Friday, February 29, 2008

Getting Allergy Relief Inside

If it is allergy season, you know it. You don't need someone on the news telling you the levels of pollen in the air. You don't need to be told that there is a cat lurking in the home. You don't need this because you feel it. If allergies are what cause you so many untold problems each day, you should always be on the look out for products that can help you to find some relief. The good news is that besides the allergy medications you need to take, there are other ways that you can improve your condition.

For one, consider an air purifying system in your home. Since most of the allergens that effect those that live in your home are lurking in the air, adding a tool to help clean out the air will help you to find some benefits. If you have ever been in a home that uses an ionic air cleaner, for example, you may have felt a lesser allergy attack there. That's because these units help to trap the allergens inside filters, or will react with them right in the air and neutralize them. That means that you don't have to breathe them in.

Air cleaning products are widely available. If you decide to purchase one, make sure to find one that provides for allergen removal, specifically the type of allergy that you have. Finding a product that removes pollen, dust, dander, bacteria and other elements that are lurking in the air will be important to your overall well being. You can even purchase smaller units for your car or to wear around your neck to help reduce the allergens that you come in contact with while being out and about.

Using an air purifier, you can find many benefits in overall health and well being. You can lessen the effect that your allergy has on you.

Kerry Rodden is an expert on air purifiers, and has written many articles on air purifiers, fans, vacuum cleaners, air fresheners and a lot more.

You can read more of Kerry's articles about air purifiers at http://www.lowplaces.net

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Self Help for Your Dust Allergy Symptoms

Self Help for Dust Allergies

About one person in ten suffers from an allergy to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic creatures of the arachnid family which also includes spiders and scorpions. Dust mites burrow deep into fibrous objects, such as clothing and carpeting. This makes it difficult to remove them by cleaning or vacuuming.

The World of Dust Mites

Dust mites thrive in indoor living spaces. They like temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees and the humidity levels of about 75%. Dust mites feed on shed scales from human skin, which is commonly found in carpeting, bedding, etc.

Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies

People are not allergic to dust mites themselves, but rather to their fecal matter and decaying body parts. These mite waste products continue to cause allergic reactions long after the mite that produced them has died. Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, clogged and itchy ear canals, and other respiratory problems are the most common symptoms. Symptoms are often worst at night because dust mites thrive in blankets, pillows and other bedding materials. A little bit of tossing and turning is all is takes to make some of the allergens airborne.

Asthmatic people often have an especially difficult time with dust mites. Respiratory congestion, wheezing, and severe shortness of breathmay occur. Anyone suffering these symptoms should be treated by a licensed physician or asthma specialist.

Self Help for Dust Allergies

Reducing your exposure to dust mites will help to alleviate your symptoms. Here are some effective methods:

- Vacuums equipped with special filtering systems help to reduce the amount of allergens in your home or office.

- Dust mites live in areas with high concentrations of dust and debris. A cleaner house means fewer dust mites.

- Focus on your bedroom. You probably spent one-third or more of your time there and it is often the room with the most dust mites.

- Encase your box spring, mattress, and pillows in dust proof covers. An average bed can contain as many as ten million dust mites! Yikes!

- Use polyester fiberfill pillows instead of kapok or feather pillows.

- Use window shades instead of curtains or venetian blinds (both are dust magnets).

- Wash blankets in hot water. Do not use wool or down blankets.

- Avoid dust collecting knickkancks such as wall pennants, macrame hangings, throw pillows, and stuffed animals. Furniture should be wood, leather, plastic or metal--as upholstered furniture tends to trap dust and become a site for dust mites to grow.

- Use hard wood or linoleum floors in place of carpeting. Dust mites love carpeting because it keeps them and well fed with human skin cells and fingernail residue.

- Adjust the climate in your home. Use a dehumidifier and turn down the thermostat. Dust mites don't survive for long when the humidity below drops below 55 percent. Dust mites don't drink water like we do, they absorb it from the air through their skin. If it is too dry they will die of thirst.

- Use specially designed filtration systems for furnaces and air conditioning units. These filters capture airborne allergens. It is also a good idea to place a cheesecloth screen over your bedroom heating vents to minimize dust coming from a forced air style heating system.

Michael has published many free articles on Allergy Symptoms including Seasonal Allergy Symptoms and Wheat Allergy Symptoms

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Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Allergy - What So Special About This Disease?

Many people are aware that an allergic reaction is responsible, at least in part, for the asthmatic state of these people. Do you see the connection?

When a person is allergic to foods or inhalants, such as dust or chemicals, those allergens set off an allergic response that eventually results in an irritation of the lining and muscles in the lungs.

Most doctors are well aware that the allergic process will manifest itself to target several of our organs, be it the digestive tract, the skin, or the nervous system.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that what we call gastritis may result, in part, from an allergic reaction targeted at the digestive tract, or that what we call arthritis may be an allergic reaction targeted at the joints.

The same is true of asthma. What we call an asthmatic attack may be an allergic reaction targeted at the lungs.

Do you know that there are lots of ?hidden? allergies that are so hard to detect and control. It is the negative reaction to a given food that may not occur until several days after contact.

Moreover, these allergens can be found in both the foods we eat and in the environment. As a result, asthmatics must examine both their diet and their home and work environments for possible causes of their attacks.

Therefore, it is our body?s biochemistry which is the first suspect to our asthmatic allergic process.

There are different types of allergies. IgE-mediated allergies, allergies to common grasses, pollens, molds, and dander.

The IgE also known as Immunoglobin E allergy antibody was discovered in 1967. According to Dr Alfred Zamm, he mentioned that the body?s defense system mistakenly recognizes an allergen as an enemy, a foreign substance, as something that must be eliminated quickly.

He said,

?The immune system starts churning out a special kind of antibody to neutralize or annihilate the invaders, just as though they were disease germs. Now the body is "sensitized," primed for the next invasion. (If it doesn't come, the antibodies diminish in number; that's why the longer one can stay away from an offending substance, the better.)

