Simple ways to combat the most common indoor allergy triggers

 

            If symptoms of itchy watery eyes, itchy nose, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath last longer than 10 days or two weeks, you may have entered the wonderful world of indoor allergies.

The most common indoor allergens in hot and humid parts of the country are house dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic insects that eat the layer of skin, called keratin, that we flake off naturally. “Their waste droppings dry up and form an easily airborne powder that contains a protein many people are allergic to,” explains Juan C. Guarderas, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chair – Allergy Division, Mayo Clinic.

Two new studies help to show the power of nutrition to assist allergies and asthma. In one study people with higher levels of folic acid in their blood had had fewer IgE antibodies, fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and lower likelihood of asthma. In another study researchers found that lower blood levels of vitamin D in children were linked to allergy and asthma severity.

 

There is a national epidemic of asthma in children, in part due to obesity and in part due to the overuse of antibiotics that has caused an overgrowth of Candida, in turn causing excessive production of airway inflammatory signals coming from the Candida. Nutrients are certainly important and low levels of key nutrients may allow such problems to manifest. Magnesium has long been known to be lacking in individuals with allergies and asthma. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, especially quercetin, are of immense help.

As the holidays near and the air becomes more frigid, families gather around fireplaces and wood-burning stoves seeking warm comfort. Unfortunately for many, especially those who suffer from asthma and allergies, the use of such heating devices can trigger health-related disasters in unexpected ways.

Dr. Leonard Bielory, director of the Asthma and Allergy Research Center at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School in Newark, says emergency room visits from asthma attacksquadruple following the fall’s first frost. “There are particles and toxic agents emitted by burning wood that, when inhaled, may cause shortness of breath or wheezing and possibly a life-threatening asthma attack that may require emergency health care.”

 

Do your eyes water? Does your throat itch? Perhaps you get a runny nose during certain times of the year. These are some of the common signs of an allergic reaction. Others could include itchy ears, a skin rash, swollen eyes, and a host of other symptoms that suggest you may be allergic to something in your environment. If these things persist or develop over time, see your doctor about medical testing to determine whether you have true allergies or perhaps more vague sensitivities to temporary irritants, like smoke, household cleaning chemicals, or attic dust.

Itchiness, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and redness are some of the common symptoms that majority of the people experiences as allergy symptoms. The most effective way to fight against particular allergen is immunotherapy or allergy shot, but some people will get frightened to get allergy shot. Allergy shots hold a little amount of substance that fights against the particular allergen. For example, if the person is allergic to pollen, a small amount of substance called pollen will be added to the shot.