Pollen is flying throughout the air during most of the year. Whether it is trees, flowers, grasses or weeds, millions may suffer from four to eight months out of the year. Drug companies target the 26 million seasonal allergy sufferers in the United States each year with ongoing advertising campaigns. Unfortunately, many of these same allergy sufferers may have more side effects due to the use of these drugs than realized.  Allergy doctors are reporting that these over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are not helping their symptoms.

While it is tempting to just lock himself away if you’re one of those who suffer from allergies, there may be natural allergy remedies that can help you enjoy summer as much as someone who has no allergies.

When an allergen hits enters a persons body, histamine is created. Histamines create physical responses such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes and more to help get rid of allergic offender.  While most allergy drugs that you buy at the local drug store are only designed to treat the symptoms, others such as antihistamines may stop the production of histamine giving temporary relief.

Other Allergy Remedies

Neti pots and sinus rinse devices are used worldwide to help clean the sinus cavities. A mixture of non-iodized salt with water can help rinse away the allergens from the nasal cavities. Many allergy sufferers report feeling brand new for a day after rinsing their nose with salt water.

Another natural allergy remedy is quercetin. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid, which helps the body slow the release of histamine. It is also believed to fight free radicals. The quercetin is found naturally in foods like apples, parsley, tea, onions, citrus, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine but supplements are also available. Quercetin should not be used by people with liver problems or who are pregnant or nursing.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids as cold water fish, flaxseed oil and nuts can help with allergy symptoms. If you are prone to a lot of congestion of your allergies, try mixing a little horseradish, hot mustard or chili pepper to food. They are natural decongestants. Try to avoid foods that cause allergic reactions, because they may trigger a stronger response while fighting other allergies.

There are several other natural allergy remedies available. Do some research online and find one that works best for you.

About the Author:

Jason Baker is a owner and operator of a health food and vitamin store in Houston, Texas and writes articles for local holistic publications.

Natural Cure for Allergies

Skin allergies are different for each person but there are many materials used in making jewelry which could cause an allergic skin reaction.  Someone who has a skin allergy may have it in a limited area or even on other parts of the body.  There are even times when a person can have an allergic reaction in their hands and feet, making it difficult to do everyday tasks. When a person receives a skin allergy is called allergic contact dermatitis. The skin has a chemical reaction to the substance that has come into contact with. In these cases, you have to physically touch a material such as jewelry to get the allergy.

Skin Test for Jewelry Allergies

One way to find out what causes skin allergies is achieved like playing a guessing game. H owever, no are no winners in this. You would test products on your skin to see if you have a reaction. Do not worry, there is an easier way. Doctors make the test patch. Take a small piece of skin (this will not hurt) and then put each patch of skin in contact with common materials which are suspected as allergens. They look to see if there is a reaction. The doctors do all the hard work for you and you do not have to suffer.

These are some of the most common causes of skin allergies:

• Nickel and gold. These metals are usually found in jewelry. Nickel is found in closures or buttons. Gold is slightly more common. Many pieces are made or coated gold. If you have an allergy to any of these metals, usually a rash break out when the metal touched her skin. Certain people may have a reaction to costume jewelry.
• Balsam of Peru. This fragrance is found in many lotions and perfumes. Another name for the pereirae Myroxylon. If this is the guilty of a skin allergy, check the ingredients of perfumes and lotions used to see if it is present.
• Neomycin sulfate. This substance commonly found in first aid creams and ointments. Unfortunately, a doctor may prescribe a topical cream for a rash previous only for the patient to find out also have skin allergies to the substance. Can also be found in cosmetics, soap and pet food.
• Cobalt chloride. This is a real problem for some people, because this is normally found in antiperspirants. However, there are other places of cobalt chloride shows such as hair dyes and silver pieces in it (buttons, snaps, tools).
• Quaternium 15. This is a preservative found in many products that women tend to use. You can find self-tanners, shampoo, nail polish and sunscreen. Try to find products that do not use this option if you have skin allergies to Quaternium 15.

About the Author:

Related Post: Nickel Allergy.

About the Author: Joshua Niekelson is a well-known jewelry designer and customer jewelry maker in New York City.


