What are things I can do to make my home more dust free to prevent my allergies from acting up? Answer >

I have always maintained a garden, but over the past few years, my nose becomes runny every time I work in it. What's causing this? Answer >

I have terrible reactions to mosquito bites. I was told it wasn't an allergy, but I sometimes get blisters that last for days. What can I do? Answer >

Are there any types of cats that won't make my allergies act up? Someone told me that cats that don't shed hair are safe. Answer >

I've used over the counter antihistamines for my springtime allergies, but they make me sleepy. What else can I try for daytime relief? Answer >

What are allergy shots? Do they work for hay fever? Answer >

What are things I can do to make my home more dust free to prevent my allergies from acting up?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease — it cannot be cured, it can only be controlled. Asthma is characterized by: With allergies, avoidance is really the best medicine, but sometimes it is near impossible to do that such as in the case of people who have allergies to dust and dust mites. Sometimes though, this "dust" allergy is really a wastebasket term for any number of allergens that might cause an allergic reaction at home such as dander from pets, molds, fibers, and actual dust mites and their waste products (which are usually the culprit), and cockroaches.

• Encase all mattresses and box springs in dust-proof coverings
• Keep all animals away from the parts of the house that are usually inhabited (such as bedrooms).
• Remove all carpeting.
• Keep only washable materials in the house (sheets, tablecloths, drapes, etc.) Routine washing of these materials must occur with water temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the killing of all dust mites.
• Avoid upholstered furniture
• Avoid blinds for the windows
• Keep furnishings to a minimum
• Clean everything once a week
• Add either Electrostatic or high-energy absorption (HEPA0 filters to the living quarters
• Use Dacron mattress pads and pillows

Again, sometimes it may seem as though establishing control over one's environment may seem insurmountable at times, but persistence can pay off. For help with air quality indoors try www.niehs.nih.gov which is the part of the National Institutes for Health division of Allergy Prevention.

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I have always maintained a garden, but over the past few years, my nose becomes runny every time I work in it. What's causing this?

Many flowers, vegetables, plants and grasses are responsible for the sneezing, runny noses and teary eyes suffered by the 40 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies. Many of these allergy sufferers are avid gardeners, but continue their hobby by taking some careful steps in growing their gardens and lawns. Avoiding the allergy producing plant is the most important step to do this, an allergy sufferer must learn to control his/her natural environment. This can be time consuming, expensive and frustrating, but the reward is a symptom free stroll in the garden.

First, a consultation with an allergist is helpful as they already can test a person for most of the molds, grasses, and plants that produce allergy attacks. Then, managing the garden to avoid those plants and planting more trees and shrubs that are recognized by allergists as producing fewer allergic reactions. (This information can easily be found at most modern home gardening stores or from an allergist.) Additional steps include wearing a mask when doing tasks such as weed and grass removal, showering after working in the garden and storing all gardening clothes and tools in a spot away from the interior of the home to maintain a allergy free home.

If the allergy occurs for only short periods of time during the year, an allergist may be able to recommend additional medical therapy during these seasons.

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I have terrible reactions to mosquito bites. I was told it wasn't an allergy, but I sometimes get blisters that last for days. What can I do?

There are allergies to mosquito bites. It is thought that when a mosquito bites a person, the mosquito initially releases a type of protein in its saliva that allows it to feed better. This protein is thought to cause the reaction that produces a hard little bump on the skin on most people, but this bump itself is an immune reaction. Sometimes the protein in the mosquito's saliva can cause an exaggerated immune response such as blisters or persistent swelling. A few people can develop a life threatening reaction known as an anaphylactic shock.

The best defense is avoidance of the mosquito which can be hard as mosquitoes seem to be everywhere. Things to try are avoiding marshes and swampy areas in warmer climates, wearing insect repellant, and wearing clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Currently, an allergy shot such as a bee sting shot does not exist, but if you get bitten, then try over the counter anti-itching products for localized bites and an anti-histamine for larger bites. If there are any symptoms that suggest a larger reaction, such as lightheadedness or throat tightness, then go to an Emergency room Right away as it may represent a life-threatening allergic reaction.

A consultation with an allergist may be needed if these symptoms have been present at any time before.

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Are there any types of cats that won't make my allergies act up? Someone told me that cats that don't shed hair are safe.

Unfortunately, there are not any types of cats (or dogs) that will not provoke an allergy attack. There is a common misconception that animals that have less hair or shed less are safer for people who have allergies. The actual source of most allergies to pets comes from allergy-provoking substances (called allergens) located in pets skin, saliva, and waste products. These allergens can stick to the animal's hair after they have been produced. Some animals make more of these substances than average and some less, but the fact remains that all pets produce substances that can cause potentially life-threatening allergy attacks for those who are sensitized.