Now the allergen particles reappear. Whenever an antigen meets its specific antibody, they lock together like two magnets. One effect is that the small blood vessels dilate; another is that some of the specialized mast cells to release histamine that circulates and settles all over the body, and those sues that are particularly sensitive react, swelling and stimulating surrounding nerves, causing itching, burning, redness, and all the uncomfortable symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.

If the reacting organ is the skin, its blood vessels and cells?now swollen, distorted, Broken down, and oozing their contents?appear as a rash. If it happens in the mucus lining of the nose, sinuses, or tracheobronchial tree, the glands produce surplus mucus, which the victim attempts to get rid of by coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing.?

You may be particularly sensitive to other substances but other antibodies are still poorly understood. Most food allergies are not IgE-mediated and attention is not paid to them in adults.

Do you know that other substances, to which you may be sensitive, such as chemical and automotive fumes, formaldehyde, perfumes, natural gas, and petrochemical products not mediated by this antibody, are also often not acknowledged by conventional allergists?

Some people with asthma know that they are chemically sensitive, especially if they have connected the onset of their asthma with the sensitivity. Whether these are "true" allergies or not, the outcome is exactly the same.

That?s why the question is to what you are allergic to, still continues to puzzle most asthmatics.

Eddy Kong WW is the author of 17 Minutes Asthma and Allergy Secrets ebook. Drop by at Asthma Relieving Techniques for more details. Also, he is giving 75% commissions for each sale, visit Simple Profit Sharing System for more details.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

How to Deal with Skin Allergy

Allergy

Allergy is body hypersensitivity to some substance. Our body can react by breathing system allergy (rhinitis and asthma), intestine allergy (diarrhea) and skin allergy. Skin allergy may occur in the form of mild skin redness until dermatitis, which can appear in many places.

Skin Allergy Identification

When you suddenly get the red spots and suspect an allergy, question your self these:

-Do the red spot appear in a broad part of your body (at your arms and legs) or just in a small part (at your palm hand)?

-What unusual food or even drug and food supplement have you taken?

-Do you change your detergent?

Small part of itchy redness in your palm may indicate that you have a skin contact allergy. Avoid touching the suspected substance. Broad skin redness may be suspected as caused by food allergy-something that goes with the blood flow.

Skin Allergy Treatment

Corticosteroid combined with antihistamines cream or ointment can be used to relieve skin redness. Dermatologist may prescribe a mixture cream contains anti histamines, anti redness, and itchy reducer. Some topical corticosteriods used for allergy treatment are betamethasone, clobetasol, clobetasone,

desonide, desoxymethasone, dexamethasone, difluocortolone, flumethasone and fluocinolone.

There is also natural herbs contained cream for allergy relieving. Some herbs have anti histamine factor in their extract. You can use natural herbs to relieve allergy. Check the label before buying some natural herbs base allergy treatment to find any drug substance inserted in it. A natural herbs treatment should not use any drug substances otherwise they are called allergy drug.

Skin Allergy Alerts

Put a greater consideration in your skin allergy and consult your doctor if:

-Any topical treatment did not work out. No allergy symptoms like skin redness and itchy feeling are reduced.

-You have another severe allergy symptoms like breath difficulty, faster heartbeat, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Those symptoms are leading to serious allergy that cause anaphylactic shock and should be treated soon by a medical doctor.

Further Steps to avoid Skin Allergy

-Take an allergy test to know what substances you are allergic to. It is called a patch test. Doctor will give some allergy suspected substances on your skin and see which one cause you allergy. It is not a painful test but useful to prevent from contact skin allergy.

-Always remember what you are allergic to and avoid things that can cause allergy.

-Prepare an allergy cream as a first aid. At least the cream will prevent from scratching your allergic skin.

Ally Wied
Pharmacist
http://www.overallergy.com

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Make Allergy Triggers Disappear Part -2

Hello again. Last time we were talking about two very common allergy triggers found in most homes. These were mold and dust caused by dirty furnace and air conditioner filters. There is also some information on the importance of having the right humidity in your home to make the air as comfortable as possible for someone who suffers from allergies or even asthma.

A trigger is simply something that may irritate the bronchial tubes were respiratory system of someone who is predisposed to having difficulty breathing. Anything that may irritate the breathing tubes of someone with even a somewhat compromised respiratory system should be considered a trigger. So think of a trigger as the event that starts an allergic reaction or an asthmatic attack and you can easier understand the importance of limiting exposure to these triggers.

While wall to wall carpet is a great feature in a house it can harbor massive amounts of dirt and dust along with pet hair, dander and yes, even mold. If you have a family member that seems to have more difficulty breathing at night, you might want to consider removing the carpeting at least in the bedroom. No matter how well you vacuum carpet some debris will inevitably be trapped. If you consider this only as a last resort, your next option is to make certain you have a high quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration exhaust system. Although not inexpensive, and high quality vacuum will have more suction and be better able to remove more of the collected dirt in the carpet than a typical lower and vacuum.

The only real way to be certain that the carpet is not causing breathing difficulty is to remove it. There are some very nice, high quality, hardwood floors that can be used along with an area rug is a nice decorator touch. Just be certain the area rug can be removed and cleaned regularly. Be warned that some hardwood floors are installed on a foam floating bed. If enough water is able to seep between the foam in the flooring material, mold could grow and you may have traded a dirt allergy trigger for a mold allergy trigger.

Dust mites are a very typical allergy trigger found in most bedrooms. These can be controlled by placing pillows mattresses and even box springs and special dust mite proof covers. Wash bedding on a standard schedule in hot water.

Select curtains and blinds that are easily washable and preferably made of synthetic fibers. This will cut down on dust from natural fibers. Ideally, replace horizontal blinds with easy to care for vertical ones that can be wiped down weekly. Another option is a simple rollup or Roman type shade that can be taken down regularly and washed.

The key to making life for an allergy or asthma sufferer more tolerable is to limit the number of potential asthma attacks and allergy reactions. By limiting exposure to the triggers, at least in their own home, it's possible to lower the potential of the serious respiratory attack. For more information on other ideas to eliminate allergy and asthmatic triggers in your home, visit the website below and request the free report.


