Ronnie Wilson asked:


Do you suffer from allergies? If you do, you may always be on the lookout for ways to seek relief. Although there are a number of natural ways that allergy sufferers are able to treat or manage their symptoms, many turn to medicine. Whether it be prescription medications or over-the-counter medications, many find themselves wondering which ones are the best.

When it comes to determining which allergy medications are the best, there are a number of important points that must first be taken into consideration. One of those points is the type of allergies. For example, different individuals suffer from different allergies. Some suffer from pet allergies, some suffer from mold allergies, some suffer from food allergies, and so forth. Some medications are better for those with certain allergies, as more targeted treatment is provided. One of the best approaches to take is to speak with a professional healthcare provider or do the research online.

Insurance is another factor that should be taken into consideration. Many individuals like to research and compare prescription medications and over-the-counter medications for allergies. With that being said, some individuals do not have the opportunity to try both. For example, if you do not have health insurance, you may be unable to afford the cost of a healthcare visit, as well as the cost of prescription medicine. If you are one of those individuals, you are encouraged to spend most of your time focusing on over-the-counter allergy medications. The good news, however, is that many medicines that were once only available with a prescription are now available without a prescription.

As for what allergy medications are the best, you will find that it all depends, as previously stated. A great way to get started is to speak with a healthcare provider. If you have health insurance, you are advised to schedule a visit with your doctor. In addition to getting a prescription, your doctor may be able to help you with other ways to manage or treat your allergy symptoms. Chances are if your doctor prescribes an allergy medication to you, that medicine is likely to work. If medicine is not prescribed, it is still a good idea to ask your doctor about over-the-counter products, namely which ones work the best.

If you must rely on over-the-counter allergy medicines or if you choose to do so, you may want to do a little bit of research first. There are a number of websites online that allow internet users to rate and review products. Walgreens and DrugStore.com are just a few of the online pharmacy websites that allow the rating and reviewing of products. You are encouraged to review these ratings, as well as read any reviews that accompany them. Of course, individuals respond differently to different over-the-counter products, but you can get a good idea as to whether you should buy the allergy relief product that you wanted to buy or if you should just save your money.

In addition to speaking with a healthcare provider or using the internet to research allergy medications, it is also a good idea to speak to those that you know. You may be surprised just how many individuals there are that suffer from allergies. There is a good chance that some of your friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers suffer from allergies. If they do, inquire as to how they treat those symptoms. If they have tried multiple prescriptions or multiple over-the-counter allergy relief medications, which ones did they like or dislike and why? Were there side effects? These are all important questions that you will want to ask.

As a recap, there are a number of prescription medications and over-the-counter products that are known for their great results. With that being said, everyone reacts different to medications, especially where side effects are concerned. For that reason, you should develop a treatment plan with a professional healthcare provider or rely on trial and error with over-the-counter products.

Colleen F Finnegan asked:


In Part 1:  Understanding the Allergy Basics of the Allergy Control Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies,” the differences between seasonal allergies and indoor allergies were covered as well as diagnosing allergy triggers, the causes of allergy symptoms and important steps to take to find allergy relief.  In indoor allergies, the top three allergen sources include dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander.  Although some allergy sources are harder to identify, pet allergies may often be self-evident as contact with the animal or pet can cause obvious allergy symptoms.  What may not be as well known is what causes pet allergies, as it is not actually the pet hair that is at the root of the problem.  In Part 2 of the Allergy Control Products “The Secret to Living with Allergies” series, what causes pet allergies and steps to reduce allergy symptoms related to pet allergies will be covered.

Step 1:  Learn the Facts About Pet Allergies that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Many people believe that what causes pet allergies is the pet hair, but the allergy-causing material is instead a protein found in the animal’s dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva), saliva or urine that triggers allergic reactions.  These pet allergy particles are particularly small and your allergy symptoms begin as they are inhaled into the nose and lungs or come in contact with your eyes.  In some cases, your allergic reaction may build up and occur hours after you come in contact with an animal.  However, most often, an allergic reaction and the resulting allergy symptoms happen very quickly (within minutes).  

