Fall Landscaping: How to Reduce Allergens in Your Yard

Photo: graur codrin; Freedigitalphotos.net

Prepping your yard this fall can give you a head start on spring landscaping, but it can also mean suffering from seasonal allergies seasonal allergies. Ragweed pollen and lingering mold can create double the symptoms for some allergy sufferers.

“The daunting task of yard work can be favorable for allergy sufferers if they know how to reduce allergens in the areas surrounding the home,” said allergist Richard Weber, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Many people think you can only control the environment inside the home, but there are also precautions you can take to help eliminate allergens outside as well.”

While completely avoiding pollen and mold is an impossible feat, the following tips from ACAAI allergists allergists can help you breathe a little easier.

Timing is Everything – The mid-day and afternoon hours might seem like the best time for yard work, but it’s the worst time if you have pollen allergies. Pollen counts are the highest during this time, making early morning and evening hours more suitable. Weather can also play an important role. Rain showers can temporarily clear pollen from the air. Thunderstorms, however, can increase airborne allergens, and the standing water left behind is the perfect breeding ground for mold spores.

Dress to Protect – You don’t need to impress while working in your yard, instead dress wisely. Buy pollen masks and gardening gloves at your local hardware store. These will help keep your hands clean and allergens from entering your airways. Wearing large sunglasses will keep pollen and mold from aggravating your eyes. A hat will reduce pollen from sticking to your hair. Also opt for long pants and shirts to prevent skin irritation, while keeping allergy-causing stinging insects away.

Choose Wisely – The worst allergy offenders might be in your own yard. If you are considering adding new trees, grasses and plants into your landscape, be sure they aren’t the worst offenders. While everyone’s allergies are different, these are typically safe:

Trees
o Apple
o Dogwood
o Pear
o Plum
o Begonia flower

Plants and Flowers
o Daffodil
o Lilac
o Magnolia
o Rose
o Sunflower

Be Quick to Clean – Mold and pollen can collect on fallen leaves. Be sure to rake leaves often and wear a pollen mask while doing so, since raking can stir allergens into the air. Continue mowing your lawn throughout the fall and keep your grass short. Maintaining your lawn will keep grass from flowering and producing pollen. If raking and mowing are too bothersome, ask a family member to do it for you. Once you are finished with yard work, remove your shoes before entering your home and be sure to shower right away. Your shoes, clothing and hair can all be allergen magnets.

Taking allergy medication long before you head into the great outdoors can help suppress allergy symptoms. ACAAI allergists recommend taking your medication two weeks before symptoms start, and continue well after the first frost.

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Women in their 40s and 50s at greater risk for asthma hospitalization

Photo: Ambro/freedigitalimages.net

Asthma is a disease that mostly affects young boys and adult women. And according to a new study, women in their 40s and 50s with asthma are hospitalized more than twice as often as men in the same age group. The 10-year study is published in the September issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“Until puberty, boys have higher rates of asthma than girls,” said Robert Yao-wen Lin, MD, allergist and lead study author. “Then, during the menopausal years, women’s hospitalization rates are double those of men in the same age group. This could indicate that asthma may have distinct biological traits.”

The National Impatient Sample databases for 2000-2010 were used to calculate the ratio of female to male hospitalization rates for different decades of adult life. The highest rate of difference was found in the fifth and six decade. Common coexisting conditions, such as cigarette smoking and obesity were taken into account.

“This study reinforces that asthma is a women’s health issue,” said John Oppenheimer, MD, ACAAI Fellow and associate editor of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “There is a need for more prevention and early intervention to reduce asthma hospitalization in menopausal women and reduce healthcare costs.”

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests that women in their 40s and 50s with asthma make an appointment with their allergist and ask these questions:
• Do I need any change in my medications?
• What are the symptoms associated with the risk of a severe asthma attack during menopause?
• How do I keep my asthma in check and avoid needing emergency room or hospitalized treatment?

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Skin and food allergies can be result of skin cell 'glue' defeciency

Scientists say that they've found that a structural defect in skin cells that may contribute to allergy development, including skin and food allergies, traditionally thought to be related to a dysfunction of the immune system.

The finding is related to the team's identification of a new rare genetic disease, called "severe dermatitis, multiple allergies, and metabolic wasting," or SAM, caused by mutations in the molecule desmoglein 1.