Abigail Franks has done extensive research into Asthma,Allergies, and their triggers. Learn more about other asthma triggers in a free report and learn about more how your allergy can spark an asthma attack

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Make Allergy Triggers Disappear Part -1

One effective way of providing relief for a child or anyone with allergies or asthma is to control the triggers that could cause an allergic episode. When many people speak of allergies it's done in the context of being allergic to a certain thing like the lawn or a certain food. While it's true that someone can be allergic to a specific food or environmental aspect, it's important to remember that most people with allergies have a compromised respiratory system. Many people have allergies and asthma, that are aggravated by things generally found in the environment. By controlling the potential allergy and asthma triggers at home, you're making a better living environment for anyone with a respiratory disorder.

One of the most common problems that can cause an asthma or allergy attack is dust. The first place to check for this problem is in your furnace. Take the time to replace the small particulate filters in your furnace and air-conditioning unit at least once a month. Don't buy the under a dollar filters, as they will only trap the largest of dirt and dust particles. Spend the extra money and get a high quality filter for your furnace. These can be easily identified by sight as they look more like fabric than the cheap filters.

Consider getting a whole house humidifier. A humidifier senses the amount of water in the air and adds moisture as necessary. Air that is too dry and irritate airways and bronchial passages making them more susceptible and likely to cause an allergic event. Or look of humidity, somewhere between 30 to 50% is ideal. If you don't have a forced their furnace or can't afford the expense of a whole house humidifier, consider several portable room type humidifiers for your home. By placing them at strategic locations you can make the living areas an allergy or asthma sufferer uses much more comfortable for them. You will probably find that everyone will benefit from taking the extra time to control the humidity in your home.

In areas of high humidity, you may actually need a dehumidifier. While not having enough moisture in the air is a problem, having too much moisture results in a sticky or muggy feeling that can also cause problems. The most common problem is the development of mold. Mold is found in damp areas like the bathrooms but also grows on walls and under kitchen sink cabinets.

Mold is a very common household problem. Unfortunately, the spores also can cause serious breathing difficulties for anyone with respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma. To control mold in your house, it's necessary to remove some of the moisture in the air. This is where a dehumidifier can really come in handy.

To remove mold that's already growing, a simple chlorine bleach solution is great on colorfast materials. Simply use a spray bottle and dilute common laundry chlorine bleach to a 1 to 5% solution and you're ready to go. Ceramic tile grout seems to be an almost perfect place for more could grow. You can tell there's mold, if you're grout lines are starting to turn black. That black is normally mold. Simply use a spray bottle with the chlorine bleach solution and sprayed directly on the ceramic tile and grout line's. You may need to use a stiff bristle brush to remove the mold. If you have colored grout, be sure to check in a small inconspicuous area to make certain the bleach solution won't discolor you're grout. The same chlorine bleach solution can be used under the kitchen cabinets, on walls and almost anywhere mold grows.

By removing mold, wherever it grows in controlling the quality of the air in your home, you are well on your way to helping your family control causes of allergy and asthma attack events. Visit the site below and pick up a free report on eliminating allergy and asthma attack triggers in your home.

Abigail Franks has done extensive research into Asthma,Allergies, and their triggers. Visit the Asthma site for more information on Asthma Triggers and Allergies and Asthma

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Of Peanut Allergy In kids

85% of children with peanut allergies develop symptoms the first time they ingest peanut products
An American Medical Association study indicates that some children are prone to some allergies which can be attributed to some foods which reach them through breast milk.

Allergies develop as a response to a person?s being sensitive to a certain food. For instance many children are allergic to banana or peanut. According to the ELS Journal reporting on the study, ?In order for a food allergy to develop, the person must be exposed (sensitized) to the food in some form?. For example, many children who have peanut allergies have their first reaction when given a small portion of peanut butter. The initial exposure, however, may occur after a breast-feeding mother has eaten peanuts.?
It reports that a specific study looking at peanut allergies passed along in breast milk was done and recently published. Twenty-three lactating women, as the report goes, aged 21-35 years, ate about 1/3 cup of dry roasted peanuts. Breast milk samples were taken at hourly intervals to try and detect peanut allergens. Within 2 hours of ingestion of the peanuts, 11 of the 23 mothers tested positive for the peanut allergens.?

The researchers underlined that peanut protein passed through breast milk could sensitize a baby who is at risk for developing an allergy. This information has helped in our understanding of why up to 85% of children with peanut allergies develop symptoms the first time they ingest peanut products, the researchers inform.

Among several treatments available for allergies, Allegra-D is a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant, known as pseudo ephedrine. The antihistamine Fexofenadine is a sustained releasing antihistamine that blocks the actions of histamine. Some of the allergy symptomsreactions are attributable to histamines. Fexofedadine is one of the few antihistamines that do not cause sedation as a side-effect. Pseudo ephedrine helps decongest by constriction of blood vessels thus checking fluid flow out of the vessels and causing the tissues to swell.


Roger is an associated editor to the website http://www.allegrarelief.com . It is committed to provide visitors with complete information on allegra, Anti allergy Drug, Allegra Dosage & allegra side effects. You can reach Roger at roger.sandler@gmail.com.

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Steps for Allergy Prevention

The most effective, least expensive, and healthiest treatment for allergies is always avoidance, yet many people will choose medications and vaccinations, despite their dangers and drawbacks. There are many methods to help with avoidance. Using any of these methods is helpful in treating your allergies.

If you think you must strip your house down to bare floors, bare walls, and plastic covers on your furniture, you are wrong. For instance, if you have asthma or allergic reactions to molds or dust mites, there are some simple measures you can take. Keep your home at a consistent cool temperature between 68 and 72 degrees and keep humidity at a minimum. Always make certain there is good ventilation.