Since all dogs or cats produce animal dander, unfortunately, none are hypoallergenic.  Some animals may produce less dander and people with pet allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds than others.  Symptoms of pet allergies can include sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, runny nose or nasal congestion and contact-induced rash or itching.  For asthma sufferers, allergic reactions such as wheezing, shortness of breath and lung congestion can bring about even severe asthma symptoms.

Pet allergens (pet dander) are the highest in homes with pets, however, pet allergens can be found even in places where pets are not allowed.  Pet dander is very sticky and can travel on clothing to public places.  Pet dander can remain allergenic and cause allergy symptoms for long periods of time and important steps, covered in Step 3, should be taken to reduce contact with pet allergens. 

Step 2:  Millions Suffer from Pet Allergies, with Cat Allergies Being the Most Common Pet Allergy

Although many animals (from birds to horse to dogs) can cause pet allergies, the most common pet allergy is to cats.  Cat allergy may be more predominant due to a higher potency of cat dander as an allergen or the fact that cats are not bathed as frequently as dogs and do more self-grooming, further increasing the presence of saliva and pet dander that leads to allergy symptoms.  According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals.   Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies.  These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma.  The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children.

Taking important steps to control pet allergies can lead to a healthier life for you and your children and potentially avoid instances in which severe asthma or allergy reactions may take place.

Step 3:  What to Do for Pet Allergy Relief

If you have pet allergies and there is a pet in the home, it may be necessary to find a new home for the pet.  This step can be difficult to do and the necessity may be dependent on the severity of your allergic reaction.  If your pet stays at home, the pet must be kept out of the allergy sufferer’s bedroom and you should wash hands or clothing after any contact.  In either instance, cleaning steps throughout the home should be undertaken as it is important to get rid of pet allergens or keep levels as low as possible. 

For effective pet allergy relief, begin with cleaning steps in your bedroom.  Create a barrier between yourself and pet allergens that have accumulated in your bed by covering pillows, mattress and other bedding in allergy-proof bed encasings.  Wash your linens and any other bedding frequently, and even consider replacing bedding items.  The carpet can be the second largest allergy-causing source after the bed, and removing or treating the carpet will reduce your continued exposure to allergens that have built up in the soft carpet surface.  Vacuum any remaining carpet regularly, and it is particularly important to use a HEPA filtration vacuum, as these vacuums are designed to contain small allergy particles such as pet dander.  Air filters in your vents will keep pet allergy particles from circulating in the home, and special filters over an air vent in the bedroom provides an extra level of filtration in the allergy sufferer’s bedroom.

Using HEPA air cleaners or HEPA air purifiers can be particularly good for people with pet allergies, as the tiny pet allergy particle stays in the air for longer periods of time.  The HEPA air filter has a better chance to capture these particles before they settle to the ground, for improved air cleaning.  Give your pet frequent baths to help remove dander on the surface of skin or fur and reduce your pet’s need to groom itself.

Pat Trainor asked:


Have you ever stopped to think about what lives in your bedroom other than you and maybe your significant other? Think small, probably too small to see without hunting with a microscope. No, we’re not talking about the imaginary monsters under the bed. These little monsters are very real. Dust mites, are teeny tiny scavengers that tend to live on discarded skin scales. They thrive in warm, dank, dark and damp conditions and also enjoy dander. Dreadful. Naturally your bedroom and your mattress will serve as an ideal homes to these guys, and, while you may pride yourself on a clean and lovely bedroom, you’d be surprised how clean you need to be, to avoid hosting these “mite-y” critters.

First off, it’s important to know why you want to avoid inviting these guys in as regular house guests. Did you know that dust mites are the most common cause of increased asthma rates among children? Furthermore, the most common cause of allergy in asthmatics is the allergic sensitization to the house mite. These allergies are rarely caused by the dust mites themselves, but by their *****. Yes, here are some further facts that’ll disgust you, and hopefully motivate you to clean your room. Or heck, give this information to your kids and it might prove to be great incentive to get them cleaning their own rooms. ( but, I doubt it.)

