sohaila asked:


I am under house dust mite allergy since 1994. I have taken a lot of vaccine shots but I still need to see doctor after every 3-4 months. I have been asked not to eat meat and rice particularly.

Jun Y asked:


I’m not sure if my older bed has bed bugs or not, I wonder if I cover the bed with vinyl case would prevent them to come out?
If vinyl is not good, any recommendation?

Audrey Lynn asked:


Allergies is a condition which affect thousands of people in the world. One of them could be your friend or loved one. Imagine how sad it is when you took time to carefully choose the perfect gift for your loved ones, only to learn soon after that your gift just trigger a bad case of allergy for him/ her. The last thing you want is to spoil someone’s joy just because you did not take his/her allergy into consideration when buying gifts. Here are some tips and ideas for buying gift for someone who are prone to allergies. Your loved ones will appreciate the extra thought that goes into buying a gift for them.

(1)Toys for children

Stuffed toys are the favorites among children but they can be dangerous to the allergy prone. When buying toys for children with allergies, you have to be extra careful. These are some of the things you should bear in mind:

Avoid stuffed animals with real fur as fur is more prone to dust and mold. A safer choice is to choose stuffed animals with polyester filling that is easy to wash and dry. Avoid latex toys. Latex allergy is becoming more common recently and may even fatal in more severe cases.

Wooden and metal toys are a safer choice. Wooden toys are recommended for children with allergies as they do not collect dust or mold, thus are not a suitable breeding ground for dust mite . Some toys are certified as asthma friendly. Get these toys instead.

(2) Products for cleaner indoor air

A good quality vacuum cleaner that contains a true HEPA filter. A true HEPA filter captures over 99.9% of dust mites, pollens and ragweed. Controlling the humidity level in the home is important to anyone with respiratory sensitivities as well as skin disorder such as eczema. A good way to know what the current level is is through a hygrometer. Even those with allergies can enjoy the soft romantic glow of candles with Solar powered rechargeable candles that are soot free.

For someone with a green thumb, a plant ‘watering’ meter would come in handy to help reduce the chance of over watering plants that often leads to mould growth. A carbon monoxide detector placed near fireplaces, space heaters and garages, is a great gift and could save lives.

(3) If you are buying jewelry for someone with allergies, you have to be aware if the jewelry will trigger a reaction. Nickel is known to cause a reaction for those with eczema and psoriasis. Look for nickel free jewelry to be on the safe side.

(4) Conventional skin care products often contains chemicals which are too harsh for sensitive skin and might cause an allergy reactions. A totally natural skin care set made from only the purest organic ingredients is a great gift for someone who is prone to skin allergies.

(5)For those who have dairy allergies, a soy, rice or almond milk maker is a great gift. Soy, rice or almond milk have the same goodness as dairy and with the milk maker, one can enjoy the fresh non dairy milk as well as use it for baking and cooking. Soyquick soy milk maker is recommended as it can be used to make, not only soy milk, but rice, almond, and oat milk.

(6) Juicing is a great way to detoxify the body, and many believe large intake of fresh organic juice helps to relieve allergy symptoms. What can you get fresher juice than juice you make yourself? A powerful, easy to clean and handy juicer might be just what your loved one needs.

(7) Allergy free linens, covers or bedding

Down feather bedding is recommended for people with allergies as it is actually less allergenic than synthetic ones. Choose those which offers anti-microbial shield to protect against bacteria, mold, dust mites, pollen and mildew. The range of comforters and bedding from Allergy Shield is Allergist Recommended & Medically Evaluated, thus can be safely used. It can prevent symptoms of asthma, nasal allergy, sinusitis and eczema.

Dust mite protective covers for pillows, mattresses and box springs are also an excellent gift for those who are allergic to dust mites. Many individuals with asthma also have other conditions such as eczema, a skin condition that is made worse when in contact with some fabrics, such as wool. Cotton clothing and bedding is always a good choice for people with eczema.

(8)Books

Allergies and AsthmaBooks are great for books lovers. There are many great books on coping life with allergies. One of which should be in every home is Jeffrey C. May’s My House Is Killing Me!: The Home Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma.

Allergies are very common nowadays. Eventhough a person is allergy prone, it does not mean he or she deserves the right to celebrate any occasion like any normal person. It only take a little extra thought and considerations to avoid potential problems. I hope these allergy free gift buying tips have given you some valuable ideas of buying the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Cindy Heller asked:


When medications fail to adequately control allergy symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy or possible, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy or “allergy shots”. This treatment consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances to which a person is allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases their allergies have completely resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma and insect sting allergies.

Are allergy shots experimental therapies?