Since people spend one-third of their lives in their bedroom, it is a good idea to place the most emphasis on decreasing the possibility of dust in the bedroom. The best way to do this is to wash your bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees to completely kill the dust mites found there. (Make sure you choose bedding that can withstand the harshness of weekly hot-water washings.) Dust mites can become airborne during bedding changes. Allergic persons should not be present.

If you must use carpeting (wood, tile, and linoleum floors are best), then it must be cleaned thoroughly and frequently; the same rule applies to upholstered furniture, draperies and any other items than cannot be removed and washed. Make sure the person who is allergic does NOT do the vacuuming as the dust mites can become airborne and redistribute themselves.

The vacuum cleaner bag acts as the filter in most vacuum cleaning systems. Replacing the standard bag with a high-filtration bag and an exhaust filter are economical ways to update an older vacuum cleaner and helps prevent the dust mites from escaping and becoming airborne during the vacuuming process.

There are more expensive vacuums available with built-in HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and a removable canister that can be washed. This system eliminates the problem with vacuum bags. As the older generation of vacuums is phased out, this development should be quite helpful in allergy control.

DUST CLEANING TIPS

*Purchase a good air purifier. Air purifiers literally purify the air and are very beneficial for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.

*Remove carpeting and install wood, tile, or linoleum flooring. Hard surfaces can eliminate ninety percent of dust mites.

*Minimize throw rugs; they are dust-catchers. If you must have them, they need to be washed in hot water once a week.

*Avoid open bookshelves; they are great dust-catchers.

*Keep all clothes in closed drawers or closets.

*Remove clutter. Place hard-to-clean items in closed drawers or cabinets.

*Install central air conditioning or window units. Keep windows closed, especially during periods of high pollen counts and windy conditions.

*Use washable cotton or synthetic blankets. Use easily laundered cotton bedspreads or coverlets. Avoid materials that have nooks and crannies where dust mites can collect.

*Your upholstered furniture is a prime allergen trapper. If you cannot purchase wood or vinyl furniture, put washable slipcovers on your furniture and wash once a week in hot water.

*Install window shades made from cotton or synthetics and use washable cotton curtains. Avoid mini-blinds and heavy draperies, both are very heavy dust-catchers.

*Do not use pillows made from feathers or foam rubber; moisture can become trapped, promoting mold.

MOLD CLEANING TIPS

*Wash shower curtains at least once a month in hot water and bleach.

*Keep the humidity level at a minimum inside your home.

*Always make sure there is proper ventilation.

*Never carpet the bathroom.

*Keep your refrigerator clean. Remove spoiled food promptly.

*Dry your shoes and boots before putting in closet.

If you or any member of your family suffers from allergies, follow the guidelines listed above to help keep your home as allergen-free as possible. If you are still suffering from allergy symptoms, see your doctor. He/she may have additional suggestions for allergy-proofing your home.

Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Asthma - An Allergy

Undoubtedly, allergies often cause asthma. The terms asthma and allergy are often used as synonyms by laymen and in medical terminology. Unfortunately, only a few cases of asthma are really caused by allergies.

The term allergy is difficult to define. Allergy basically means "to react differently". As a matter of fact, many asthmatic patients react differently to various kinds of inhaled substances than do healthy people. Antibodies, which are usually significant in the protection from pathogenic agents, initiate a fateful chain of reactions in the case of asthma.

Allergic asthma due to pollen is a good example. Whereas about 90 percent of the population can inhale large amounts of pollen from grasses and ragweed, which bloom during spring and autumn, the remaining 10 percent of the population suffer from hay fever or pollen asthma. The link between the nose and the airways is obvious. Anyone who suffers from hay fever, called pollinosis in medical terminology, will complain about the discomfort it causes. While everyone else enjoys the first signs of summer, the sunshine, the warmth and the blooming of the meadows, the person suffering from hay fever hides behind the drawn blinds because otherwise, his eyes run and the itching of the eye becomes intolerable. A person suffering from hay fever may also experience a constantly running nose, difficulty of breathing through the nose and may feel generally ill although the illness seems to be so harmless.

Nonetheless, the person with hay fever suffers far less than the one with pollen asthma. Pollen asthma affects a part of the bronchial system, which is far more important for breathing than is the nose. It is not known why the disease affects the nose in one person and the bronchial system in another. Unfortunately, children who suffer from hay fever while still in school develop asthma as adults. Causes for this development are unknown.

How does the seemingly innocuous pollen cause asthma?

Pollen is usually too large to infiltrate the bronchial wall as a whole. Rather, the bronchial mucosa dissolves the pollen into protein particles small enough to pass through the epithelium (a membranous tissue composed of cell layers forming the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs). These pollen particles then encounter cells in the bronchial mucosa, which develop antibodies against it. It would appear that this formation of antibodies to trap the pollen particles is normal. Unfortunately, the antibody struggles with the intruding pollen particle without success. The formation of allergy antibodies initiates a reaction, which is more harmful to the body than if nothing had happened. The struggle between the intruding allergens and the antibodies formed by the body takes place on the membrane of so-called mast cells, which are composed of dangerous substances. Mast cells take part in the body's allergic response. They can be found in most body tissues, but are predominantly abundant in connective tissue, such as the bronchial mucosa. In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. Following subsequent allergen exposure, the mast cells release substances such as histamine (a chemical which causes allergic symptoms) into the tissue. These substances lead to a spasm of the bronchial muscles, make the small vessels in the bronchial mucosa permeable, allow blood plasma to escape into the tissue and lead to the production of extremely viscid bronchial mucus.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Allergies

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Dealing With An Asthma Allergy

For someone suffering from asthma allergy, it is beneficial to have an idea of what exactly this condition entails, and ways you can prevent it from having a negative effect on your life. Depending on the person and what has caused the asthma, an asthma allergy can vary from a mild attack of asthma to a more severe attack of asthma. A severe attack of asthma is characterized by a difficulty breathing, with lack of oxygen in the lips and extremities.

Often the best way to treat an asthma allergy is to have a checkup by a trained medical professional such as a doctor. A doctor can run a series of tests to confirm if you have an allergy that causes asthma. Then the doctor can choose the best course for treatment.

