Additional Tips To Manage And Control Your Fall Allergies
- When possible, stay inside and keep doors and windows closed when pollen is at its highest to get daily pollen counts in our area or visit Pollen.com for your own local area.
- Before you turn on the heat in your house for the first time, make sure to clean the heating vents and change filters. Sometimes mold and other allergens get trapped in the vents over our humid summers and will fill the air in your house once the heat kicks on.
- Invest in a HEPA filter for your homes HVAC system. These filters force air through a fine mesh and traps harmful allergens and particles such as pollen, pet dander, mites, and tobacco smoke.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the air inside your home below 50% humidity.
- Wear a mask when working outside and in your yard so you dont breathe in mold sporesthis is especially important if you are raking leaves or picking up decaying grass clippings.
With proper care and clean up, and some preventative medications, you can enjoy the great fall weather we have here in Jacksonville.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for allergy screenings or to discuss an allergy management plan.
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Is It Possible To Control Indoor Allergens
You can control indoor allergens with cleaning and reducing allergens in your home. The main sources of indoor allergens are:
- Mattresses that arent in allergy covers
- Pillows and bedding you cant wash in hot water
There may be more allergens on surfaces than in the air. Surface allergens enter the air easily when you disturb them by dusting or sitting.
Allergy Report: Austin And Central Texas
Find the latest allergen counts for Central Texas, as measured by Sheila M. Amar, M.D., and Kim T. Hovanky, M.D. of Allergy & Asthma Center of Georgetown. Whether it is cedar, mold, cottonwood, oak, ragweed, ash, pine, mulberry, elm, poplar, or any other allergen in our area, you can track recent allergy reports here.
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Symptoms Of A Pollen Allergy
Allergies occur when harmless water-soluble proteins released by pollen enter the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. If youre susceptible to allergies, your immune system mistakes pollen for invading germs. Your body triggers a complex process whereby it generates chemicals such as histamine to irritate the nerves, which leads to itching and sneezing in an attempt to expel the pollen.5 6
Symptoms of a pollen allergy vary from person to person. You may experience bouts of sneezing. This seemingly annoying reaction helps physically expel the pollen from your system, and it also serves as a red flag to tell you there is a high pollen count and you should leave the area if possible.7 In conjunction with sneezing, you may experience additional issues with your nose and eyes. To learn more about these symptoms, visit our Understanding Allergy Symptoms page.8
Natural Ways To Defeat Texas Seasonal Allergies
- Cleanse your nasal passages more often.
- Drink apple cider vinegar with water and lemon juice to break up mucus and boost the immune system.
- Add essential oils to your bath water or tea to reduce allergy symptoms.
- Clean your house regularly to get rid of accumulated dust, spores and pollen.
- Strengthen your immune system by managing your stress levels through self-care activities.
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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 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.
How To Manage Weather Allergy Symptoms
The key to managing allergy and asthma symptoms is knowing your triggers. You might find cold air ramps up your asthma symptoms. Pollen might bother you a bit, or it can make you miserable.
Asthma and allergies are unique to each person, so identifying what worsens your symptoms is vital. Ideas that may help:
- Use an app or weather forecasting site to keep an eye on potential changes that might affect you. Watch the pollen count, mold spore count, air quality index, humidity, temperature and changes in barometric pressure. Sign up for alerts via email or text.
- Limit outdoor exercise in weather that affects you or if the air quality is poor.
- Wear a mask when gardening or cutting grass to limit particles and mold spores.
- Use a scarf to shield your mouth and nose in cold weather. It warms and humidifies the air before you breathe it in, reducing shock to your airways.
- Keep humidity levels in your home steady. Air conditioning, dehumidifiers or humidifiers, as needed, can help keep your airways from becoming inflamed.
- Take all your asthma medication as prescribed. These help you control your asthma daily and during a flare. Follow your doctors advice.
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What Are The Types Of Allergies And How Are They Treated
You can be allergic to a wide variety of substances including pollen, animal dander, mold and dust mites.
Pollen
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen. It causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose and of the protective tissue of your eyes .
Symptoms include sneezing, congestion , and itchy, watery eyes, nose and mouth. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription oral antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, and nasal cromolyn. In some people, allergic asthma symptoms can be caused by exposure to pollen.
Your symptoms can be reduced by avoiding pollen. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, close your windows, and use air conditioning. Ask your healthcare provider about immunotherapy to treat pollen allergy.
