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	<title>Home Allergy Relief</title>
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	<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com</link>
	<description>Allergy Relief and Treatment Information</description>
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		<title>How to Dust Mite Proof Your Bedroom</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/dust-mite-allergy/how-to-dust-mite-proof-your-bedroom</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/dust-mite-allergy/how-to-dust-mite-proof-your-bedroom#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:19:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dust Mite Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=126</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Approximately 10 percent of all Americans are allergic to dust mites. For the most part, dust mites are harmless, unless you&#8217;ve got allergy or asthma problems. People who already have problems with asthma (especially small children) will exhibit much worse symptoms when there are dust mites living in the home. Fortunately, there are things that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Approximately 10 percent of all Americans are allergic to dust mites. For the most part, dust mites are harmless, unless you&#8217;ve got allergy or asthma problems. People who already have problems with asthma (especially small children) will exhibit much worse symptoms when there are dust mites living in the home. Fortunately, there are things that everyone can do in order to get rid of their dust mites.</p>
<p>These tiny little creatures are microscopic in size and live primarily off dead skin and other types of dander. Approximately 1/3 of all dust mites live in the bedroom, manifesting in bed covers, mattresses, and pillows. They excrete waste about 20 times per day, so not only do they feed off of your skin, but they can also leave their droppings in your bed and on your body, which can create a very violent allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals. Another popular area for dust mites to manifest and breed is in your carpet and household rug.</p>
<p>It is very important that you do all that you can to prevent dust mites. One of the first things you can do is purchase a dust mite impervious cover to keep the mites out of your bed. You should also wash your bed covers at least once every two weeks in very hot water. The water should be approximately 130 degrees fahrenheit. For covers that cannot be washed in hot water, simply place in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours to kill the mites.</p>
<p>Another thing you can do is purchase an air purifier. Not just any type of air purifier will help, however. You must purchase an air purifier that uses HEPA filtration if you want to get rid of dust mites entirely. Using an air purifier that does not use HEPA filtration will only remove 50 to 70 percent of dust mites and feces, while HEPA filters remove up to 99 percent of all hazardous material.</p>
<p>Dust mites occur more frequently in warmer temperatures, particularly when the humidity is high. It is important to make sure that you keep your household temperature below 70 degrees at all times. Months when seasonal allergies are the worst may require that you practice a bit more housecleaning than usual. Using an effective dusting spray and keeping your carpet and bedding cleaned and washed is the most recommended way to prevent dust mites.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;ve got carpet and allergies are a violent problem in your household in relation to dust mites, it may be best to remove your carpet altogether and replace with hardwood flooring, particularly in your bed room. Remove all rugs and also keep your curtains cleaned on a regular basis. Wash your windows to keep levels of dust to a minimum and change your pillows every few weeks.</p>
<p>For an even more aggressive approach, wash your bedding and curtains in very hot water at least once per week instead of once every two weeks. If you own pillows, make sure that they are washable as well. Pillows that contain feathers may not be the best choice if you&#8217;re trying to prevent dust mites because they tend to rip and tear in the wash. Try purchasing pillows that are made with foam or cotton material instead.</p>
<p>Preventing dust mites doesn&#8217;t require as much effort as one might assume. All it takes is a little extra care concerning keeping your bedroom clean and dust-free. After taking the proper preventative measures, you should notice an immediate difference in your allergy-level, quality of breathing, and mood.</p>
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		<title>What are Common Types of Skin Allergies</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/skin-allergy/what-are-common-types-of-skin-allergies</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/skin-allergy/what-are-common-types-of-skin-allergies#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:50:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Skin allergies can be an embarrassing and often uncomfortable situation many people. Approximately 7% if the 50 million people in the United States experiencing allergies suffer from some kind of skin allergy. As a result of these skin allergies, approx 7 million visits to outpatient centers occur. As a rule, a person won&#8217;t die from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Skin allergies can be an embarrassing and often uncomfortable situation many people. Approximately 7% if the 50 million people in the United States experiencing allergies suffer from some kind of skin allergy. As a result of these skin allergies, approx 7 million visits to outpatient centers occur. As a rule, a person won&#8217;t die from a skin allergy unless it is left untreated for a considerable amount of time.</p>