No. Allergy shots have been given for nearly 100 years and are FDA approved therapies. Numerous well-designed medical studies show the efficacy of allergy shots.

And allergy shots do not contain steroids, which can have adverse long-term side effects.

How do allergy shots work?

Unlike allergy medicines, which act only to “cover up” allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, allergy shots fix the underlying problem of allergies. This occurs because the body treats the injection much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of infection-fighting antibodies against the pollen, dust, mold or pet dander. The body then stops producing as much allergic antibodies against the triggers, and therefore won’t have as much, or any, allergic response when exposed to the allergens. These changes can last for many years even after stopping allergy shots. Recent studies show that allergy shots can also prevent people from developing new allergies, and reduce the risk of developing asthma in children with nasal allergies.

How are allergy shots given?

The method of immunotherapy consists of starting at a small dose that will not cause an allergic reaction, with slowly advancing the dosage until the person becomes tolerant to large amounts of the extract. These injections are initially given once to twice a week until a maintenance, or constant dose, is achieved. This usually takes approximately 3 to 6 months. Once the maintenance dosage is reached, the allergic symptoms are largely resolved in most patients. Thereafter, the injections are given every two to four weeks.

How long must I take allergy shots?

Therapy is continued for 3 to 5 years total, after which the patient continues to get benefit for another 5 to 10 years or longer, even after the shots are stopped. If the shots are stopped prior to a total of 3 years, the allergic symptoms typically return more quickly.

What are the risks of allergy shots?

The risks of immunotherapy consist of the possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction to the allergy shot. Most allergic reactions consist of mild to moderate swelling and itching at the site of the injection. These reactions occur frequently, but rarely require any change in treatment. A large swelling may require an adjustment of the immunotherapy dosage or a change in the frequency and amount of the shots.

Less commonly patients experience whole-body allergic reactions, sometimes called “anaphylaxis”. Most of these reactions are mild and consist of itching of the skin, hives, or runny nose. Others are more severe and can present as cough, chest tightness, wheezing, throat tightness, shock and rarely can be life-threatening.

For this reason, it is normally required that patients remain in the physician’s office for 20 to 30 minutes after the injection since most reactions occur during this time. These reactions are typically easily reversed with medicines such as injectable epinephrine and anti-histamines.

Should I take allergy shots?

Obviously, this is a question that only you and your doctor can answer. There are many reasons to consider allergy shots:

- Medicines don’t work: Many patients go to the allergist because they still have symptoms despite having tried numerous allergy medications, with little to no relief of their symptoms. Sometimes allergy shots are the only therapy left for these patients.

- Go for the cure: Other patients like the idea of a “cure”, and opt for allergy shots for that reason. Remember, immunotherapy is the only treatment for allergies that fixes the underlying problem of the immune system, much like a vaccine.

- Don’t like medicines: Some patients experience severe side effects from medications, or don’t like taking medications on a daily basis - the idea of a “once a month shot” is a better option for them.

- Cost of medicines: Medications can be expensive, and since allergy symptoms typically return soon after medications are stopped, patients may require medications for many, many years. Allergy shots can alleviate much of the need for medications and can be a significant cost savings measure in the long run.

danaus asked:

Dust mites filmed at a meeting display by Mission: Allergy Inc. They (their bodies and especially their droppings) are a significant indoor allergen and are commonly found in pillows, mattresses and carpeting. For more information on dust mites and allergen control:

http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/dust.htm

blondie769x asked:


i just got a new matress and all new bedding, I’m not allergic to anything, but i think dust mites are gross and i want to keep them to a minimum. my bedding is red and black and i used to keep my bed really dirty and literally never cleaned it. How often should i clean it to avoid dust mites and dirt but still keep it colorful?

peterhutch asked:


What are dust mites?

As homes are sealed tighter and tighter against the elements in order to conserve energy, house dust mites (Dermatophagoides spp.) become more of a problem. This page will help you get rid of, or at least more effectively deal with, these mites and the allergens they produce.

House dust is a mixture of ash, cloth fibers, hair, plant pollen, human and animal skin (dander), soil particles, and fungal spores. In many households, human skin flakes, alone, make up much of this debris. House dust mites use this debris as food. These tiny mites feed directly on the organic parts of house dust.

How to Control Dust Mites

Your first step is to encase your pillow and mattress with dust mite covers. Studies have shown that these covers are very effective at reducing dust mite allergens. This step has two main goals: to keep the existing dust mites trapped inside the barrier, so you won’t be exposed to them, and to prevent new dust mites from getting into your pillow and mattress.

