Walk Barefoot On Carpets
Walking on carpets with shoes and slippers provides a breeding ground for allergies and bacteria. As when you go outside or even as far as the backyard your shoes collect a lot of dust and allergen particles. Then if you walk with these shoes on carpet or floor rugs, the fabric will contain a lot of the dust particles. Over time the carpet will become saturated with allergens. So much so that you will find it unbearable to stand a minute in your own house without sneezing.
Apart from that, this will reduce the need to clean your carpet daily.
To conclude, walking barefoot on carpets is a minimal step you can take to reduce allergens in your rugs.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies
Airborne agents , such as pollen, grass, mold, cedar, ragweed, or even some chemicals, are breathed in. Once they enter our bodies, these allergens start to wreak havoc. The immune system mistakenly sees the pollen as a danger and releases antibodies that attack the allergens and release a chemical called histamine into the nose, eyes, and lungs. Histamine is intended to attack harmful agents and remove them from the body. One of the main things that histamine does is cause inflammation.
The good news is there are many natural remedies you can try to control your allergy symptoms:
Pollen Counts: Not Always The Full Story
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the predicted pollen counts, particularly if you plan to be outdoors for a long period of time.
But even if you see a high pollen count predicted in the newspaper, on a smartphone app or on TV, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be affected. There are many types of pollen — from different kinds of trees, from grass and from a variety of weeds. As a result, a high overall pollen count doesn’t always indicate a strong concentration of the specific pollen to which you’re allergic.
The opposite can be true, too: The pollen count might be low, but you might find yourself around one of the pollens that triggers your allergies.
Through testing, an allergist can pinpoint which pollens bring on your symptoms. An allergist can also help you find relief by determining which medications will work best for your set of triggers.
What Types Of Grasses Cause Allergy Symptoms
If you have a grass pollen allergy, you may be allergic to more than one type of grass.
There are hundreds of types of grasses, but only a few are responsible for allergy symptoms. Your geographic location may determine which grasses may be responsible for your symptoms.
The most common types of grasses that cause allergies are:
- Bermuda
- Timothy
When To Consider Allergy Shots
If over-the-counter-medicines and nasal sprays don’t seem to be working, you might want to consider allergy shots. Dr. Eidelman says they can help lessen your sensitivity to pollen and more.
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can make you less sensitive to all the things that you’re allergic to. For example, if you’re allergic to tree pollen, you would get an allergy shot that’s made out of tree pollen protein.
So what does that mean?
“In a lab, they extract the protein from tree pollen and they make an extract with it. That extract is then used to desensitize or make the patient less sensitive to tree pollen. Allergy shots are very effective and many controlled studies have reflected this. Allergy immunotherapy is the only treatment that has the potential to cure allergic rhinitis,” Dr. Eidelman says.
How Many People Suffer From Allergies
According to Dr. Eidelman, one out of five people has some sort of allergy and the intensity can range from very mild to severe.
He says people with mild allergies tend to just grin and bear it. They may not have any particular need for medication. If their are a little bit more intense, they may take over-the-counter medications as needed.
“But as you get further along that spectrum, the severity of the illness can become disabling. People feel very sick, they can’t get out of bed, they can’t sleep — it can be intense. So, it all depends on where they are on that spectrum of intensity,” he says.
Using A Carpet Washer
Employing a carpet washer as a carpet cleaner for allergy is also a good option. Using suitable carpet washers can provide you with an allergy-free carpet. Carpet washers work quite a lot like washing machines. However, it would be best if you assured that you select the optimum carpet washer.
Always look for carpet washers certified as asthma and allergy-friendly. The carpet washer certification standard is an excellent standard for testing whether a carpet washer is allergy-friendly. With carpet washers, you get a more thorough cleaning of your rugs. These washers are even able to remove the fungal molds formed on your carpet.
