More Allergy Tips

Mites and Mattress Pads
Wash your mattress pads weekly in hot water to kill dust mites.

Nasal Sprays
Don't be tempted to treat an allergy with an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray for more than three days. After a few days of use you may get a "rebound" effect, and your nose may become even more congested than before. These drugs are more useful for short-term use to relieve nasal congestion associated with a cold.
The one thing you don't want to do is have your nasal passages drained, because you used the nasal spray for too long and not only became dependant on them to breathe, but also had fluid built up in your nasal passages due to overuse.

No Open Windows
If you're an allergy sufferer, do not ride in a vehicle with the windows down or vents wide open. It will worsen your allergies 200 percent. The same goes for your home. Invest in an air conditioner.

One Room Sanctuary
If central air conditioning isn't an option for you, make your bedroom your sanctuary. Install a window air conditioner, properly care for your bedding and keep the door closed at all times.

Pets, Bedrooms and Allergies
Pet dander is a common allergen, especially cat dander. To ease the suffering that Fido or Fluffy may cause you, keep them from your bedroom at all times and do not let them curl up on the bed linens that are warm from the dryer.

Preventing a More Severe Peanut Allergy Reaction
In one of seven studies published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers say liquid charcoal, which is often used when people ingest poison to block absorption, can also absorb peanuts.

"After you've eaten the peanut and you have an allergic reaction, you still have peanut in your stomach," explained Dr. Donald Leung, editor of the journal. "And so rather than allow further peanut to be absorbed and have an even more severe reaction ... drinking the charcoal will prevent the further triggering of increased symptoms."

Leung advised that parents of young children with the allergy keep liquid charcoal (available in pharmacies)in the home, in case of accidental ingestion.

Ragweed
Problems with ragweed, the most common weed pollen, usually start in the middle of August and continue until the frost begins. Interestingly, some regions are less affected than others: The West coast does not have any ragweed.

Synthetic Pillows
Dust mites like synthetic pillows as much as down or foam ones, but synthetic pillows have the major advantage of being washable in hot water which kills the mites.

Tree Allergies
Trees that can cause seasonal allergy symptoms include: maple, ash, oak, elm, birch and cedar. When they pollinate depends on the area in which you live.