If a person with allergies to pets is in close contact with animals that provoke their attacks, they should take measures to protect themselves. Avoidance is the best remedy, but often times contact cannot be completely avoided. If the pet is in the house, controlling the environment is the next approach. This means not allowing the pet in certain rooms (such as your bedroom) and frequent cleanings of the furnishings to reduce the amount of allergens that may provoke an attack. If at any time an allergy attack is life-threatening, then the pet must be removed immediately from the area and emergency medical care should be found immediately.

Consultation with an allergist is recommended for these types of allergies prior to living with a pet.

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I've used over the counter antihistamines for my springtime allergies, but they make me sleepy. What else can I try for daytime relief?

Newer antihistamines, referred to as 2nd generation and intra-nasal steroids offer sufferers of allergic rhinits year-round relief with fewer side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.

How Allergies Work When allergic persons are exposed to allergens, or allergy causing substances, a cascade of events takes place. This cascade is initiated by a chemical called histamine, which ultimately leads to allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose.

How Antihistamines Work Antihistamine medications, used for over 50 years, act by blocking the histamine receptors on cells which prevents the cascade from even starting. There are histamine receptors all over our bodies, including in our brains. The early antihistamines could affect the receptors in the brain and caused side effects such as dry mouth and drowsiness.

Antihistamines are available in tablet, nasal-inhaler, eye drop, and syrup form. Antihistamines are generally categorized as first- and second-generation. Older, first generation drugs can be bought over the counter without prescription. Some examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), carbinoxamine (Clistin), clemastine (Tavist), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), and brompheniramine (Dimetane).

2nd Generation Antihistamines Newer medications have been created that have less or little activity in the brain and are referred to as 2nd generation antihistamines. These medications, such as Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra and others are effective medications for blocking the histamine response that is triggered by exposure to allergens. They do so with fewer side effects. (We list the trade names here for ease of reference only, Discovery Health in no way endorses any one product.) You may choose to discuss this type of medication with your healthcare provider for relief of allergy symptoms with less sleepiness.

Although the use of antihistamines has not been extensively studied in children, 2 pediatric syrups are currently available for treating pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis: cetirizine (Zyrtec) for children 2 years and older and loratadine (Claritin) for children 2 years and older.

Corticosteroids and Allergies Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Nasal sprays containing steroids (not the body building type of steroids!) are also very effective in preventing the allergic response without sleepiness side effects. Corticosteroids available in nasal spray form include beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase), fluticasone (Flonase), flunisolide (Nasalide), and triamcinolone acetonide (Nasacort). In 1999, mometasone furoate (Nasonex) was approved in the US for use in patients as young as three; this is the first corticosteroid spray to receive such approval. Another spray, budesonide aqueous (Rhinocort Aqua) was also approved in the US in 1999 for children over six and requires only one daily dose.

Alhough oral steroids can have many side effects, the nasal-spray form affects only local areas. The risk for wide spread side effects is very low unless the drug is used excessively. The major concern for children is whether they will slow growth. Studies to date on Nasonex, recently approved for three-year olds, has found no growth retardation. More research is warranted. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of these medications in children.

Allergy Resources
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,
85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
Call (847-427-1200) or fax (847-427-1294) or ontheInternet(http://allergy.mcg.edu//website/view?area=ja\&URL=http://allergy.mcg.edu/)
This organization publishes information sheets on specific allergies and offers a number for referrals to allergists in local areas.

National Allergy Bureau and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Hotline for getting the weekly pollen and mold-spore count. Call (800-9-POLLEN).

National Allergy Supply,
4400 Georgia Highway, 120 PO Box 1658, Duluth, GA 30155.
Call (800-522-1448) or (404-623-8077) or fax (404-623-5568).

Allergy Control Products, Inc.
96 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
Call (800-422-DUST or 3878)

Reference: Copyright Nidus Information Services 2001 Well-Connected

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What are allergy shots? Do they work for hay fever?

Many people find relief from allergies with the use of immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Gradually, the body is desensitized to the offending allergen (allergy causing substance) by having increasing amounts of it injected just under the skin. Shots are usually given weekly and cause only minor discomfort that many tolerate quite well. The allergenic extracts are extracted from the source material (e.g., pollen grains, cat pelt, dust mite cultures).

Immunotherapy for seasonal rhinitis has been used successfully since 1911. People who suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) often see a dramatic decrease in their symptoms and need for medication following several months of shots. In addition, after three years of therapy, many are able to discontinue the shots with little to no increase in symptoms. Immunotherapy is also used successfully for insect sting hypersensitivity.

The mechanism for the decrease in symptoms involves many arms of the immune system. One element that has been clearly documented is a decrease in the body's production of histamine and other chemicals in response to exposure to the offending agent.

The primary risk of allergen immunotherapy is the risk of a reaction to an injection. Reactions can be local, producing a rash, swelling and/or itching or systemic. Systemic reactions, can be mild (all over body hives), life threatening, or fatal (low blood pressure, shock, respiratory failure).

References: Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
Volume 20, Number 2, May 2000

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