One point to note is that carpet washers are not very convenient and aren’t sustainable for frequent use. So we recommend you find a reliable cleaning service provider instead of buying a washer yourself. This will also aid you in cutting back on time and money spent. Also, carpet washing is done yearly or every six months would be sufficient.
What Gets Rid Of Allergies Fast
- ENT Institute
Here in Atlanta, it’s hard to tell when a season comes and goes so it’s best to be prepared for seasons at all times. Many people in the south struggle with serious allergies to pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander – so much so that they’re unable to function at work. Allergy medications are a temporal solution to an issue that requires more effort and time, but who has the bandwidth for that? If you’re reading this and can empathize then you’ve probably tried a lot of things to remove allergies from your daily struggles. Anytime you call your doctor, you’ve gotta wait until your scheduled appointment, but by that time you’ve sneezed enough mucus to fill the bed of a pickup truck. So the question is: what gets rid of allergies fast?
These tips aren’t hard and fast treatments or cures, but they’ll assist with the severity of symptoms in the interim before your appointment. Getting rid of allergies takes a more permanent approach, which we’ll discuss.
Why Might Your Doctor Not Recommend Allergy Shots
- You have another health problem, such as coronary artery disease , that puts you at increased risk for a severe reaction to the shots.
- Your child with allergies is younger than 5.
- You are pregnant. Pregnant women who are already getting allergy shots may keep getting them. But doctors don’t recommend starting allergy shots during pregnancy.
Use An Air Filtration System
This might not sound like the best carpet allergy solution. Although indirectly but using an air filtration system is very useful for reducing allergies from your carpet. The air filter is a crucial component of a functional HVAC system. Air purifiers clean your home’s air of any unwanted pollutant or allergens. Good quality air filters are capable of filtering all kinds of allergens, either pet dander or pollen.
How does an air filter help in inquiring about how to get rid of carpet allergies? Well, 80% of the allergens present on your carpet came through outside air. Especially dust particles and pollen are present in concentrated quantities in the air. With an air filter, these pollutants won’t be able to enter your house. Having good air quality inside your home is crucial for allergic people.
Having Trouble With Hay Fever
If you’re tired of hay fever getting in the way of your day, our doctors are here to help.
Once they’ve discussed what your symptoms are and when they appear, they’ll recommend the best hayfever relief treatment available, from lifestyle changes to prescription medication.
If you do need a prescription, our doctors can provide this immediately and we’ll arrange for your medication to be available the same day.
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How Bad Can Spring Allergies Get
“People can be very miserable. Their eyes can become itchy and swollen, their noses get congested, they sneeze a lot and if they have asthma, their lungs can become irritated.”
Dr. Eidelman says if you have allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies, things can get really bad and may affect your quality of life quite significantly.
“People might have trouble working or going to school. They may have trouble sleeping and they often feel tired. Even if they try to get enough sleep, it’s not normal sleep. So, work presenteeism can be quite common. This is when people show up to work or school but they can’t function at 100% because they’re kind of out of it — like they feel when they have a cold or the flu.”
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. The annual cost from all of this is around $18 billion per year.
What Will Happen If Allergies Are Not Treated
Untreated allergies can result in other complications in the body. For example, if allergic rhinitis is left untreated for a very long time, it can result in ear infections and sinus infections due to swelling and inflammation. Untreated allergies can provide a perfect breeding place for bacteria to grow and cause such infections. Untreated allergies can also worsen other conditions, such as skin disorders, inflammation in the body and asthma.
What Things Are People Allergic To
Some of the most common allergens are:
Airborne particles. Often called environmental allergens, these are the most common allergens. Airborne particles that can cause allergies include dust mites ; mold spores; animal dander and dried saliva from your pets; and from grass, ragweed, and trees.
Foods.Food allergies are most common in babies and may go away as people get older. Although some food allergies can be serious, many just cause annoying symptoms like an itchy rash, a tingly tongue, and . The most common food allergies are: and other dairy products, , wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts, and .
Insect stings. The venom in&insect stings can cause allergic reactions, and can be severe and even cause an anaphylactic reaction in some people.