"Desmoglein 1 is best understood as the 'glue' that holds the outer layer of human skin together," said Kathleen Green, Joseph L. Mayberry, Sr., Professor of Pathology and Toxicology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"Historically, the molecule was mainly believed to have a structural role: this adhesion between cells contributes to the physical barrier that regulates water loss and also acts as the body's major defense against environmental elements. But there are a large number of molecules that form this barrier, distributed in a highly-patterned manner, prompting our team to hypothesize that they do more than just mediate adhesion."

Green's group at Northwestern worked with an international team that analyzed clinical data from two families, combined with genetic analysis including next-generation DNA sequencing and light and electron microscopy, among other techniques. They found that when desmoglein 1 does not properly function or does not exist, the resulting barrier disruption can affect the immune response, and consequences can be severe.

"This work is also significant because it suggests that in addition to impairing the physical barrier, loss of desmoglein 1 may more directly regulate expression of genes that control the immune response and contribute to allergy," says Green. "Conceptually, it allows us to build on previous studies and make conclusions about the importance of other structural proteins in the skin barrier."

Green notes that the finding, combined with recent published data, could eventually lead investigators to discover further connections between defects in structural molecules and less severe allergies such as atopic dermatitis, eczema and more common food allergies.
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Heat and asthma – a dangerous combination

How to control asthma symptoms when the temperatures soar

Hot weather can trigger asthma symptoms,
doctors say. Tips for being outdoors and inside.

High temperatures during the summer months can make breathing difficult for people with asthma.

Hot weather means more air pollution, doctors say, and the heat and humidity can also be triggers for some asthma patients.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affects almost 26 million Americans, 7 million of which are children. The condition is also widespread among low income and minority populations.

Some tips from the experts:

• Limit the time spent in the heat
• Drink lots of water – signs of dehydration include dizziness, confusion, trouble breathing
• Keep in the shade as much as you can
• Take breaks in cooler areas, if possible. Even short breaks in air conditioned spaces, for example, helps the body deal better with the heat

Remove asthma triggers from your indoor air

While summer heat and outdoor air pollution are great risks for those suffering from asthma, indoor air pollution can also trigger attacks or make breathing difficult.

With source control, good ventilation and air cleaning, anyone can improve their indoor air quality.

The best air purifiers for asthma and allergies feature safe and proven air filters that can remove a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including dust, particles, mold, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, odors and gases. All of these can contribute to the inflammation to airways.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for allergy and asthma include a medical-grade HEPA filter as well as a deep-bed activated carbon filter and optional UV germicidal filtration to remove those pollutants.

Studies have shown that keeping an air purifier in the bedroom can help manage asthma.

"I am writing to let you know that the air purifier I purchased from you has helped my condition immensely. I have fewer problems with wheezing and rarely cough at night. As a chronic asthmatic this is definitely an improvement. It's nice to wake up not feeling tired and congested!"
Barbara Fenton - (Reg. Nurse)  Read more testimonials

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Indoor air quality and hay fever (VIDEO)

The indoor air quality in a home can make a big difference in the comfort level and well-being of residents that have become sensitized to pollen and other types of allergens.

More and more people are suffering from allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever.

The IAQ Video Network and Cochrane & Associates have released a new educational video about pollen, allergies and hay fever, which touches on the different types of allergies and ways to reduce exposure to allergens.




Air purifiers for allergies

AllerAir has designed portable and powerful air purifiers for those suffering from allergies or asthma.

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For chemical allergies, AllerAir also offers the most inert and proven air purifiers for MCS (multiple chemical sensitivities).

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Before purchasing your air cleaner, I was taking prescription allergy medication at bedtime to relieve sinus drainage. Since operating your Model 4000 at night with the bedroom doors closed, I have found that I can forgo the medication entirely. The air must be so free of dust mite allergens that I can sleep better without the drug. Now I wake up feeling refreshed. Thank you!
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Do you live in an allergy-prone city?

Sniffling and sneezing are common spring allergy
health effects affecting millions of Americans.

Airborne irritants are the reason why 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies each year.

This overreaction of the immune system is characterized by health symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal or sinus congestion and sometimes even difficulty breathing.

Where you live may have a direct impact on the severity of your allergies, according to researchers.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) helps people determine the worst cities for allergies by nation, after researchers examine the 100 largest urban areas in the United States according to three factors: Pollen levels in the city, sales of prescription and over the counter allergy medicines as well as the number of certified allergists and immunologists per patient.

