The Dirt On Houseplants
If you think the philodendron is setting off your sneeze attacks, think again. Indoor foliage is rarely allergenic, but the soil in over half of all houseplants is a breeding ground for mold.
To prevent mold, start by replanting your greens in sterile soil. Avoid over-watering, and allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before re-wetting. Keep the plant in a sunny location and tidy up dead leaves. Finally, cover the plant soil with a layer of rocks. Youll look like a home decor diva and the barrier will help to block the release of spores. If you do spot mold, zap it with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water.
Insect Pets Cause Allergies Too
Common cockroaches and dust mites rule the roost when it comes to bugs that trigger allergies. But even when pests become pets, the allergens remain. The large and docile Madagascar hissing cockroach, a favorite exotic pet in classrooms and homes, harbors 14 types of mold in its feces or on its body, according to an Ohio State University study published in March 2008. People who are allergic to mold should always wash their hands carefully after handling these creepy creatures.
Pets Can Have Allergies Too
We have heard from several customers who have allergic pets. Like humans, pets can be allergic to dust mites, pollen, molds, foods, chemicals, and even other pets! Cats and dogs normally experience allergy symptoms in the form of skin problems. The most common allergy among cats and dogs is flea allergy. Many felines and canines are allergic to flea saliva, and they experience allergic reactions whenever fleas bite them. If your dog or cat constantly scratches or gnaws on its skin, there is a good chance that your pet has a flea problem even if you cannot see any fleas. When a human or a pet has an environmental allergy, it is important to control pet dander by keeping the home and air clean with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, air purifier, air filters, frequent cleaning, and frequent pet grooming.
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Where To Find Pollen Counts
If you don’t see the pollen count in the paper or on television, you can get pollen counts by going to the following site on the internet:
- National Allergy Bureau of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology at www.aaaai.org
- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America:www.aafa.org
Now that we’ve covered grass and weed pollens, it’s time to take a look at two more causes of allergic rhinitis. The next section will cover the evils of mold spores and house dust mites.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide , Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
What Causes Contact Dermatitis
Potential allergens exist everywhere. Many can be rounded up in the bathroom cabinet: nickel/chrome in jewelry and snaps latex found in condoms, rubber gloves, bandages, and rubber bands chemicals in cosmetics, toiletries, and perfumes hair products, including hair dye and laundry detergent and fabric softeners. The great outdoors hosts such potential villains as poison oak, poison sumac, and poison ivy.
Identifying the exact cause of allergic contact dermatitis can be difficult because your skin comes in contact with hundreds of suspects a day and first reactions may occur hours or days after the initial contact. In some cases, a reaction doesn’t occur until weeks or months of prolonged use. Luckily, contact dermatitis isn’t named contact for nothing. Many allergens leave a trail to follow. The location of the rash, hives, or itch will help you to put the suspects in a lineup.
For example, let’s say your ears itch. What comes in contact with them? Earplugs, headphones, earrings, perfumes, hair products, and lotions might be major suspects.
How about a rash that develops under your arms? The possible causes: lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, elastic straps in clothes, a bra’s underwire, new fabrics, etc. Like so much in the allergy world, a little observation can go a long way toward discovering what is irritating you.
The National Institute of Health currently estimate that 20 percent of infants and children exhibit symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
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Allergic Reactions Can Be Treated But Cures For Food Allergies Are Still Being Explored
It is important for adults and children to avoid foods that may trigger their allergies. If an allergic reaction does occur, treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms. People who have a history, or are at risk for severe reactions may carry an injectable epinephrine device, which shuts down the bodys allergic response.
Curative treatments are promising and still undergoing clinical trials. Oral immunotherapy, for example, involves introducing small amounts of an allergen under controlled conditions to suppress the allergic response over time and allow the patient to safely incorporate the allergen into their diet.
Dr. Naomi Kaplan is a resident physician in physical medicine and rehabilitation and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.
Allergies In A Cage: Guinea Pigs Hamsters And Gerbils
Guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils are less popular as pets than cats and dogs, but they are just as likely to cause allergies in certain people. Allergenic proteins in the creatures’ urine become airborne when the urine dries, triggering symptoms if inhaled. The good news, says Leftwich, is that these pets usually don’t have free run of the house, so the allergens stay in or near the cage. The bad news is that their bedding or food can also trigger allergies.
