4 Types of Hay Fever That Your Doctor Won't Tell You

Don't be too sure you can laugh at hay fever. One day you too could wake up with a stuffy nose, weepy eyes and a bad case of sneezing.

No matter how many years you have lived without a symptom, you can get the curse suddenly and at almost any time. And the outlook is bad if your parents had it or if you have some other form of allergy.

Of course you don't have to get it in August - that's just the most common time. Actually there are four types of hay fever, each with different season and with a different cause. The name itself incidentally is an inaccurate one: the affliction is not necessarily caused by hay and is rarely accompanied by fever.

Spring Hay Fever

If you come down with your sniffles between April 1 and June 1, you are probably allergic to the pollen of trees - maple, elm, oak, poplar, ash and hickory.

Summer Hay Fever

The Summer fever is also misnamed rose fever. The season begins around May 15 and lasts until July 15. The villain in this case is not the rose, which blooms at the same time, but the pollen from grasses, especially timothy and blue grass.

Fall Hay Fever

The fall fever is by far the most common type of allergy in the United States. It is caused by pollen from ragweed, and the season lasts from August 15 to September 30.

Perennial Hay Fever

The poor fellow who has this really has something. He's allergic to mold spores (which are practically everywhere), animal furs, feathers or house dust. His problem can come at any time and may even last a year round.

All types of fever act similarly. You won't get hay fever the first day or first time you encounter the stuff. The process of getting sensitized may take months or even years. One unlucky day, when your antibodies to ragweed have develop sufficiently, the blood vessels in your nose let loose fluid, your bronchial tubes constrict -- you sneeze, you weep.

That day, you got your first allergic attack.

After this first go-round, you'll likely be a slave to the malady for the rest of your life. There's no short cut to relief, so you'll probably take your drippy nose to the doctor. Once he has determined which substance gives you the trouble, it's probably time for antihistamine drugs to be a new close friend.

Dehumidifiers on Sale? Here's How to Find the Best One For You

Every one wants to keep their home healthy for the family to live in. No one wants to have the children get sick from environmental toxins like mold. We all begin to worry when we see dark stains developing in the corners of the bathroom or laundry room. We worry that water leaks and condensation can lead to mold developing. We can avoid a lot of problems by periodically inspecting the whole house, looking for leaks and signs of water damage or mold. We can take steps to find the source of water damage or leaks and get them fixed. In addition to this we can learn how to use a dehumidifier to eliminate mold and keep it away.

Mold grows in moist areas of a certain temperature, so if we raise the temperature or lower it so it is not good for mold, and then lower the humidity to under 50%, we can kill the mold. Once the mold is dead it can be washed away with a mold remover, or a solution of bleach and water. The trick is to keep conditions bad for mold. Here is where installing a dehumidifier comes in. A dehumidifier of the correct size for the space can keep humidity below 50% preventing future mold problems after eliminating the existing ones. Mildew and mold both need moisture to develop and release toxins and allergens into the air.

It is a good idea to get any mold you think may be the toxic black variety tested by professionals. If you have black mold, hire a mold abatement team to remove it for you so your home can be healthy again. Mold can cause allergy symptoms that are anything but pleasant. Number one priority is to keep mold out of your home and if you get mold to get rid of it fast and keep it away. Learn how to use a dehumidifier to eliminate mold.

Getting the right dehumidifier at a sale price is a good thing. Shop around for the best humidifier you can afford at the best price, and then use it to stay healthier all year round. Some good brands to look for are: Danby, LG, Royal Sovereign, Whirlpool and Haier. I would go on line to one of the sites that rates and reviews dehumidifiers. Armed with what you find on line, go to your local appliance outlet and find a model that fits your needs and is rated high on line. Get it in the size that fits your needs well. Keeping the dehumidifier running during the humid times of year will keep your house healthier to live in.

Treating Dog Allergies With Prescription Pet Meds - Canine Allergy Testing

Patches of inflamed skin, chewing and licking the feet may be indicators your dog suffers from atopy. If you have ruled out flea allergy dermatitis as the cause of your dog's constant scratching, his allergies may be from inhaling dust, mold or pollens. Your veterinarian may recommend coat tar shampoos or topical ointments as initial treatment of the inflamed, irritated skin.

Relieving the itch with skin soothing shampoos may allow the skin to heal if the problem is a temporary allergic reaction further aggravated by chewing and licking of the area.