<p><strong>What Types Of Skin Allergies Are There?</strong></p>
<p>A person experiencing a skin allergy will be experiencing one of four types of skin allergies. These types of skin allergies can affect people differently, and a proper diagnosis can only be done by a doctor. If you believe that you or someone you know has a skin allergy, you should seek out medical attention to help find treatment options.</p>
<p>Atopic Dermatitis: When a person has atopic dermatitis they experience a reaction to many different items to their skin. As skin topic happens redness begins almost immediately with soreness and itching occurring within 48 hours of the allergies onset. A person experiencing this should avoid from scratching the area as it can break open and become infected. If the skin should break open during the allergic reaction it can become severely infected which will lead to cellulites, which is a potentially dangerous health concern.</p>
<ul>
<li> Symptoms: Inflammation, small blisters, itching, flaky dry skin, skin pigmentation changes and redness</li>
<li>Testing Available: Skin Patch Test which can be administered by a doctor</li>
<li> Treatment: Ice Patches, Allergy Free Product Use, Topical Treatment and oral pills</li>
<li> Complications: Infection, Skin Thickening</li>
</ul>
<p>Eczema: A person with Eczema typically experiences the symptoms from oral consumption of certain foods, as well as potentially coming in contact with items that may begin a skin allergy. Typically, a person experiencing symptoms will have a series of rash patches begin to form across their body. If the rash is scratched at any point, the intensity of the itchiness increases. Other causes can include an increase in stress and other triggers as well. A normal reaction can last for a couple of days to months depending on the person and the allergy. This is a chronic condition that cannot be cured.</p>
<ul>
<li> Symptoms: Itching, patchy rashes, inflammation of the skin.</li>
<li> Testing Available: Skin Pricking, Blood Testing</li>
<li> Treatment: Change in diet, Allergy Free Product Use, Topical Treatment and oral pills</li>
<li> Complications: Breaks and Lesions, Infection both bacterial and fungal, skin scaling, and blistering.</li>
</ul>
<p>Urticaria: With this type of skin allergy, a person&#8217;s blood vessels that causes an eruption that results in bumps forming on the skin. These bumps appear similar to a bug bite but typically have a white center to them. In fact, some insect bites can cause Urticaria, but the most common causes are drug complications and certain food triggers. .</p>
<ul>
<li> Symptoms: Skin Eruptions, Rash, Lesions, Inflammation, Tongue Swelling, Flushing, Respiratory Problems, and Oedema.</li>
<li> Testing Available: Blood and Urine Testing</li>
<li> Treatment: Topical Ointments and Oral Pills</li>
<li> Complications: Infections and possible death if left untreated.</li>
</ul>
<p>Hives: Hives are variance of Urticaria. With this condition, a person has large lumps called wheals form on their skin. The severity of the condition can be a very mild irritation and can turn into a medical emergency called an anaphylactic reaction. Bumps are typically pink to red in color and are normally irregular in shape. In some cases, the underlying condition for this skin allergy is lupus, but normally is a general allergen that affects a person. This can vary from pollen in the air, to skin contact and ingested items.</p>
<ul>
<li> Symptoms: Fever, Wheals, Swollen Joints, Hair Loss, Lesions and Seizures</li>
<li> Testing Available: Blood Test Called RAST (Radioallergorben Test), Lupus Test</li>
<li> Treatment: Avoiding Known Allergies, Antihistamines, and for anaphylactic shock, epinephrine is administered.</li>
<li> Complications: Death if severe case is left untreated, Infection in some cases</li>
</ul>
<p>Many different people are affected by skin allergies, and there isn&#8217;t anything wrong with the person in general. In most cases, the allergy isn&#8217;t contagious and the person shouldn&#8217;t be avoided. With that in mind, most people will experience some form of dermatitis in their lifetime and find that treatment is easily found. Children are in fact more susceptible to Eczema than adults and this is often the stage of life when symptoms begin appearing.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Is Eczema and How Can It Be Treated</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/skin-allergy/what-is-eczema-and-how-can-it-be-treated</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/skin-allergy/what-is-eczema-and-how-can-it-be-treated#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:29:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Skin Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=120</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Any skin condition can be worrying, not only can it be painful but it can damage your self confidence as well. One of the most common skin conditions that people suffer from is eczema; it can range from mildly uncomfortable to very severe. It can be very frustrating if you have this condition and sometimes [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Any skin condition can be worrying, not only can it be painful but it can damage your self confidence as well. One of the most common skin conditions that people suffer from is eczema; it can range from mildly uncomfortable to very severe. It can be very frustrating if you have this condition and sometimes even painful. If you do suffer then you will want to know the cause for eczema and what if any are the treatments and cures.</p>
<p><strong>Causes of Eczema can be Hereditary or Environmental</strong></p>