Dust mites make their homes in mattresses, upholstery, rugs, carpets, quilts, pillows, in almost all textile items, and the average bed can be infested with millions of mites! The dust mite is very small, cannot be seen by the ***** eye and has a life span of 90-120 days. While the dust mite can leave up to twenty droppings a day, it has the advantage of being able to receive nourishment from its own droppings. Yes, it thrives on its own filth. Unless, you stop them!

Know that the dust mite can produce anywhere from 60-100 eggs. So do the math, and if that’s not incentive enough to get rid of these allergy inducing, poo eating, mass producing scavengers, then, what is?

So the question remains: What can you do to prevent dust mite infestation in your bedroom. Here are some steps to obliterate the dusty buggers:

1. You can purchase a dust-mite cover for your mattress and pillows.

2. Many folks have a tendency to hang onto pillows for years, sometimes even decades! ( I’ve seen the evidence of decrepit pillows hidden beneath lovely pillow case covers- it’s not pretty and not good for you!) Let go of pillow sentimentality and splurge for new ones yearly.

3. Set up beds every morning to air them out and rid them of moisture accumulated during the evening.

4. Wash sheets weekly in HOT water, and while they are removed, you can wipe down the plastic mattress cover with hot water and an antibacterial solution.

5. Wash blinds regularly and mop the floor with HOT water and anti bacterial solution each week.

6. If at all possible a wood floor as opposed to carpet is better for the bedroom.

7. Without becoming obsessive about it, pare down the unnecessary toys, books and stuffed animals. If your husband can’t part with that one fluffy bear, that’s okay. He still needs to sleep through the night, so approach this task with a sense of balance in mind.

8. Keep household humidity below 50%.

Some further tips, that apply not only to the bedroom but to the entire house.

- Never reuse vacuum cleaner bags and try to use a vacuum with a high filtration feature.

- On a regular basis, to kill existing mites on stuffed toys, place them in the freezer or in the dryer on a HOT cycle.

- These mighty critters are not impervious to the sunlight, in fact they can’t live in it- so air out your home and hang out rugs, or blankets on warm days.

- Make sure your home’s equipped with good fan systems, or that you open a window when cooking or showering to avoid the collection of moisture inside.

Try not to take short cuts as you wage a mighty war against dust mites. They are certainly one of the invisible enemies that lurk in many homes.

meeinter asked:


Our introduction to this topic will include the basics, which will be followed by a more in depth look at this topic.

Allergies are the inflammations that answer from the sensitivity to certain stuff, called allergens. The inflammations happen when the immune normal reacts to that particular objective. People all over the world endure from allergies. There are many brands of allergies. The most regular are recurrent allergies that are the answer of certain foliage, plants, or pollens in the air at certain time of the year. Other people experience allergies to particular foods or animals.

Symptoms of allergies adapt by qualities. They are classifyified by gradation of severity, plus mild, moderate, and terrible allergic responses. While there is no discussment for allergies, they can be discussed. Most people experience only mild symptoms. They may enter dilute eyes, tickly skin, a soft nose, coughing, and itchiness. This brand of antipathy can be chargeled by with an antihistamine. There are some over the defy presented, as well as those you can only get with a prescription. You can help degrade the moves by lingering infringe during that time of year. You may also want to ponder receiving an antipathy shot.

For others, the allergic response is moderate. regularly, the response has swell to other parts of the body. They may find it grim to breath. A terrible allergic response can be life threatening. This may be the response to diverse molds. Antihistemines, steroids, and immunotherapy can all detained remedy the stuff.

Ask yourself a few simple questions to determine if you fully understand the concepts that we have went over so far.

While very bloody, they are a sober topic. normally these are the answer of food allergies. Peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most regular. Symptoms enter abscess of the face, abdominal twinge, cramps, itchiness, and angioedema which are itchiness infringe the throat. It is important to obtain direct health interest for symptoms of a terrible allergic response. regularly a shot can help offset the response. The itchiness and rashes take longer to go away. They can be degraded by with a cortisone cream.

