Humidity and Indoor Allergies

Check out this info from the AAAAI on indoor allergies and humidifiers! http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/humidifiers-and-indoor-allergies.aspx

"Why are my allergy symptoms worse than ever before?"

Many people are experiencing severe allergy symptoms right now and many of them are asking "why are my symptoms more severe than ever before?"

The answer may be due to the "priming effect".

The "priming effect" is an increased sensitivity of the lining of the nose that occurs with repeated exposure to allergens like pollen.

With the hot weather occurring earlier in the year this year and sticking around longer than usual, there has been more pollen in the air (plants produce more pollen in hotter weather).

This has meant a longer allergy season and a therefore a more vigorous "priming effect" that has become stronger and stronger as the different seasons have progressed.

 

So a person doesn't need to be exposed to as much pollen to have symptoms of hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis). These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, watery/itchy eyes and even fatigue. All of these can greatly affect quality of life and can lead to complications like sinus infections and asthma flares.

 

People who've never had seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms before may experience them for the first time. Others who could control these symptoms with over the counter medications like antihistamines now need additional medication to help symptoms.

We are currently in the fall allergy season where weeds and molds are the main culprits that cause symptoms. Elm tree pollen is also important here in So Cal this time of year. The "priming effect" can also cause patients to be more sensitive to other allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

The most important thing for patients to know is: don't ignore your symptoms! If allergen avoidance and over the counter medications are not enough, go see an allergist to discuss other options and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you!

For more information, please visit: www.southbayallergy.com

Are allergies inherited?

Though having allergies tends to run in families, the exact type of allergic disorder may vary from one generation to the next.  For example, if Grandma had asthma, and Dad had hives from food allergies, you and your siblings may have "hay fever" (nasal allergies) or eczema, but not necessarily asthma or hives.

Also, while you may be allergic to shellfish, your child could develop an allergy to anything from foods to airborne inhaled allergens such as pollens or dust mites.  Just because a parent is allergic to cats doesn't mean a child will also be allergic to cats.  If there is a rabbit in the playroom, it is much more likely that the child will develop an allergy to rabbits.

For more information, please visit us at www.southbayallergy.com

Fall Allergy Tips!

Look out for ragweed and mold! They are 2 of the main culprits that can cause allergy symptoms in the Fall.

Ragweed and other weeds are the biggest allergy triggers in the Fall. They begin pollinating in August and can travel hundreds of miles in the wind.

Mold thrives in damp areas such as in the piles of damp leaves lining yards and streets, bathrooms, and damp basements.
 

Here are some tips to manage your Fall allergies:

• Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high and close your windows during windy days to keep pollen from blowing in. (check daily pollen counts in your zip code on our website: www.southbayallergy.com)
• Use your HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, which removes at least 99% of pollen, as well as animal dander, dust and other particles.
• Wear a mask when raking leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.
• Before turning on the heater for the first time, clean the heating ducts and change the filters because mold and dust particles can become trapped in the vents over summer.

If you have symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes or throat, you should see an allergist to discuss treatment options like prescription medications or allergy shots.

For more information, please visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com

Source: ACAAI

Allergy-safe hotels all over the world

Getting ready for a summer vacation?  Don't let allergies get in the way -- plan ahead and check out the allergy ratings on hotels in major cities around the world, at AllerPassMD.

This great website can help you find the right allergy-safe hotels for your trip.  Reviewed by a Board Certified Allergist and still adding hotel ratings based on allergy-safe features:  

http://www.allerpassmd.com/

Can asthma be prevented?

Recent studies would suggest that by reducing a child's exposure to allergy triggers, not only are you helping get rid of annoying nasal symptoms like a stuffy, runny, itchy nose, but you may be preventing the development of asthma. 

Researchers describe the progression of symptoms from skin allergies (eczema) in babies to nasal allergies in toddlers and kindergarteners (allergic rhinitis) to asthma in older children as "the atopic march".  This tends to happen when there is continuing exposure to things that the child is allergic to, such as dust mites or pollens.  The better the environmental control of these allergens, the less likely symptoms will progress to more severe conditions such as asthma.

Unexpected Allergy Source: Pet Hangouts

Pet allergies are common, but your pet's fur is not the only allergen. The real problem is proteins found in pet saliva, urine, and dander -- dead skin cells that become airborne and settle on carpets, furniture, and bedding. Pet hair can still be to blame because it can collect dander and other allergens like dust and pollen.

Keeping your pet out of your bedroom is only partially helpful, because airflow can carry pet allergens throughout the home.

Tips:

• Clean and damp-mop (or "Swiffer") floors frequently
• Keep pets off carpeting
• Wash your hands after playing with your pet
• Wash your dog or cat every week or two
• Wash your pet's bedding frequently 
• Keep pet-hair contaminated clothes out of your bedroom and off your bed!

Unexpected Allergy Source: Potted Plants

Take a good look at your houseplants. Mold spores can grow in the pots and spread to the floor. To minimize this, remove dead leaves, use saucers, and avoid over-watering.

Unexpected Allergy Source: Books

Your food for thought may also be food for pests. Book dust harbors dust mites, mold spores, and tiny critters called booklice.

If you find that handling your books triggers your allergies, try vacuuming their surfaces regularly or storing the books in a closed container. Decreasing the indoor humidity and removing mold as a food source will also help curb the number of booklice.

Now that e-Readers are becoming more available and popular, this is a great option for the dust mite allergic avid reader!

Santa Ana winds are coming our way

Hot dry Santa Ana winds are predicted in the next couple of days.  If you are pollen allergic or have asthma, keep those windows closed, and make sure to take any preventative medications such as antihistamines or your asthma controller medications that you have been prescribed.   All medications for allergy and asthma work better when used early!