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Can My Fish Tank Cause Allergies
There are a ton of people in the world that have allergies to many different aspects of the planet. The most common allergies are to nuts, the sun, grass, and dogs. When you are allergic to furry pets such as dogs and cats, you look for alternatives. You may have a son or daughter who has been begging for a pet. However, you are allergic to most pets! You end up buying a fish tank because you think it is safe, and now you are starting to have allergies. The first instinct may be to research freshwater fish and aquariums.
The topic of fish tanks and allergies can be confusing at times. There are a ton of components in a fish tank that might trigger a reaction. However, I have heard of many cases of allergies being in your head! To fully understand the components of a fish tank, we have to take a deeper dive into the functions of an aquarium.
What Happens If You Dont Clean Fish Tank
Can I damage my aquarium if I dont oes if I dont clean my aquarium? Your fish can suffer severe effects from ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. An aquatic life with unbalanced water conditions may exhibit the following signs: a decline in appetite, a loss of coloration, a reduction in energy, and/or a weakened immune system.
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Pet Dander Allergy Solutions
Many people think that the hair or fur on their pet is the source of allergies. Actually, the source is a protein found in pet dander. When your body develops a sensitivity to pet dander, exposure to the allergen will release histamine and allergy symptoms will develop. Symptoms include itchy eyes, rashes, a runny nose, congestion, hoarseness, wheezing, and sneezing. You can control pet allergies with frequent cleaning, a HEPA vacuum cleaner, an air purifier, allergy bedding, and special pet allergy products. Learn how to get rid of pet allergies with a variety of pet dander allergy solutions below.
What Does A Seafood Allergy Look Like
Within minutes to an hour of eating shellfish, symptoms of an allergy to shellfish can be found. Hives, itching or eczema Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or a rash on the hands or feet. Symptoms can be mild or severe, and can last from a few hours to several days.
The most common symptoms are hives and itching, but they can also include swelling, redness and swelling around the mouth, throat and eyes. In some cases, the symptoms may be so severe that they require hospitalization.
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How Is An Allergic Reaction To Fish Treated
If your child has a fish allergy , the doctor will want him or her to carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of an emergency.
An epinephrine auto-injector is a prescription medicine that comes in a small, easy-to-carry container. It’s easy to use. Your doctor will show you how. Kids who are old enough can be taught how to give themselves the injection. If they carry the epinephrine, it should be nearby, not left in a locker or in the nurse’s office.
Wherever your child is, caregivers should always know where the epinephrine is, have easy access to it, and know how to give the shot. Staff at your child’s school should know about the allergy and have an action plan in place. Your child’s medicines should be accessible at all times. Also consider having your child wear a medical alert bracelet.
Every second counts in an allergic reaction. If your child starts having serious allergic symptoms, like swelling of the mouth or throat or difficulty breathing, give the epinephrine auto-injector right away. Also give it right away if the symptoms involve two different parts of the body, like hives with vomiting. Then and take your child to the emergency room. Your child needs to be under medical supervision because even if the worst seems to have passed, a second wave of serious symptoms can happen.
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Can A Fish Tank Cause Allergies
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Asked by: Victor Konopelski I
Last update: October 24, 2021Score: 4.2/5
Fish may seem like allergy-friendly pets, but without sufficient upkeep, Nemo can become a symptom trigger. Mold grows on various parts of fish tanks or bowls, and on areas outside of the tank that remain damp, including the underside of the lid.
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How To Avoid Fish
As one of the most common allergens in the United States, fish is covered under the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act . This requires that manufacturers label the presence of fish in clear language on food labels, either in the list of ingredients or following the word “contains” after the ingredient list.
Fish is not a particularly common hidden ingredient and generally appears as its own species in ingredient lists. People with fish allergies should know how to read an ingredients label and learn the names of many different types of fish for maximum safety.
There are many species of finned fish, so a complete list of fish to avoid is not possible for this article. However, some of the most common types of fish include:
- Anchovies
- Surimi
- Pissaladière
- Omega-3 supplements
- Caponata
You may not realize that isinglass, a type of gelatin made from the air bladders of certain fish, is mostly collagen and may be commercially used to clarify beer or wine. Those with fish allergy and risk for anaphylaxis should avoid wine and beers clarified with isinglass. You’ll need to contact manufacturers to find out if individual products are safe since alcoholic beverages don’t need to list ingredients on their labels.
Latest Infectious Disease News
MONDAY, Oct. 7 — Delayed diagnosis and treatment of a skin infection linked to contaminated water in home aquariums is common, according to a new study.
Mycobacterium marinum infection occurs when bacteria in the non-chlorinated water of an aquarium enters an open skin wound on the arm or hand.
