Patent Medicines
The Chinese herbs described previously are typically sold in combination remedies with other herbs. Referred to as patent medicines, these remedies are standardized formulas based on recipes that have been used for more than 2000 years. Now available as pills, ointments, or tinctures, patent medicines are easier to take then the traditional tea beverages made from the same ingredients. It is important to find a reliable manufacturer of patent medicines, one who doesn't include ingredients from endangered species, artificial colorings, sugar coatings or contaminants. Reputable manufacturers provide a list of ingredients and the symptoms that these directions carefully and consult with a health-care practitioner before beginning a course of Chinese herbs. Specific patent medicines that are useful in allergy relief including the following:
Bi Yan Pian
Also known as "Nose Inflammation Pills", this combination of 12 herbs is used to relieve sneezing, itchy eyes, facial congestion, and sinus pain. It is recommended for cases of acute and chronic allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and other nasal allergies. Among the herbs in this formula are magnolia flower, xanthium fruit, licorice root, and chrysanthemum flower. Recommended dosage: four tablets, four times a day.
Chuan Qiong Cha Tiao Wan
Also known as "Ligusticum with Green Tea Mix Pill," this combination of eight herbs is used to relieve nasal congestion, headache, and allergic rhinitis. It's best when taken with green tea, a known antioxidant. Licorice root is among its ingredients. Recommended dosage: eight pills, 3-5 times a day.
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Monday
Chinese Herbal Formulas For Allergies: Part 3
Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Ren Shen)
Western researchers have studied ginseng root for its many effects, including mental improvement, fatigue relief, and stress reduction through stimulation of the adrenal and pituitary glands. In the case of allergy, ginseng in an antihistamine and is able to inhibit tissue swelling and inflammation, as well as tonify the lungs. Overuse of ginseng can lead to headaches, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. Chinese medicine considers this a slightly bitter, warming herb.
Magnolia Flower (Magnolia Iiliforae or Xin Yin Hua)
The flower of the magnolia tree is an acrid, slightly warming herb used to treat symptoms of sinus infection, inflammation, nasal congestion, and headache. It is a hypotensive and also has sedative effects.
Perilla Seed (Perillae semen or Tsu Su Tsu)
The extracted oil of the seed of the perilla plant is frequently used in formulas to relieve asthma symptoms, including cough and phlegm. It is an acrid, warming herb. Perilla seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid. In a clinical study, seven asthmatic subjects were fed perilla seed oil supplements for four weeks while a control group consumed corn oil (omega-6 EFA) supplements. At the end of four weeks, the perilla seed group had a significant increase in peak expiratory flow, indicating that airway constriction was greatly reduced. Levels of leukocytes (which cause inflammation during an allergic reaction) were also diminished in the blood of the perilla seed group, while they increased in the corn oil group. The researchers concluded that perilla seed oil is useful for asthma due to its leukocyte suppression and pulmonary improvement functions.
Xanthium (Xanthii or Can Er Zi)
This slightly bitter, warming fruit of the xanthium (cocklerbur) plant is used in formulas to treat headaches, sinus discharge, pain, arthritis with numbness, skin disorders, and itching. It is effective for chronic allergic rhinitis and is also an antibacterial. Among its active constituents are linoleic acid (an omega-6 EFA) and vitamin C. Many people are sensitized to cocklebur pollen.
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Western researchers have studied ginseng root for its many effects, including mental improvement, fatigue relief, and stress reduction through stimulation of the adrenal and pituitary glands. In the case of allergy, ginseng in an antihistamine and is able to inhibit tissue swelling and inflammation, as well as tonify the lungs. Overuse of ginseng can lead to headaches, insomnia, and increased blood pressure. Chinese medicine considers this a slightly bitter, warming herb.
Magnolia Flower (Magnolia Iiliforae or Xin Yin Hua)
The flower of the magnolia tree is an acrid, slightly warming herb used to treat symptoms of sinus infection, inflammation, nasal congestion, and headache. It is a hypotensive and also has sedative effects.
Perilla Seed (Perillae semen or Tsu Su Tsu)
The extracted oil of the seed of the perilla plant is frequently used in formulas to relieve asthma symptoms, including cough and phlegm. It is an acrid, warming herb. Perilla seed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid. In a clinical study, seven asthmatic subjects were fed perilla seed oil supplements for four weeks while a control group consumed corn oil (omega-6 EFA) supplements. At the end of four weeks, the perilla seed group had a significant increase in peak expiratory flow, indicating that airway constriction was greatly reduced. Levels of leukocytes (which cause inflammation during an allergic reaction) were also diminished in the blood of the perilla seed group, while they increased in the corn oil group. The researchers concluded that perilla seed oil is useful for asthma due to its leukocyte suppression and pulmonary improvement functions.
Xanthium (Xanthii or Can Er Zi)
This slightly bitter, warming fruit of the xanthium (cocklerbur) plant is used in formulas to treat headaches, sinus discharge, pain, arthritis with numbness, skin disorders, and itching. It is effective for chronic allergic rhinitis and is also an antibacterial. Among its active constituents are linoleic acid (an omega-6 EFA) and vitamin C. Many people are sensitized to cocklebur pollen.
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Sunday
Chinese Herbal Formulas For Allergies: Part 2
Apricot Seed (Pruni armeniacae or Xing Ren)
An antitussive (cough suppressant) and expectorant, the mature seed of the apricot tree is used in many Chinese formulas to relieve coughing and wheezing; it also has laxative effects. A bitter, warming herb, it can be toxic in high doses (50-60 kernels are toxic for adults; ten kernels are toxic for children).
Astragalus (Astragali or Huang Qi)
Anstragalus root has been studied extensively for its cardiovascular effects and antibacterial properties. It is a sweet, slightly warming herb that stimulates healing and draining of edema and pus. It also dilates blood vessels and improves circulation of the skin, among other effects. It's a good, overall immune booster.
Centipede (Centipeda minima or Shi-Hu-Sui)
An acrid, warming herb, centipede has been clinically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a 1991 study, it was found that centipede's active ingredients (including three types of flavonoids, various EFAs, and proteins) inhibited histamine release in cutaneous allergic reactions. It is traditionally used to relieve stuffy nose, cough, and sinusitis.
Corydalis (Corydalis ambigua or Yan Hu Suo)
The root of the corydalis plant is widely used in TCM to relieve pain. More than 20 alkaloids have been extracted from this bitter, warming herb. The alkaloid corydaline B is believed to be responsible for raising the pain threshold and relaxing muscles, while other substances called tetradydropalmatine and bulbocapnine have been shown to calm the central nervous system, acting as a very mild anesthetic.
Chrysanthemum Flower (Chrysanthemi morifolii or Ju Hua)
A slightly bitter, slightly cold herb, the flower of the chrysanthemum is used singly or in combination with other herbs. It has a hypotensive effect, meaning it is able to lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, and relieve the rapid onset of inflammatory conditions, including headaches and red, painful, tearing, or dry eyes. Avoid if you have diarrhea.
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An antitussive (cough suppressant) and expectorant, the mature seed of the apricot tree is used in many Chinese formulas to relieve coughing and wheezing; it also has laxative effects. A bitter, warming herb, it can be toxic in high doses (50-60 kernels are toxic for adults; ten kernels are toxic for children).
Astragalus (Astragali or Huang Qi)
Anstragalus root has been studied extensively for its cardiovascular effects and antibacterial properties. It is a sweet, slightly warming herb that stimulates healing and draining of edema and pus. It also dilates blood vessels and improves circulation of the skin, among other effects. It's a good, overall immune booster.
Centipede (Centipeda minima or Shi-Hu-Sui)
An acrid, warming herb, centipede has been clinically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a 1991 study, it was found that centipede's active ingredients (including three types of flavonoids, various EFAs, and proteins) inhibited histamine release in cutaneous allergic reactions. It is traditionally used to relieve stuffy nose, cough, and sinusitis.
Corydalis (Corydalis ambigua or Yan Hu Suo)
The root of the corydalis plant is widely used in TCM to relieve pain. More than 20 alkaloids have been extracted from this bitter, warming herb. The alkaloid corydaline B is believed to be responsible for raising the pain threshold and relaxing muscles, while other substances called tetradydropalmatine and bulbocapnine have been shown to calm the central nervous system, acting as a very mild anesthetic.
Chrysanthemum Flower (Chrysanthemi morifolii or Ju Hua)
A slightly bitter, slightly cold herb, the flower of the chrysanthemum is used singly or in combination with other herbs. It has a hypotensive effect, meaning it is able to lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, and relieve the rapid onset of inflammatory conditions, including headaches and red, painful, tearing, or dry eyes. Avoid if you have diarrhea.
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Thursday
Chinese Herbal Formulas For Allergies: Part 1
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), practiced for more than 5000 years, is complex and often difficult for Westerners to understand. One important concept in Chinese medicine is the free-flowing motion of qi and blood (including lymph and other fluids) through channels, or meridians, in the body. A Chinese medicine physician considers the flow of qi in a patient through close examination of the patient's pulse, tongue, body odor, voice tone and strength, and general demeanor, among other elements. Underlying imbalances and disharmony in the body are described in terminology analogous to the natural world (heat, cold, dryness, or dampness). The concept of balance, or the interrelationship of organs, is central to TCM. Disease arises when obstructions occur to impede the flow of qi and thus disturb the regulation of related organs and body systems. Symptoms of allergy and sensitivity are related to obstructions in varying organ meridians; not all symptoms are caused by the same qi blockages.