Pet allergies are very grim to charge. It may take up to 2 existence expocertainly to an animal to renovate and allergic response. In addition, it can take months after you have congested being around that animal or their dander for the symptoms to halt. This makes it hard to identify the animal as they allergen bepersuade you can be penalty for existence, then it renovates. Most people think as shortly as you are away from the animal it should halt. When it doesnt they trust it must be something moreover cawith the antipathy, so they go back to their normal of interacting with that animal.

An interesting antipathy is to latex. The things is regularly worn in gloves many people use to wholesome their homes. The skin regularly turns red and tickly. For people with asthma, a latex antipathy can be life threatening bepersuade it can blockade the airbehavior.

Some people have a terrible antipathy to insects, especially those with stingers. They may demand health interest to collect a shot of epinephrine.

Allergies move millions of people each year. An antipathy to pet dander is one of the most regular brands. They can persuade you to feel very uncomfortable. Symptoms enter dilute eyes, dry aperture, and tickly skin. More terrible symptoms enter itchiness, asthma attacks, and grimy breathing. Ironically, a qualities can have a dog for a extent of time lacking any symptoms. Then swiftly, they commence. It never crosses their demur that the dog is the allergen.

If you want to keep your dog, but degrade the stuff it has on you, a HEPA filter might be beneficial. It eradicates particles from the air. This will degrade the total of dander around your home. Vacuum your carpet daily and your curtains monthly. This will degrade the dander in your home as well. Some people trust sweeping their dog daily will wrangle dander. That is not proper. In statement, the more you rinse your dog, the more dander will occur. You should only sweep your dog about once a month. If these stuff dont degrade your symptoms enough to make you comfortable, consult your surgeon about antipathy shots or medications.

If you already endure from allergies, but want to get a dog, ponder a breed that sheds their skin leicertainlyly plus poodles and schnauzers. The breeds that shed their skin the greatest and should be shuned enter cocker spaniels and basket hounds. You might also ponder receiving an outfringe dog. This will degrade the symptoms you feel while in your home.

If you have to give your dog to a good home bepersuade your allergies are out of charge, thoroughly vacuum and clean carpets. tint your curtains and stockade. detach any toys and sheet the dog had associate with. Your antipathy symptoms may resume for up to 3 months after this has all been done.

Allergies from your dog can be a nuisance, but they can be chargeled by next these plain tips to make your home more amenable with your allergies. Feeding your dog eminence dog food can also degrade dander particles bepersuade it keeps their coat shiny and vigorous.

Skin allergies are the answer of many different statementors. It may be a pet, a particular food, or a response to medications. Skin allergies can be embarrassing as well as tickly and twingeful. While they cant be eliminated, they can be discussed. There are some brands of skin allergies.

Dermatis is the inflammation of skin. It is normally a rash answering from associate with metals, chemicals, rubber, plants, and pets. Symptoms of dermatis are flush, abscess, burning, hurtful, longing, and binventoryers. These symptoms normally occur on the face and hands.

tickly warm can answer in a rash that occurs for no visible persuade. It can be tickly, and normally goes a way in a few living. Some people do not even feel it, but other poster it. This is regular in small teenren who take medication for recurrent allergies. regularly, the back is the only zone to ***** out.

Uritcaria settles in the medium of the skin. It is caworn by intake a food you are allergic to or a fringe outcome of pleasing a medication. The zone regularly looks burned bepersuade it is light red on the external edges, and very red in the medium.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin. The skin becomes dry, tickly, and peeling. A red rash and binventoryers regularly occur. It moves the face, arms, elbows, and the back of the knees. Eczema may be hereditary, but it is not known. The symptoms normally commence in teenhood. People with eczema regularly experience hay fever and asthma as well. Eczema is the hardest skin antipathy to discuss.

rash are red and tickly blotches. There are 2 brands of itchiness. Acute itchiness last up to 6 weeks. They are caworn by food allergies, medications, bug bites, and symbols of diseases. even itchiness are not very regular. The last indefinitely, on and off over long periods of time. The persuade is not known. Some surgeons trust them to be stress allied.

Skin allergies can be embarrassing and twingeful. They are time consuming to discuss. It is recommended that you see a dermatologist for any skin discomfort. They can discuss it with over the defy crop such as Benedryl, cortisone creams, and antipathy shots.