Medicines. Antibiotics — medicines used to treat infections — are the most common type of medicines that cause allergic reactions. Many other medicines, including over-the-counter medications , also can cause allergic reactions.
Chemicals. Some cosmetics or laundry detergents can make people break out in hives. Usually, this is because someone has a reaction to the chemicals in these products, though it may not always be an allergic reaction. Dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants also can cause allergic reactions in some people.
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Predisposition To Food Allergies
Tree pollen can resemble proteins that are constituents of several pitted fruits. For example, if you are found to be allergic to the birch tree, that allergen strongly cross-reacts with apple, peach, plum, celery, cherry, apricots, kiwi, hazelnuts, almonds, carrots, and some other fruits and nuts.??
Symptoms of this type of allergy can include itchiness or swelling of the mouth, throat, and lips.?? The symptoms are usually localized to the mouth area and do not progress to other body parts. If you develop food allergies, you need to talk to your doctor about medications you can take in case you become exposed.
Risks And Side Effects
While most of the supplements and tips described above can provide natural allergy relief safely, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
When allergies are mild or moderate, they are usually not very threatening and go away with time. However, severe allergic reactions can be dangerous and require medical attention.
Anaphylaxis is the term for a severe allergic reaction, which can happen due to contact with food allergens, drugs/medications or insect stings. Symptoms usually affect the lungs, blood vessels or heart and can include:
- trouble breathing
- rash
- vomiting
If you or your child experience these symptoms, head to your doctor or the emergency room right away to prevent complications.
What can you do for severe allergies? Your doctor may need to prescribe allergy shots or prescription asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
Discuss these options with your health care provider, and consider trying the natural allergy relief remedies described above in addition to using medications.
How Carpets Are Even The Impostors How To Get Rid Of Carpet Allergies
Carpets probably stand the tallest in the household equipment hierarchy. However, they provide a mesmerizing look to your space. Carpets are not overrated by any means. The cozy and comforting feeling provided by room rugs is priceless. There’s little or no question about the significance of carpets in our homes. Try removing the carpet from your living room for a day, and your subconscious will retaliate so severely.
Having stated the obvious, is it possible that your precious carpet is deceiving you? What if your room rug is the reason behind your unending allergies? It very well can be the reason.
Carpets have for long been associated with increased allergies and asthma cases. Although we have seen some contradictory debates on that point, it still makes a lot of sense. It turns out carpets, and other floor rugs provide perfect shelters for all kinds of allergens.
According to research, an average household carpet hosts up to 200,000 unique types of bacteria. That is way more than what a middle toilet seat contains. The fabric of carpet and rugs is thick, and the fibers tend to trap allergens like pollen and dust. Carpet fibers hold a lot of bacterial microbes and allergens.
Not just that, every time you walk or dust your carpet, it releases tons of allergic particles in the environment. Furthermore, the fabric and the glue used at the base of the carpet can cause allergies to many people.
Causes Of Pollen Allergies
For all allergies, the immune system reacts to specific allergy trigger molecules . Your immune system produces antibodies that detect the allergen and cause inflammatory reactions and the release of a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes hay fever symptoms, such as itchy and watery nose and eyes, and sneezing.In general, pollen from grass, weeds and trees that are not native to Australia cause more allergies than native plants. Wattle is rarely a cause of allergic symptoms, although people can think it is the cause of their hay fever symptoms.In Victoria, inland areas tend to have higher pollen counts and northerly winds can bring pollens from inland regions to the coastal areas, including Melbourne. In contrast, the east coast of Australia often has less pollen, because winds tend to blow in from the sea and the Great Dividing Range protects the coast from inland winds. In South Australia and Western Australia, levels of pollen in the air vary, depending on wind direction.
Which Allergies Can Allergy Shots Treat
Allergy shots can’t treat all allergies, but they can help those with allergies to several different pollens including grasses, trees, and weeds. They are also beneficial for molds, house dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander.