To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

How to Clean & Maintain Body Piercings : What Causes Body Piercing Allergic Reactions?

Some states in the US have laws that regulate specific areas of the larger indoor air quality and indoor air pollution issue. Other states are considering laws that would effect citizens of their state. On a national level, Federal OSHA has looked into developing a specific standard on ” Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants” but thus far, this effort has been unsuccessful. Worldwide, laws and regulations regarding indoor air pollution vary widely.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air pollution from a human perspective is generally defined as poor indoor air quality which has the potential to cause an acute or chronic illness or symptom of illness in a person as a direct result from exposure to a airborne pollutant.

What are some of the indicators of Indoor Air Pollution in my home?

The three most common complaints regarding Indoor Air Pollution are:
* Feeling better when leaving the home or worse when arriving
* A dusty environment where the furniture stays dusty even after cleaning
* Ongoing or unidentified odors

What are some of the health symptoms of Indoor Air Pollution?

Symptoms could include but not be limited to:
* headache
* eye, nose, or throat irritation
* dry cough
* dry or itchy skin
* dizziness and nausea
* difficulty in concentrating
* fatigue
* sensitivity to odors
* cough
* chest tightness
* fever and chills
* muscle aches
The symptoms can be clinically defined and have clearly identifiable causes. It is important to note that complaints may result from other causes. These may include an illness contracted outside the home, acute sensitivity (e.g., allergies), job related stress, and other psycho social factors. Nevertheless, studies show that many symptoms can be caused or exacerbated by indoor air quality problems.

Do chemicals create Indoor Air Pollution?

Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the home. Over 75,000 chemicals are used in common household cleaning products, only a fraction have been tested for human health concerns. Some of the most common chemicals found in household cleaners are also the most toxic. Recent studies have shown an alarming amount of chemicals accumulating in people’s fatty tissues, these are the same chemicals known to cause serious health concerns, from immediate and through long term exposure. Chemicals enter the body through skin absorption and inhalation of fumes or vapors. Once a chemical enters the body, your system usually has to process it. Many chemicals have a target organ which they migrate to. Some organs are made to process and filter; others are not.

Can mold and other living organisms cause health problems and allergies?

Yes, biological contaminants such as bacteria, molds, pollen, insect parts, dust mites and viruses are types of biological contaminants. Certain biological contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has accumulated in ducts, humidifiers, and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation. Insects and dust mites are a common source of biological contaminants which can accumulate in bedding, furniture, and carpeting. Physical symptoms related to biological agent exposure include cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper respiratory congestion.

What should I do if I have a serious Indoor Air Pollution problem?

You may consider having a professional Indoor Air Quality Consultant perform a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment. It is common for a experienced consultant to find the source of your problem during a simple Phase 1 visit. In harder cases it is sometimes necessary to complete a Phase 2 Environmental Assessment which would involve detailed inspection of such areas as the attic, the crawl spaces, air handling equipment and so on. Some direct reading testing instruments and simple laboratory samples could also be taken during a Phase 2 Assessment. At any point, the consultant may have sufficient information to formulate a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, and see if the problem is solved. Recommendations are then prescribed to assist the homeowner or building owner with a plan of action to control the issue in the future.

Is air sampling the easiest way to identify indoor air pollutants?

Although air sampling for contaminants might seem to be the logical response to occupant complaints, it doesn’t always provide information about possible causes. While certain basic measurements, e.g., temperature, relative humidity, CO2, and air movement, can provide a useful “snapshot” of current house conditions, sampling for specific pollutant concentrations is often not required to solve the problem. Air sampling should not be undertaken until considerable information on the factors listed above has been collected, and any sampling strategy should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the house or building structure and the nature of the complaints. For example; When taking a laboratory or direct reading sample it may be more important to qualify (identify) certain pollutants than to quantify (count) the pollutant.

About the Author:
The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and it’s effect on allergies. Take the Indoor Air Pollutant quiz at the Sick House Center.

Indoor Air Pollution: The Silent Killer

Allergy Vacuum Cleaner or Vacuum Polluter?

