Allergies; Lifestyle Tips

NWHRC Health Center - Allergies, Sept 5, 2008

Spotting hidden food allergens--know their hiding places

One type of allergic response, anaphylaxis, is a sudden and sometimes deadly drop in blood pressure that can potentially stop the heart or close air passages, causing death by suffocation. Avoiding foods that you know you're allergic to is the first step to preventing a serious allergic reaction. The most common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, wheat, soy, shellfish, fish and tree nuts. But, beware of the hidden sources of your food allergens: unlabeled ingredients in processed food; milk toppings on specialty or bar drinks that can contain eggs; deli slicers used for both meat and cheese products; and ethnic dishes that use peanuts and peanut oil can contaminate dishes prepared without nuts.

Mold allergies--some tips for coping

Damp, shady or dark areas of the home and garden harbor molds, a common allergen for many people. Take these steps to "air out" mold and avoid those damp and musty places if you can: Use a dehumidifier to dry out damp basements. Open a window or use a fan after a steamy bath or shower to allow the humidity to escape. Don't store clothes or other frequently used possessions in damp basements. Avoid moist, shady areas outdoors, garden compost piles and greenhouses.

Asthma and allergies can go hand-in-hand

A high percentage of individuals with allergies also have asthma, a condition in which the airways of the lungs narrow, resulting in wheezing and problems breathing. An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Experts say that allergies should not be treated as a trivial problem. Untreated, allergies can lead to the development of chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) and asthma. Once diagnosed, a combination of medications may be recommended to relieve seasonal allergies. These medications include antihistamines, topical nasal corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium nasal spray, decongestants and immunotherapy. See your health care professional to assess your symptoms, if you think you might suffer from seasonal allergies, or if the steps you take to relieve your symptoms aren't working.

Love your pet, but can't stop sneezing?

All pets can cause allergies--except, perhaps, a fish. Pet dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to these allergens. Another big source of discomfort for pet owners with allergies is the pollen, mold spores and other outdoor allergens brought inside on your animal's fur. If you can't bear to give up your fur-bearing friend, try these strategies to minimize your allergies: Keep your pet out of your bedroom, where you spend the most time. Wash your hands after handling your pet to avoid spreading the dander. Have someone else bathe your pet weekly and brush it outdoors several times a week. Have someone else clean the litter box, and store it away from forced air heating or central air conditioning vents.

Asthma and pregnancy--hormonal shifts may improve asthma or make it worse

It's probably no surprise to women with asthma to hear that hormonal shifts affect their asthma symptoms. Up to 40 percent of women with asthma find that their symptoms worsen just before and during menstruation, then improve once their periods end. Asthma may get worse during pregnancy--a time when hormones fluctuate greatly--but asthma symptoms may also improve or stay the same when you're pregnant. About one-third of pregnant women experience improved symptoms, one-third experience a worsening of symptoms, and one-third experience no change. Some asthma medications can be continued during pregnancy, under the supervision of your health care professional. If you breast-feed, it's best to breast-feed your baby before taking your medicine and then avoid feeding again for three to four hours; nearly all asthma and allergy medication enters breast milk, though infants are exposed only to minute amounts.

References

"Food allergies." Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org. Accessed May 2008.

"Allergy statistics." The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org. 2008. Accessed May 2008.

"Food Allergy." The Mayo Clinic. February 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com. Accessed May 2008.

"When pregnancy is complicated by allergies and asthma." The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.acaai.org. Accessed May 2008.

"About food allergies." The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2008. http://www.acaai.org. Accessed May 2008.

"Pollen and mold counts." The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org. Accessed May 2008.

"Diagnostic tools for food allergy." Uptodate.com. January 2008. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed May 2008.

"Tips to remember: Allergy and asthma medications." The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. 2008. http://www.aaaai.org. Accessed May 2008.

"Advice from your allergist: rhinitis." The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.acaai.org. Accessed May 2008.