If you have general insect allergies, including an allergy to yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, bees or fire ant, allergy shots could also be a good option.
If you struggle with seasonal allergies, talk to your doctor or allergist about immunotherapy injections.
Watch Out For Natural Allergy Remedies
Neti pots and nasal rinse squeeze bottles can provide relief if you’re looking for medicine-free ways to treat your allergies. However, Dr. Eidelman says it’s important to use distilled water with them to avoid getting infections and don’t use ice-cold water unless you enjoy brain freeze. Most of these methods just involve flushing out the nasal cavity with salt water and they’re fairly safe when used correctly.
If you have tree pollen or plant allergies, he recommends steering clear of herbal remedies.
“If you have pollen allergies, I don’t recommend anything herbal. For example, people who are allergic to ragweed sometimes have serious allergic reactions to echinacea. Echinacea is a commonly used immune stimulant. It’s an herbal product, derived from the purple coneflower, which is a close relative of ragweed. So, don’t take echinacea if you’re allergic to ragweed. With herbal products, keep in mind that just because something’s natural, it doesn’t mean that you’re not going to be allergic to it.”
Personal Stories About Taking Allergy Shots
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I bought my daughter, Tina, a cat for her birthday. A month or so later, I developed allergy symptoms that I have never had before: sneezing; puffy, irritated eyes; and feeling tired. I thought maybe I was allergic to a detergent or soap, but my doctor did some tests, and it turns out I am allergic to the cat. I know it would break my daughter’s heart to have to find a new home for the cat, and I have gotten attached to it, too. I decided to try getting the allergy shots and do what I can to keep the cat hair and dander out of my bedroom.
Lynn, age 42
For as long as I can remember, I have had bad hay fever. I have had tests to find out just what kind of pollen I am allergic to, and it turns out that I am allergic to several different kinds. I have learned over the years that my symptoms will get worse at certain times of the year, and I try to avoid being exposed to pollen during those times. My doctor and I also have spent a lot of time finding out which antihistamines and allergy medicines work for me without a lot of side effects. I feel like I manage my allergies well, so I’m not going to have the shots from my doctor or use tablets that dissolve under my tongue.
Kenny, age 44
Jorge, age 30
Sara, age 33
Kathy, age 28
John, age 19
Can Allergies Worsen As You Age
Allergy sufferers tend to experience severe symptoms, from 5 to 16 years old. And then get almost 20 years of relief before allergies can return in their 30s onwards. The symptoms may then disappear for good at age 65 in healthy individuals though lifestyle factors are one of the most important elements which determine if you’ll be off the hook and overcome your allergies.
Then Start With The Bedroom
Once you’ve established what causes your allergies, work your way around the house eliminating those specific allergens, starting with your bedroom. “If dust is one of your problems, cover your mattress and pillows with zip-on dust mite covers. You spend so much of your day in bed—if you can just get a good night’s sleep, you’ll be off to a great start,” says Ross.
Amp Up The Compress With Calendula Or Chamomile For Swollen Red Eyes
Both calendula and chamomile have inflammatory properties which can soothe irritated eyes. Up the power of your eye compress with these. Boil a cup of distilled water and steep 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile or calendula flowers in it. Strain the solution and allow it to cool. Now soak a clean washcloth in it, wring out the excess water, and apply it over closed eyelids for about 20 minutes. However, do keep in mind that some people are allergic to chamomile or calendula, so do a patch test before using this remedy.
What Are Seasonal Allergies
Allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to harmless substances in the world around us. Common allergens include pet dander, dust mites, foods , and pollen.
When an allergic person is exposed to an allergen, the body releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, irritating the nasal passages, eyes, and throat, which produces allergy symptoms.
Allergy symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe, and are often confused for the common cold. The most common allergy symptoms include sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, rash, and upset stomach .
