6 Ways to Foil Fall Allergies

Most people think of spring as being the worst time for allergies. But fall allergies can be far worse for many people and can wreak havoc for allergy sufferers. Here are six tips that may help you lessen your symptoms.

Roses and walkway. Pasadena, California by Carole Jakucs, 2013. Image subject to copyright.

1. Find and antihistamine that works for you: Everyone is different and what works for some may not work well for others. You’ll also want to consider side effects and try to identify the one that produces the least side effects for you. Follow the dosing instructions and read the alerts (contraindications) on the package.
2. Keep your hair clean and free of dust, pollens and other irritants. If you spend time outside when counts are high, particles land on your hair. Shampoo it regularly to help lower the amount the sits on your hair.
3. Consider nasal rinsing with sterile salt water: There are a number of different brands available (both name brand and generic) of sterile saline (salt water) rinses. These can help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages as well as rinse out mucus and irritating particles that can sit in your nose. Follow the package directions for frequency of use and for advice on when not to use. Talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you to do.
4. Fresh air is great for your home or apartment but remember that outdoor particles do come in. Consider purchasing a HEPA air filter for at least your bedroom. And if you can have one in each room that may give you even more relief. Change the filters and operate the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Try to minimize your time outdoors if the pollen, grass, mold and weed counts are high.
6. Car vents: Remember that the ventilation system in your car can hold all of the same particles that are floating in the air outside. If you are using forced air in your car, keep the windows open for at least the first five minutes it’s running to help them float back outside.

Taking a broad scope and proactive approach to fighting allergies may help to reduce your symptoms and reduce your need for medications. Talk to your doctor or health care provider for any concerns about your health.

Bug Off and Out of Our Food: Eating Bugs-Read your Labels

When the Starbucks controversy surfaced regarding their use of an FDA approved “natural” food coloring additive called “Cochineal” in some of their drinks and pastries , my first thought was; if this comes from a beetle, there must be people who are allergic to it. Many people are allergic to cockroaches, and some receive immunotherapy (allergy shots) to reduce their sensitivity to them; so, it would stand to reason people would be allergic to cochineal. After a bit of research, here is what I found:

• Various scientific studies have been performed and documented cases of asthma and allergy symptoms being exacerbated (worsened) by consumption of products containing cochineal.
• Known under many names, cochineal can also be listed as; cochineal extract, carmines, and carminic acid. It is used in foods and beverages as a “red” food coloring. Many companies use cochineal in many of their products, and not only in foods and drinks.
• Besides being used in various smoothies, beverages and pastries, it can also appear in yogurts, candies, cosmetics (especially lipstick) and shampoos, to name a few.

According to their press releases, Starbucks will be changing their formulations and removing cochineal soon. Hopefully, all the other companies will follow suit. *In the interim, if you have a history allergies and asthma, or, can’t figure out what you’re reacting too with unexplained hives or any other symptoms; play detective and read your food, beverage and cosmetic labels to reduce your exposure to cochineal and any other additives you think your body may be allergic to.

Allergies-Nothing to Sneeze At: 4 Tips on Medicines that Can Help

If you suffer from allergies and have tried various "natural" measures to reduce your symptoms, but find you and are still having problems, you may need allergy medication(s) to help you further. The following is a brief synopsis of four categories of allergy medicines that may make you more comfortable.

1. Antihistamines: These work to counter the effects of “histamine” in your body. These help to reduce the amount of sneezing, itching (skin and throat), runny nose and watery eyes.
2. Mucolytics: These work to help thin out the mucus you may have in your nose and the back of your throat to help get it out. If too much mucus builds up, it sets the stage for a possible bacterial infection to develop.
3. Oral Decongestants: These work to temporarily shrink nasal passages.
4. Steroid Nasal Spray: These also work to reduce the amount of swelling in your nose, are non-habit forming and can only be obtained by a prescription.

It’s important you drink enough water to stay hydrated when you have allergy symptoms and also when taking these medications. If your mucus membranes get too dry, you’re more vulnerable to picking up an infection and less able to fight it off.

Read and follow all package warnings and directions before you use any medications. This is important for everyone, but especially if you have certain medical conditions such as (but not limited to) high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. Also, if you are on other medication(s); be certain to read all warnings and directions on the medication label/package.

