Allergies

 The Following Information has been provided by the NIH

Allergy Prevention

The best way to prevent an allergy is to recognize that you have one (see "Signs of an allergy" below). Often people confuse an allergy with a cold or flu. Remember colds are short-lived and passed from person to person, whereas allergies are immune system reactions to normally harmless substances. Allergies are best prevented by avoiding exposure to allergens in the first place. A good first step to avoiding allergens is to follow the various PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES outlined for each allergen or irritant.

Signs Of An Allergy

  • Sneezing, watery eyes or cold symptoms that last more than 10 days without a fever.
  • Repeated ear and sinus infections.
  • Loss of smell or taste.
  • Frequent throat clearing, hoarseness, coughing or wheezing.
  • Dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses (allergic shines).
  • A crease just above the tip of the nose from constant upward nose wiping (allergic salute).

 

Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals and irritants. People with allergies may be more sensitive to cigarette smoke than others and research studies indicate that smoking may aggravate allergies.

Smoking does not just harm smokers but also those around them. Research has shown that children and spouses of smokers tend to have more respiratory infections and asthma than those of non-smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of allergic complications such as sinusitis and bronchitis.

Common symptoms of smoke irritation are burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness and shortness of breath presenting as a wheeze.

Don't smoke and if you do, seek support to quit smoking. Contact Puff-Free Partners, such as: Nicotine Anonymous 1-415-750-0328 http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org

American Lung Association 1-800-LUNG-USA http://www.lungusa.org/tobacco/

American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 http:/www.cancer.org/tobacco Seek smoke-free environments in restaurants, theaters and hotel rooms.

  • Avoid smoking in closed areas like homes or cars where others may be exposed to second-hand smoke.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most common and allergenic of indoor pests.

Recent studies have found a strong association between the presence of cockroaches and increases in the severity of asthma symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to cockroach allergens.

These pests are common even in the cleanest of crowded urban areas and older dwellings. They are found in all types of neighborhoods.

The proteins found in cockroach saliva are particularly allergenic but the body and droppings of cockroaches also contain allergenic proteins.

Limit the spread of food around the house and especially keep food out of bedrooms.

Keep food and garbage in closed containers. Never leave food out in the kitchen.

Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.

Eliminate water sources that attract these pests, such as leaky faucets and drain pipes.

Plug up crevices around the house through which cockroaches can enter.

Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to reduce cockroach infestation.

 

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