The data was provided by three different sources: Pollen.com, IMS Health and the American Board of Medical Specialties.

According to researchers, some of the worst cities for allergies include:

1. Knoxville, TN
2. McAllen, TX
3. Louisville, KY
4. Jackson, MS
5. Wichita, KS

While many southern cities were named some of the worst spots, a majority of the "allergy capitals" are located in the Eastern United States, including northeast and southeast states.

Typically, spring allergies last from March to May, when trees like oak, mountain cedar, elm and maple begin to pollinate, but this year’s season may last longer since high temperatures made pollen counts spike much earlier.

Experts suggest that those suffering from hay fever get tested, use antihistamines, eye drops and a saline wash for the sinuses, avoid outdoor activities between 10 am and 2 pm when pollen production is highest and take quick showers at night to wash off pollen.

Keeping a home clean and uncluttered also helps reduce the allergen count indoors.

Source: Forbes

Indoor air can make a difference for allergies

Indoor air pollution can aggravate or even cause allergic reactions, so experts suggest keeping a home tidy and clean, vacuuming regularly and using a HEPA air filter to help trap allergens.

However, allergens and particles are not the only irritants that can aggravate people’s symptoms. Airborne chemicals and odors also contribute to the indoor air pollution.

A HEPA filter is an invaluable
tool for people with allergies,
but a complete system requires
additional filters like carbon & UV.

AllerAir has developed portable and highly efficient air purifiers for allergies and asthma that not only feature a medical-grade HEPA filter and a 360-degree air intake for maximum protection from allergens, but also a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of chemicals, odors and gases.

Some of AllerAir’s most popular allergy air purifiers include the AirMedic Exec, the AirMedic+ Exec (with optional UV lamp for the neutralization of mold spores, bacteria and viruses) and the 5000 Exec.

For more information, contact AllerAir to speak to an IAQ expert.

Pet allergies can be a pain

Dogs may suffer from allergies to pollen, fleas
and more.

Allergy season does not only affect people – pets can also suffer from allergies, and their symptoms may not be as easy to recognize and treat.

Veterinarians say there are four main types of allergies that most dogs and cats can get:

• Airborne (tree, grass and weed pollen; mold, mildew and dust mites)
• Fleas
• Foods
• Contact (carpeting, detergent or other substances)

The most common reaction is scratching, vets say. Other symptoms may include discoloration of hair between toes, rashes, open sores, watery eyes, ear infections, runny noses, vomiting and diarrhea.

Cats are often allergic to certain foods.

Pinpointing what causes an allergic reaction in pets can take time and money and often has to be done by exclusion.

Most pet owners will try to figure out what the allergy is, vets say.

Source: Myrtle Beach Online

Keep indoor air clear of allergens

Having the best possible indoor air can help allergic pets and their owners find relief.

AllerAir offers a variety of air purifiers for the home and office that can remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including pollen, dust, chemicals, odors, gases, particles, mold and more.

From AllerAir’s powerful base model, the 5000 Exec, to advanced units for those dealing with allergies and asthma (AllerAir’s AirMedic Series and AirMedic+ Series), it’s easy to find the right unit for every household.

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How to ease morning allergy symptoms

Dust mites can cause morning stuffiness and more.

Thousands of people are waking up in the morning with a stuffy nose or scratchy throat, which means they could be suffering from an allergy.

Most morning allergy symptoms can be blamed on dust mites, the tiny creatures living in the mattress, pillows and textiles in your bedroom.

Dust mites feast on dead skin cells, and they prefer dark, warm and humid environments (hence the bed).

When people react to dust mites, it’s usually the microscopic waste and bodies of decaying mites that cause symptoms, which are released into the air when you move in the bed.

Dust can make anybody sneeze, and it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an allergy.

Here are some tips to reduce the effects of the dust mites in the bedroom:

1. Remove as many allergen traps as possible from the bedroom. This includes upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets and the like. Hardwood or ceramic floors are best because they can be cleaned easily. Instead of curtains, you can install blinds, which can also be dusted easily.
     
2. Think about enclosing your mattress, box spring and pillows in an allergy barrier, which traps dust mites and their waste. Make sure the barriers are made of a material that won’t expose you to harmful chemicals or other substances.
    