Chinese herbs are classified by energetic functions (distinguished as cold, hot, dry, and damp) and the organs that their energies affect (lung, kidney, or liver). Similarly, the diseases that affect the human body are classified accordingly - by excess or deficient energy and organ imbalances. A trained TCM practitioner can determined whether your symptoms are classified as an excess of heat, cold, dryness, or dampness, and may prescribe herbs to balance the excess quality.
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Chinese herbs are classified by energetic functions (distinguished as cold, hot, dry, and damp) and the organs that their energies affect (lung, kidney, or liver). Similarly, the diseases that affect the human body are classified accordingly - by excess or deficient energy and organ imbalances. A trained TCM practitioner can determined whether your symptoms are classified as an excess of heat, cold, dryness, or dampness, and may prescribe herbs to balance the excess quality.
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Biological Cycles Affect Allergic Reactions
Scientists believe that every physiological function follows a natural rhythm. Sleep/wake patterns, body temperature, and hormone release fluctuate on a daily basis; heart rates follow a much shorter cycle measured in seconds; menstrual periods repeat approximately every 28 days. These biological cycles also affect the severity of allergic reactions.
Several studies have shown that the magnitude of asthma attacks oscillates daily, with symptoms worsening during late night and early morning. Studies on both healthy and asthmatic subjects have found that lung function is at its peak (called "peak expiratory flow") at approximately 4 p.m. and at its lowest at 4 a.m. Asthmatics, however, suffer from significantly diminished lung function compared to healthy people in the early morning hours. This reduction in expiratory flow often causes an asthma attack. According to one study, 74% of 8,000 asthmatic subjects claimed to have at least one bout of nocoturnal asthma per week. The menstrual cycle also affects lung function. In a recent study on 14 women diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma, all experienced a 20% decrease in peak expiratory flow in the days preceding menstruation. Low levels of the hormone estradiol are associated with decreased lung function and higher risks for asthma attacks.
The severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms follows daily (circadian) rhythms. In one study, 70% of sufferers experienced a greater intensity in respiratory problems upon awakening in the morning; symptoms dramatically abated by nighttime, only to return in the morning.
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Several studies have shown that the magnitude of asthma attacks oscillates daily, with symptoms worsening during late night and early morning. Studies on both healthy and asthmatic subjects have found that lung function is at its peak (called "peak expiratory flow") at approximately 4 p.m. and at its lowest at 4 a.m. Asthmatics, however, suffer from significantly diminished lung function compared to healthy people in the early morning hours. This reduction in expiratory flow often causes an asthma attack. According to one study, 74% of 8,000 asthmatic subjects claimed to have at least one bout of nocoturnal asthma per week. The menstrual cycle also affects lung function. In a recent study on 14 women diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma, all experienced a 20% decrease in peak expiratory flow in the days preceding menstruation. Low levels of the hormone estradiol are associated with decreased lung function and higher risks for asthma attacks.
The severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms follows daily (circadian) rhythms. In one study, 70% of sufferers experienced a greater intensity in respiratory problems upon awakening in the morning; symptoms dramatically abated by nighttime, only to return in the morning.
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Natural Supplements For Allergies: Magnesium
Magnesium
A cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy and nerve function, magnesium stimulates adrenal and immune function, relaxes smooth muscles, and serves as a natural bronchodilator and antihistamine. Numerous studies prove that intravenous administration of magnesium can stop acute asthma attacks when conventional drugs have failed.
In one study, ten children suffering from acute asthma attacks (peak expiratory flow averaged at less than 60%) were treated with an intravenous infusion of up to 2 g of magnesium, while a control group of ten received a saline placebo. None of the patients had responded to earlier conventional treatment with beta-2 agonists or corticosteroids. Thirty minutes after treatment, the magnesium group experienced significant improvement in peak expiratory flow and a great reduction in asthma symptoms, compared to the control group. This improvement persisted for at least 90 minutes following treatment. Inhaled magnesium(3 mL) has also proved as effective as nebulized salbutamol (a conventional drug) in blocking bronchial constriction in severe asthma attacks.
Oral supplementation of magnesium is also useful in minimizing asthma symptoms. In a double-blinded, controlled study conducted at City Hospital in Nottingham, England, researchers placed 17 asthmatic subjects on a low-magnesium diet for a week, after which they administered oral magnesium supplements (400 mg daily) to some subjects while treating the rest with placebo tablets. A week later, the researchers provoked all subjects with an asthma-inducing irritant. The magnesium-treated group experienced a significant reduction in asthma symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Conventional asthma drugs, especially glucocorticoids (prednisone, hydrocortisone, etc.) have been shown to disrupt magnesium absorption, leading to magnesium deficiency in asthmatics. Magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety, muscle tremors, confusion, irritability, and pain. Processed food or foods cooked at high temperatures can be depleted of their magnesium content.
Food sources: tofu, nuts and seeds, and green leafy vegetables, especially kale, seaweed, and chlorophyll. Supplements: magnesium is absorbed well when taken as an oral supplement and will increase the measurable levels inside red and white blood cells. Magnesium glycinate, fumarate, or citrate are usually better absorbed with less of a laxative effect. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), an old-fashioned remedy, is an excellent addition to a bath, but has a strong laxative effect if taken as an oral supplement. RDA: 400 mg; therapeutic dose: 500-1,000 mg. Precautions: very high doses of magnesium (30,000 mg) may be dangerous if kidney disease is present. Doses of 400 mg or higher may produce a laxative effect, causing diarrhea.
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A cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involving energy and nerve function, magnesium stimulates adrenal and immune function, relaxes smooth muscles, and serves as a natural bronchodilator and antihistamine. Numerous studies prove that intravenous administration of magnesium can stop acute asthma attacks when conventional drugs have failed.
In one study, ten children suffering from acute asthma attacks (peak expiratory flow averaged at less than 60%) were treated with an intravenous infusion of up to 2 g of magnesium, while a control group of ten received a saline placebo. None of the patients had responded to earlier conventional treatment with beta-2 agonists or corticosteroids. Thirty minutes after treatment, the magnesium group experienced significant improvement in peak expiratory flow and a great reduction in asthma symptoms, compared to the control group. This improvement persisted for at least 90 minutes following treatment. Inhaled magnesium(3 mL) has also proved as effective as nebulized salbutamol (a conventional drug) in blocking bronchial constriction in severe asthma attacks.
Oral supplementation of magnesium is also useful in minimizing asthma symptoms. In a double-blinded, controlled study conducted at City Hospital in Nottingham, England, researchers placed 17 asthmatic subjects on a low-magnesium diet for a week, after which they administered oral magnesium supplements (400 mg daily) to some subjects while treating the rest with placebo tablets. A week later, the researchers provoked all subjects with an asthma-inducing irritant. The magnesium-treated group experienced a significant reduction in asthma symptoms compared to the placebo group.
Conventional asthma drugs, especially glucocorticoids (prednisone, hydrocortisone, etc.) have been shown to disrupt magnesium absorption, leading to magnesium deficiency in asthmatics. Magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety, muscle tremors, confusion, irritability, and pain. Processed food or foods cooked at high temperatures can be depleted of their magnesium content.
Food sources: tofu, nuts and seeds, and green leafy vegetables, especially kale, seaweed, and chlorophyll. Supplements: magnesium is absorbed well when taken as an oral supplement and will increase the measurable levels inside red and white blood cells. Magnesium glycinate, fumarate, or citrate are usually better absorbed with less of a laxative effect. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), an old-fashioned remedy, is an excellent addition to a bath, but has a strong laxative effect if taken as an oral supplement. RDA: 400 mg; therapeutic dose: 500-1,000 mg. Precautions: very high doses of magnesium (30,000 mg) may be dangerous if kidney disease is present. Doses of 400 mg or higher may produce a laxative effect, causing diarrhea.
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Natural Supplements For Allergies: Bioflavonoids and Quercetin
Bioflavonoids
A bioflavonoid is a pigment within plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage from free radicals and excess oxygen. In the body, bioflavonoids enhance the benefits of vitamin C and are often formulated with this vitamin in supplement form. Orginally called vitamin P (until 1950), these vitamin C "helper" substances include citrin, hesperidin, rutin, quercetin, epicatechin, flavones, and flavonols. When taken with vitamin C, bioflavonoids increase the absorption of vitamin C into the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. Acting as antioxidants, they also protect vitamin C from destruction by free radicals. Bioflavonoids also have a unique ability to bind and strengthen collagen structures, which are vital for the integrity of connective tissue in cases of allergy-induced arthritis.
There are more than 4,000 classified bioflavonoid compounds occurring in different types of food. The bioflavonoid called anthocyanidin give the deep red or blue color to blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, and hawthorn berries, increases the release of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal system; this could prove useful in fighting leaky gut syndrome and gastrointestinal reactions.
Food sources: fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, oranges, apples, apricots, pears, peaches, tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants, red grapes, plums, raspberries, strawberries, hawthorn berries, and other berries; vegetables such as red cabbage, onions, parsley, rhubarb; herbs such as milk thistle and sage; grape skins, pine bark, red wine, and green tea. Supplementing with all types of bioflavonoids is recommended for allergy and sensitivity sufferers; however, quercetin has shown particular promise in reducing symptoms.