If the allergic reaction in your dog continues, your vet might suggest allergy testing in order to isolate the specific source of the animal's discomfort.

Blood Testing

The most accurate results are from the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) blood test which looks for antibodies in the blood that are a result of an allergic reaction.

A second blood test commonly used is a RAST (radioallergosorbent) test.

To check for antibodies, the vet will draw a blood sample which is tested by a lab which screens for a wide variety of allergens. The range includes dust, molds, and pollens most commonly found in the area. The tests can also look for food and contact allergies that might be caused by fabrics or other common irritants although blood tests are less accurate for this type of reaction.

The problem with blood testing using ERISA and RAST is that the tests were developed to isolate human allergens. They test for different antibodies in dogs and there are often false positives.

Blood testing for canine allergic reactions can be a useful screening method to narrow the range of possible causes for the irritated skin. The tests are non-invasive and are commonly used for young dogs, dogs that cannot tolerate corticosteroids and for show dogs with hair that cannot be shaved for other tests.

Testing for Allergies with Intradermal Skin Testing

The most accurate and thorough test for allergic reactions in dogs is the intradermal skin testing. This is the same method often used for people with unknown allergies and involves shaving a small area of fur. Minute amounts of antigen are injected in a pattern on the skin. The precise pattern is important so that any raised areas showing a reaction to the allergen can be identified.

Skin testing works more accurately when it's done during the season when the animal has shown allergic reactions in the past. Reading the results of skin tests accurately can result in identification of the cause of the allergy to be as high as 75%.

Allergy Tests Share Similarities

Identifying the cause of your dog's itchy, irritated skin allows your veterinarian to prescribe a course of treatment to avoid future reactions. He may choose to treat the animal's response (antibodies) to the irritant or may devise a treatment plan to desensitize the dog. A series of injections administered over weeks or months can allow the animal to develop immunity to the item he is allergic to. After immunity is established, an occasional booster shot is all that's needed to keep your dog's skin healthy and itch-free.

Prior to testing for allergies in dogs, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical to rule out other causes of skin problems. Fungi, yeast or bacterial infections, fleas and mites can be the reason your dog's skin is red and itching. Those possibilities must be ruled out before moving forward with tests for specific allergies.

Your vet my also ask you to restrict your dog's diet for several weeks prior to conducting any allergy tests. Eliminating parasites, infections and the possibility of a food allergy will narrow the range of potential problems. If mites or infection are the problem, these are easily treated with prescription pet meds.

Identifying and treating the cause of allergies in dogs requires patience and commitment of the pet owner. Not all veterinarians are skilled in the art of skin testing for allergies so taking your dog to a vet that specializes in dermatology may be necessary to solve the problems.

The owner can monitor for food allergies with the advice of his vet and can find discount medications for allergies in dogs online when they are prescribed. The skin testing for allergens should only be pursued if the owner is willing to follow a long course of treatment to desensitize the animal and if the treatment is available from a veterinarian in his area.

The Common Causes of Shih Tzu Allergies

Shih Tzu allergies are as common as other diseases that effect both dogs and humans. In fact, both Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu owners may suffer from some common diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems, obesity and many others. And Shih Tzu allergies may occur more or less in the same way as with human. Although diseases like diabetes, cardiac problems or obesity may stem from unhealthy dietary and physical activity management, allergies may occur from many different types of allergens.

As asserted by veterinarians, Shih Tzu allergies may show the most common symptom of itching sensation all over the skin area. Shih Tzu allergies may occur in the respiratory system as well. When the allergies occur in the respiratory system most commonly the symptoms like coughing, sneezing and wheezing become apparent. In fact, there is a great similarity between the symptoms occurring in both humans and Shih Tzu dogs. Nose and eyes discharge frequently just like with a cold or the flu. Allergies may affect the digestive system also. If so, Shih Tzu may exhibit symptoms like vomiting, watery stools or diarrhea.

There are different forms of Shih Tzu allergies. In other words, Shih Tzu may suffer from various forms of allergies. For example, Shih Tzu may have allergies from flea's saliva. In order to conclude whether a particular Shih Tzu is susceptible to flea saliva, it is essential to take the dog in for a skin allergy examination. If it is discovered that the Shih Tzu is allergic to the flea saliva it is best to implement a flea control program, however the owner should take care about using the safest products possible.