Cats are one of the most beloved pets in the world. For some who have the troupe of a cat, the allergic response they get from them is too seriously to touch. They symptoms of such allergies enter tickly skin, red and dry eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and grimy breathing. However, if your allergies didnt rise pending after you had your cat for awhile, it can be very grim to have to give it away.

There are some stuff you can do to make your antipathy symptoms lower so you will be able to keep your cat. The allergen is the dander from the cat that compiles around your house in the sheet, curtains, and on the furniture. because most of us expend at slightest 6 hours per night in our bed, it only makes perceive to halt charter your cat on your bed. This will eliminate pet dander while you are resting. It is also recommended that you shower before bed to eradicate any pet dander that may be on you before receiving into bed. You may want to take it a stage added, to not tolerate your cat in your bedroom at all. This will present you a harmless rediscuss when your antipathy symptoms are flaring up.

If you have cat allergies, change your sheet weekly. Vacuum your carpets daily, and sweep your curtains at slightest once a month. These stuff will all seriously eradicate the total of dander in your home. Your vacuum should have a HEPA filter for best answers.

It is forever recommended to sweep your hands after usage any pet. It is even more important if you have allergies. just moving your cat, then your face can delay you with an uncomfortable sundown forward. Use a micro strength cloth to stroke your cat. This will eliminate more dander than a bath, and it is easier. If you still have disorder chargeling your symptoms, seclude your cats to one zone of the house.

care manually vigorous is the important thing, but execution on to your cat is also important. next the crucial stages scheduled here as well as chatting to your surgeon about antipathy shots and medications should tolerate you to feel good and keep that beloved elegant.

Food allergies are among the most dodgy brands of allergies out there. It is the answer of the immune normal not reacting correctly to certain foods, or certain ingredients in foods. The most regular food allergies are nuts, milk, and eggs. Some people just feel ill when they consume something they are allergic to. Others experience abscess in the face, and abscess in the body, dying air paths. rash and rashes are also very regular.

Peanut allergies are said to be the nastiest. Not only do they persuade the most terrible symptoms, peanut oil is worn in so many foods that the number of things that the qualities has to shun can be very long. Last year, a teenage teenager died. She had vanished to the store to lessons with links. Her boyfriend had eaten a peanut butter sandwich after drill before union them. He gave her a goodbye kiss at the store, and the response from the peanut oil swelled her throat hastyen. While it sounds very, alas such happenrences do take place.

Very babyish teenren can have food allergies. It is recommended that you clip a inventory of any food allergies sediscussmently to the diaper bag. This will be a even redemurer to links, family, and teencare providers. It is important teenren with food allergies are attentive of the persuades why they cant have certain foods. This will redemur them to make the right food choices at drill. It is important that your teens principal and lecturers know about the allergies as well. regularly there are classify parties, and if your teen is tempted to eat food they are allergic to, the lecturer can redemur them.

The internet is a great place to find out about food allergies. The Food antipathy & Anaphylaxis group has an brilliant website extensive of information. The organization was produced in 1991. It has over 30,000 components plus families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, drill administrators, lecturers, government operate, and components of the food and drug administration. This diverse group runnings together to educate about food allergies by providing accurate information and heightening attentiveness. They careextensivey observer TV, reportspapers, and the reports channels to be certainly accurate information is being free to the open. They also lobby for added study to be done in the zone of food allergies.

While there is no discussment for food allergies that we know of, correctly wisdom about such food allergies and running with a practiced surgeon can help you find behavior to charge them. It is important if you or a family component has a food antipathy that you make it know to those you are frequently in associate with. This enters co-staff, family, links, neighbors, and daycare providers. This will help them learn about the stem as well as be able to get health interest to you if the post rises. The statement that they are able to let health professionals know you have such food allergies can make all the difference in h how hasty they are able to administer discussmen

In closing, it will benefit you to seek out other resources on this topic if you feel that you dont yet have a firm understanding of the subject matter.