Quercetin
A bright yellow pigment, quercetin has outstanding anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating allergic inflammation. A natural bioflavonoid and antioxidant, quercetin stabilizes mast cells and basophils, thus suppressing the release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other substances that cause inflammation in an allergic response. Quercetin is useful in helping correct intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and associated food allergies. It has also been found effective in treating nasal/eye symptoms of allergic rhinitis, as it corrects metabolic impairments in essential fatty acid, and other fats needed by lymphocytes. Quercentin also supports the function of vitamin C.
Food sources: onions and green tea. Supplements: quercetin works best when combined with the enzyme bromelain. Therapeutic dose: 200-1,000 mg daily.
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A bioflavonoid is a pigment within plants and fruits that acts as an antioxidant to protect against damage from free radicals and excess oxygen. In the body, bioflavonoids enhance the benefits of vitamin C and are often formulated with this vitamin in supplement form. Orginally called vitamin P (until 1950), these vitamin C "helper" substances include citrin, hesperidin, rutin, quercetin, epicatechin, flavones, and flavonols. When taken with vitamin C, bioflavonoids increase the absorption of vitamin C into the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands. Acting as antioxidants, they also protect vitamin C from destruction by free radicals. Bioflavonoids also have a unique ability to bind and strengthen collagen structures, which are vital for the integrity of connective tissue in cases of allergy-induced arthritis.
There are more than 4,000 classified bioflavonoid compounds occurring in different types of food. The bioflavonoid called anthocyanidin give the deep red or blue color to blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, and hawthorn berries, increases the release of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal system; this could prove useful in fighting leaky gut syndrome and gastrointestinal reactions.
Food sources: fruits such as grapefruit, lemon, oranges, apples, apricots, pears, peaches, tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, black currants, red grapes, plums, raspberries, strawberries, hawthorn berries, and other berries; vegetables such as red cabbage, onions, parsley, rhubarb; herbs such as milk thistle and sage; grape skins, pine bark, red wine, and green tea. Supplementing with all types of bioflavonoids is recommended for allergy and sensitivity sufferers; however, quercetin has shown particular promise in reducing symptoms.
Quercetin
A bright yellow pigment, quercetin has outstanding anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating allergic inflammation. A natural bioflavonoid and antioxidant, quercetin stabilizes mast cells and basophils, thus suppressing the release of histamine, leukotrienes, and other substances that cause inflammation in an allergic response. Quercetin is useful in helping correct intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and associated food allergies. It has also been found effective in treating nasal/eye symptoms of allergic rhinitis, as it corrects metabolic impairments in essential fatty acid, and other fats needed by lymphocytes. Quercentin also supports the function of vitamin C.
Food sources: onions and green tea. Supplements: quercetin works best when combined with the enzyme bromelain. Therapeutic dose: 200-1,000 mg daily.
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Natural Supplements For Allergies: Vitamin E and B
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and acts as an anti-inflammatory, blocking the activity of an enzyme that provokes inflammation. It also inhibits mast cell degranulation, the biochemical process that releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals during an allergic response. It helps maintain the elastic quality in cells, which, in turn, increases elasticity in muscles, important for allergy-induced arthritis.
As with vitamin C, levels of vitamin E are typically low in asthma patients. Studies have shown that supplementation of vitamin E enhances the function of T lymphocytes and elevates amounts of B cells in asthma patients. These effects appear to stabilize the hyperactive immune system and prevent asthma attacks. In addition, high doses of vitamin C supplements have been shown to inhibit allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms.
Food sources: cold-pressed oils such as sunflower and safflower, almonds, hazelnuts, and wheat germ. Supplements: vitamin E is actually a group of compounds called tocopherols. When purchasing supplements of vitamin E, avoid products that contain vitamin E in the DL-alpha tocopherol acetate form - this means that it is a petroleum-based synthetic form of the vitamin. The natural form of vitamin E will be designated with the letter "D". Research has shown that the natural form of vitamin E has better antioxidant protective properties and recent research indicates that mixed tocopherols may, in fact, be the best. Avoid taking iron supplements at the same time of the day as vitamin E supplements as they mutually prevent absorption. Drink filtered water (no chlorinated water) and avoid polyunsaturated fats, since these may destroy vitamin E. RDA: 30 IU; therapeutic does: 200-800 IU; up to 3,000 IU per day has shown no negative effects, although prolonged ingestion of high doses may produce adverse skin reactions and upset stomach.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 is involved in the production of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, and also helps metabolize fat and carbohydrates. In large doses (up to 1,500 mg per day), vitamin B5 has an antihistamine effect as it promotes cortisol release, thus reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions. Vitamin B5 is also an excellent aid in reducing the effects of stress on the body.
Food sources: liver, meat, chicken, whole grains, and legumes; eating a variety of foods can ensure adequate levels of vitamin B5. RDA: none; therapeutic dose: 10 mg to 2,000 mg. Extremely high doses (10,000 mg+) will produce diarrhea.
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Vitamin E protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and acts as an anti-inflammatory, blocking the activity of an enzyme that provokes inflammation. It also inhibits mast cell degranulation, the biochemical process that releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals during an allergic response. It helps maintain the elastic quality in cells, which, in turn, increases elasticity in muscles, important for allergy-induced arthritis.
As with vitamin C, levels of vitamin E are typically low in asthma patients. Studies have shown that supplementation of vitamin E enhances the function of T lymphocytes and elevates amounts of B cells in asthma patients. These effects appear to stabilize the hyperactive immune system and prevent asthma attacks. In addition, high doses of vitamin C supplements have been shown to inhibit allergic rhinitis nasal symptoms.
Food sources: cold-pressed oils such as sunflower and safflower, almonds, hazelnuts, and wheat germ. Supplements: vitamin E is actually a group of compounds called tocopherols. When purchasing supplements of vitamin E, avoid products that contain vitamin E in the DL-alpha tocopherol acetate form - this means that it is a petroleum-based synthetic form of the vitamin. The natural form of vitamin E will be designated with the letter "D". Research has shown that the natural form of vitamin E has better antioxidant protective properties and recent research indicates that mixed tocopherols may, in fact, be the best. Avoid taking iron supplements at the same time of the day as vitamin E supplements as they mutually prevent absorption. Drink filtered water (no chlorinated water) and avoid polyunsaturated fats, since these may destroy vitamin E. RDA: 30 IU; therapeutic does: 200-800 IU; up to 3,000 IU per day has shown no negative effects, although prolonged ingestion of high doses may produce adverse skin reactions and upset stomach.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 is involved in the production of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol, and also helps metabolize fat and carbohydrates. In large doses (up to 1,500 mg per day), vitamin B5 has an antihistamine effect as it promotes cortisol release, thus reducing the symptoms of allergic reactions. Vitamin B5 is also an excellent aid in reducing the effects of stress on the body.
Food sources: liver, meat, chicken, whole grains, and legumes; eating a variety of foods can ensure adequate levels of vitamin B5. RDA: none; therapeutic dose: 10 mg to 2,000 mg. Extremely high doses (10,000 mg+) will produce diarrhea.
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Natural Supplements For Allergies: Vitamin C
Perhaps the simplest way to relieve allergy and sensitivity symptoms is by taking nutritional supplements. Dietary supplements are readily available in health food and vitamin stores and also in supermarkets, as more and more people are realizing that the typical American diet is sorely deficient in many necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Supplements come in powder, tablet, capsule, and liquid forms; be sure to read labels to avoid buying products with fillers, such as cornstarch and gelatin, to which you may be allergic or sensitive.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, vitamin C has been shown to improve and block asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Researchers have found that asthmatics tend to have up to 50% lower concentrations of vitamin C than non-asthmatics.
A 1992 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day may reduce blood histamine levels by up to 38%, thus blocking inflammation. Infusions of vitamin C have also been shown to promote the production of cortisol, an adrenal hormone that suspends allergic reactions. High doses of vitamin C (2,000 mg or more) have been shown to quickly arrest bronchial symptoms in asthma and allergic rhinitis, and even prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.
A 1997 study examined the effects of vitamin C on 20 asthma (exercise-induced) patients between the ages of 7 and 28 years. These subjects had at least a 15% reduction in their forced expiratory volume after a standard exercise test on a treadmill. As part of the study, patients stopped taking their regular asthma medications or using bronchodilators 12 hours before the test. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive 2 g of oral vitamin C one hour before a a seven-minute exercise session on the treadmill; the rest were given a placebo. Vitamin C prevented airway restriction in five of the treated patients. These five patients continued taking oral vitamin C (500 mg per day) for two weeks; four of them experienced remission of their asthma during this time. In another study, 2,000 mg of oral vitamin C given to 16 patients with allergic rhinitis for two consecutive days proved to be significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing bronchial reactivity.
Vitamin C is also an important factor in helping remove environmental toxins from the body. Vitamin C is also necessary in the formation of collagen, and can help rebuild joint tissue damaged as a result of allergy-induced arthritis. Take vitamin C with bioflavonoids for maximum absorption.
Food sources: most fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, lemons avocados, and parsley. Supplements: the most cost-effective form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid, which is extracted from rosehips or acerola. There is also a new form of vitamin C called ester-C, which is purported to stay in the body longer, thereby increasing absorption. RDA: 60 mg; therapeutic dose: 500-5000 mg (to bowel tolerance); in patients with exercise-induced asthma, take vitamin C approximately 30 minutes to one hour before exercise for maximum protection.
Possible side effects: essentially nontoxic in oral doses. However, excessive ingestion may cause abdominal bloating, gas, flatulence, and diarrhea. Many alternative medicine practitioners recommend taking vitamin C to "bowel tolerance" (amount tolerated before diarrhea occurs). Acid-sensitive individuals should take the buffered ascorbate form of vitamin C supplement.