<p>The first thing you need to find out is if the eczema is being caused by the environment or if it is hereditary. When your eczema is caused by environmental reasons or external factors, you could be allergic to many different things that you come into contact with. These could be your shampoo, pollen, dust mites or even mold. Hereditary eczema is when you have inherited the factors which cause you to have eczema. This could be from one or even both of your parents if your family has a history of eczema then it are very likely. In fact there is an eighty percent chance that you will inherit it if both of your parents suffer from the condition.</p>
<p>You will need to speak to your doctor regarding the causes of your eczema; if there is no family history then they will need to look into it further. Your doctor may perform allergy tests to determine if that is causing the condition. Once you have determined the cause of the eczema then you can begin to find a solution and a treatment which will help you to live with the uncomfortable skin condition. If you are simply allergic to things then many can be avoided in your day to day life. Some causes of eczema are difficult to avoid such as smoke and pollution in the environment, in these extreme cases you will need to find a treatment which will help you to live with the problem.<br />
<strong><br />
Changes in Clothing and Nutrition Choices May Help</strong></p>
<p>By changing small things in your life you will be able to keep on top of your eczema. Although it will always be there, learning how to control it is the key. By changing what you eat and wear can have huge effects on how you feel. Wool and polyester materials will irate your skin, so try to choose cotton loose clothing. Tight clothing should also be avoided as this will cause your skin to become hot and irritated. Changing your diet can also helps, and once you know which foods to avoid then it will be easier to not include them. Common foods which cause flare ups are milk, soy, shellfish, wheat and peanuts. If these are problem foods with you then you will need to avoid them or at least cut back on them a great deal.</p>
<p><strong>Helping a Child with Eczema</strong></p>
<p>Eczema in children can be difficult as they tend to itch quite a lot, you need to try and keep them as moisturized as possible. This will stop them wanting to itch as much, if you try to explain that if they itch they are in fact doing more damage. Placing your child in a bath of water mixed with oatmeal appears to help with the itching and irritation. It also soothes the skin which will stop your child being uncomfortable and wanting to scratch even more. Thankfully if it is food related then often children grow out of allergies and the triggers might start to diminish as they get older.</p>
<p><strong>Other Eczema Treatment Options</strong></p>
<p>Eczema thrives on dry skin, so you need to ensure that you keep your skin as moisturized as possible throughout the day. There are many creams and lotions you can buy to help with this and doctors often advise covering yourself in Vaseline after taking a shower. This locks all of the moisture into your body and prevents it drying out. Although it is easier said than done you need to try and not scratch, as this will make your eczema worse. If you are concerned about itching through the night them you should try to cover up as much as possible and even wear gloves if you need too.</p>
<p>If you want to find natural alternatives to treating your eczema then there are many ideas that have been used before. Drink plenty of water even up to 3 liters a day, and taking showers daily, will stop you from becoming dehydrated and allowing your skin to dry out. Although it is believed that having hot bathes and showers is bad for your eczema, you should try to take cooler showers if possible. Taking zinc supplements is also advised as these are great for your skin and natural oils have great properties which are good for itchy skin. Exposing your skin to fresh air and sunshine will also help, although if you are self conscious to do this, try and do it somewhere private.</p>
<p>You also need to decide if the harsh chemicals in your washing powders and fragrances could be triggering your eczema. If this is the case then you should only use gentle detergents to wash your clothes in, as these will not irritate your skin. Cheaper varieties tend to affect eczema suffers more and you should try to buy quality detergents if possible. Cheap soaps will also cause your skin to dry out quicker, so if you do use them then ensure you apply moisturizer afterward.</p>
<p>In severe cases your doctor will be able to prescribe drugs to help with your eczema, although this is not the preferred treatment. The drugs will control your body&#8217;s immune system and decrease the irritation; you should however try other alternatives as well. Some drugs have side effects and if you can control the condition yourself then it will be better for your body in the long run. You will feel healthier and happier throughout your whole body if you change your diet and lifestyle. Your overall health will be improved and you will boost your immune system.</p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Obtaining a New Prescription Allergy Medicine from Your Doctor</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/allergy-medicine/obtaining-a-new-prescription-allergy-medicine-from-your-doctor</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/allergy-medicine/obtaining-a-new-prescription-allergy-medicine-from-your-doctor#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 17:31:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Allergy Medicine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=118</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have allergies and you are looking to try a new allergy medication, you need to call your doctor and set up an appointment to discuss it. This is important because your doctor will have to write you a prescription for a new prescription allergy medicine.
