By this point we all know how important it is to remove
the carpets, especially in the bedroom. Sometimes though,
this just is not practical. Perhaps you are renting your
home or apartment or maybe you just had the carpet replaced
before you became aware of your dust mite allergy. Don't
worry, there are ways around this.
One option is tannic acid (3% solution). Although the
acid doesn't kill the dust mites, it does destroy the mite
allergens. The solution can be easily sprayed on
troublesome surfaces and is fast acting. It may, however,
cause staining of carpets and upholstery. On a positive
note, tannic acid may inactivate cat allergens, but this
requires frequent application. Unfortunately, tannic acid
has a temporary effect at best.
Another option is an "acaracide," which comes as a
powder or spray that actually kills the dust mites and
decreases the antigen levels. This product is available
through allergy supply companies, but remains unavailable
in Canada.
Allergy Alert
The presence of a smoker in the home will sabotage the
best of all possible treatment programs for allergies and
asthma. If you, your spouse or partner, or your child have
chronic allergies or asthma problems, don't smoke and don't
allow smoking in the home. Smoking may be the reason why
allergy and asthma symptoms are persisting despite an
otherwise thorough allergy control and medication treatment
program. Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are
at a 50% increased risk of developing asthma. There are no
excuses and "smoking outside" is not good enough. If you
smoke, quit now. It's terrible for you and for everyone who
lives with you.
This is frequently a challenging issue for both doctors
and allergy sufferers. Common sense and emotion often
collide and differences of opinion amongst family members
may complicate the problem. In order of their
effectiveness, the recommended control measures for a
significantly allergic or asthmatic individual are:
Find another home for the pet.
Keep the pet outdoors at all times. Remember, though,
that the allergens will come into your home on your clothes.
Keep the pet out of the allergic person's bedroom at
all times.
Even after you have found a new home for your pet,
animal allergens may still persist in your home for many
months in the typical reservoirs, carpeting, upholstery,
and mattresses. Repeated vacuuming, steam cleaning, and
applications of 3% tannic acid solution will help
neutralize the remaining allergens.
If parting with your pet is unacceptable, the following
are additional tips for managing the home environment.
When the pet is indoors, keep it in a room with few
allergy reservoirs, such as the kitchen.
Provide your cat or dog with its own bed.
Use a HEPA filter in the bedroom and a portable room
heater if needed. Seal off the room air ducts.
Wear a mask when handling the litter box, or even
better, have a non-allergic family member do it.
Vacuum with a double filter or a HEPA filter.
Wash the cat weekly to help remove surface allergens.
Allergy
Assist
Kittens take to regular bathing better than do older
cats. Start slowly with a few drops of tepid water (soap
is not necessary) on its fur and then progress to a full
rinse. Reward the cat with treats - this might
help.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Hoarseness (abnormal deep, harsh, raspy voice) is caused by a variety of conditions in which the larynx (voice box and vocal chords) are irritated or injured. Examples of causes of hoarseness include: laryngitis, straining the vocal cords by yelling or screaming, infections, GERD, allergies, and more. Treatment of hoarseness depends on the cause.
Asthma, the main cause of chronic illness in children, has signs and symptoms in children that include frequent coughing spells, low energy while playing, complaints of chest "hurting," wheezing while breathing, shortness of breath, and feelings of tiredness. Treatment will involve a doctor creating an asthma action plan which will describe the use of asthma medications and when to seek emergency care for the child.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Managing allergies caused by indoor allergens means reducing your exposure to them.
Biologic rhythms, or biorhythms, are how our bodies respond to the regular phases of the sun, moon, and seasons. A medical chronobiologist studies how the "body clock" or biorhythms affect diseases and how the body clock responds to treatment of diseases and conditions at different times of the day.
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