Dust mites
Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in dust and in the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpet, and upholstery. Dust mites grow in warm, humid areas.
The symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to those of pollen allergy. To help manage dust mite allergies, try using dust mite encasements over pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Also, remove carpet, or vacuum frequently with a high-efficiency filter vacuum cleaner. Treatment may include medications to control your nasal/eye and chest symptoms. Immunotherapy may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance methods and medications.
Molds
Time Of Year For Indoor Allergens
Although indoor allergens can affect you any time of year, your symptoms are likely to act up in the winter when youâre spending more time indoors. As people turn their heaters up, particles from pet dander and dust are blown around, which irritates the sinuses. The indoor air is dry because of the heater, which can cause the nasal passages to inflame and be more prone to allergy irritation.
Keep in mind that winter is also a time for colds, which can closely resemble allergy symptoms. Aches and fever generally are not a symptom of allergiesâand itchy, watery eyes are not a symptom of a cold. Indoor allergens can also exist in the air during the spring and summer months when the windows are open and a breeze causes pollen to get inside and land on furnishing and carpet.
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Christina Ciaccio Md Msc
Christina Ciaccio, MD, MSc, provides compassionate care for children and adults with food and environmental allergies, allergic rhinitis, urticaria and angioedema, allergic rashes and asthma. She strongly believes in educating patients and their families, and involving them in the care process in a meaningful way.
Treatment And Defense Against Mold And Spore Allergies
This is another case where taking precautions can really help limit your and your familys exposure to mold.
First and foremost, clean up all dead and decaying plant material from around your house, rake up those leaves, get rid of rotting wood, clear your gutters of debris, and clean up compost and garden beds.
Inside your house, consider investing in a good dehumidifier. Do your best to keep humidity levels lowbelow 50 percent is ideal within your house. In your garage and attic, make sure boxes arent damp and ensure insulation hasnt gotten wet from the heavy rains weve been experiencing. Attics and garages can be a major incubator where mold can grow.
If allergy symptoms hit, make sure to visit your allergist. Mold is a potent asthma trigger and youll want to have your inhalers ready and have your allergy and asthma management plan in place. If youve only recently developed allergies, your allergy specialist can test for your specific allergies to pollens and molds, which will help determine if you should start allergy shots. Immunotherapy is a proven method for controlling fall allergies.
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New Satellite Images Show Traffic Has Resumed On Crimea Bridge Following Deadly Blast
New satellite images from Maxar Technologies taken Wednesday show cars crossing the Kerch bridge in Crimea just days after a deadly explosion damaged the only road and rail link between Russia and the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Moscow in 2014.
The explosion Saturday, which killed at least three people, was a major blow to Moscow and the Kremlin has responded with deadly attacks against Ukraines civil infrastructure over the past three days.
The images show limited car and rail traffic has restarted on the bridge following the blast as repairs are ongoing.
The photos also show long lines of cargo trucks waiting to be ferried to Crimea from Russia.
Though car traffic on the bridge has resumed, larger vehicles like trucks, vans and buses are now traveling by ferry across the Kerch Strait.
Russian authorities have detained eight people in connection with the attack on the bridge, state media reported Wednesday.
The Crimea bridge is a critical artery for supplying the peninsula with both its daily needs and supplies for the Russian military. Over the past few months, dozens of Russian military convoys have used the bridge, carrying vehicles, armor and fuel.
Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the blast on the 19-kilometer long bridge, which was was opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018.
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Us Citizen Recently Died In The Donbas Region Of Ukraine State Department Says
A US citizen recently died in the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, a US State Department spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.
We are in touch with the family and are providing all appropriate assistance, the spokesperson said. Out of respect for the familys privacy during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add.
The State Department did not indicate the manner of the death. CNN is working to confirm the identity of the American.
Ukraine’s Weapons Wish List Includes Multiple Rocket Systems Artillery And Air Defense As Top Priorities
Ukraines weapons wish list includes multiple launch rocket systems, artillery and air defense as current top weapons priorities, according to a handout provided to defense ministers participating in a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting hosted by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Brussels on Wednesday.
Ministers of defense from several countries are gathering to discuss weapons requirements and how the countries can continue to support Ukraine militarily as they battle Russias ongoing invasion of their country.