However, before your doctor decides which prescription allergy medicine [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have allergies and you are looking to try a new allergy medication, you need to call your doctor and set up an appointment to discuss it. This is important because your doctor will have to write you a prescription for a new prescription allergy medicine.</p>
<p>However, before your doctor decides which prescription allergy medicine is most appropriate for you, he is going to do a few things first. For one, your doctor will do several standard tests in order to determine what kind of allergies you have, as well as determine the severity of your allergies.</p>
<p>It does not matter if you are looking to get a new allergy medicine for your child or yourself; you will need to have a doctor&#8217;s prescription before you can buy the allergy medicine. You can, of course, buy an allergy medicine over the counter but you should be aware that it will not be as strong as prescription allergy medicine.</p>
<p>If you have severe allergies, over the counter allergy medicines are not going to help you with your allergies most likely; your severe allergies will require stronger allergy medicine, which is why you need to see your doctor and have him write a prescription allergy medicine for you.</p>
<p>There are plenty of prescription allergy medicines available today. Most of these allergy medications have been found to be very effective in treating allergies, from mild to severe cases.</p>
<p>But you need to keep in mind, though, that no matter which prescription allergy medicine you buy for your allergies, it is not going to work overnight; it will take some time before it can bring you the results you want. It is not reasonable to expect any drug to fully deal with your allergies in only a matter of days. Remember that most medications take between 4 to 6 months before their full effects can be felt.</p>
<p>The good news is that many of the available prescription allergy medicine are very powerful. You simply need to see your doctor and have him prescribe the most appropriate prescription allergy medicine for you. Also, it is not enough that you simply take your allergy medication and rely on it to keep you from having allergy attacks. You also need to know exactly what causes your allergies and then actively avoid it so you can minimize your allergies.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Live with a Wheat Allergy</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/food-allergy/how-to-live-with-a-wheat-allergy</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/food-allergy/how-to-live-with-a-wheat-allergy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:29:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=115</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people live with allergies every day, and although if you don&#8217;t suffer from any yourself it can be hard to understand. People learn to live with allergies on a day to day basis, and with more and more people suffering from them learning to understand them is the key. Wheat allergies are increasing, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people live with allergies every day, and although if you don&#8217;t suffer from any yourself it can be hard to understand. People learn to live with allergies on a day to day basis, and with more and more people suffering from them learning to understand them is the key. Wheat allergies are increasing, and more people now suffer from this type of allergy. With over 40% of the population living with wheat allergies everyday it is more common than you may think.  Knowing the symptoms, and reactions to allergies, will help you determine if you are allergic to wheat.</p>
<p>If you suspect you may be one of these people, then finding out exactly what wheat allergies are is very important.  Understanding the symptoms and researching the treatments if any are available, is essential. A wheat allergy is basically a food allergy; it is your body&#8217;s reaction to the seed storage proteins of wheat. These proteins contain gluten, gliadin and globulin, and are what causes the wheat allergy in your body. Some people are only allergic to the wheat protein and others are allergic to other seeds and plant tissues as well. In extreme cases, simply inhaling flour can start an allergic reaction in your body. More and more workers in bakeries are now allergic to wheat, and over 42% have what is known as Bakers asthma.</p>
<p>Establishing exactly what type of allergic reaction you have to the different seeds and protein is the first step. They will cause different reactions in different people, and even if two people both suffer from wheat allergies, they can react differently. Wheat allergies will cause the same sort of reaction in your body as other food allergies. There are several different reactions, you may experience them all or just some of them. These allergic reactions can be scary and overwhelming, and they can happen a few moments or even a few hours after you have eaten the wheat product. You could experience, chest pains, dizziness, irritated eyes, nausea, a skin rash or vomiting. In a very severe case you may go into Anaphylaxis shock, this is a life threatening reaction which will need immediate medical attention.  If you do happen to have any of these reactions after eating then you will need to determine which food caused the allergic reaction.</p>
<p>Visiting a doctor for allergy tests is essential, they will carry out a series of tests to determine which foods or proteins you are allergic too. They will cut out one food at a time from your diet, and will wait to see if a reaction occurs. The food is then added back into your diet, until one of the foods triggers an allergic reaction. This process can take some time, and you will have to be patient whilst you try to eliminate foods. Keeping a food journal is advised, so you can refer back to it at anytime and pinpoint the reactions to a food type. Once you have established which food you are allergic to, then this food can then be avoided, and although this seems drastic cutting one type of food from your diet isn&#8217;t as daunting as it sounds.</p>
<p>You may have to change your diet and your lifestyle, to ensure you do not get an allergic reaction every time you eat. There are several different wheat free alternatives to your average food, you can buy and eat these if it is proven that you are allergic to wheat. You have to ensure that when you go shopping you read the labels of all products, you will be surprised what has wheat in its ingredients. Wheat can be found in bread, flour, soy sauce, starch and modified starch, to name a few products. If you don&#8217;t want to change your lifestyle and diet completely then you can take some over the counter medications. You must however consult your doctor regarding these medications. If you are considering changing your diet, to not include wheat, you may want to consult a dietitian, to ensure you are receiving all the diet requirements you need. If you have a child with a wheat allergy they will often grow out of it, but if they don&#8217;t then you want to ensure you have guided them to lead a wheat free diet. Whichever method you decide is right for you, you can live with a wheat allergy, with just some small changes.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Symptoms and Treatment of Dairy Allergies</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/food-allergy/symptoms-and-treatment-of-dairy-allergies</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/food-allergy/symptoms-and-treatment-of-dairy-allergies#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:22:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=112</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you think you may have a dairy allergy, you are not alone. A growing number of people are realizing that they are allergic to common foods. But what exactly is a dairy allergy?
An allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a substance as harmful. In an effort to protect itself from what it perceives [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you think you may have a dairy allergy, you are not alone. A growing number of people are realizing that they are allergic to common foods. But what exactly is a dairy allergy?</p>
<p>An allergy occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a substance as harmful. In an effort to protect itself from what it perceives as a foreign body, it releases an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This sets off the allergic reaction. In the case of milk, the substances in question are the proteins casein and whey,</p>
<p>Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, wheezing, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, there may also be blood in the stool. When the allergic reaction is severe, anaphylactic shock can occur. If medical attention isn&#8217;t provided rapidly, this can be fatal.</p>
<p>It is important to realize that a dairy allergy is not the same thing as lactose intolerance. Intolerances occur when the body lacks the proper enzyme to break down a substance in the small intestine. Since it can&#8217;t break it down, it is pushed on through to the large intestine. This is what causes the bloating, gas, cramping, nausea and diarrhea. In the case of lactose intolerance, the body doesn&#8217;t have proper amounts of lactase.</p>
<p>Young children are more likely to have food allergies, including an allergy to dairy products. Thankfully, most outgrow their allergy and can go on to eat the foods without a problem. It is believed that only 2 to 2.5 percent of adults have true food allergies.</p>
<p>Another group with a higher risk of dairy allergies is those that have close family members with food allergies. Because of this, pediatricians often recommend treating young children as if they do have the allergy if their parents or siblings have it.</p>
<p>Many food allergies are diagnosed after patients begin keeping a food diary. This can help you associate your symptoms with specific foods. Once you have determined your suspect foods, you can then try an elimination diet. In an elimination diet, you take out all common allergenic foods from your diet. Once symptoms have disappeared, you add foods back one at a time to see which ones provoke the return of symptoms.</p>
<p>When doing an elimination diet to confirm a dairy allergy, keep in mind that casein, the enzyme that is most likely the problem, is found in more than just dairy products. It may also be found in breath mints, bakery glazes, ice cream, nutrition bars, infant formula, whipped toppings, coffee whiteners, salad dressings and processed meats. You need to take the time to read all food labels carefully to determine if casein is a component of the food.</p>
<p>There are also blood and skin allergy tests that your physician can arrange. These are generally used if it is suspected that you may have more than one food allergy or if you have been unable to determine the suspect food.</p>
<p>Treatment of a dairy allergy involves avoiding the allergenic substance. Extra scrutiny of food labels is necessary to ensure you don&#8217;t inadvertently expose yourself to the allergen. For parents of infants, a switch to soy-based formula may be necessary.</p>
<p>Depending on the severity of your allergic reaction when exposed to dairy products, it might be prudent to keep allergy medication on hand. If symptoms are generally mild, an over the counter antihistamine such as Benadryl will usually suffice.</p>
<p>In the case of severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe emergency epinephrine. This comes in a ready to use injector called an Epipen or Twinjet. It should be carried with you at all times. You may also want to let coworkers and family members know about your allergy and where you keep your injector. That way if you are unable to inject yourself, they can do it for you as well as summon emergency assistance.</p>
<p>If you do have a dairy allergy, it is important that you remember to get your calcium and Vitamin D from other sources. These are vital nutrients your body needs to function properly. Salmon, beans and green vegetables are just a few of the foods that can provide calcium. Fortified cereals, breads and juices, along with brief sun exposure, can provide Vitamin D. A supplement may be necessary to ensure you are getting adequate nutrition.</p>
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		<title>Air Filters and Allergies</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/air-quality/air-filters-and-allergies</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/air-quality/air-filters-and-allergies#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:35:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Air Quality]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=108</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you or someone you know has seasonal allergies you are probably looking for ways to lessen the severity of the symptoms. There are many effective medications on the market today but not everyone likes to take drugs unless they are essential. You may particularly worry about the effect of medications on your child, but [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you or someone you know has seasonal allergies you are probably looking for ways to lessen the severity of the symptoms. There are many effective medications on the market today but not everyone likes to take drugs unless they are essential. You may particularly worry about the effect of medications on your child, but you don&#8217;t want to see him suffer with itchy eyes and a stuffy nose either. You may be considering buying an air filter. But do they really work?</p>