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Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, vitamin C has been shown to improve and block asthma attacks and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Researchers have found that asthmatics tend to have up to 50% lower concentrations of vitamin C than non-asthmatics.
A 1992 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day may reduce blood histamine levels by up to 38%, thus blocking inflammation. Infusions of vitamin C have also been shown to promote the production of cortisol, an adrenal hormone that suspends allergic reactions. High doses of vitamin C (2,000 mg or more) have been shown to quickly arrest bronchial symptoms in asthma and allergic rhinitis, and even prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.
A 1997 study examined the effects of vitamin C on 20 asthma (exercise-induced) patients between the ages of 7 and 28 years. These subjects had at least a 15% reduction in their forced expiratory volume after a standard exercise test on a treadmill. As part of the study, patients stopped taking their regular asthma medications or using bronchodilators 12 hours before the test. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive 2 g of oral vitamin C one hour before a a seven-minute exercise session on the treadmill; the rest were given a placebo. Vitamin C prevented airway restriction in five of the treated patients. These five patients continued taking oral vitamin C (500 mg per day) for two weeks; four of them experienced remission of their asthma during this time. In another study, 2,000 mg of oral vitamin C given to 16 patients with allergic rhinitis for two consecutive days proved to be significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing bronchial reactivity.
Vitamin C is also an important factor in helping remove environmental toxins from the body. Vitamin C is also necessary in the formation of collagen, and can help rebuild joint tissue damaged as a result of allergy-induced arthritis. Take vitamin C with bioflavonoids for maximum absorption.
Food sources: most fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, lemons avocados, and parsley. Supplements: the most cost-effective form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid, which is extracted from rosehips or acerola. There is also a new form of vitamin C called ester-C, which is purported to stay in the body longer, thereby increasing absorption. RDA: 60 mg; therapeutic dose: 500-5000 mg (to bowel tolerance); in patients with exercise-induced asthma, take vitamin C approximately 30 minutes to one hour before exercise for maximum protection.
Possible side effects: essentially nontoxic in oral doses. However, excessive ingestion may cause abdominal bloating, gas, flatulence, and diarrhea. Many alternative medicine practitioners recommend taking vitamin C to "bowel tolerance" (amount tolerated before diarrhea occurs). Acid-sensitive individuals should take the buffered ascorbate form of vitamin C supplement.
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Emergency Care for Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a life-threatening IgE-mediated allergic reaction that requires immediate medical care. Approximately 700 people die each year from anaphylactic shock, sparked by insect stings, medications (especially injectables), foods, and latex. If you think you're having an anaphylactic response to a substance, it's crucial that you go to an emergency medical facility immediately.
Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, are common symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be dismissed as the stomach flu if you're prone to severe allergic reactions. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis are headaches, swelling of the tissue, itching, hives, flushing, nasal congestion, wheezing, upper airway swelling, pain beneath the sternum (breastbone), fainting, or seizure. Up to one-third of patients may experience symptoms hours or days after the initial anaphylactic episode.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) injections are the primary emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Doctors may also use corticosteroids, antihistamines, and other medications to control these reactions. Patients who know they are susceptible to anaphylaxis should carry emergency adrenaline kits at all times. Kits such as the Ana-Kit, EpiPen, or EpiPen EZ, are available with a doctor's prescription. If you have nothing else, Primatene Mist, available over the counter, can be used as it contains epinephrine. It's also wise to carry an identification card that lists drug allergies and wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace that contains information about your medical condition, in case of severe shock or unconsciousness. Natural remedies are highly effective for many allergic conditions but anaphylaxis is not one of them
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Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, are common symptoms of anaphylaxis and should not be dismissed as the stomach flu if you're prone to severe allergic reactions. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis are headaches, swelling of the tissue, itching, hives, flushing, nasal congestion, wheezing, upper airway swelling, pain beneath the sternum (breastbone), fainting, or seizure. Up to one-third of patients may experience symptoms hours or days after the initial anaphylactic episode.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) injections are the primary emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Doctors may also use corticosteroids, antihistamines, and other medications to control these reactions. Patients who know they are susceptible to anaphylaxis should carry emergency adrenaline kits at all times. Kits such as the Ana-Kit, EpiPen, or EpiPen EZ, are available with a doctor's prescription. If you have nothing else, Primatene Mist, available over the counter, can be used as it contains epinephrine. It's also wise to carry an identification card that lists drug allergies and wear a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace that contains information about your medical condition, in case of severe shock or unconsciousness. Natural remedies are highly effective for many allergic conditions but anaphylaxis is not one of them
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Tuesday
Skin Care For Eczema Sufferers
Skin care, especially the use of moisturizing emollients, is a key element in easing the symptoms of eczema and helping the skin to heal. Contrary to popular belief, bathing often can be helpful, since it adds moisture to the skin. However, you must add bath oils formulated for eczema rather than ordinary bubble bath, which has a drying effect. After bathing, it is important to apply emollient to retain skin moisture.
In the bath
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In the bath
- Use non-perfumed soaps or cleansing oils. Only add bath oil that is especially made for eczema sufferers to the water.
- Pat the skin dry - don't rub - with a towel.
- Apply emollients liberally after bathing. Whereas corticosteroid creams should be used only as directly by your doctor, there is no limit on the amount of emollient that can safely be used.
- Keep your fingernails short and wash your hands carefully before applying creams or emollients to an eczema sufferer. Gently massage only small amounts of cream at a time into the skin using a light circular motion.
- Encourage absorption and discourage scratching after treatment by bandaging the affected area with sterile cotton gauze. With a child sufferer, make sure that the child's fingernails are kept short. Use an emery board to file nails down to the finger pads.
- Consider wet-wrapping children with very bad eczema at night. The child is covered in emollient before wrapping in wet bandages, but keep thumbs out to make it easier for the child to pick things up.
- Use emollients on a regular basis to keep the skin is apparently free of eczema. The skin's resistance will be lowered for at least four to five months after the eczema appears to have healed.
- Lanolin-free emollients and bath oils are available for those allergic to this substance.
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Toiletries and Allergies: Part 2
Contact reactions
An allergic contact reaction involves an immune response to a chemical in the cosmetic, which is most likely to be a preservative of some type. Contact dermatitis occurs where the skin has come into contact with an allergen; a secondary spread may occur if you then touch other parts of your body with hands contaminated with that allergen.
Preservatives are among the most potent allergens found in cosmetics, with the best preservatives often making the strongest allergens.
The chemicals used to make fragrances are another common source of allergens. About 10 percent of people investigated for eczema-like skin conditions are found to be sensitive to fragrances. Other cosmetic allergens include hair dyes and the resin found in nail varnish.
Choosing a product
In general, cosmetics are relatively simple formulations modified with "extras" for marketing. There are many well-priced, non-fragranced products suitable for sensitive skins. Bear in mind that a well-marketed, expensive product is not necessarily a well-tolerated one. If you are choosing a product for an eczema sufferer, manufacturers may provide samples.
What does the label mean?
"Hypoallergenic" commonly appears on cosmetic and skin-care products. "Hypo" simply means "less" or "decreased" and, for example, most cosmetics labelled as "hypoallergenic" will be fragrance-free. Since fragrances are an important cause of skin contact allergy, a cosmetic that does not contain any fragrance is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Another commonly used form of wording on labels is "suitable for sensitive skin". Approximately 20-30 percent of people consider that they have "sensitive skin". The phrase has no legal definition, but is often taken to mean that the product is suitable for use by those likely to experience a non-specific reaction, such as redness or itchiness, to a product.
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An allergic contact reaction involves an immune response to a chemical in the cosmetic, which is most likely to be a preservative of some type. Contact dermatitis occurs where the skin has come into contact with an allergen; a secondary spread may occur if you then touch other parts of your body with hands contaminated with that allergen.
Preservatives are among the most potent allergens found in cosmetics, with the best preservatives often making the strongest allergens.
The chemicals used to make fragrances are another common source of allergens. About 10 percent of people investigated for eczema-like skin conditions are found to be sensitive to fragrances. Other cosmetic allergens include hair dyes and the resin found in nail varnish.
Choosing a product
In general, cosmetics are relatively simple formulations modified with "extras" for marketing. There are many well-priced, non-fragranced products suitable for sensitive skins. Bear in mind that a well-marketed, expensive product is not necessarily a well-tolerated one. If you are choosing a product for an eczema sufferer, manufacturers may provide samples.
What does the label mean?
"Hypoallergenic" commonly appears on cosmetic and skin-care products. "Hypo" simply means "less" or "decreased" and, for example, most cosmetics labelled as "hypoallergenic" will be fragrance-free. Since fragrances are an important cause of skin contact allergy, a cosmetic that does not contain any fragrance is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Another commonly used form of wording on labels is "suitable for sensitive skin". Approximately 20-30 percent of people consider that they have "sensitive skin". The phrase has no legal definition, but is often taken to mean that the product is suitable for use by those likely to experience a non-specific reaction, such as redness or itchiness, to a product.
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Toiletries and Allergies: Part 1
Cosmetics, or toiletries, include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, skin cleansers and moisturizers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, nail varnishes, hair colorants and styling agents, fragranced products (such as deodorants, aftershaves, and perfumes), sun-screens, and self-tanning preparations. Any of these products could cause either irritant or allergic contact reactions.