It can be difficult for doctors to identify and manage the infection because it takes two to four weeks of incubation before skin lesions appear. Because it’s been so long, many patients don’t remember the source of the exposure, the Henry Ford Hospital researchers said.
“People just don’t know or think about their fish tank harboring this bacterial organism,” study author and infectious diseases physician Dr. George Alangaden said in a Henry Ford Health System news release.
“And unless they’re directly questioned about it by their physician, who may or may not have adequate knowledge of Mycobacterium marinum and its prolonged incubation period, appropriate treatment often gets delayed,” Alangaden explained.
The study included five patients, aged 43 to 72, who were treated for M. marinum infection at Henry Ford between January 2003 and March 2013. Skin biopsies were performed on the patients to confirm the infection.
The data and conclusions of research presented at medical meetings should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
— Robert Preidt
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Whether it’s runny, itchy or stuffed, your nose knows what’s bothering it. But do you know what’s wrong with your nasal passages? Understanding allergies isn’t difficult, but it is the first step toward building a healthy alliance with your nose, eyes, lungs, and sinuses.
In this article, we will look at some of the causes of allergies as well as some of the symptoms of allergies. We will then go into greater detail, exploring topics like why some people are more susceptible to allergies and the different types of common allergies. By the time we’re done, you’re sure to understand how allergies work!
Allergic Rhinitis: Pet Allergies
While cats, dogs, and other pets are much more cute and cuddly than dust mites and cockroaches, they also produce allergens, most notably those found in their dander and saliva. Cats, with their predilection for primping, spread the allergen from their saliva to their fur.
Once dried, it flakes off and becomes airborne. Cat allergen particles are small and can stay airborne for several hours. Not only do they love air travel, but these allergens will happily travel overland.
Their sticky nature helps them cling to clothing, transporting them to homes and offices where a cat has never set down a paw. The urine of female cats and rodents is also allergenic. Allergies to dogs are less common and typically less intense than those to cats, but dog saliva and dander contain allergens, too. Although dogs don’t groom as readily as cats, many are happy to lick their human companions, often provoking a reaction.
Birds, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and horses can all cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, amphibians and reptiles aren’t allergenic.
And fish seem to be relatively free of allergens, as they don’t shed in our living room. However, be wary of mold spores growing around the fish tank.
Myth: Some dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, are better for people with asthma and allergies.
Myth: Continuous exposure to pets will decrease allergies.
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When To See An Allergist:
- If over the counter remedies are not helping or causing side effects, such as sleepiness, insomnia, constipation or agitation.
- To determine whether one has allergic or nonallergic rhinitis. Having the right diagnosis will lend to a treatment plan that is tailored to treat your symptoms. An allergist can perform accurate testing, provide information to minimize exposure to offending agents, and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you feel better.
- To screen for other disorders associated with rhinitis, including asthma, cough, respiratory infections, headache and sleep related breathing disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea.
Why Does My Fish Tank Smell Like Rotten Eggs
It is usually a sign that your fish tank smells sulfur or rotten eggs that it has a serious water bacteria buildup, a chemical imbalance, or a problem with the pump or filter in it. Your fish will be stressed and unhealthy if they live in this type of environment it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
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Allergic Reactions Are Different For Everyone
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include a tingling tongue, itchy skin or hives and abdominal pain.
When food allergies cause the airways to swell, making it difficult to breathe, they are experiencing anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate hospitalization. Untreated anaphylaxis can lead to coma or death. Children with food allergies and pre-existing asthma are at higher risk for an anaphylactic reaction.
Can Fish Smell Cause Allergies
In the vast majority of cases, simply smelling a fish odor even within the same room won’t trigger an allergic reaction. However, if you are severely allergic to fish, you may want to avoid getting close enough so that there is enough fish protein in the air to somehow enter your respiratory system.
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What Are Some Common Fish Allergy Symptoms
Allergies to shellfish and scaly fish are the most common types of food allergies. When your body misidentifies the proteins in fish as harmful, it sends out an antibody called immunoglobulin E to attack the invading allergen. The antibody then releases other chemicals to combat the fish protein. You react to the chemicals coursing through your body by displaying various allergic symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a fish allergy appear on your skin such symptoms include eczema, hives and swelling. Other common symptoms of a fish allergy include digestive problems like vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Sometimes, respiratory symptoms accompany other symptoms, but difficulty breathing doesn’t usually result from a fish allergy on its own. In some cases, people with fish allergies can suffer anaphylaxis when exposed to fish protein. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal condition in which you may suffer dizziness, difficulty breathing and even loss of consciousness. People who exhibit the signs of anaphylaxis must seek medical attention immediately.