<p>Most experts agree that an air filter shouldn&#8217;t be relied upon as a first line of defense against indoor or seasonal allergies. That doesn&#8217;t mean they don&#8217;t have a useful purpose but it does mean if you don&#8217;t remove the source of the allergen from your home, an air filter may not do much good.</p>
<p><strong>Minimize Exposure – First Line Of Defense</strong></p>
<p>The first steps you should take when dealing with an allergy sufferer is to minimize exposure to the allergen. If smoke is the culprit, you should ban smoking in or near your house. If your child has an allergy to the family dog, the dog may have to go live with other relatives or stay in a restricted area of the house. By all means, you should keep the dog out of your child&#8217;s room.</p>
<p>In fact, the bedroom of the allergy suffer should be a sanctuary from allergens as much as possible. Depending upon the type and severity of the allergens you can do the following. Remove the carpeting and as many knick knacks as possible so dust cannot collect in the room. Use hypoallergenic bedding and change it frequently. Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites that might be a source of allergy problems. If your child has a collection of stuffed toys you may need to store them in a separate room as these have a tendency to collect dust and irritate allergies.</p>
<p>For seasonal allergies, you should keep your home closed and the windows rolled up in your car as well. Run the air conditioner when it is warm rather than opening the windows in your home as that will allow allergens to float inside.</p>
<p><strong>Air Filters – Second Line Of Defense</strong></p>
<p>Most of the allergens in your household will settle onto the floor and your furniture. However, some will be suspended in the air. For these an air filter may be beneficial. An air filter will not do anything to rid your home of settled allergens, that is why keeping your home clean and well ventilated is the first line of defense. If you have a busy household, it may be very difficult to keep your entire home allergy free and if that is the case you should focus your efforts on the sleeping area since that is where your allergy sufferer will spend most of his indoor time. To be the most beneficial, you can place an air filter in the bedroom if it is intended for single room use.</p>
<p>There are several types of air filters you can choose from. HEPA air filters are commonly recommended for helping allergies. HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air. To have this designation, the filter must be capable of removing 99.97 percent of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in size. HEPA filters are mechanical air filters meaning they are driven by fans. These work by forcing air through a filter that traps allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and cigarette smoke.</p>
<p>Electronic air filters use electrical charges to attract allergens onto collecting plates. Some air filters use a combination of mechanical and electronic means to clean the air in your home. There are also air filters called gas phase filters. These work to clear odors like perfume from the air but they are not effective at removing allergens. Another type of air filter is the ozone generator. These may be capable of removing a certain amount of allergens from the air but they also put unacceptable levels of ozone into your home and for that reason they are not recommended for allergy use. These shouldn&#8217;t be confused with ion generators which is just another name for an electronic air filter.</p>
<p>Before buying an air filter to help you combat allergies you should determine if it is capable of cleaning a room the size of your bedroom and if it has quiet operation so you can sleep. In addition, you should find out how much trouble it is to replace the filters and make sure they can be easily found and are affordable. You also want to make sure the air filter is HEPA rated and does not exceed acceptable ozone emission levels. Above all else you want to buy an air filter that is capable of trapping the allergens that you are susceptible to.</p>
<p>While air filters may not be the first line of defense when it comes to clearing your home of allergens, they do have their place and may help you or your loved ones sleep better and breathe easier.</p>
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		<title>Looking for Pet Allergy Treatments</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/pet-allergy/looking-for-pet-allergy-treatments</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/pet-allergy/looking-for-pet-allergy-treatments#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:31:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pet Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=95</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When the possibility of having a pet allergy emerges, action needs to be taken to receive pet allergy treatment. First it is necessary to determine if your allergies are pet related. Then treatment for pet allergies should be sought. There are incidences where allergies can be treated with over the counter medications. If this does [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When the possibility of having a pet allergy emerges, action needs to be taken to receive pet allergy treatment. First it is necessary to determine if your allergies are pet related. Then treatment for pet allergies should be sought. There are incidences where allergies can be treated with over the counter medications. If this does not work pet allergy treatment should be sought from your physician.</p>
