?
  • Reduce indoor humidity level below 50% (35% - 40% is the preferred level) by using the following:
    1. Air conditioning units in the summer time
    2. Dehumidification units
  • Use household cleaners that inhibit mold growth especially in areas of your home where moisture may collect.
  • Avoid steam-cleaning carpets; moisture trapped in the padding will promote mold growth.
  • Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry.
  • Make sure the bathroom and kitchen are well ventilated.
  • Avoid all areas where mold growth may be present, such as:
    1. Basements
    2. Piles of leaves, grass or rubbish
    3. Wooded areas
  • If exposure is unavoidable, make sure to wear a mask.
  • Remove carpeting from basements and bathrooms.

 
What is animal dander?
Many people believe that pet allergies are provoked by the fur on the animal. Studies have found that the major allergens caused by animals are proteins that are secreted by the oil glands in the animal's skin and shed in dander. Proteins are also present in the animal's saliva. When animals clean themselves, these proteins will stick to their fur, later becoming airborne when dried. Cats, dogs, and birds are the most comon producers of animal allergens. Animal dander can be found almost anywhere due to it's small size and ease of becoming airborne. Once the dander comes into contact with fabrics, it can remain there for up to six months after the pet has been removed. Ultimately, the best choice you can make, even though it is a hard one, is to remove the pet from the home.
 
How do I achieve relief from animal dander?
If you are unable to remove the pet from your home, consider the following:
  • Keep the pet out of the bedrooms, especially the allergic individual's bedroom.
  • Wash pet weekly to reduce the amount of dander shed.
  • Use Allerpet after and in between every washing.
  • Vacuum weekly using a HEPA Vacuum Cleaner or a double layer micro filtration bag.
  • Use tannic acid sprays and powders to neutralize animal dander in the carpet or upholstery.
  • Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce the amount of airborne dander.
  • Since animal dander can remain in a mattress for up to 6 months, it is important to encase the mattress, box spring, and pillows.
  • Make sure that whomever touches the pet, washes their hands before coming into direct contact with the allergic individual.

 
What are pollen allergies?
At least 35 million people in the United States are allergic to wind-borne allergens. Each spring, summer, and fall, tiny particles known as pollen are released from trees, weeds and grass. Although their mission is to fertilize parts of other plants, many never reach their destination and instead enter the noses and throats of humans. Pollen is responsible for triggering a type of seasonal allergy known as "hay fever." Symptoms include stuffy and runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, or an itchy throat, nose and mouth. Once pollen becomes wind-borne, it is very hard to prevent it from spreading. It can enter your home through open doors or windows, clothes, pets and even hair.
 
How do I achieve relief from pollen allergies?
  • Try to avoid doing strenuous activities outside, especially in the morning or afternoon. This is when pollen counts are at their highest.
  • If you must go outside make sure to wear a mask, especially when doing yard work.
  • Close windows and doors while running air conditioners.
  • Run a HEPA air purifier to help rid the home of airborne pollen allergens.
  • Do not hang laundry outside to dry (especially sheets and pillow cases); instead use a hot air dryer.
  • Use window ventilators to filter outdoor air.

 
Allergy & Asthma Relief!
  This site created and hosted by ENTER.NET