Irritant reactions
An irritant reaction to cosmetics is most likely in people with a tendency toward allergy (either themselves or in their family), or in people with light-coloured skins. Common symptoms that a cosmetic is having an irritant effect include:
Severe irritant reactions are rare and most often occur at the hairdressers, where a very alkaline substance, such as a hair dye or perming solution, has been allowed to come into contact with the skin. When at home, avoid hand contact with shampoos and hair products by using lightweight polythene gloves (as used by hairdressers) if you have sensitive skin or eczema. Don't apply hair lotion, hair cream, or dyes with your bare hands and avoid mousses and hair gels.
If you feel even a slight stinging sensation immediately following the use of a particular cosmetic, take it as a sign that you should consider discontinuing its use.
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Irritant reactions
An irritant reaction to cosmetics is most likely in people with a tendency toward allergy (either themselves or in their family), or in people with light-coloured skins. Common symptoms that a cosmetic is having an irritant effect include:
- Scaling
- Redness and associated itching
- No tendency of symptoms to spread beyond the site of application of the cosmetic
Severe irritant reactions are rare and most often occur at the hairdressers, where a very alkaline substance, such as a hair dye or perming solution, has been allowed to come into contact with the skin. When at home, avoid hand contact with shampoos and hair products by using lightweight polythene gloves (as used by hairdressers) if you have sensitive skin or eczema. Don't apply hair lotion, hair cream, or dyes with your bare hands and avoid mousses and hair gels.
If you feel even a slight stinging sensation immediately following the use of a particular cosmetic, take it as a sign that you should consider discontinuing its use.
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Your Allergy And Your Kitchen: Part 6
Preventing the growth of mould
Moisture
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- Clean all areas where moulds might grow with a bleach solution and then treat with a mould inhibitor.
- Make sure that all window frames are properly sealed and replace any rotten frames or cracked boarding.
- Remove rotting food.
- Clean work surfaces thoroughly of all crumbs and food debris.
- Wash out the bottom of the rubbish bin (trash can) regularly.
- Keep humidity as low as possible - the commonest moulds in the home are those belonging to the Aspergillus spp. and the Penicillium spp., both of which thrive in air that is above 70 percent relative humidity.
- Check for signs of mould behind furniture, in cupboards and hidden in drawers.
- Check inside and under your freezer and refrigerator, especially the door seals, and clean them if necessary.
- Be careful not to drop food in awkward, hard-to-reach areas where mould will grow undisturbed.
Moisture
- Reduce dampness, making improvements to ventilation if necessary.
- Don't leave bowls of water out all the time for pets, and cover fish tanks, which can be a source of moisture for cockroaches.
- Wipe away condensation under the refrigerator every time you empty the drip pan.
- Tighten any loose pipes and repair plumbing leaks, especially around kitchen sinks and dishwashers, to deprive the insects of water.
- Dispose of waste food promptly and keep food-preparation areas cleans.
- Keep food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator.
- Vacuum regularly to remove food crumbs, especially in eating areas.
- Feed your pet at regular times and clean up after every meal.
- Keep sink strainers clean and empty.
- Clear away all dirty dishes immediately after use.
- Keep kitchen appliances free of crumbs and food scraps.
- Seal cracks and crevices in walls and in the woodwork around doors and windows.
- Seal any gaps around piping. Cockroaches migrate using the pipework running between properties or flats (apartments).
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Your Allergy And Your Kitchen: Part 5
Water softeners
Moving to a soft-water area, or installing a water softener, can improve the symptoms of eczema. Soft water, either natural or artificially softened, helps to reduce the amount of detergents, soaps, and washing powders you need to use, and the amount of scaling in pipes and kettles. However, don't give artificially softened water to children to drink and don't use it to make up formula milk for babies because it has an increased salt content.
Cleaning products
Many kitchen cleaning products, especially strongly scented ones, can irritate asthma or rhinitis conditions, while people with eczema may find that some types of washing powders and fabric conditioners irritate their skin condition.
Animals
If any member of the family is allergic to dogs or cats it is best not to have them anywhere in the home. If total exclusion is not possible, then confine them to the garden or at least the kitchen, which has few of the soft coverings that mites love. Bear in mind that cat dander is particularly potent at causing symptoms, compared with dog dander, because it stays airborne for longer and is much widespread in the home.
Some dog breeds seem to cause less of an allergic reaction than others, in particular those that do not moult their coats, such as poodles and bichon frises. Grooming your pet outside and washing it, and its bedding, twice-weekly will help to reduce the amount of allergen in the home.
Some dogs are allergic to dust mite-allergen, and research suggests about 30-40 percent of dogs suffer from mite-related eczama. This is usually treated with expensive immunotherapy or steroid creams, but symptoms can often be relieved by covering the dog's bedding with the same type of barrier cover used for human bedding. Some allergy product specialists supply barrier covers especially for dog bedding, but otherwise a pillow-sized barrier cover would provide the same protection, even if it is a loose fit.
In areas of cockroach infestation, pets shoudl be fed at particular times of the day, and the food cleaned up promptly after every meal. Keep pet food in resealable containers and don't leave water out all the time.
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Moving to a soft-water area, or installing a water softener, can improve the symptoms of eczema. Soft water, either natural or artificially softened, helps to reduce the amount of detergents, soaps, and washing powders you need to use, and the amount of scaling in pipes and kettles. However, don't give artificially softened water to children to drink and don't use it to make up formula milk for babies because it has an increased salt content.
Cleaning products
Many kitchen cleaning products, especially strongly scented ones, can irritate asthma or rhinitis conditions, while people with eczema may find that some types of washing powders and fabric conditioners irritate their skin condition.
Animals
If any member of the family is allergic to dogs or cats it is best not to have them anywhere in the home. If total exclusion is not possible, then confine them to the garden or at least the kitchen, which has few of the soft coverings that mites love. Bear in mind that cat dander is particularly potent at causing symptoms, compared with dog dander, because it stays airborne for longer and is much widespread in the home.
Some dog breeds seem to cause less of an allergic reaction than others, in particular those that do not moult their coats, such as poodles and bichon frises. Grooming your pet outside and washing it, and its bedding, twice-weekly will help to reduce the amount of allergen in the home.
Some dogs are allergic to dust mite-allergen, and research suggests about 30-40 percent of dogs suffer from mite-related eczama. This is usually treated with expensive immunotherapy or steroid creams, but symptoms can often be relieved by covering the dog's bedding with the same type of barrier cover used for human bedding. Some allergy product specialists supply barrier covers especially for dog bedding, but otherwise a pillow-sized barrier cover would provide the same protection, even if it is a loose fit.
In areas of cockroach infestation, pets shoudl be fed at particular times of the day, and the food cleaned up promptly after every meal. Keep pet food in resealable containers and don't leave water out all the time.
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Your Allergy And Your Kitchen: Part 4
Kitchen furniture
Kitchen cabinets are often made from board products, such as chipboard (particle board), which give off high concentrations of formaldehyde vapour when new. Choose cabinets made from laminated board, a solid softwood, or from stainless steel. Ceramic or quarry tiles, granite, marble, or solid wood can all be used for worktops (counters).
Refrigerators and freezers
Check inside and under your refrigerator and freezer, especially the doors seals, and clean if necessary. The drip pan should be easily accessible for emptying and cleaning. You need to do this weekly to stop bacteria and mould from growing. Emptying the drip pan also removes a water source for cockroaches. Keeping cooling coils clean, so that they don't become coated with dust, saves energy as well as helping to improve air quality.
Try to buy as much natural fresh food as possible, especially vegetables and fruit. These are rich in antioxidants compared with processed foods, which contain high levels of preservatives and additives. It has been shown that there are reduced incidences of allergic disease in communities where a lot of natural fresh food is eaten.
Fly-killers
Toxic chemicals from solid block or aerosol fly killers contaminate the air and any uncovered food, while some fly sprays are respiratory irritants. Home-made flypapers can be made by boiling equal parts of sugar, corn syrup, and water together and then spreading the resulting mixture on paper strips. When the mixture has set to a sticky consistency, hang the strips up near doors and windows.
Some fresh herbs, such as basil (Ocimum basilicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus), and thyme (Thymus), are also said to deter flies. Instead of spraying potentially toxic chemicals into the air, why not grow pots of these aromatic herbs on the window-sill, where they would also be conveniently to hand for cooking? Dried orange peel, lemon peel, and cloves stored in open jars will also act as a fly deterrent, so do fly screens over windows or doors. If the screens face windward, they also help to trap dust.
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Kitchen cabinets are often made from board products, such as chipboard (particle board), which give off high concentrations of formaldehyde vapour when new. Choose cabinets made from laminated board, a solid softwood, or from stainless steel. Ceramic or quarry tiles, granite, marble, or solid wood can all be used for worktops (counters).
Refrigerators and freezers
Check inside and under your refrigerator and freezer, especially the doors seals, and clean if necessary. The drip pan should be easily accessible for emptying and cleaning. You need to do this weekly to stop bacteria and mould from growing. Emptying the drip pan also removes a water source for cockroaches. Keeping cooling coils clean, so that they don't become coated with dust, saves energy as well as helping to improve air quality.
Try to buy as much natural fresh food as possible, especially vegetables and fruit. These are rich in antioxidants compared with processed foods, which contain high levels of preservatives and additives. It has been shown that there are reduced incidences of allergic disease in communities where a lot of natural fresh food is eaten.
