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ALLERGY & ASTHMA INFORMATION

Helpful Allergy & Asthma Information

Your health and well-being are very important to us. In this section, we have posted:

  • Answers to frequently asked questions (F.A.Qs.)
  • Helpful hints on controlling your allergies and asthma
  • A new article feed with the latest articles posted in the field of allergy and asthma research
  • allergy

    20 Ways To Beat The Allergy Blues

  • allergy

    Asthma FAQs

  • allergy

    Tips For Children With Seasonal Allergies

  • allergy

    Journal of Asthma and Allergy Article Feed

20 Ways To Beat The Allergy Blues

Airborn Allergies

  1. Keep the grass short, but have someone else do the mowing. If you can't avoid yard duty, wear a mask when you mow.
  2. Don't dry clothes outside. Pollen bonds to fabric.
  3. Allergic to molds? Plan outdoor activities when the weather is hot and dry.
  4. Ban smoking at home and at work. Smoke only aggravates allergies.
  5. If you have hay fever, stay indoors when pollen is high. Avoid parks, woods, and gardens during the allergy season. Save errands for late afternoon or after it rains. Pollen is worst during early hours and on dry, windy days.
  6. Wash that pollen right out of your hair - shower and shampoo frequently.
  7. Consider your allergies when planning a vacation. Ask your doctor to suggest a spot where the source of your allergy isn't in bloom during your holiday.
  8. Do not move just to avoid allergies, you may develop new ones.
  9. If you garden, avoid choosing plants, trees, grass, and weeds with tiny flowers, such as goldenrod.
  10. Try to keep windows closed wherever you are.

Insect Allergies

  1. Never go outside when you are barefoot and keep an eye out for insect colonies, nests, and hives.
  2. Opt for light-colored clothing, such as whites and tans. Avoid blues, yellow, and any colors resembling flowers.
  3. Don't paint, cook meals, or feed pets outside. These scents attract bugs.
  4. Limit the use of perfume, hair spray, or suntan lotion - these are bug attracting.
  5. Don't panic if an insect lands on you. Stay calm and gently brush it away.
  6. See a doctor if you have a reaction to an insect bite.

Animal Allergies

  1. When choosing a pet, a dog is safer than a cat - but a fish is even better.
  2. If you must have a dog or cat, choose a shorthaired breed without a thick undercoat.
  3. Wash animals frequently and try to keep them out of your bedroom.
  4. Avoid pillows, comforters, and other products filled with feathers or down.

Asthma FAQs

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and chest tightness (some people get all of these symptoms, while others may only have cough, for example). It is the result of some known (allergens, occupational exposures) and some unknown factors.

The following information is provided to answer commonly asked questions about Asthma.

What are the symptoms of asthma?
How is asthma diagnosed?
What causes asthma?
Is asthma a serious disease?

Tips For Children With Seasonal Allergies

For Seasonal Allergies

  1. Reduce Plant Materials Pollen is the #1 cause of seasonal allergies. Trees account for 10% of all allergies in the United States, grasses account for about 30%, and ragweed accounts for nearly 60% of all allergies. Keep trees and shrubs pruned, and eliminate all unnecessary vegetation, including houseplants and decorative bouquets indoors.
  2. Keep Windows Closed Because pollen is carried by the wind, it's in the air everywhere. So keep windows closed even if you have no pollen-producing plants nearby. Air conditioners actually filter pollen and other allergens out of the air as they keep you cool.
  3. Change Filters Regularly Furnace and air conditioning filters take many allergens out of the air. However, they build up on the filters. To filter them out and keep them out, change filters once a month.

For All Other Types Of Allergies

  1. Eliminate "Dust-Collectors" Knickknacks and clutter collect dust and are hard to clean. Get rid of unnecessary objects and display valuables in a glass case that's easier to clean.
  2. Keep Bedding Clean Over one-third of your child’s life is spent in the bedroom so keep it clean! Wash bedding in hot water every week, use allergen-proof cases for pillows and mattresses, and consider getting rid of wall-to-wall carpeting. Minimize use of heavy draperies or venetian blinds, which catch a lot of dust.