See these links for more info on allergies.

http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/control-your-allergies-by-controlling.html

http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html

http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-into-action-3-more-tips-to.html

*Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you have about your health.

Spring Into Action: 3 Tips To Allergy Proof Your Home

Spring is here and reducing your exposure to irritating allergy triggers is one of the best ways to help minimize the severity of your allergy symptoms. It also may help reduce the amount of medication you need in managing your allergies or asthma.

1. Opt for leather furniture as opposed to upholstered furniture. Unless you are allergic to leather; try to get leather couches and chairs since fabric furnishings can hold dust mites which are a source of problems for many people.
2. Choose window shades instead of blinds, shutters and drapes; as these can hold a tremendous amount of dust.  Window shades can be easily cleaned and hold less dust to begin with.
3. Do not use candles or incense as these fragrant products contain chemicals that can cause allergic and asthmatic symptoms for many people. Many folks use these products for their relaxation producing scents, not realizing they can severely worsen their allergies and asthma.

See these links for more information on allergy proofing your home and limiting your exposure to various sources of allergy producing items. http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/control-your-allergies-by-controlling.html and http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html

*Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.

Control Your Allergies by Controlling Your Environment

Spring is here for allergy and asthma sufferers due to high pollen counts in many parts of the country. Take a few steps to control your environment to help reduce your exposure to allergy “triggers”. This will also help to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Here are 10 helpful tips:

1. Stay indoors and keep your windows closed when you can if pollen counts are high.
2. Wash your hair more frequently to remove pollen and dust that settled on your hair after being outside. This is also important on windy days.
3. Vents/air conditioning in cars can hold a lot of pollen, dust and mold particles. If you have to turn it on, don’t allow it to blow directly at your face; direct/angle the vents away from you.  Keep the windows open for a several minutes to let any airborne contaminants out of the car.
4. Invest in HEPA filters; one for every room in your house is ideal.  However, if you cannot afford that, purchase at least one for your bedroom. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding filter replacement and operation of the unit(s).
5. If you work in an office that has carpeting, and, or unfiltered air, consider purchasing a HEPA filter to keep at your workstation.
6. Encase your mattress and pillows in allergy prevention/proof “encasements”.  Doing this reduces the number of dust mites that live in your pillows and mattress. Dust mites are unrelated to pollen counts, however, reducing your exposure to all possible allergy producing culprits (AKA triggers), will help you overall. Many people with allergies are allergic to dust mites too (in addition to pollens).  Follow the package directions for your encasements regarding washing instructions and life expectancy. Replace them as per the manufacturers recommendation and, or,  if they look torn and worn.
7. Avoid perfumes, colognes, aftershave, nail polish and false nails. These can exacerbate symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers. Many people are allergic to these products and don't even know it. Use fragrance free facial and body products whenever possible.
8. Try to live in a house or apartment that has hard wood floors.  Carpeting harbors dust mites, molds, dirt and various irritants that spell trouble for people with allergies and asthma.
9. If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom and off of the furniture to reduce your exposure to animal dander.
10. Wash all your bedding once per week in hot water.  Hot water helps to reduce the number of dust mites in your bedding. Use only fragrance free laundry detergent and static prevention tissues.

For more tips on reducing allergy symptoms, see this link: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html

Attacking Spring Allergies with Nasal Irrigation and Rinsing

Spring Pollens are already upon us, coming earlier this year than expected. Try nasal irrigation or rinsing to help keep your allergy and sinus symptoms under control. The advantage of doing this is that it is natural and drug free, using only sterile water and a prepared salt (saline) mixture to help clear and soothe your nasal and sinus passages, by reducing swelling and removing mucus.

• Nasal Saline Irrigation: Consider irrigating your nasal passages once a day, at a minimum if you are experiencing nasal and, or, sinus symptoms. Two types of irrigation systems are available. One consists of a “plastic bottle with a cap and tube”, the other is a “neti-pot” (which looks like a small tea pot).  Both provide for a thorough irrigation. Use one that contains "prepared mixture packets" to be used with either Distilled Water or previously Boiled Water. *Use sterile water only. Never use tap, lake, ocean or dirty water for any nasal irrigation bottle or neti-pot usage. Contaminated water (including tap water) can cause infections and death in extreme cases. 