The best type of medication for the treatment of an asthma allergy involves a substance, which is able to decrease the inflammation of the lining of the respiratory system. Some of these medications function by decreasing the production of other chemicals, which cause inflammation and narrowing of the lumen of the bronchi and bronchioles. It is important to seek help quickly so this type of medication can be administered quickly in the event of an acute asthma attack.

Even with medications for treating an asthma allergy, it is still a good idea to remember that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is a good idea to stay away from any of the chemicals and substances, which cause you to have an asthma attack.

C Dietzig is co owner of asthmatreatment.first-results.com where they discuss asthma treatment and how to live a normal productive life with asthma.

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Monday, February 11, 2008

Mold Allergy

Mold is a live organism that is found both indoors and outdoors. Certain varieties of mold, such as black mold, can act as a poison to human systems. It decomposes dead material and grows by digesting plant or animal material. It spreads by air-born spores. The majority of molds are transported by the wind. Molds are attracted to and grow quickly in dark, damp places. Such places include garbage cans, basements, or rotting leaves. On food, mold is typically visible by being usually green and fuzzy. Mold can also spread its roots and branches deep into the food making it invisible to the eye. It is for this reason that if you see mold growing on food you should discard it.

Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis. Usually the results of this exposure are not serious in any way. We may be exposed to mold in the air or we may eat food containing mold spores that are just not visible yet. People with mold allergies can tolerate mold up to a point, after which they will have a reaction from being exposed to too much mold at one time.

Some of the symptoms of a mold allergy are sinus problems, itchy or watery eyes, wheezing, and a rash or even hives. With this type of allergy, it is almost impossible to completely avoid mold spores. Mold spores are simply too prevalent, as they are around us all the time. One of the simplest things a person can do to protect themselves is to avoid eating food showing any signs of mold. You should not smell foods that you think may be spoiled because you may then inhale mold spores. You might also be advised to avoid certain foods such as blue cheese, mushrooms, and yeast products.

Other common mold sources are vinegar and foods containing vinegar, yeasty foods, sour cream, sour milk, and buttermilk, and sauerkraut. Anything that is pickled or smoked has the potential to contain mold. Dried fruits are also exposed to mold spores because they are exposed to the air, as well as anything canned. You may want to avoid these items whenever possible so you an avoid having an allergy attack.


Michael Brown writes for several popular online magazines, on home resources and family life themes.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Allergy Mattress Cover

People who suffer from allergies can find it hard to get sleep. They often suffer frequent bouts of sneezing, runny nose, and itching that can keep them up all night long. To make it worst, the bed which is supposed to be the most restful place in the house can contain a lot of allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. Those who are prone to allergies can suffer from itchy skin, hay fever and other allergic symptoms because of the dust, pollen, and even dust mites that are present in their beds. If you are allergic to a lot of things, then you can benefit from an allergy mattress cover that will help you to get the rest that you need.

However, you should know that not every allergy mattress cover will suit your needs. A hypoallergenic mattress cover has to be very well made if it is to be effective. It has to be produced in a completely sterile factory with materials that will not irritate the skin and aggravate allergies themselves. It should also be designed to have holes that are small enough to prevent the infestation of dust mites. An allergy mattress cover can help keep you away from allergens and help you get enough sleep, but it will not make all of your allergies go away.

In general, an allergy mattress cover only reduces your exposure to contaminants that may have seeped into your bed. This means that you have to take certain actions to keep your exposure to allergens at a minimum, in addition to your allergy mattress cover. A hypoallergenic mattress cover is almost useless in dealing with airborne dust, mold, fungus and pollen.

You also have to keep your house clean if you want to reduce your exposure to allergens. You also need to change your bedding frequently, even if you have an allergy mattress cover. It would also help if you can keep your floor and all surfaces in your house clean, and ensure that your air intake is kept in tip top shape. Not many people realize that allergies can be caused by furnace contamination or by things leaking in to the air ducts leading up to their houses. Nevertheless, an allergy mattress cover can help reduce your allergic reactions and help you get the sleep that you need.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Allergy Mattress Cover. Visit our site for more helpful information about Sheepskin Mattress Cover and other similar topics.

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Saturday, February 9, 2008

Defeat Allergy by Strong Immune Support

Immunity is the power to resist against diseases and different foreign bodies like antigens. It is the system to fight with foreign antigen as well as the ability to develop self supporting mechanism.

Physical illness allergies and different viral and non-viral diseases may occur due to the cause of weak immune system. One is known by the health he keeps but how can we maintain a healthier body system not only depend on our diet and exercise but how immune we are to resist against the physiological disorders.

Different kinds of vaccines are now in common use to evoke the immune response they act directly or indirectly and help the body mechanism to produce antibodies against that particular antigen.

The person who has a weak immunity not only suffers different frightening diseases but he is also susceptible to most of the contagious diseases. Weak Auto-immunity of a person develops the risk factor to several viral and bacterial infections and ultimately decreases the T-lymphocytes count. The body gets weaken and the enzymatic activity slows down in this manner. The self supportive mechanism targets different enzyme level and all other biological pathways for proper regeneration of enzymes.

How to get a proper immune support? One has to do much towards low fat diet intake of non-addictive drugs smoking hygiene and so on. By having good immune support we not only fight against different risk factors but we also get the natural tendency to stand by on physiological and psychological changes.

Immune Support AllNutri.com

Hi, I am Ketty and I am student of Medecine.

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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Seven Steps Towards an Allergy Free Home

1. Take your shoes off when you enter your home. Pesticides, pollen

and more can get on your shoes and then be transferred to carpets.

2. Idle your car in the driveway or street if you must. Never idle a car in an attached garage! Fumes can seep into the home. Install a carbon monoxide detector in the closest room to the garage for extra safety precautions.

3. Smokers can smoke outside. Smoke travels through a home, so smoking in one particular room is not a healthy alternative. Chemicals from cigarette smoke can remain in an environment for up to 10 years. Smoking in one room of a house is like asking to swim in the un-chlorinated side of the pool. It just doesn't work that way.