Some individuals are allergic to certain types of foods. The same is true for few Shih Tzu dogs. There are certain food products such as beef, soy products, fish, eggs, chemical preservatives, milk, wheat and artificial sweeteners that may cause allergic reactions in Shih Tzu dogs. Additionally, food allergies may also occur due to the consumption of non-verified foods. Providing only commercially manufactured dog foods to the Shih Tzu can minimize the possibility of developing food allergies.

Atopic dermatitis is another significant type of Shih Tzu allergies. This occurs mainly because of the hypersensitivity towards the immune system caused by different environmental substances such as molds or dust mites. The common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are excessively licking and chewing of the paws, abdomen and rear feet. This allergic reaction affects the armpit region, in-between the toes of the paws, and in the groin.

Shih Tzus may become allergic due to a bacterial infection. This can seriously affect the health of a Shih Tzu. Typically, the Shih Tzu has certain types of bacteria over their skin, while most of them are harmless to them. These bacteria belong to Staphylococcus family. However, there are certain other types that cause allergies to them. The most common symptoms of bacterial allergy are hair loss and the formation of marks resembling ringworm in the affected skin area. Statistically, it is estimated that over twenty percent of the dog population in the United States are affected by allergic reactions.

The Unhealthy House Guest, MOLD

The Ledger news reported a story in 2008 about a Lakeland woman, who had pneumonia six times within a period of 18 months, due to the mold growing inside her new million dollar home. No one noticed the mold growing and homebuilders didn't even believe her accusation, until it was proven true.

Its stories such as these that force us to wonder are we safe in our own homes? Could it be coincidence that we are constantly getting allergies or could a silent infestation be the hidden problem?

What most people don't know about mold is that it travels continually through the air and is fueled solely by moisture. Due to the fact that we live in a tropical environment, this makes us more vulnerable. Mold produces tiny spores to reproduce and they may travel into homes and attach onto a damp surface. Once attached, the mold grows digesting everything to survive.

If unnoticed, mold can cause severe damage to homes and cause health issues such as the case discussed earlier. Mold is a type of fungi that has tens of thousands of species; however, some popular molds found in homes are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. Mold can be the hidden cause of constant respiratory diseases in households such as, pneumonia or allegories. Mold can also be an irritant for asthma.

The EPA (environmental protection agency) says the best way to control indoor mold growth is to control indoor moisture, which might include indoor ventilation, dehumidifiers, exhaust fans, and drying of furniture. From secret leaks to unacknowledged spills mold can thrive in the most unexpected areas. Molds are mostly active within showers and basements because they are the places that are most likely to contain some unnoticeable form of moisture.

Once discovering the mold, the simple solution is to dispose of it and prevent it from spreading. Some surfaces if caught before the mold has eaten through can be spared. However, surfaces such as carpet or tiles must be removed and replaced. Repairs such as floor replacing can get rather expensive therefore weekly inspections in damp cool places wouldn't be such a bad idea.

When removing mold, most people resort to bleach, but bleach is not effective in removing mold. Bleach may eliminate mold on the surface, but the spores from which it generates from are not destroyed and the mold can regenerate. More useful ways may include UV disinfection, air purifiers, controlling indoor humidity levels, and drying infected objects. Before cleaning mold one should first assess the situation and decide its severity.

AMI (advanced mold inspections) recommends that if the mold spread is more than ten feet then a contractor should be hired. Mold can be harmful in several ways and can affect your family greatly. The best way to keep your home and your family safe is to be aware that mold is dangerous, but can be prevented with a few proactive precautions.

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Asthma And Clean Air - 5 Allergens To Eliminate

If you suffer with asthma, one of the most effective things you can do is clear the air of triggers. An air purifier that is designed to remove both particles and gases is best. And here are the top 5 pollutants to eliminate for better air quality and quality of life.

Household Dust---The bane of man's existence since moving from outdoors into caves, it is usually made of everything except the kitchen sink. It can include tiny pieces of paper from magazines and mail, pieces of fabric from clothes and upholstery, as well as dust and dirt from outdoors.

These particles generally fall onto the furniture and floor and are sent airborne with normal movements throughout your home. They often propelled through the air each time the heating and cooling units cycle making them available for you to inhale.