Fly-killers
Toxic chemicals from solid block or aerosol fly killers contaminate the air and any uncovered food, while some fly sprays are respiratory irritants. Home-made flypapers can be made by boiling equal parts of sugar, corn syrup, and water together and then spreading the resulting mixture on paper strips. When the mixture has set to a sticky consistency, hang the strips up near doors and windows.
Some fresh herbs, such as basil (Ocimum basilicum), rosemary (Rosmarinus), and thyme (Thymus), are also said to deter flies. Instead of spraying potentially toxic chemicals into the air, why not grow pots of these aromatic herbs on the window-sill, where they would also be conveniently to hand for cooking? Dried orange peel, lemon peel, and cloves stored in open jars will also act as a fly deterrent, so do fly screens over windows or doors. If the screens face windward, they also help to trap dust.
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Your Allergy And Your Kitchen: Part 3
Ducted hoods
Some cooker (stove) hoods are ducted to the outside, thus ensuring that all combustion by-products and excess condensation are removed from the home. Air is sucked up from above the hob (cooktop) and passed through a grease filter before being expelled to the outside. The filter, which can be made of foam, metal, or special paper, must either be regularly washed or replaced, and the ductwork to the outside should be as short and straight as possible.
It is important to have an opening window or some other source of clean air, such as a window ventilator, to replace the air removed by a ducted hood. If not, the hood will suck air from the rest of the house along the path of least resistance. This may be down the open flue of a boiler or water heater in or near the kitchen, and the resulting replacement air would then be many times more polluted than that being exhausted.
Unlike balanced-flue appliances, an open flue uses air from the room for combustion, and then expels combustion by-products up a chimney or flue. Whenever an open-flued appliance is installed in a house with an extractor (exhaust) such as a hood, a test should be carried out to ensure that combustion by-products cannot be sucked back in. If you install a hood after gas appliances have been fitted, make sure this test is performed.
Recirculating hoods
There is no danger of air being sucked down an open flue by extractor (exhaust) hoods that recirulate air back into the kitchen via a filter. However, although these models do remove grease and odours, they do not remove excess moisture and thus do not reduce humidity. If you cannot replace the hood with a ducted type, make sure that there is good ventilation during cooking by opening a window or outside door; but keep the door to the rest of the home shut to prevent moisture escaping into other rooms. If you choose a new cooker (stove) or range hood, take the following into consideration:
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Some cooker (stove) hoods are ducted to the outside, thus ensuring that all combustion by-products and excess condensation are removed from the home. Air is sucked up from above the hob (cooktop) and passed through a grease filter before being expelled to the outside. The filter, which can be made of foam, metal, or special paper, must either be regularly washed or replaced, and the ductwork to the outside should be as short and straight as possible.
It is important to have an opening window or some other source of clean air, such as a window ventilator, to replace the air removed by a ducted hood. If not, the hood will suck air from the rest of the house along the path of least resistance. This may be down the open flue of a boiler or water heater in or near the kitchen, and the resulting replacement air would then be many times more polluted than that being exhausted.
Unlike balanced-flue appliances, an open flue uses air from the room for combustion, and then expels combustion by-products up a chimney or flue. Whenever an open-flued appliance is installed in a house with an extractor (exhaust) such as a hood, a test should be carried out to ensure that combustion by-products cannot be sucked back in. If you install a hood after gas appliances have been fitted, make sure this test is performed.
Recirculating hoods
There is no danger of air being sucked down an open flue by extractor (exhaust) hoods that recirulate air back into the kitchen via a filter. However, although these models do remove grease and odours, they do not remove excess moisture and thus do not reduce humidity. If you cannot replace the hood with a ducted type, make sure that there is good ventilation during cooking by opening a window or outside door; but keep the door to the rest of the home shut to prevent moisture escaping into other rooms. If you choose a new cooker (stove) or range hood, take the following into consideration:
- Noise level when switched on
- Variability of speed control
- Ease of cleaning/replacing filters and cleaning the hood itself
- Ducted models are preferable to recirculating types
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Your Allergy And Your Kitchen: Part 2
Oven cleaning
Products designed for cleaning ovens are another common source of air pollution in the kitchen, with most proprietary cleaners giving off irritating fumes. Safer methods of cleaning are available.
Many ovens have self-cleaning linings. These either oxidize the grease and dirt splashed on to them during cooking or burn it off. Burning grease and dirt may cause unpleasant fumes, which can irritate respiratory allergies. Some ovens use steam to loosen dirt, which you then need to wipe out.
Cooking methods
Always put lids on pans and use only as much water as is required. This reduces the amount of condensation produced as well as saving energy. A layered steamer cooks different vegetables simultaneously on a single burner, producing less condensation.
A pressure cooker cooks food rapidly by increasing air pressure and raising the water temperature. As well as saving energy, pressure cooking also conserves more food nutrients than conventional cooking. Stir-frying in a wok is another energy-efficient way to cook food. It also conserves nutrients and, because of the rapid cooking time, minimizes pollutants.
There are no allergy-based reasons for avoiding microwave ovens.
Cooker (stove) hoods
These hoods are designed to suck up steam, grease, and odours, and must be installed at the height recommended by the manufacturer for maximum effectiveness. Most models have a variable speed control Ask to hear the hood working before buying it. One consumer study found that operating noise was the main reason why people did not use their hoods. Those with remote fans are quieter.
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Products designed for cleaning ovens are another common source of air pollution in the kitchen, with most proprietary cleaners giving off irritating fumes. Safer methods of cleaning are available.
Many ovens have self-cleaning linings. These either oxidize the grease and dirt splashed on to them during cooking or burn it off. Burning grease and dirt may cause unpleasant fumes, which can irritate respiratory allergies. Some ovens use steam to loosen dirt, which you then need to wipe out.
Cooking methods
Always put lids on pans and use only as much water as is required. This reduces the amount of condensation produced as well as saving energy. A layered steamer cooks different vegetables simultaneously on a single burner, producing less condensation.
A pressure cooker cooks food rapidly by increasing air pressure and raising the water temperature. As well as saving energy, pressure cooking also conserves more food nutrients than conventional cooking. Stir-frying in a wok is another energy-efficient way to cook food. It also conserves nutrients and, because of the rapid cooking time, minimizes pollutants.
There are no allergy-based reasons for avoiding microwave ovens.
Cooker (stove) hoods
These hoods are designed to suck up steam, grease, and odours, and must be installed at the height recommended by the manufacturer for maximum effectiveness. Most models have a variable speed control Ask to hear the hood working before buying it. One consumer study found that operating noise was the main reason why people did not use their hoods. Those with remote fans are quieter.
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Your Allergy And Your Kitchen: Part 1
The main features of a kitchen likely to affect the frequency or severity of an allergy sufferer's symptoms are the type of cooking method used and the room's ventilation.
Hobs (cooktops), ovens, and ranges
Cooking generates significant amounts of interior air pollution by producing vapours and airborne particulate matter, such as grease. In addition, food particles that fall on to the burners are incinerated, releasing combustion by-products.
Although many people prefer to cook with gas, electric appliances are better in terms of air quality. Gas-fuelled appliances, in which the flame is open to the room's air, are a significant source of air pollution in the home. Burning gas releases water vapour as well as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and aldehydes.
If you cannot replace your cooker (stove), the following measures will help minimize the amount of pollution caused by burning gas:
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Hobs (cooktops), ovens, and ranges
Cooking generates significant amounts of interior air pollution by producing vapours and airborne particulate matter, such as grease. In addition, food particles that fall on to the burners are incinerated, releasing combustion by-products.
Although many people prefer to cook with gas, electric appliances are better in terms of air quality. Gas-fuelled appliances, in which the flame is open to the room's air, are a significant source of air pollution in the home. Burning gas releases water vapour as well as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and aldehydes.
If you cannot replace your cooker (stove), the following measures will help minimize the amount of pollution caused by burning gas:
- Appliances with electronic ignition are better than types that have constantly burning pilot lights, in terms both of fuel consumption and the emission of combustion gases. New models should be equipped with electronic ignition.
- Control the flame so that it is confined under the base of the pan.
- Use an extractor (exhaust) hood vented to the outside or open a window when cooking.
- Keep connecting doors shut while cooking to stop fumes and condensation spreading into the rest of the home
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Cleaning Products And Allergy: Part 4
For people with eczema or dermatitis, the hands are one of the commonest sites to be affected. Here are some simple steps to take to protect your hands from exposure to irritants.
Hand washing
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Hand washing
- Wash your hands only when necessary - too much hand washing is generally bad for the skin.
- Use lukewarm water with a soap substitute. Ask your doctor to prescribe one or ask the pharmacist for suggestions.
- Always rinse thoroughly to remove any irritant residues.
- Dry between your fingers as this is where the skin is very prone to dryness and cracking.
- Wear household rubber gloves with a pair of cotton liners when washing up - latex-free ones if you are latex-sensitive.
- Try to avoid direct contact with these products. Keep the outside of packages clear of content spills.
- Wash your hands under running water if contact is made.
- Use non-biological laundry products.
- Never use too much powder or liquid.
- Avoid perfumed fabric conditioners.
- Avoid direct contact with metal, wax, shoe, floor, furniture, and window polishes.
- Wear rubber gloves - latex-free if necessary - or cotton gloves.
- Avoid skin contact with white spirit (mineral spirit), trichloroethylene, petrol, turpentine, and thinners.
- If contact is made, wash your hands in lukewarm water using a little soap.
- Do not peel any citrus fruit, onions or garlic with your bare hands.