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is a common reaction to inhaled allergens. Seasonal allergy symptoms can affect you only in certain seasons, or they can be triggered year-round. Pollen counts or ragweed might be allergy triggers in warm weather , but dusty, indoor air is just as irritating to some people in the winter. Seasonal allergies are widespread: up to 30% of children and adults in the U.S. have allergic rhinitis .
Other Steps You Can Take
There’s not much you can do to protect yourself from allergies when you are outside, but you should strive to make your home as allergy-free as possible. Combining a variety of different allergen-reducing techniques can make you more comfortable.
These techniques include:
- Cut down on pet dander. Consider a hypoallergenic dog or give your or weekly baths to reduce dander accumulation. If your pet has long hair, consider getting them shaved. Keep your dog or cat out of your bedroom.
- Eradicate dust mites. Keep your home clean and uncluttered, get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting, and put protective covers on furniture cushions to keep your home free of dust mites.
- Vacuum. Vacuuming twice per week with a vacuum containing a HEPA filter reduces airborne allergens.
- Dehumidify. Mold thrives in moist, warm environments. Air out your bathroom after showers or run a dehumidifier to suck moisture from the air.
- Get rid of houseplants. House plants make a great home for dust mites and mold spores. Reduce your number of house plants and get rid of dried flowers.
- Control cockroaches. Cockroaches are common in urban areas and in the southern United States. Set traps and avoid leaving out food.
It’s not always possible to prevent allergy symptoms. Often, you can only treat symptoms as they arise. There are many prescription and over-the-counter options available, including:
- antihistamine or corticosteroid eye drops
- oral decongestants
- corticosteroid asthma inhalers
How Do You Get Rid Of An Allergic Reaction Rash
August 21, 2020
A skin rash that is caused by an allergic reaction can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Allergic rashes can be caused by a number of different allergens, and they can vary in severity.
Although most will go away on their own without treatment within a week or two, there are things you can do to help make an allergic reaction rash more comfortable and to help speed up your recovery. Let’s talk about some of the common types of allergic rashes and what you can do to get your skin clear again.
Ragweed Allergy Triggers Including The One Drink To Always Avoid
Almost one third of people living with a ragweed allergy also experience an allergic response to certain other foods, including cucumbers, melons, zucchini, sunflower seeds, bananas and/or chamomile tea. Even echinacea can trigger a reaction.
That’s because the proteins found in some types of produce are very similar to the proteins found in certain types of pollen. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, these proteins can confuse the immune system and cause an allergic reaction or make existing symptoms worse, which is referred to as cross-reactivity. In the case of pollen and foods, the result of cross-reactivity is called oral allergy syndrome.
That may seem surprising, especially since these things usually fall under the health food category. Let’s take a closer look at at herbal tea, in particular. Do you ever swap coffee with tea or pour a cup to unwind after a long day? Chamomile tea is a popular option, as it’s full of antioxidants, reduces inflammation and improves digestion.
But for people suffering from ragweed allergies, chamomile tea can be giving you something extra — a slew of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, headaches and irritated eyes. Chamomile is good for a lot of things, but if you’re living with a ragweed allergy, you should probably avoid this drink.
And get this: If you don’t have allergy symptoms already, chamomile tea can actually set them off. And if you are suffering, the tea can worsen symptoms.
Pros And Cons Of Allergy Shots
Many allergy sufferers feel differently based on the time of year. Outdoor allergies may be mild in some months, then more severe in others as pollen counts change. How you feel depends on the season, your specific allergen triggers and how much time you spend outdoors.
It needn’t be that way, though, as effective treatments are available.
An allergy is a reaction of your immune system to a foreign substance. It can be pollen, dander from pets, like dogs and cats, to different types of food. When an allergic reaction occurs, it is because your immune system manufacturers substances called antibodies that respond to a substance called an allergen. The antibodies produced attack the allergen that your immune system reacts to, as it has identified them as harmful – even though the immune system is mistaken. When your immune system makes antibodies, your body may have a reaction that inflames your skin, your airways, or your digestive system.