Mold and Mildew Spores---These spores are just a fact of life and cannot be prevented from entering your home. Doorways, windows, and garages all give easy access to these spores. And unless they find moisture they are generally harmless unless your asthma is triggered by them.

Pet Dander---If you're a pet lover, having a pet is probably not a question for you. But your body can react to the protein in the dander in a way that will literally make you sick. Dander is a natural by-product of every warm-blooded animal, and is something that will be around for as long as you have your pet.

However, if you reduce the levels in the air, you can have your pet and good health too. Filtering the air with a high efficiency (or HEPA) air purifier is an effective way to drastically reduce the amount in your air.

Seasonal Pollens---Except for a very few months of the year, there is usually always something blooming. And where there are blooms there is pollen. Whether its trees in the spring, grass in the summer, or weeds in the fall, pollen is an incredibly potent allergen.

There is no way to prevent it from riding in on your coattails, or in your hair, on packages, in your pet's hair, or just blowing in through the door. Continually filtering the air is an excellent and consistent solution to the problem.

Gaseous Pollutants---Smoke from a fireplace, wood stove, or tobacco product can cause big problems for asthmatics. And you can see smoke and be forewarned. Other gases and odors are more subtle and are harder to detect.

Chemical fumes from cleaning and household products, as well as fragrances from personal products can wreak havoc. And household products that off-gas such as carpet, pressed wood furniture, adhesives, varnish, and paint can all be the start of a serious attack.

Using a purifier that can keep the air quality high is one of the asthma management strategies recommended by physicians. And eliminating pollutants continuously before they have a chance to build to levels that can trigger an attack can afford both physical comfort and peace of mind.

Symptoms of Toxic Mold Exposure or Mycotoxicosis

Symptoms of toxic mold exposure or Mycotoxicosis are multiple and life threatening. Mold toxicity is not easy to detect. Some physicians unknowingly worsen the problem by ordering allergy shots for their patients suffering from mold toxicity, but this only makes the problem worth. A vaccine just adds more toxins in the body; it does not get rid of it. Molds produce mycotoxins; they enter the body by the mouth, the nose or the skin and then colonize the organism they have invaded. They are toxic because they are designed to be able to defend their territory against other fungi competitors. They thrive in humid areas but they need an organic source to feed them and survive. The food source can be oil, skin cells, dirt, crumbs and more. Here are some symptoms of fungal exposure.

Symptoms:

Respiratory problems
Burning sensations in the throat and the lungs
Stomach upsets
Losing memory and having the impression of being in a fog
Boils on neck
Depression, confusion, tiredness
Palpitations, seizures
Losing balance
Bruising, losing fingernails

The major species of molds:

Aspergillus is a common fungi around us. It leads to hospitalization. It is common to experience skin rashes and the loss of hair. Vitamins and supplements are often made with these fermented fungi.

Aspergillus fumigates is the fungi that causes the most infections. It develops on organic matters decomposing such as on compost piles.

Aspergillus flavus produces carcinogens.

Aspergillus niger is linked to lungs obstruction and hearing loss. It causes stomach and skin problems as well as hair loss.

Chaetomium globosumi are present in construction materials damaged by water. It looks black and slimy and develops in a long period of time, thus preferable in an abandoned building.

Stachybotrys develop also in water-clogged construction materials but it develops more rapidly. It causes skin problems, the loss of memory and balance and nosebleeds. It is carcinogen and suppresses the patient's immunity.

Cladosporium spp looks dark green in the front with a black and powdery velvet appearance in the back. It is found in decaying matter. It causes asthma, sinusitis and skin lesions.

Fusarium spp is to be found in the soil and in plants and in humidifiers. It is ingested through food and causes external infections, vomiting and internal bleeding. It can attack the nervous system or the reproductive system.

Penicillium spp is found in food, construction materials and decaying plants. It can cause serious respiratory problems.

Not everybody is allergic to mold, so most people will not be as affected by breathing or eating mold. Most every home has mold up to a recent study, but to reduce its occurring, keep your home dry, kill it with a bleach solution, and look especially under the sink, in the refrigerator tray, in the basement, on the shower curtains, in or around houseplants, in garbage pails and humidifiers. Never treat a mold lightly. Three more things you can do: do not put carpet in a bathroom or a basement. Ventilate your home every day and make use of your exhaust fans regularly.