It is easy to “clean by sight” when vacuuming a floor or carpeting – a couple of passes with the vacuum and the dirt, dust and particles are gone. However, what we don’t see are the thousands of microscopic particles still remaining which can cause a host of allergic symptoms.

A great portion of indoor air pollutants fall into the broad category particles, also known as particulate matter. I consider particulate matter control in the indoor environment to be at the top of the list for improving and maintaining good IAQ.

Particulate matter is derived from a multitude of sources including but not limited to pesticides, lead dust from sanding of old paint, synthetic fibers, organic fibers, dust mite feces, insect parts, bug parts, soot, chemical powder, pollen parts, tobacco smoke and of course, just good old house dust.

Each cubic foot of air in your home can contain tens of thousands of particles and are measured in microns. There are 25,400 microns in one inch. Approximately 98-99% of all particles by count are in the size range of 10 microns or less and the majority of harmful particles are 3 microns or less in size. The average adult breathes in about 16,000 quarts of air per day. Each quart of air breathed in contains some 70,000 visible and invisible particles. That’s potentially a billion particles per day taken in by our respiratory system.

Without doubt, the greatest tool available to remove these particles of all sizes including microscopic particles is the HEPA (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuum. The certified HEPA vacuum cleaner (or central vacuum system) is the best particle removing device over which you have total control. You decide what surfaces you vacuum and when. Any other vacuum filter is potentially a vacuum polluter and only recycles the microscopic particles which are responsible for many respiratory allergies.

Regular use of HEPA vacuum technology can drastically improve allergies symptoms in a home environment.

About the author:
Stan K. Hall has been a recognized specialist in indoor air pollution for 25 years and has performed over 400 in-home environmental evaluations. He has been recommended by doctors, nutritionist’ as well as other health professionals for his expertise in diagnosing and remediating sick houses. Go to the Sick House Doctor website.

Reducing Allergies at Home:Reducing Allergies: Vacuum Types

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is believed to be the most common form of asthma affecting over 10 million asthma sufferers worldwide. Over 3 million children under age 18 suffer from allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is characterized by symptoms that are triggered from some type an allergy. Allergy related asthma is airway obstruction and inflammation that can be controlled with medication. Indoor related allergic asthma can occur when allergens that are commonly found indoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs thus causing an allergic reaction.

Indoor Air Allergens

• Cat or dog dander
• Dust mite feces
• Mold spores
• Dead insect parts
• Pesticide dust
• Household dust
• and much more

Symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma can be similar:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest tightness

However, the major difference between allergic asthma and asthma is that an asthma attack can be triggered by inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and other airborne triggers thus resulting in asthma symptoms.

Controlling allergies and asthma in public can be quite challenging, however controlling them while at home in very manageable.  It is important to learn about the methods and technologies available to reduce indoor air triggers in your own home environment.  Inside your home is the only environment which you have full control over your environment. After all it is the place we sleep and spend most of our most time; why shouldn’t it be free of allergy and asthma symptoms.

Technology to the Rescue

Utilizing the proper technology combined with the knowledge of how to use that technology will make the greatest reduction of asthma causing allergens in the home environment. Many asthma allergens fall into the broad category of airborne particles which must be removed from the environment on an ongoing basis. High Efficient Particle Air (HEPA) filter technology can drastically reduce asthma symptoms within days from their initial use. However, HEPA filtration devices must be used regularly to keep the asthma causing allergens at bay.

About the author:

Stan K. Hall is a recognized specialist in Indoor Air Pollution as well as Health & Safety in the home. He has performed over 400 indoor environmental evaluations over the past 26 years and has helped hundreds of homeowners make their homes a haven. He is widely known as the originator of T.E.A.M., the scientifically proven approach to controlling and resolving indoor air pollution. You can read more about allergies and asthma at his web site: Sick House Doctor.

breathing techniques for children with asthma and allergies

Shellfish allergies are considered the most common cause of severe allergies in adults throughout the world. In addition, shellfish allergies is the primary allergy known to manifest for the first time at anytime during adulthood.

Shellfish and Iodine

Although many shellfish species may be rich in iodine, there is no scientific evidence that shellfish allergies raise the risk of developing or having an iodine allergy. Furthermore, it has never been proven that people with shellfish allergies need to take precautions to avoid iodine when undergoing medical tests.  Iodine is not related to the protein that causes shellfish allergies. However, some persons feel that they may have an iodine relative; because they are allergic to shellfish or are known to have an fish allergy.