3. Invest in a high-quality air purifier. Having an air purifier in the bedroom helps trap dust mites and related particles, pollen and other allergens as well as other indoor air pollutants like airborne chemicals and gases, odors and mold spores to help keep the air clean and nasal passages free.

 Source: Hive Health Media

Air purifiers for allergy and asthma

AllerAir offers high-quality air purifiers with activated carbon, medical-grade HEPA and other filtration media for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma.

The AirMedic and AirMedic+ Series have been designed specifically for particle concerns, providing effective and long-lasting relief from airborne dust particles, mold spores, allergens and more.

They also feature a deep bed activated carbon filter to remove a wide range of chemicals, gases and odors, which can also cause or aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms.

Check out AllerAir’s recommendations for allergy air purifiers or contact AllerAir for more information and suggestions.

Allergies hurt productivity at work: Study

Allergies can be more than a simple nuisance, experts warn.

A Middle Eastern survey on allergies warned that ignoring persistent allergy symptoms can lead to longer term conditions and affect work productivity and academic performance.

Nasal allergies caused by dust and other environmental pollution are on the rise and have a detrimental impact on people’s lives and the economy, according to the Allergies in the Middle East survey, which covered five countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon and Iran.

The pharmaceutical company Takeda carried out the study, which included 7,411 households, out of which 501 agreed to participate in a more in-depth survey.

The researchers hoped to raise awareness about indoor air quality issues that could make things worse, among them closed environments in big buildings that are improperly ventilated, high levels of dust, environmental pollution from industries and humidity.

The survey participants complained about nasal congestion, headaches, watery eyes and sleep disruption.
During bad times, their work rate fell between 25 to 40 percent, they indicated.

Source: The National

Keep your home and office allergen-free

Allergies can not only hurt work productivity, they can also affect your quality of life and lead to fatigue and depression, especially if sleep is disrupted.

AirMedic air purifiers: Superior design for particle,
allergen, chemical and odor control.

That’s why it is a good idea for those with asthma and allergies to keep a powerful, portable air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon in their home and/or office.

Most people prefer having an air purifier in the bedroom where it removes a wide range of indoor air contaminants, including dust and tiny particles, mold spores, chemicals and odors that may irritate nasal passages and interrupt sleep.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for allergy and asthma feature the safest and most effective air filters to help keep your air allergen-free.

Contact AllerAir for more information.
 

Air purifier in the bedroom helps asthma sufferers: Study

Exposure to irritants in the bedroom can
lead to asthma episodes during the day.

It’s something many people with asthma could have told you from experience, but now there is a study confirming it: A nighttime air filter can help ease asthma symptoms during the day.

The study was published online in Thorax and measured the effect of a specific airflow device, which displaced warmer air containing irritants and allergens with a slightly cooler airflow in the participants’ sleeping area.

By protecting the asthma sufferer from irritants and allergens during sleep, the researchers aimed to prevent exposure to triggers that lead to systemic allergic reactions and cause a typical narrowing of the airway.

The study was conducted across six European countries with patients that suffered from poorly controlled asthma. The researchers observed a 14-15% increase in life quality from the participants that used the device, as opposed to the control group with a dummy device.

Earlier studies of filtering or purifying the airflow have not yielded successful results, but this research seems to suggest that a reduction in inhaled aeroallergen exposure may have profound positive effects.

Source: Medical News Today

Bedroom air purifiers can remove allergens and irritants

Allergic asthma can be worse when the indoor air quality is not what it should be. Irritants such as house dust mites, pet hair and airborne chemicals can be reduced by running a serious air purifier for allergies and asthma in the bedroom.

AllerAir’s AirMedic and AirMedic+ Series feature the most trusted and effective air filtration systems to help improve your indoor air quality.

The air purifiers boast a large activated carbon filter, a medical-grade HEPA and pre-filter to remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

Here’s a testimonial from an AllerAir customer:

“I am writing to let you know that the air purifier I purchased from you has helped my condition immensely. I have fewer problems with wheezing and rarely cough at night. As a chronic asthmatic this is definitely an improvement. It's nice to wake up not feeling tired and congested!“
Barbara Fenton - (Reg. Nurse)

Contact us for more information or recommendations based on your indoor air environment.
  

7 common allergens in your home - and what to do about them

Allergies affect millions of people.

How many people suffering from allergies do you know?

Chances are, a lot of them.