- Be careful when handling food - some people with eczema experience a burning sensation or itching when handling foods to which they are allergic. The juice from fruits and vegetables may act as allergens or irritants. For example, some people sneeze when peeling potatoes, although they can eat them when cooked without problems.
- Contact dermatitis can often be caused by rings, especially if they contain nickel.
- Clean rings with a brush when they are dirty and leave overnight in a weak solution of ammonia. Rinse thoroughly in the morning.
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Cleaning Products And Allergy: Part 3
Biological washing products contain enzymes to break down proteins, such as milk or blood, that cause stains. People with eczema may find that their skin condition is made worse by exposure to these enzymes (which may also cause respiratory symptoms), and often find non-biological products more acceptable. However, if these also cause irritation, then products labelled as suitable for "sensitive skin" may be a better option, or you could even try old-fashioned soap flakes. Sensitivity to every type of washing product is rare, but if this should occur, try using one tablespoon of washing soda, sodium bicarbonate, or borax per washing load. Another option is a laundry ball, a chemical-free alternative to detergents.
A few people with eczema can tolerate fabric conditioners, but may sufferers find that they perfume they contain irritates their condition. If this is the case, use a quarter cup of baking soda, vinegar, or borax instead.
Many brands of stain remover contain solvent-type irritant chemicals - often indicated by the manufacturer's precautions concerning their use. In addition, they are often highly fragranced. Simple home-made stain removers, based on vinegar, club soda, or corn starch, can be just as effective as these stronger commercial brands.
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A few people with eczema can tolerate fabric conditioners, but may sufferers find that they perfume they contain irritates their condition. If this is the case, use a quarter cup of baking soda, vinegar, or borax instead.
Many brands of stain remover contain solvent-type irritant chemicals - often indicated by the manufacturer's precautions concerning their use. In addition, they are often highly fragranced. Simple home-made stain removers, based on vinegar, club soda, or corn starch, can be just as effective as these stronger commercial brands.
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Cleaning Products And Allergy: Part 2
Clothes cleaning
For people with allergies, there are two main considerations when it comes to doing the laundry. The first concerns symptoms (respiratory or skin) that are made worse by contact with mite allergen; the second concerns eczema, dermatitis, or urticaria that is caused or made worse by some washing products.
House-dust mites can survive washing temperatures up to 56ºC/133ºF. Although the mite allergen will be washed out at lower temperatures, the mites themselves will cling to the fabric using suckers on their feet. This is why all bed linen (sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers, and so on) should be made of cotton, which is washable at the temperatures needed to kill the mites outright.
Alternatively, you can add a dilute benzyl benzoate solution to a lower-temperature wash water used for bed linen. The benzyl benzoate kills mites, which are then washed out along with the allergen. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding quantities to use.
Benzyl benzoate is generally considered to be safe, but little is known about its effects when used long-term as an acaricide. If you do use it for cleaning bed linen or clothes, you may want to program your washing machine to give extra rinses. Alternatively, you could replace your bed linen with cotton items and reserve the benzyl benzoate for use with items, such as curtains, that are not in constant, close skin contact.
By a process of trial and error most allergic people discover which washing product best suits their skin condition. Whichever it is, try not to use too much, and rinse thoroughly to avoid any potentially irritating residues. If you are experimenting with different products to discover which ones are suitable, remember to rinse your washing machine out thoroughly to remove all traces of the previous one. It is also wise to try any new product on just one or two items first, particularly if the allergic person has very sensitive skin.
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For people with allergies, there are two main considerations when it comes to doing the laundry. The first concerns symptoms (respiratory or skin) that are made worse by contact with mite allergen; the second concerns eczema, dermatitis, or urticaria that is caused or made worse by some washing products.
House-dust mites can survive washing temperatures up to 56ºC/133ºF. Although the mite allergen will be washed out at lower temperatures, the mites themselves will cling to the fabric using suckers on their feet. This is why all bed linen (sheets, pillow cases, duvet covers, and so on) should be made of cotton, which is washable at the temperatures needed to kill the mites outright.
Alternatively, you can add a dilute benzyl benzoate solution to a lower-temperature wash water used for bed linen. The benzyl benzoate kills mites, which are then washed out along with the allergen. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding quantities to use.
Benzyl benzoate is generally considered to be safe, but little is known about its effects when used long-term as an acaricide. If you do use it for cleaning bed linen or clothes, you may want to program your washing machine to give extra rinses. Alternatively, you could replace your bed linen with cotton items and reserve the benzyl benzoate for use with items, such as curtains, that are not in constant, close skin contact.
By a process of trial and error most allergic people discover which washing product best suits their skin condition. Whichever it is, try not to use too much, and rinse thoroughly to avoid any potentially irritating residues. If you are experimenting with different products to discover which ones are suitable, remember to rinse your washing machine out thoroughly to remove all traces of the previous one. It is also wise to try any new product on just one or two items first, particularly if the allergic person has very sensitive skin.
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Cleaning Products And Allergy: Part 1
Many commonly available cleaners - especially aerosol products, such as furniture sprays, which disperse a fine spray into the air - give off solvents or other chemicals that may provoke symptoms in people with respiratory allergies. Many products also have irritant fragrances that sensitive people need to avoid.
People with skin contact allergies may find many different products irritating, and need to take care to protect their hands whenever they use cleaning materials. Those who have had childhood eczema are much more likely to develop irritant hand dermatitis, although anybody could develop problems if they are exposed to certain substances for long enough. It is common, for example, for new parents to develop irritant hand dermatitis, since once the baby is at home the parents come into contact with strong chemical - such as sterilizing fluids or diaper-soaking solutions - if they don't protect their hands.
Household cleaners
Don't assume that cleaning-product labels such as "eco-safe" or "environmentally friendly" mean that the contents are necessarily suitable for allergy sufferers. These terms may simply indicate that the package is recyclable or biodegradable, or that the contents are concentrated (so less packaging is required).
In a reaction against chemical-based household products, there is growing interest in traditional methods of cleaning using such materials as baking soda, table salt, and vinegar. As an example, a safe method of oven cleaning is to sprinkle spillages with water and then add baking soda and more water. Leave overnight and wipe away the next morning, using a mild abrasive pad if necessary. Then wash over with some liquid soap and rinse.
Gloves for hand care
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, always wear protective gloves when using substances containing potential irritants, such as detergents and cleaning products. Bear in mind that contact irritant dermatitis can develop in anyone with continued exposure. Household rubber gloves are normally made of latex and can be lined with either a cotton flock or a smooth lining. A few people are allergic to the latex that is present in the gloves or in the powder inside the glove that makes it easier to put the glove on. Special gloves for latex-sensitive people are available. People with sensitive skin should use very lightweight polythene gloves, as used by hairdressers, to wash their hair.
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People with skin contact allergies may find many different products irritating, and need to take care to protect their hands whenever they use cleaning materials. Those who have had childhood eczema are much more likely to develop irritant hand dermatitis, although anybody could develop problems if they are exposed to certain substances for long enough. It is common, for example, for new parents to develop irritant hand dermatitis, since once the baby is at home the parents come into contact with strong chemical - such as sterilizing fluids or diaper-soaking solutions - if they don't protect their hands.
Household cleaners
Don't assume that cleaning-product labels such as "eco-safe" or "environmentally friendly" mean that the contents are necessarily suitable for allergy sufferers. These terms may simply indicate that the package is recyclable or biodegradable, or that the contents are concentrated (so less packaging is required).
In a reaction against chemical-based household products, there is growing interest in traditional methods of cleaning using such materials as baking soda, table salt, and vinegar. As an example, a safe method of oven cleaning is to sprinkle spillages with water and then add baking soda and more water. Leave overnight and wipe away the next morning, using a mild abrasive pad if necessary. Then wash over with some liquid soap and rinse.
Gloves for hand care
Whether you have sensitive skin or not, always wear protective gloves when using substances containing potential irritants, such as detergents and cleaning products. Bear in mind that contact irritant dermatitis can develop in anyone with continued exposure. Household rubber gloves are normally made of latex and can be lined with either a cotton flock or a smooth lining. A few people are allergic to the latex that is present in the gloves or in the powder inside the glove that makes it easier to put the glove on. Special gloves for latex-sensitive people are available. People with sensitive skin should use very lightweight polythene gloves, as used by hairdressers, to wash their hair.
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Monday
Types Of Allergy Vacuum Cleaners: Part 2
Cyclonic vacuum cleaners
These bagless machines use a centrifugal airflow to collect dust and deposit it in a canister. The cleaners also use HEPA filters that do not let dust pass back into the room. But since they do not seal the dust away, as do filter-bag machines, it can be difficult to empty the canister without breathing in the dust or getting some of it on your clothes and skin.
Water-filter vacuum cleaners
These machines suck the dust-laden air through a water reservoir, where water-soluble dust, including allergens, is left behind in the water. There is concern that some brands of cleaner emit dust particles in the form of an aerosolized spray, and that the water reservoir itself may become contaminated with mould unless it is emptied and thoroughly dried after each use.
Central vacuum cleaners
A cleaning system of this type, which is a popular feature in some countries, consists of a suction unit and dust-collecting bag or bin placed in a basement, utility room, garage, or understairs closet. To use the system, you plug a long, flexible hose into strategically placed sockets, and the dust is transported via narrow ducting hidden in the building's structure to the collecting bag or bin. Because the motor unit and dust receptacle are stationary, they can be far larger and provide more powerful suction than any portable cleaner.