4. Use non-toxic cleaning products instead of chemical brands. Toxic ingredients to avoid are chlorine, ammonia, methylene, chloride, phenol, formaldehyde, cresol, and xylene. The fumes from these products can stay on surfaces for days until you absorb them into your skin or breathe them into your lungs. Toxic cleaning products is the #1 reason children end up in emergency rooms.

5. Never mix household cleaning products. The combination of chlorine bleach with an ammonia cleanser. It will give off a toxic gas that is a severe respiratory irritant.

6. Do not let pets in the bedrooms. All pets have dander?and it can be an allergen. We usually spend 6-8 breathing in the bedroom. Keep the bedroom as allergy-free as possible! An air purifier would be a bonus here. Your body needs a chance to rest without having to fight to breathe at the same time!

7. Cover pillows and mattresses with 100% cotton pillow and bedcovers. They are more breathable and product less allergens than plastic and polyester.

We can't choose when we want to breathe. We have to breathe every minute of the day. Shouldn't we be able to breathe clean air indoors?

If you?d like more Healthy Home Tips, then contact Debbie Mumm at www.healthy-environments.com. Her booklet, 6 Dozen Healthy Home Tips, is now available. It makes a terrific New Parent, or New Home gift! Debbie Mumm lives in Grayslake, IL and has been an Indoor Air Specialist since 1996.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Consider The Five Important Allergy Relief Measures

With each season, come new flowery blooms and blossoms. While most people enjoy these seasonal changes, this can be detrimental for allergy sufferers. The summer heat can increase the growth of certain allergy triggers, which will increase allergic reactions. Knowing what steps to take to get allergy relief, will help you enjoy each season and what come with them.

With these simple tips on what to do for allergies, you can get through each season with some much needed allergy relief.

* Limit your outdoor exposure during the peak allergen hours, such as morning hours to mid-afternoon. These times can be hard on people with allergies and cause wheezing, sneezing and itchy eyes, more so than other times of the day.

* When gardening or cleaning the house, be sure to put on a mask that will help filter out the dust particles and pollen.

* Keeping the windows closed will help reduce the amount of allergens in the house. Be sure to keep the A/C running inside when you can. The air conditioner offers a bit of allergy relief as well as it filters the air in the house, reducing pollutants.

* If you are a person who spends a lot of time outdoors then a nightly bath will provide allergy relief as it will help to wash pollen and pollutant off of the body and out of the hair. This will help you get a good nights rest. * You can help the onset of an allergy attack by taking the proper allergy relief medications prior to going outdoors. It is far better to ward off the allergic reactions rather than trying to settle them down.

You will want to keep your allergy medication handy at all times, or if you have no prescription you will want to keep some form of over the counter antihistamines on hand at all times to get immediate allergy relief.

These types of medications can help with the initial sneezing, watery eyes and itching. You might want to try a decongestant for a stuffy nose. You will want to stay away from such items as the over the counter nasal sprays for instant relief as they can be addicting.

Corticosteroid nose sprays can be very helpful in the long run as they help control symptoms and you only have to use them once a day. Keep in mind that, steroids for allergies are not the same as the steroids used by many sports minded people.

No matter what precautions one takes to avoid an allergic reaction, you still can have an attack from time to time, after all no one is safe from everything. The over the counter medications only offer short term allergy relief and it may be necessary at times to seek the help of a professional allergist.

Going to see an allergist can help you in many ways as they offer a variety of treatments for allergy suffers that are not available as over the counter treatments. Allergists can help you get long lasting allergy relief and they can also help you build your immune system to lower your reactions.

Allergists offer allergy injections that have proved to be the best medical treatment available. There is a new approach to the injections called rush immunotherapy, this has been proven to show amazing results. In this type of injection treatment, the shots are given over a shorter period of time, making this type of treatment good for people who have life threatening allergies.

These types of allergies may include severe allergic asthma or severe allergies to insects such as bee stings. Rush immunotherapy is also good for people who will be traveling, but as with any injection therapy this must be done in a doctor's office or a clinic.

By following some preventive measures and remedial measures, you will get the allergy relief needed to be active and enjoy the seasons as you were meant to.

Summary:

Summer brings with it many sort of allergies. With each season, come new flowery blooms and blossoms. While most people enjoy these seasonal changes, this can be detrimental for allergy sufferers. Knowing what steps to take for your allergic reactions, will help you enjoy each season and what come with them.
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Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Holistic Approach to Dog Skin Allergy

The best way to deal with dog skin allergy is to approach the problem holistically. One dog allergy solution is to make sure your dog enjoys overall good health and has a strong immune system. This way, he'll less likely to react to allergies and develop uncomfortable symptoms.

The following are surefire ways to beat dog skin allergy:

1) Feed your dog some meat - gradually switch to a healthy diet made from high quality whole meats (not meat by-products). You can also try feeding him chicken, turkey, salmon, bison, rabbit, duck, or venison. Remember to rotate the meat.

2) Don't give your dog grains - and that means no corn, wheat and other grains. Try alternatives such as gluten-free brown rice, spelt, amaranth, quinoa, or kamut. These are available at health stores.

3) No preservatives - BHT, ethoxyquin, and potassium sorbate are common artificial additives that are toxic to your dog's health. Check your dog food's label if it consists of any of the above ingredients. If it does, buy other dog food. I use wellness for my dogs.

4) Give him supplements - Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E as well as CoQ10 and selenium strengthens his immune system and helps prevent allergic reactions.

5) Use natural pest control - Adding garlic, Vitamin B1 or brewer's yeast to his diet helps repel fleas. Commercial flea and tick powders, shampoos, and collars are made with toxic chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin and overburden his immune system.

6) Keep his area clean - avoid using chemicals to clean his area and surroundings.

7) Avoid over-vaccinations - over-vaccination damages immunity and can lead to the development of allergies and other problems.

8) Use herbs - They can help the body rid itself of toxins, including those substances that cause allergic reactions such as burdock, alfalfa, red clover, dandelion , and spirulina.