<p>A pet allergy is caused by how your immune system reacts to animal proteins. This will cause inflammation of the lining of the nose. Sneezing, wheezing, post nasal drip will begin. This can possibly be followed by sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It could possibly also cause symptoms of asthma.</p>
<p>All of these symptoms require treatment of pet allergy. Although the symptoms may be treated, at some point there are some other steps need to be taken. Look for the following related symptoms.</p>
<p>Symptoms requiring pet allergy treatment.</p>
<ul>
<li> Nasal congestion</li>
<li> cough</li>
<li> pressure in your face accompanied by some pain</li>
<li> post nasal drip</li>
<li> red, itchy or watery eyes</li>
<li> difficulty sleeping</li>
<li> children may have frequent rubbing of their nose</li>
</ul>
<p>Symptoms of asthma may also be present.</p>
<ul>
<li> Wheezing</li>
<li> coughing</li>
<li> difficulty breathing</li>
<li> chest pain or tightness</li>
</ul>
<p>Skin symptoms</p>
<ul>
<li> hives</li>
<li> itchy skin</li>
</ul>
<p>A physician should be consulted if what appear to be cold symptoms last longer than a week. It is occasionally difficult to distinguish a common cold from allergy symptoms. If you have severe symptoms of respiratory issues or if they become increasingly worse, emergency treatment for pet allergy should be sought. This also applies if your skin develops hives.</p>
<p>Normally your body generates certain antibodies to protect against viruses, toxic substance or bacteria. If you have an allergy to pets, the body looks at this like an invasion of something that can be potentially harmful. These allergens are protein substances from the animals saliva, urine or skin cells. Once these antibodies are formed they will come to action with an inflammatory response in your lungs or nose. Prolonged contact with these allergens can cause chronic lung inflammation usually associated with asthma.</p>
<p>Allergies from dogs and cats are most common among household pets. These reactions are caused by the dander. This the is accumulation of skin cells your dog or cat sheds. It can also be caused by urine or the hair of the pet itself. Dander remains airborne for some time, so should be controlled as much as possible. Saliva can be stuck to upholstered furniture, clothing, carpeting, or anything else that is even slightly porous.</p>
<p>Installing HEPA filters in your heating system or room air purifiers may help in the treatment of pet allergy. Room filters may also be helpful.</p>
<p>There are some dogs that are not considered allergenic. These are usually dogs or cats with less hair that may not shed. However, your allergic reaction may still occur with the so-called hypo-allergenic pet as well.</p>
<p>Rodent pets can also cause allergic reactions. Litter or dust from the litter can become airborne.</p>
<p>Pet allergies are rarely caused by animals that are hairless such as birds, fish or reptiles.<br />
Chronic inflammation of the nose can eventually lead to sinusitis which is an infection in the sinus cavities.</p>
<p>Asthmatics may need immediate medical attention to receive the pet allergy treatment. If attacks become severe a trip to the emergency room may be in order.</p>
<p>Keep some type of record of times these symptoms occur, your physician will be able to gauge your allergy and prescribe treatment. Provide the following information.</p>
<p>Take a list of your medications.<br />
Document when the symptoms first occurred.<br />
What have you used for these symptoms and just how effective were they?<br />
Does anything worsen your symptoms?</p>
<p>Solutions to your problems may be resolved simply by having pet free rooms or removing carpeting in your home. You may have to have a friend do your cage cleaning or bathe your dog or cat once each week. If these steps do not improve the state of your allergy, further pet allergy treatments may be in order.</p>
<p>Allergy tests may be performed by an allergist. Your pet allergy treatment may then require medication, allergy shots or potentially having to remove the pet from your home completely. If your pet can survive outdoors, it could be the answer. Just be sure to wash your hands or any part of you that they may touch.</p>
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		<title>Mold Allergy Relief In The Home</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/mold-allergy/mold-allergy-relief-in-the-home</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/mold-allergy/mold-allergy-relief-in-the-home#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:11:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mold Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=88</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[People with mold allergies have an allergic reaction when exposed to mold spores that are in the air. The symptoms of mold allergies and other types of allergies such as hay fever are very similar so it can be hard to tell what exactly you are allergic to. You have a lot of options when [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>People with mold allergies have an allergic reaction when exposed to mold spores that are in the air. The symptoms of mold allergies and other types of allergies such as hay fever are very similar so it can be hard to tell what exactly you are allergic to. You have a lot of options when it comes to finding mold allergy relief. People with mold allergies need effective mold allergy relief so they don&#8217;t have to face the annoying symptoms. There are mold spores in the air constantly so it is an allergy that affects a lot of people.</p>
<p><strong>What Medications Provide Mold Allergy Relief?</strong></p>
<p>There are many effective and quick acting medications for mold allergy relief. You can choose from a lot of different types of medication that provide mold allergy relief. The most commonly used medications include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and bronchiodilators. These medications also treat other types of allergies caused by pollen and other allergens.</p>
