Pet dander and you: keeping your house clean and safe
June 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Allergies, General Health
Its not the pet hair your allergic to, it’s the pet dander. The main allergen in pet dander is traces of a protein from microscopic bits of pet skin, saliva and urine. Pet dander is often found on fur of animals and can float in the air and settle in places pets are not allowed. In an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine in response and you can suffer itchy eyes, runny nose or nasal congestion, hoarseness, rashes, sneezing or wheezing.
To eliminate symptoms you must eliminate pet dander. Set up “pet-free” zones trying to keep pets out of the bedroom and definitely out of the bed. Get a good HEPA vacuum and get all the nooks and corners in your house, even in the pet-free zones. Use an air purifier or air filter for your furnace and vents. Cleaning the air eliminates lots of other pollutants, so this is a very healthy choice.
Groom all your pets regularly, outside if you do it at home, and pay attention to what you feed them. Some foods may irritate their skin, causing excess dander flaking. By keeping accumulated pet dander to a minimum, you should see a relief in symptoms right away.
Allergies or something more – how to tell
June 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Allergies, Colds and Flu
Do you get annoyed when people sneeze and cough a lot? It really can be annoying. And, more than that, when others sneeze and cough they pass along their germs. The worst is when they say to you that they just have allergies and they do nothing about it. So their sneezing persists for 2 months at your expense. Sometimes you wonder if they really have allergies or if they just have not treated that cold that everyone else went to the doctor for a month ago.
Allergies, like a cold are something that you should see the doctor for. However they differ from a cold. Here are some basic facts that will help you to better understand if you or someone you know is suffering from allergies.
• The symptoms occur at the same time every year or last throughout the year.
• The symptoms last as long as you are exposed to a particular substance.
• Your respiratory illness lasts longer than one or two weeks
It is extremely important that you treat your allergies if you do have them. They will not go away left untreated. Consult with a doctor regarding your symptoms and he or she will help you best determine whether you are suffering from a cold or allergies.
Is it possible to stop a cat allergy from developing?
Over the past year I've begun to feel a little irritated on my eyes and nose when I stay at a person's house who has two cats. It is not bad at all yet, but I believe my allergy might be developing. I have a younger brother that has slightly worse cat allergies; sniffles and sneezing. I would hate to get cat allergies because I think I want a cat when I'm older. Is it possible to stop a cat allergy from developing? Thanks.
Is it possible to have an allergy from yogurt?
I've noticed that after I eat yogurt my face starts to itch. It is usually with the peach or strawberry yogurt flavor. I've stopped eating yogurt but is it really possible to have an allergy to it?
How can I keep from retaining water since I have developed an allergy to diuretics?
I have had a total-body rash for six weeks now and the doctor is convinced I have developed an allergy to diuretics. I have been off of them for three weeks and have gained about 18 lbs in fluid weight. The doctor had me try a different diuretic this morning, but within an hour my skin was crawling and burning so I know I cannot take those pills again. Has anyone had a similar experience that they can share what has worked for them, aside from restricting sodium intake.
How long does allergy season last in Ohio?
I have been a long time allergy sufferer. I just moved to NE Ohio from Florida. While I was living in FL, my spring allergy season would go from March to end of April. But up here, I just started getting symptoms in April. Now it is May and I am still suffering (even with Rx drugs). Do any of you know when I should expect relief?
Seasonal Allergies: When to call the doctor
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how very annoying they can be. Your eyes itch and burn and water, your nose runs, and you just feel 'stuffed up' and foggy. You probably sneeze a lot, too. Your symptoms may vary some, and sometimes they'll be worse than others. So, how do you know when you really should check with your doctor?
If you suddenly have allergies and you didn't have them before, it's worth finding out why that's the case. If your allergies get very severe, that's also worth checking into. They should be roughly the same as they have always been, although they can vary somewhat because some years are simply worse for allergies than others.
You may also experience some differences in your allergies if you move, because areas of the country are very different when it comes to how much pollen they have and what kind of pollen. If your allergies become severe, though, and over the counter medicine isn't working, it may be time to call your doctor.
There are allergy shots and prescription medications that you can take and that will likely be much better for your problems. They are designed to help people with more severe allergies, so checking into them is worth the time.
Is there any information out there regarding a severe allergy to cat scratches? I am not referring to cat?
Is there any information out there regarding a severe allergy to cat scratches? I am not referring to "cat scratch fever" disease, but an allergy where the site of the scratch becomes swolen and red, and the person has hives and trouble breathing.
Thanks so much!
What is the best allergy medicine for allegies that affect the skin? Rashes, itching and such?
Zyrtec? Clariton? SIngulair? Anyone out there get itchy rashes on face or hands and had it helped by allergy medicine?
What Allergy Medication is the best for spring allergies?
I have recently, with the on set of spring, started having allergy problems which include a feeling in my throat like it is closing. Is there an OTC medication that works better than other and wont make me sleepy?