Avoiding Shellfish

Simply avoiding shellfish is really the only method to prevent a allergic reaction. Having a health professional diagnose the exact type of shellfish you are allergic to will help you to plan your seafood diet. Otherwise, shellfish should be avoided completely since the allergic reactions can be severe.

Examples of shellfish:

• Abalone
• Clams
• Cockle, sea urchin
• Crab
• Crawfish, crayfish
• Lobster
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Shrimp

Shellfish restaurant dishes to avoid

Here a a few dishes and their common names to keep an eye out for when examining restaurant menus:

• Paella
• Bouillabaisse
• Seafood gumbos
• Frito misto (a mixed fried fish dish from the Mediterranean coast)
• Fruits de mer (seafood)
• Surimi (a processed seafood product)
• Anchovies (pizza topping)
• Caponata
• Kedgeree
• Fish sauces (Nuoc Mam and Nam Pla)
• Patum Peperium
• Menhaden
• Be aware that some oriental food tends to contain lots of different kinds of fish and are hard to detect unless you ask ahead

Related Post: Food Allergies and Fish Allergy.

About the Author:
Carlton Smith is a food critic in North Carolina and writes about fine dining experiences in various cuisine publications.

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Medical Conditions & Treatments : Symptoms of Shellfish Allergies

Allergies tend to run in families and can be passed down to children from generation to generation.  People who tend to suffer with chronic allergies are usually referred to as “atopic allergy” sufferers. Atopics have an underlying tendency to allergic reactions and may be encoded in the DNA that are passed from parent to child. The genetic risks from two parents can add up but the actual figures are uncertain because the results may vary from study to study. If one parent is atopic, then there is a 20-58 percent chance a child will be also, whereas if both parents are atopic, then the chance grows to 50-80 percent. Whats shocking is the fact that allergies seem to be on the increase even though we carry the genetic allergy makeup of our ancestors.

However, genes are about two-thirds of the problem with our environment playing an important role in allergies. Environmental conditions such as diet, smoke, air pollutants, pollen, dust mites, mold and other allergens determine whether or not an allergic reaction occurs. Allergens in our indoor and outdoor continue to increase thus causing more allergic reactions even in those individuals with little or no allergies the previous year. Luckily, we do have control over the indoor environment and can eliminate certain allergens from our home such as smoke, dust mites, insects and so on.

Controlling Allergies

Food allergies can be controlled through medication, allergy shots and elimination dieting choices. However, indoor environmental allergies can be controlled by reducing the amount of airborne allergens.  A H.E.P.A. (High Efficient Particle Air) air purifier or vacuum cleaner are proven to dramatically reduce allergens from the indoor air. The consistent weekly use of H.E.P.A. devices can make a huge improvement in airborne related allergies while at home.

About the author:

The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and other related issues. Read more about What Causes Allergies at the Sick House Center.

Kids & Parents Can Share Food Allergies

MSG (mono sodium glutamate)  is the sodium cousin of glutamic acid and believed to be the cause of countless illnesses ranging from mild headaches to severe neurological disorders. Glutamatic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body will produce what the body needs and we don’t have to rely on getting more from our diet.  It is a very important body acid as the brain uses glutamic acid as a neurotransmitter.

Why MSG?

The MSG food additive is made by mixing glutamate with salt and water and is a process similar to the way soy sauce is made.  It is believed to be added to as many as a million processed food products and is commonly used in restaurants to further taste. MSG is used by the food and restaurant industry because they believes it improves taste. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) states that it is used because it is much cheaper than using herbs and other natural spices to improve the taste of food.

MSG Side Effects

The use of MSG in food can result in:

• Numbness
• Burning sensation
• Tingling
• Facial pressure or tightness
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing for asthmatics
• Brain seizures

The MSG, Alzheimer’s Connection

Recent studies have shown a connection to MSG and Alzheimer’s disease as well as obesity and increased potential for strokes. The media has appeared to jump to the conclusion that obesity and stroke may lead to Alzheimer’s.However, it would seem that MSG may be a primary reason for the rise in Alzheimer’s cases in those patients that are also obese and have had strokes. The fact of the matter is; MSG is a known neurotoxin which can dramatically effect brain cell function.