Adult Onset of Asthma

Many people develop asthma in childhood. However, asthma symptoms can develop at any time in one's life.

Signs and Symptoms of Adult Onset Asthma:

• dry cough (especially at night or in response to "triggers")
• tightness or pressure in the chest
• difficulty breathing
• wheezing when exhaling (whistling sound)
• shortness of breath after exercising
• colds that go to the chest for more than 10 days

Diagnosis of Adult Onset Asthma:

• Your physician will: question you about your symptoms, do a physical exam, conduct lung function tests, and possibly preform an allergy test
• If you have any asthma symptoms, don't ignore them or try to treat them yourself

Managing Adult Onset Asthma:

• Learn and stay up to date
• Take prescribed medications
• Visit your doctor regularly for in-office tests. These tests are painless and provide valuable data that help your physician make adjustments in your medications.
• Make a plan that will establish guidelines that tell you what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse

Controlling Asthma Symptoms:

If your asthma symptoms are caused by allergies, take steps to control known or potential triggers in your environment.

• Allergy proof your house for dust, mold, cockroaches, and other common indoor allergens in which you are allergic
• Reduce outdoor activities when pollen counts are high
• Choose foods that do not contribute to your asthma or allergy symptoms
• Evaluate your workplace for possible allergens, and take the necessary steps to reduce your exposure to them.

Coping with Allergies and Asthma May/June 2011. Adult Onset of Asthma.

Unexpected Allergy Source: Stuffed Furniture

Upholstered furniture provides a cozy refuge for dust mites. Vacuum furniture fabric regularly. Leather, vinyl, or other smooth surfaces can lessen allergies.

Unexpected Allergy Source: Kitchen

This is a favorite room for mold. If your refrigerator has a drip pan, pull it out and scrub it regularly. Standing water attracts mold. Old, moldy food can also trigger allergies.

Also, cover trash cans and store food in sealed containers to keep cockroaches away. These nighttime bugs are hard to see, and they trigger allergies in many people.

Latex Allergy

Latex, also known as rubber or natural latex, comes from the milky sap of the rubber tree, found in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to substances in natural latex. Rubber gloves are the main source of allergic reactions, although latex is also used in many other products -- here are some common places latex may show up in your environment:



At Home:

• balloons
• rubber gloves for cleaning house
• rubber erasers
• some computer mouse pads 
• rubber bands
• tennis shoe soles
• ping pong paddles
• foam rubber pillows 
• some "pillow top" mattresses
• koosh balls
• party "bounce" houses
• tires
• freshly resurfaced roads

At School:

• rubber balls on the playground
• rubberized playground surfaces
• rubber running tracks
• artificial turf fields
• mouse pads

Other:

• dental or medical offices where latex gloves are worn by staff
• restaurants or cafeterias where food handlers wear latex gloves
• some medical devices such as urinary catheters with a rubber tip
• latex condoms

It is thought that repeated exposure to latex and rubber products may induce symptoms in people prone to allergies.

About 5% to 10% of health care workers have some form of allergy to latex.  Many hospitals are now latex-free as this condition has become more prevalent in the population.


What Happens During a Latex Reaction?

There are three types of latex reactions:

• Irritant contact dermatitis.  Least threatening form, a non-allergenic skin reaction. Usually occurs as a result of repeated exposure to chemicals in latex gloves and results in dryness, itching, or burning of the skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis. Results in the same type of reactions as irritant contact dermatitis, but the reaction is more severe, generally itchier, spreads to more parts of the body and lasts longer.
• Immediate allergic reaction (latex hypersensitivity). The most serious reaction to latex. It can include hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (allergic pink eye), hives, wheezing or chest tightness, swelling of the lips, eyelids, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. Rarely, symptoms may progress to include rapid heartbeat, tremors, chest pain, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, or potentially, death.

What Should I Do During an Allergic Reaction to Latex?

If you experience severe symptoms, call your doctor or 911 immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you suspect latex allergy, we can help you decipher the causes of your symptoms.  Give us a call at (310) 371-1388 and set up a time to come see one of our allergy doctors.

Tips for Fighting Winter Allergies

It's winter and even in sunny Southern California, we are closing up our houses and trying to keep warm at night.  If you have allergies or asthma, keep that indoor environment free of allergens and airborne irritants and enjoy some nice clean air:




Keeping warm 

• Opt for a radiant space heater or washable blankets rather than forced air heater, especially if your air ducts have not been professionally cleaned in the last few year.  
• Fireplaces are cozy, but may create smoke that irritates the airways, and firewood can bring in pollen or mold as well.

Clean heating ducts and filters

• Dust and dust mites thrive in your heating system. Professional cleaners can give your ducts a clean bill of health. A complete air duct cleaning should be done at least every 5 years.
• Change heat system filters at least once a month.

Wash pets frequently

When it's cold or rainy outside, pets need to come in, but exposure to pet dander will increase, so...

• Keep them in a confined living area, preferably one without carpeting -- not the bedroom if you or a family member is allergic to animal dander. 
• Give them a bath every week if pet dander is a problem.

Beware of extremes

• When it's very cold outside, keep your face covered. 
• Avoid running or exertion in extremely cold air if you are prone to asthma.  

Avoid airborne irritants

Common examples of indoor airborne irritants that may make it into your home:

• Potpourri
• Fireplace smoke
• Cigarette smoke
• Air fresheners 
• Incense
• Scented candles

Unexpected Allergy Source: Air Conditioner

Air conditioning helps keep your home cool and dry, helping to fight allergens. But sometimes it can be part of the problem. As dust collects on the cooling coils, mold may begin to grow.

Keep dust out by installing a heavy-duty filter and changing it regularly. Window A/C units should be professionally cleaned and disinfected every year.