9) Keep your dog clean - avoid cheap commercial shampoos and conditioners - they dry out your dog's hair and skin and even aggravate his allergies.

Dealing with dog skin allergy holistically takes time and commitment but it is the best dog allergy solution you can give to your dog.

Mary Rose Antonio is a physical therapist for 20 years now, a great believer in natural healing and a proud owner of two dogs. She is also the owner of http://www.ultimate-guide-to-dog-care.com. She invites you to learn more about taking care of your dog.

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Monday, February 4, 2008

Five Secret Natural Allergy Remedies To Try

Approximately one out of every ten Americans suffers from allergies of some type. Allergies are the body's natural reaction to any foreign substance. When the body encounters one of these substances, it produces many different substances, including histamines. Once released into the body, these cause tissue swellings called allergies. Allergies can affect many different parts of the body including the lungs, skins, nasal passages, sinuses, and stomach. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include intestinal pain, bloating, mood swings, exhaustion, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, swelling or bloating of the skin, watery eyes, itchy nose, and sneezing. There are many things that cause allergies including pollen, mold, flowers, dust mites, grass, and spores. Additionally, food and chemicals can be an allergy trigger. The medical community has come up with all sorts of ways to treat allergies, but many people shy away from modern day medicine because of the extensive side effects associated with some of the treatments. It is often the case that the treatment is worse than the cure.

One natural allergy remedy is butterbur. Butterbur is a plant that grows in marshy areas and has three foot leaves. They can be found across Europe, in Asia, and in North America. It is a gentle, natural remedy that is free of antihistamines for those who wish to treat hay fever. It has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of ailments, but it has been found most effective at treating allergy style symptoms. It can also help reduce the muscle spasms associated with allergies. Butterbur is typically taken in tablet form, as the plants themselves can be toxic if not properly processed. The roots are dried, beaten to powder, and combined with other natural ingredients to create the tablet. It is best to take one tablet three times a day, but consult the packaging for more specific instructions.

Another natural allergy remedy is locally grown honey. This product can assist with hay fever and other pollen allergic reactions. It is important to start with small amounts. Approximately a teaspoon per day should help. You must first ensure the honey agrees with your body. If it doesn't, discontinue use immediately. If you notice discomfort in the gastrointestinal area, it is important not to use it again. The goal is to work up to several teaspoons per day to ward off hay fever. If you decide to use honey, be sure to do several things first. Talk to your doctor before you try any natural remedies. Remember that you might have a bad reaction to the honey. Not every treatment works for every person. You should only purchase non-pasteurized honey. The honey should be purchased from a local beekeeper or at a local farmer's market to ensure the freshest quality available is consumed. Try to make sure the honey was collected at the same time of year that you suffer from allergies. This will increase the effectiveness of this cure. To make sure you get the best results possible, use the honey one month before your typical allergy season. Using it in the midst of your difficult season won't be enough. Also, do not heat the honey. It decreases its natural healing properties. One last note, begin with a small amount and increase gradually.

Another natural allergy remedy is green tea. People who regularly consume green tea have noticed that they suffer less from sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Green tea is best consumed in purer forms. Don't pollute it with additives like honey, and don't use chemically processed tea either. It is important that you consume at least one cup per day. You should try to work your way up to three cups per day. It does not matter if the tea is consumed hot or cold.

An additional natural allergy remedy is Echinacea. This herb has been known to treat all sorts of problems, including hay fever. It aids in the production of interferon, which assists with decreasing the swelling in tissues, which, in turn, helps stop the runny nose and watery eyes associated with allergies.

One final natural allergy remedy is vitamin C. You become extremely susceptible to allergens if your diet does not contain enough of this essential vitamin. Vitamin C detoxifies foreign substances entering the body and strengthens your cells. Dosages can be up to one thousand milligrams per day.

Are Allergies and Asthma Taking the FUN OUT OF LIFE? Who Else Wants To Learn One Simple Way To Totally Eliminate Asthma And Allergy Attacks, ALL Without Using Drugs And Inhalers Now.

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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Dust Mite Allergy - How To Minimise Exposure

If you suffer from asthma or similar breathing difficulties you will undoubtedly be very sensitive to the quality of the air around you. Whilst you cannot personally do much to influence the quality of the air outside your home, inside is a very different matter.

Household dust is largely made up of dead skin particles shed by we humans and our pets, all of which make a tasty feast for the dust mite. It is the dust mite?s function in life to chomp his way through this debris and prevent us from drowning in our own filth.

This beastly little chap is too small to be seen with the naked eye ? he along with 5,000 of his minute friends could comfortably sit on the head of a pin, and they congregate wherever there is food for them. The most hospitable places in our homes are in our beds, upholstery and carpets as all of these harbour dust.

Whilst we largely live in harmony with dust mites, inevitably, as with all animals, what goes in one end comes out again the other end, albeit in a different form. It is the excretia of the dust mite that creates allergies in some of us.

If you have difficulty breathing at night, or frequently wake up with that ?bunged up? feeling, your bedding is undoubtedly in need of a spring clean. So put a fresh filter in your vacuum cleaner and get to work on your mattress and when you?ve thoroughly vacuumed the top, turn it over and do the other side as well. If you have a box spring base you will also need to vacuum that . Do the same with your pillows, but if they are more than a few years old, replace them with new ones. Dry clean blankets and/or duvets or, if they?re washable put them on a minimum of 60oC cycle (anything less and the little blighters will survive!).

For most of us this exercise, carried out approximately twice a year, will make enough of a difference to return us to rested sleep filled nights. However, for those who are hypersensitive, suffering from asthma and/or hay fever, more drastic measures may be necessary to keep household dust to a minimum.