It is best to avoid food products which are suspected to contain msg all together. However that can be quite a challenge since food manufacturers are allowed to add msg containing ingredients without labeling it as such. Here are just some of the hidden label tricks used by manufacturers:

• Certain gelatins
• Calcium Caseinate
• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
• Textured Protein
• Monopotassium glutamate
• Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)
• Yeast Extract
• Glutamate
• Autolyzed Plant Protein
• Yeast food or nutrient
• Glutamic Acid
• Sodium Caseinate
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Vegetable Protein Extract
• Senomyx (wheat extract labeled as artificial flavor)

About the Author:
Donna Bocowski is a certified nutritionist practicing in Chicago, IL

anyone of you allergy to MSG

Dander Allergy

It is believed that over 60% of all modern households throughout the world have a dog or cat as a pet and over 10% of those households can have at least one person which has dander allergies.

What is Dander?

Dander from pets are secreted (oily) fluids from their skin, a particle which contain allergens called dander. The oily-like fluids can collect on fur and feathers and can can cause allergic reactions in hypersensitive persons.

Even though dander allergies from a dog or cat are more prevelant, other pets can create dander allergy problems as well to include:

• Birds
• Guinea pigs
• Mamsters
• Mice
• Rabbits
• Rats
• and other furry friends

While an allergic individual may exhibit allergic reactions from their dander, they are more likely to actually be allergic to their saliva and urine. Once dry, these secretions become airborne and can be a source of allergic reactions for children, adults and laboratory animal workers. Proteins whcih are found in the animal’s saliva and urine are considered to be strong allergens.  Many of these allergens are microscopic and can become airborne for extended periods of time only to be breathed in by an allergy sufferer.

Related Posts: Pet Allergy, Pet Allergies and Dog Allergies.

About the Author: Daniella Jensen is a pet shop owner in Santa Monica California and writes pet related articles for local and online publications.

Allergy Symptoms & Treatments : How to Prevent Dander Allergies

An allergy to peanuts is a serious condition and is usually a life-long proposition which may effect both children and adults. It is paramount that persons with a peanut or nut related allergy avoid all exposures which can create a life threatening reaction.

The most common symptom of peanut allergy is acute hives (urticaria) which usually occurs within minutes of exposure. However, many peanut allergy sufferers also develop severe angioedema, swelling of the face, bronchospasm and anaphylaxis following exposure.  Some peanut and nut allergy sufferers are so sensitive that they will develop symptoms even when they are in the presence of someone who has eaten peanuts or has been in contact with peanuts.

Because peanut allergies are so prevalent, much research has been performed to understand the allergy better and possibly find a cure. There are studies currently being conducted at Duke University Medical Center, in North Carolina that is showing promise for all food allergy sufferers. Their study is called The Duke Food Allergy Initiative, which has been running several immunotherapy studies and intends to have some definitive results within the next few years.

Peanut Allergy Statistics

• Peanut and peanut related allergies are a serious problem that can become fatal in severe cases.
• Someone who suffers from chronic peanut allergies should always be prepared to seek immediate medical attention
• Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the best and most effective treatment available for a severe peanut allergy reaction and a EpiPen should be available immedaietly when out in public. Person in public with them should understand exactly how to use the EpiPen if you were to have a reaction.
• There are thousands of peanut-free foods and resources available to those with a peanut or other nut allergy.
• A peanut allergy is one of the “Big 8″ food allergens which account for 90% of allergies combined. (21 million in the US alone).
• More than 3 million people in the US are believed to be allergic to peanuts, tree nuts or both.
• About 1% of the U.S. population has a peanut peanut related allergy.
• Recent studies have shown that over 20% of patients with peanut allergy will outgrow it.
• A allergic reaction to a peanut or peanut related food is the most common cause of food related deaths.

About the author:

Benny Jacobson writes a column in the Allergy Journal and is considered to be an expert on peanut and other nut related allergies.

The Peanut Reaction