Under Multiple Launch Rocket Systems , the handout states that Ukraine needs additional NATO-standard MLRS systems and ammunition. Under artillery, the handout states Kyiv needs more artillery for towed howitzers, self-propelled tracked howitzers and non-standard wheeled howitzers as well as large quantities of additional 155mm, 152mm, and 122mm ammunition, the handout states.
The third priority is air defense including missiles for Ukraines current medium-range air defense systems, the S-300 and SA-11. The list also states Ukraine needs a transition to Western-origin layered air defense systems and additional Western and Soviet-era SHORAD systems. Ukraine has been asking for more air defense systems, but the need has become more urgent as Russia has increased its use of Iranian-made drones.
Other priorities listed include radars, coastal defense, tanks and electronic warfare equipment.
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Required Features And Specifications
Good vacuum cleaner for allergies and asthma must be able to remove pollutants from the cleaned surface, it must be able to capture that dirt and it must allow the user to get rid of that dirt easily and without making an additional mess.
Most important features include strong suction, HEPA air filtration, set of cleaning tools and attachments, ease of dirt disposal, easy of use and of course, the price.
Note: since most important features increase the price of the vacuum, dont expect that the full-size vacuum cleaners with strong suction and HEPA air filtration to be cheap. But, such units usually come with 3 to 5 year or even longer warranty periods and they help one feel more comfortable and safer at home, so in the end, they are worth their prices. IMHO, of course.
Suction Strength home vacuums used as the main vacuum cleaners are usually rated between 500 and 1500 watts and they produce suction up to 250 Air Watts, sometimes even more. Such suction is required to clean tough messes and deeply embedded dirt like dust, pollen and hair from thick area rugs and high-pile carpets.
But, in order to clean the sensitive surfaces, such strong vacuums must have simple but efficient suction strength control, allowing the user to adjust the suction as and when required.
Strong suction is very important for proper vacuuming, but proper cleaning tools are as important as strong suction if not sometimes even more important
bacteria 0.3-10.0 micrometers,
Is An Air Purifier Helpful For Covid
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an air purifier by itself isnt enough to protect you from contracting COVID-19. However, the EPA website notes, a quality unit can help reduce airborne contaminants including viruses in a home or confined space. In other words, running an air purifier can a good protective measure but it shouldnt be your only one.
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Why You Should Trust This Review
I am one of those people who really need an air purifier. Even the slightest bit of pollen or dust floating in the air gets me sneezing for hours.
So, when Im at home, I need high-quality, filtered air to reduce my allergies.
Thats why I did a lot of research to find the best air purifiers on the market.
I knew if I didnt find a good air purifier, I would have to deal with my allergies on my own for a long time coming.
But since I did the research, I found an air purifier that suited my needs and kept my allergies at bay.
Ill admit, the search was complex, and I had to go through many sources. And after all that effort, I couldnt help but share what I learned with other people who have the same struggle.
You can rest assured that every product on this list is top-tier and will serve you well.
So now, its up to you to figure out which model from this list fits your preferences and go for that one!
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Ukraine’s Heating Season To Start On Time Despite Russian Attacks On Infrastructure: Minister
Heating season in Ukraine will not be delayed by Russian attacks on the countrys energy infrastructure, a Ukrainian minister has said.
The heating season will start on time, without any postponements or changes. It will start as planned: as soon as the average daily temperature is below 8 degrees Celsius for three days. Even the weather is on our side, Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Chernyshov said.
There is electricity again in almost 4,000 settlements. Damage the enemys missile attack has been repaired as quickly as possible, in two days. Only eight settlements remain without electricity, work there will be completed in the coming days, he added.
On Tuesday, Ukraines Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said about 30% of energy infrastructure in Ukraine had been hit by Russian missiles since Monday.
Kyiv is urging all Ukrainians to save electricity, especially from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Symptoms Of Airborne Allergies
The symptoms of airborne allergies are often uncomfortable, frustrating, andâunfortunatelyâfamiliar to many people. When an airborne allergen lands on the lining of the inside of the nose, a reaction occurs that leads the tissues’ cells to release histamine and other biochemicals. The biochemicals contract cells that line the blood vessels in the nose, which causes fluid to escape. When the fluid escapes, the nasal passages swell which results in congestion.
The release of histamine can also cause symptoms like itching, irritation, and more. Here are some of the common symptoms brought on by allergens in the air.
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