Cindy Heller asked:


Rhinitis during pregnancy can be due to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or non-allergic rhinitis. If the woman has had allergic rhinitis prior to pregnancy, this could worsen, stay the same, or even improve. This change in symptoms may be dependent upon many factors, including the presence of seasonal allergens and increase in pregnancy hormones.

Non-allergic rhinitis in pregnancy may also be due to an increase in pregnancy hormones, leading to nasal congestion, runny nose and post nasal drip. This is called “rhinitis of pregnancy”. The symptoms may mimic allergies, but since they are non-allergic in nature, do not respond to anti-histamines.

The pregnant woman with rhinitis may be concerned about the safety of medications during pregnancy, and therefore avoid taking medications.

If avoidance of allergic triggers is not possible or successful, medications may be needed to control symptoms.

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis During Pregnancy

Allergy testing includes skin testing or blood tests, called a RAST. In general, allergy skin testing is not done during pregnancy, given the small chance of anaphylaxis which may occur. Anaphylaxis during pregnancy, if severe, could result in a decrease in blood and oxygen to the uterus, possibly harming the fetus. Therefore, allergy testing is usually deferred during pregnancy, although a RAST would be a safe alternative if the results are needed during pregnancy.

Safety of Allergy Medications During Pregnancy

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no drugs are considered completely safe in pregnancy. This is because no pregnant woman would want to sign up for a medication safety study while she is pregnant. Therefore, the FDA has assigned risk categories to medications based on use in pregnancy.

Pregnancy category “A” medications are medications in which there are good studies in pregnant women showing the safety of the medication to the baby in the first trimester. There are very few medications in this category, and no asthma medications.

Category “B” medications show good safety studies in pregnant animals but there are no human studies available.

Pregnancy category “C” medications may result in adverse effects on the fetus when studied in pregnant animals, but the benefits of these drugs may out weight the potential risks in humans.

Category “D” medications show clear risk to the fetus, but there may be instances in which the benefits outweigh the risks in humans. And finally, category “X” medications show clear evidence of birth defects in animals and/or human studies and should not be used in pregnancy.

Before any medication is taken during pregnancy, the doctor and patient must have a risk/benefit discussion. This means that the benefits of the medication should be weighed against the risks - and the medication should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Treatment of Rhinitis During Pregnancy

Nasal saline. Rhinitis of pregnancy tends not to respond to anti-histamines or nasal sprays. This condition seems to respond temporarily to nasal saline (salt water), which is safe to use during pregnancy (it is not actually a drug). Nasal saline is available over the counter, is inexpensive, and can be used as often as needed. Generally 3 to 6 sprays are placed in each nostril, leaving the saline in the nose for up to 30 seconds, and then blowing the nose.

Anti-histamines. Older anti-histamines, such as chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine, are the preferred agents to treat allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, and are both category B medications. Newer anti-histamines such as over-the-counter loratadine (Claritin/Alavert and generic forms) and prescription cetirizine (Zyrtec) are also pregnancy category B medications.

Decongestants. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, many generic forms) is the preferred oral decongestant to treat allergic and non-allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, although should be avoided during the entire first trimester, as it has been associated with infant gastroschisis. This medication is pregnancy category C.

Medicated nasal sprays. Cromolyn nasal spray (NasalCrom, generics) is helpful in treating allergic rhinitis if it is used before exposure to an allergen and prior to the onset of symptoms. This medication is pregnancy category B and is available over the counter. If this medication is not helpful, one nasal steroid, budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua), recently received a pregnancy category B rating (all others are category C), and therefore would be the nasal steroid of choice during pregnancy.

Immunotherapy. Allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy, but it is not recommended to start this treatment while pregnant. Typically the dose of the allergy shots is not increased, and many allergists will cut the dose of the allergy shot by 50 percent during pregnancy. Some allergists feel that allergy shots should be stopped during pregnancy, given the risk of anaphylaxis and possible danger to the fetus as a result. Other than anaphylaxis, there is no data showing that the allergy shots themselves are actually harmful to the fetus.

mtchbx20rol asked:


I know havign dust mites in itself can’t cause your reproduction system to go array but having an allergy can. So is my question way off base or is there a possibility of it happening?