With about 40 million people being affected by indoor or outdoor allergies, the growing phenomenon has become the fifth leading cause of chronic illness and is now big business for the healthcare industry: The estimated annual cost of allergies in the US is $7 billion.

Indoor air quality can play a huge role in people’s exposure to allergens that cause a stuffy nose, nasal discharge, itchy and bloodshot eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, cough, wheezing and/or tightness in the chest.

Indoor allergens often find their way into airtight homes and get trapped, meaning they can cause irritation to allergy sufferers all winter long.

Here are some tips on how to deal with common household allergens, courtesy of Rapid News Network:

Dust

• Remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys (better: blinds, leather or easily cleanable furniture)
• Replace carpets with linoleum or wood or tiles
• Mop the floor and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth
• Vacuum regularly with a cleaner that features a HEPA filter
• Use a room air purifier with a HEPA or electrostatic filter

Dust Mites

• Wash all bedding in hot water every 7 to 10 days
• Do not use mattress pads
• Cover mattresses and pillows with plastic covers

Pets can add to the allergen count in
the home

Pet Dander

• Use allergen-resistant bedding
• Bathe pets frequently
• Use an air filter

Pollen

• Be aware of how pollen get indoors: Clothes, hair, ventilation, pets, wind
• Shower or bathe before going to bed
• Avoid going outside on dry, windy days
• Keep windows and doors closed on days with high pollen counts
• Use an air conditioner or air filter

Cockroaches

• Don’t leave food or pet food out
• Seal cracks and holes
• Clean behind areas like the stove and fridge
• Bug bomb twice a year or find natural alternatives

Mold

Clean mold and fix the humidity issues
before it becomes a big IAQ problem.

• Curb the number of houseplants you have
• Clean all areas of the bathrooms regularly
• Remove mold and mildew when you see it (get professional help for big infestations)
• Use the bathroom fan, open doors and windows to increase airflow
• Never put carpet in bathrooms; use mold-proof bathroom paint when renovating

Endotoxins

• Endotoxins come from bacteria living in household dust and can cause or aggravate asthma symptoms. Keep their count low with the same steps as for dust control.

Portable air filters remove allergens indoors

AllerAir's Air Medic Series
and AirMedic+ with UV

AllerAir takes indoor air quality seriously and has designed a number of powerful air purifiers for the home and office that feature a multistage filtration system for the most efficient and safe air cleaning possible.

AllerAir offers:

• Air purifiers for allergies and asthma
• Air purifiers for mold
• General air purifiers for the home and office
• and much more

Use our sizing and selection guides to find the right model for you – or contact an AllerAir account executive to assist in the selection process. We care about every breath you take.

Video: Is your asthmatic child ready for school?

"Parents need an action plan"



Looking to reduce asthma and allergy triggers at home and in the classroom? A high quality air purifier for allergies and asthma can remove the airborne chemicals and particles that aggravate the lungs. Connect with an air quality expert today to learn more:

Start a live chat session with an indoor air quality expert
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Ask Us: Air Purifiers for Allergies and Asthma

Question: How would someone with allergies and asthma benefit from an air purifier with both a carbon and HEPA filter?

Answer: Many people who suffer from respiratory ailments are keenly aware of triggers like pollen, dust, mold and pet dander - but what about airborne chemicals?

Prominent organizations like the American Lung Association now recognize that exposure to airborne  chemicals can contribute to chronic respiratory problems and allergic reactions. In fact, some scientists believe that chemical exposure may be a contributing factor in the development of asthma.

With chemicals and fragrances so much a part of daily lives, we believe that both a HEPA filter for particles and a deep-bed activated carbon filter for airborne chemicals and odors provides the cleanest possible air for allergy and asthma sufferers. 

My son, who is an allergic-asthmatic (asthma triggered primarily by allergies), has an AllerAir AirMedic in his room. It features an 18 lb. carbon filter for chemicals and odors, (which is more than some industrial machines) and a medical-grade HEPA filter for fine airborne particles. Besides removing a wide range of airborne triggers, we also found the AirMedic really effective on strong smells and fumes like cleaning products and paint.

For more information on which AllerAir air purifier is right for you. Contact us via twitter, livechat or by phone 1-888-852-8247.

The information presented in this blog is basic and general in nature. It should never replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your medical practitioner for advice concerning your particular health concern.