<p>While these types of medications provide quick mold allergy relief, they can also result in unpleasant side effects like tiredness and slower reflexes. If you use a certain medication for a long time, you can become dependent on it or it can stop working for you.</p>
<p><strong>Dealing With Mold in Your Home</strong></p>
<p>You can get a lot of mold allergy relief in your home if you clean well enough. If you target the places where mold builds up and clean them thoroughly, you will get a lot of mold allergy relief when the mold is removed from your home.</p>
<p>The following are some helpful suggestions that can bring you mold allergy relief although they don&#8217;t work for everyone:</p>
<p>* You need to find the mold in your home currently and get rid of it.</p>
<p>* You should buy a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in your home and don&#8217;t let moisture build up in any room. The areas that are most likely to need special attention are your attic, your kitchen, your bathrooms and your basement. When you thoroughly clean these areas, you will get a lot of mold allergy relief.</p>
<p>* You should use bleach on the tiles and other areas where mold builds up in your kitchen and bathrooms.</p>
<p>* When you properly store food so it doesn&#8217;t get moldy, you will get mold allergy relief as well. If food does start getting moldy, dispose of it right away. You can prevent mold from developing by storing food properly in containers or in the fridge.</p>
<p>* Always check your house for water leaks because a water leak will lead to mold build up. You will be surprised at how mold can start to grow if water is leaking on your floors or ceilings.</p>
<p>It is important to take mold allergies seriously and find mold allergy relief that helps you.</p>
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		<title>Black Mold Allergy &#8211; Environmental Factors and Dangers</title>
		<link>http://homeallergyrelief.com/mold-allergy/black-mold-allergy-environmental-factors-and-dangers</link>
		<comments>http://homeallergyrelief.com/mold-allergy/black-mold-allergy-environmental-factors-and-dangers#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:11:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>meridint</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mold Allergy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://homeallergyrelief.com/?p=85</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Toxic mold is another name for black mold. However, it should be noted that not all black mold are the type of toxic mold that is fatal. There are people who have black mold allergy, and this type of allergy is caused by a mold known as Stachybotrys chartarum. This type of black mold allergy [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Toxic mold is another name for black mold. However, it should be noted that not all black mold are the type of toxic mold that is fatal. There are people who have black mold allergy, and this type of allergy is caused by a mold known as Stachybotrys chartarum. This type of black mold allergy is life threatening and it can be very dangerous when it happens frequently.</p>
<p>Why is the Stachybotrys chartarum such a dangerous type of mold? It is largely due to factors that affect the kind of environment the mold lives in. These factors include the type of matter that mold is on, as well as the humidity level and ph level. These factors all work in producing mycotoxins. It is exposure to the mycotoxins that can be harmful, even fatal, to human beings.</p>
<p>Again, although not all types of black mold are toxic, those black molds that are toxic are known to cause conditions that can adversely affect our health. It has been found that black mold allergy is caused by exposure to live molds, mold spores, and even dead mold.</p>
<p>Be aware that molds spread themselves through spores, and molds release their spores on a seasonal basis. Mold spores are typically airborne and they are what commonly cause black mold allergy.</p>
<p>Individuals who have respiratory conditions and ailments are the ones who have the highest risk of developing black mold allergy when they become exposed to black mold. Constant exposure to black mold can also cause infections or cause the immune system to become weak.</p>
<p>During spring and up to late fall are times when people tend to experience black mold allergy. During the winter, molds go into hibernation or they become dormant if they happen to be outdoors and are exposed to the cold. However, molds will continue to thrive regardless of the season if they are indoors where there is sufficient heat to ensure their survival. This is why even in places where the climate is warm black mold allergy can still occur, or people can develop black mold energy if they live in a warm of humid home even during the winter.</p>
<p>Individuals with black mold allergy often find relief from medications. Doctors prescribe corticosteroids, antihistamines, and bronchodilators for treating black mold allergy. In some cases, doctors prescribe immunotherapy. This method of treatment involves slowly exposing the individual to allergens starting from small doses and then gradually increasing the doses.</p>
<p>Black mold allergy can be prevented, but this requires keeping the home and environment clean. This can be achieved by using a dehumidifier and making sure the home is as dry as possible. In addition, proper food storage can prevent mold from forming, as well as making sure every area in the home is not a viable place for mold to grow and thrive.</p>
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