On a regular basis (at least twice a week) it will be necessary to

? damp wipe all surfaces to remove the dust, (rather than push it around to resettle somewhere else), ? vacuum, rather than sweep, all floors. ? keep your bedroom and bedding well aired - dust mites thrive in high humidity

It?s also a good idea to:

? vacuum upholstery with the same thoroughness you used on your mattress
? use zippered plastic covers for your mattress and pillows to prevent dust penetration
? keep pets out of the bedroom, regularly wash their bedding on a hot cycle and frequently vacuum the areas where they predominantly live
? remove carpets and replace with hard flooring.

Unfortunately it is impossible to eliminate dust mites from our homes, but the above measures should make living with them more comfortable.

The author has for the last 13 years run a domestic cleaning agency www.selclene.co.uk providing regular cleaners to private homes in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. In response to the increasing demand for spring cleans, pre and post house move cleans etc she has started another cleaning business www.rainbowcleaners.co.uk

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Friday, February 1, 2008

A Look At Hypoallergenic Mattress Bedding:A Solution For People Suffering From Allergy

If you get up in the morning or after a refreshing brief afternoon siesta and have symptoms like sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, nasal stuffiness, runny nose or stuffy ears chances are you are suffering from dust mite allergy.

Dust mites belong to the same family as spiders and are often found in homes. However they are so small ,they cannot be seen by the naked eye. The bedroom is a perfect abode for these house dust mites and they make homes in your pillows, mattresses, blankets & bed springs. One study conducted by researchers found that the average bed has two million of these creatures living on it!

During the night we shed our dead skin cells and they often get attached to the mattresses we sleep on. Dust mites consume these dead skin cells and shed their waste droppings on the bed itself. Their waste containing allergens and debris and is the cause of most allergies. At least 10% of humans are allergic to dust mite droppings. During its short 80 day lifespan, the average dust mite produces around 1000 allergenic waste particles!

To cure this particular problem many bedding manufacturers have developed hypoallergenic bedding for standard mattresses. Due to their small size dust mites easily slip through the pores between the thread of normal bedding fabrics. Hypoallergenic mattress bedding is woven tightly so that the pores are too small for dust mites to penetrate and infest your bedding.

Even if you do not suffer from allergies it's a good idea to buy hypoallergenic bedding. It keeps your bedding clean and hygienic. Who wants to sleep on dust mites droppings anyway!

Mike Lombardy is a freelance writer & mattress salesman. He also edits a small site giving information on selecting mattress sizes.

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Allergy Relief Air Purifier Can be a Friend for Life

Anyone who suffers from allergies will know how terrible life is when you are attacked by their symptoms. The doctor is always ready to offer some medication or another when this happens, and with a little effort the allergy abates. However, many people remembering the advice of the doctor to avoid any and all allergens, install an allergy relief air purifier in their house. This is one very efficient way to remove all possible allergens from the air, and keep healthy.

How to Choose the Best Allergy Relief Air Purifier for Your Home

Once you have decided to buy an allergy relief air purifier, go right ahead and do it. There are times when acting on an impulse is quite fruitful ? this is one of those times. When you are shopping for your allergy relief air purifier, you will need to know however, about certain aspects such as requirements for the size of your house or room, the process by which it effects the purification, the recurring cost, the total cost, and lastly its efficiency in maintaining the house's air.

You will need to measure your room and find out which size allergy relief air purifier would work best. In order to get the best advice, you will need to have the measurements accurately recorded so the shop sales person you visit can calculate and tell you what capacity allergy relief air purifier you will need to use.

Present allergy relief air purifiers use diverse methods of filtering the air ? one type works with replaceable filters ? where the filters have to be cleaned periodically to ensure the air circulation. The other type uses filters that need to be replaced directly instead of cleaned, ensuring exceptional purification properties.

The recurring cost for the cleaning of the filters, or exchanging the filters should be known before purchasing as this aspect will be often overlooked. You will need to find out in detail, how the allergy relief air purifier is maintained. The store may underplay instead of tell you accurately about the costs involved, so research well.

The total cost of the allergy relief air purifier would depend upon your budget. There are models available for each and every budget, so you should always ensure that you buy something qualitative, impressive looking, but also within the budget. .

The capacity of the purifier is meant for a certain cubic area, so you will need to know the exact dimensions of the house or room it will be in. Only then can the store be able to indicate the right one for your room capacity.

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Allergy Air Purifier: Get Rid Of Allergy Attacks All Together

For some people, merely breathing in the air in their homes can cause an allergy attack. That?s because the air we breathe can be filled with all sorts of impurities and substances that, if the person is allergic to them, can cause an attack that?s so severe that it?s scary not only to the sufferer but to those who have to witness it. If you find yourself constantly having an allergy attack, even in the comfort of your own home, it?s best to think about buying an allergy air purifier. An allergy air purifier will eradicate those substances in the air that are causing those attacks, allowing you to breathe easier and allowing you to stay attack free.

See An Allergist To Determine What You?re Allergic To

The first thing you should do if you are having allergy attacks is to see an allergist. An allergist will give you an allergy test to see exactly what you are allergic to. Of course, in the mean time, you should get an allergy air purifier, just in case it is something in the air that?s causing your attacks. However, if you?re not sure what you?re allergic to, your allergist will let you know. It could be that you?re allergic to something you?re eating or touching. More than likely, however, it?s because of the air you breathe.

The air we breathe is filled with all sorts of impurities, such as pollen, grass, dirt, dust, pet dander, and more. All of these things can bring on a severe attack if someone is allergic to them. That?s where the allergy air purifier comes in. The allergy air purifier will take whatever it is that you?re allergic to out of the air so that you never have another attack.

This is especially useful as you sleep. If you have an attack when you are sleeping, you could stop breathing and not even realize it. This is very dangerous and shouldn?t be chanced. Buy an allergy air filter and stick it in the corner of your bedroom. You can even put one in every room of your house just to make sure that you are cleaning the air in your home efficiently.

If you?re having allergy attacks and you think it?s caused by the air you?re breathing, stop suffering even one minute longer. Go out to your local department store or search online for an allergy air purifier. Just because you?re allergic to certain things doesn?t mean you must be forced into breathing them in. Get those things out of the air you breathe and go allergy free for once in your life.

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