Warm water works the best as it helps to loosen nasal and sinus mucus and calm swollen nasal passages. Be careful that the water is not too hot; you do not want to burn your nasal passages or any other body part. Also, do not irrigate without the salt (saline) as doing so with only plain water, will sting your nasal passages and increase swelling.

Follow the package directions diligently regarding usage and contraindications (who and when you should not use it) and cleaning of the unit/system. These must both be thorough cleaned properly after each use and also allowed to air dry.

• Nasal Saline Rinsing:  This comes prepared as a “mist” in a small sterile metal bottle/can. This is quick and easy to use since no preparation is required. Also, the can/mist set up does not allow you to inadvertently aspirate your nasal mucus back in the bottle, keeping it clean inside. Clean the tip and top of the unit after each use.
• More on Nasal Rinsing: Other saline nasal rinsing products come in a plastic squeeze type of bottle.  There are many brands on the market. These are smaller, plastic bottles and easier to carry, however: *Be careful not to suction/aspirate any of your mucus back into the bottle. If this occurs, germs from your nose will go into the bottle. The can cause an infection and make you sick if you use a contaminated bottle. As with the other units above, clean the tip and top of the bottle after each use.

For more tips on controlling your allergy symptoms, see this link: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/control-your-allergies-by-controlling.html

*Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.

Eight tips to help control your fall allergies

Allergies plague many.  Fall can be as troublesome as spring for some people. Some are allergic to dust and dust mites only (present year round) while others are allergic to animal dander and, or, grasses, weeds, pollens and trees. You can help to control your allergy symptoms by taking a few steps to reduce your exposure to your “triggers” (the things that worsen your allergies). 

1     Wash all bedding once a week in hot water. This helps to reduce the number of dust mites that are present.  Also, use a hypoallergenic/fragrance free laundry detergent, especially if you are allergic to fragrances.

2.      Encase your mattress and all pillows in allergy proof/prevention encasements.  As in # 1 above, this reduces the dust mite population that enjoys living in our mattresses and pillows. Follow the package directions for your encasements regarding washing instructions and life expectancy. Plan on purchasing more when they are no longer effective.

3.      Buy a HEPA filter for every room in your house.  If you can’t afford this, then try to purchase at least one for your bedroom to help keep mold, dust and other airborne particles under control. HEPA filters can range in price from approximately $50 – $80 depending on the size you purchase (according to the room size you plan on using it in), brand and the store.  Most big chain department stores carry HEPA filters.  They are easy to use.  Follow the directions regarding replacement filters as this is important so the filter runs at an optimum level to achieve the highest level of air quality possible with its use.

4.       Avoid perfume, cologne and after shave.  Many people are allergic to these and are not aware of it. If you are already suffering from seasonal allergies, using these products can exacerbate your symptoms (adding fuel to the fire so to speak). Look for fragrance free facial and body products whenever possible.  

5.       Opt for hard wood floors whenever possible.  Rugs and carpeting harbor dust mites, molds and a myriad of dirt and irritants that can negatively affect sensitive people.

6.       Keep pets out of your bedroom and off of the furniture.  Many people love animals (as do I) however, if you have allergies, they can be a source of symptom provocation. You may want to consider a “no pet policy” for your home, depending on the severity of your  (or your loved one’s) symptoms.

7.       Wash your hair more frequently to remove airborne particles (pollens etc.) that sit on the hair which can worsen your symptoms (during your problem season).

8.       Contact your doctor for persisting or worsening of symptoms.  There are over the counter remedies that can be helpful such as antihistamines, decongestants, mucolytics and saline nasal rinsing kits. (Follow package directions on all medications and products). However, some people also need prescription allergy medications (such as, but not limited to a steroidal nasal spray, for example) to give them the best control of their symptoms. *See your health care provider for any pain that develops to rule out the presence of a bacterial infection which would require treatment with antibiotics. Also, some people may need to see an Allergist/Immunologist (MD) for allergy testing and for possible treatment with "immunotherapy" (allergy shots) as another treatment option if their symptoms and test results warrant this per their physician/specialist.