The most important tool for managing house dust and dust mites is the vacuum cleaner. Regular, thorough vacuuming of carpets, furniture, textiles and other home furnishings such as draperies will help keep dust mite populations low. Vacuums with a water filter are preferable to those with a disposable paper bag because a water vacuum removes a greater range of particle sizes than paper-bag types. There are vacuums with highly efficient filters (HEPA) designed for use by people with allergies to dust. It is better to vacuum thoroughly once a week rather than lightly on a daily basis. Vacuum mattresses and padded furniture thoroughly; 20 minutes for each mattress is not too long.

Pleated filters are much more efficient than standard fibrous furnace filters; smaller ones do not require modification to the furnace or ductwork. But they are less efficient than electrostatic cleaners. Pleated filters should be inspected regularly and may need more frequent replacement than conventional filters.

Chemical solutions may be helpful. Acaricides (a chemical that kills dust mites) must be applied regularly to carpeting or upholstered furniture. This solution will not remove any preexisting mite droppings. A tannic acid solution, applied as directed, can help neutralize the allergen in mite droppings.

Wash your pillow every week or put a plastic cover on it. (The pillowcase goes over the plastic cover.) How hot is hot? The water used to wash your sheets and blankets should be at least 130°F (54°C). Set your washing machine to it’s hottest setting. If the water doesn’t seem to be coming out hot, you may want to check your hot water heater - you may not realize that most household hot water heaters have a knob that can adjust the temperature of the water it produces.

Eliminate or reduce fabric wall hangings such as tapestries or pennants. Purchase stuffed toys that are machine washable. Avoid using curtains, drapes or blinds on windows. Use plastic shades instead. No pesticides are currently labeled for house dust mites. However, two non-pesticide products, Acarosan and Allergy Control Solution are available for treatment of house dust mites and their allergens. The active ingredient of each is benzyl benzoate and tannic acid. Benzoic acid esters, such as benzyl benzoate, are very effective acaricides in both laboratory and field evaluations. Health risks appear to be slight as benzoates are rapidly metabolized in the body to hippuric acid, which is excreted in the urine. Most acaricidal studies for house dust mite control have been done in Europe.

pamf2 asked:

Dr. Steve Rubinstein talks about dust mites in the Camino Medical allergy education series.

Mike Krause asked:


If you travel or business or pleasure, you know how difficult it can be to travel with allergies. Your bedroom at home may be a dust mite free zone, safe from harmful allergens but you know the same won’t be true at any hotel you visit.

Whether a 5 star luxury resort or an economy motel, dust mites are waiting for your arrival. There is no telling how old the mattress, carpets, chairs or curtains are in the room.Since it is not practical to take your own mattress and pillow with you, how do you make the room as dust mite proof as possible?

Start by packing a bottle of Alkaline Laboratories ADMS Spray in your suitcase. It comes in a quart bottle, so you can’t carry it in your carry-on luggage. Many of our clients pick up a small spray bottle from Walgreens or CVS and pour some in it. Pack the bottle and sprayer in your suitcase. It is a good idea to place the bottle in the gallon size zippered plastic bag just in case the security screeners are a little rough with the contents of your bag during the screening process.

You also want to pack at least 2 king sized zippered pillow encasements. Since you have no idea what size pillows will be on the bed in your room, by taking king sized covers, you know you will be prepared.

Upon arrival, take the pillow cases off the pillows and place the zippered pillow encasements on them. Unpack your ADMS Spray and begin with treating the bed. Spray the bedspread and dust ruffle with ADMS Spray. Turn back the bedspread and lightly spray the sheets and pillowcases.

Once the bed is treated, turn your attention to the other areas of the room. If the room has a musty smell, spray the ADMS spray into the intake area of the air conditioner. Also, be sure to spray the carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. The ADMS Spray will work to rapidly deactivate the allergy causing proteins from dust mites, molds, pets, and pollen.

If your stay is extended, repeat this process at least once a week. As a matter of water and energy conservation, few hotels still change bed linens each day. Inquire as to how often the bedding is changed. You dont’t want them taking your encasings. Repeat the treatment after each bedding change.

You won’t have the perfect allergy proof bedroom like the one you have carefully created at your house, but you will have a reasonably allergy free home away from home.

Also, Don’t place your luggage on the floor or bed. We have been getting tons of calls from people who have brought unwanted guest home..Bed Bugs.

Tina Arena asked:


i cough through the day, continuously blow my nose, and i feel dust going into my throat and me automatically coughing and coughing trying to get it out but it can’t. i’m coughing as i type this and bringing up mucus from the nose and the throat
help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
any home remedies?
any medicines that relieve this?
pleaaaaassssssseeeeeeeeee