Central vacuum cleaners are easy to maintain and operate, especially since a lightweight hose is all you need to carry around your home. The collecting bag or bin of domestic units needs empting about every 6 to 12 months - although an allergy sufferer should avoid doing this.
Most central vacuum cleaners are vented to the outdoors. Outdoor-vented cleaners are preferable for those with allergies, as the air pulled into the vacuum cleaner will then go straight outside, so eliminating any concern that undesirable allergens can escape back into the living space.
Central vacuum cleaners can be fitted into a home quite easily after it has been built. Rather than being run up inside the walls, the ducting that connects the sockets is usually run up inside a cupboard (often an understairs cupboard). Only two sockets are needed for most homes (one upstairs and one downstairs) because of the length (about 30m/98ft) of the hose which can normally stretch the length of the house if the sockets are placed in the centre of the home.
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These bagless machines use a centrifugal airflow to collect dust and deposit it in a canister. The cleaners also use HEPA filters that do not let dust pass back into the room. But since they do not seal the dust away, as do filter-bag machines, it can be difficult to empty the canister without breathing in the dust or getting some of it on your clothes and skin.
Water-filter vacuum cleaners
These machines suck the dust-laden air through a water reservoir, where water-soluble dust, including allergens, is left behind in the water. There is concern that some brands of cleaner emit dust particles in the form of an aerosolized spray, and that the water reservoir itself may become contaminated with mould unless it is emptied and thoroughly dried after each use.
Central vacuum cleaners
A cleaning system of this type, which is a popular feature in some countries, consists of a suction unit and dust-collecting bag or bin placed in a basement, utility room, garage, or understairs closet. To use the system, you plug a long, flexible hose into strategically placed sockets, and the dust is transported via narrow ducting hidden in the building's structure to the collecting bag or bin. Because the motor unit and dust receptacle are stationary, they can be far larger and provide more powerful suction than any portable cleaner.
Central vacuum cleaners are easy to maintain and operate, especially since a lightweight hose is all you need to carry around your home. The collecting bag or bin of domestic units needs empting about every 6 to 12 months - although an allergy sufferer should avoid doing this.
Most central vacuum cleaners are vented to the outdoors. Outdoor-vented cleaners are preferable for those with allergies, as the air pulled into the vacuum cleaner will then go straight outside, so eliminating any concern that undesirable allergens can escape back into the living space.
Central vacuum cleaners can be fitted into a home quite easily after it has been built. Rather than being run up inside the walls, the ducting that connects the sockets is usually run up inside a cupboard (often an understairs cupboard). Only two sockets are needed for most homes (one upstairs and one downstairs) because of the length (about 30m/98ft) of the hose which can normally stretch the length of the house if the sockets are placed in the centre of the home.
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Types Of Allergy Vacuum Cleaners: Part 1
Conventional vacuum cleaners
Vacuum cleaners usually suck air through a standard filter bag before pumping it back into the room. The bag collects only the largest particles of dust, allowing the rest, including allergens, back into the room.
Higher-grade filter bags can be used instead of standard types. These are available for many brands of cleaner and they do trap small dust particles more effectively. However, unless they are HEPA filters, which can filter out mite allergen and cat dander, they will not be effective for all allergic conditions. Check first that your standard vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to suck air through the close-set fibres of the HEPA filter bag.
HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners
Many modern vacuum cleaners are now fitted with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters - special filters that capture almost 100 percent of mite allergen, pollen, and cat dander - most of which are suitable for people with allergies. Some of these models are expensive, so seek advice from your doctor, allergy association, or consumer organization before deciding on the model most suitable for you. Even HEPA-fulter vacuum cleaners stir up some dust when in use, but the suction around the outside edge of their brushes produce far fewer airborne particles compared to the amount thrown up by conventional cleaners. In addition, revolving brushes (as used in a "turbo head") are more effective at collecting allergens from cut-pile carpets.
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Vacuum cleaners usually suck air through a standard filter bag before pumping it back into the room. The bag collects only the largest particles of dust, allowing the rest, including allergens, back into the room.
Higher-grade filter bags can be used instead of standard types. These are available for many brands of cleaner and they do trap small dust particles more effectively. However, unless they are HEPA filters, which can filter out mite allergen and cat dander, they will not be effective for all allergic conditions. Check first that your standard vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to suck air through the close-set fibres of the HEPA filter bag.
HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners
Many modern vacuum cleaners are now fitted with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters - special filters that capture almost 100 percent of mite allergen, pollen, and cat dander - most of which are suitable for people with allergies. Some of these models are expensive, so seek advice from your doctor, allergy association, or consumer organization before deciding on the model most suitable for you. Even HEPA-fulter vacuum cleaners stir up some dust when in use, but the suction around the outside edge of their brushes produce far fewer airborne particles compared to the amount thrown up by conventional cleaners. In addition, revolving brushes (as used in a "turbo head") are more effective at collecting allergens from cut-pile carpets.
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Allergy Vacuum Cleaner Overview
Vacuuming is important, but it can only help as part of a planned mite-reduction programme. If you decide to retain carpets and soft furnishings, as well as curtains or drapes and unprotected mattresses, you will have to vacuum daily in order to keep the mites in check. Even with this effort, vacuuming alone is not enough to reduce allergic symptoms. Other measures, especially the use of anti-mite barrier covers for bedding, are also necessary.
Many family prefer to remove all carpeting and to use furniture that mites cannot colonize, such as wood, leather, or vinyl. These measures, combined with regular vacuuming, can make a real difference.
There are two main types of vacuum cleaning equipment available: freestanding or portable appliances and central vacuuming systems. Some freestanding cleaners use bags to collect the dust, while others are bagless and deposit the dust in a canister that needs to be emptied on a regular basis.
Vacuum cleaners stir up some dust when in use, and you may wish to wear a dust mask if you develop allergic symptoms (such as sneezing or chest tightness) when vacuuming.
Choosing and Using A Vacuum Cleaner
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Many family prefer to remove all carpeting and to use furniture that mites cannot colonize, such as wood, leather, or vinyl. These measures, combined with regular vacuuming, can make a real difference.
There are two main types of vacuum cleaning equipment available: freestanding or portable appliances and central vacuuming systems. Some freestanding cleaners use bags to collect the dust, while others are bagless and deposit the dust in a canister that needs to be emptied on a regular basis.
Vacuum cleaners stir up some dust when in use, and you may wish to wear a dust mask if you develop allergic symptoms (such as sneezing or chest tightness) when vacuuming.
Choosing and Using A Vacuum Cleaner
- Never vacuum just before bedtime - any dust disturbed will be breathed in as you sleep.
- Check independent reports to make sure that the cleaner is able to collect large quantities of dust and retain it without blowing any of it back into the room.
- The dust must be collected in a receptacle that can be emptied without causing problems for the allergy sufferer.
- Make sure the machine is easy to move around and lift.
- Check with independent consumer groups and organizations or an allergy association if they recommend particular brands.
- Remember to add in the cost of replacement filters.
- Make sure that the machine is powerful enough to clean surface dirt from upholstery. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the suction, and the more dirt it can collect. However, it is difficult to remove mites effectively from fabric even with powerful cleaners.
- Useful features include: automatic floor selection (adjusts for different heights of carpets and flooring types) or interchangeable heads, variable suction power for different materials (for curtains or rugs), and a turbo head (good for cut-pile carpets).
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Sunday
How To Do An Anti-Parasite Enema
- Measure two quarts of purified, filtered water; don't use tap water or bottled. Bring water to a boil, remove from heat, and steep in a covered pot for 20 minutes.
- Add to the water 4 tsp powdered goldenseal root, 4 tsp powdered thyme (a common kitchen spice), two cloves of crushed garlic juice, 2 tsp of tea tree oil. Let solution cool to body temperature in a covered container.
- Make sure you empty your bowels and bladder prior to the enema. Use K-Y jelly or petroleum jelly (common lubricants found in drug stores) to lubricate the enema speculum (a small tube inserted into the anus) enabling it to easily enter the anus without abrasion. Keep a towel under your buttocks to collect run-off stools and pathogens.
- Hang enema bag above your body so that gravity assists the fluid flow.
- Slowly allow the liquid to flow into your colon; stop every three seconds to allow yourself to get used to it. Allow the fluid to enter until you feel a slight cramping or discomfort.
- When your intestines are fill, remove speculum, hold your sphincter muscles, get up and get to the toilet. Release bowels, and remain on the toilet seat until all the water has been evacuated.
- Repeated the enema process until you have completely used the water. Clean yourself up. Soak enema speculum in bleach water. Clean the area.
- Do this procedure two to three times a week for four weeks.
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Breast Milk Substitutes For Allergens
Here are three infant formulas to use if you cannot breast-feed your infant. Add commercial colostrum supplements soon after birth to more closely approximate natural breast milk. Joanne Sanchez is an herbalist based in Phoenix, Arizona, who developed a special formula in conjunction with a local lactation consultant. Note: Do not substitute honey for molasses, maple syrup, or cane sugar. Children under one year of age who eat honey are at risk for contracting botulism, a serious paralytic disease.
Goat Milk Formula
Wright-Lauffer Formula
Joanne Sanchez Formula
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Goat Milk Formula
- 2/3 qt goat's milk
- 1/2 qt pure spring water
- 3 tbsp lactose
- 1/2 tsp blackstrap molasses
- 1/2 tsp brewer's yeast
Wright-Lauffer Formula
- 1 qt soy milk
- 1 cup carrot juice
- 1/4 tsp barley greens
- 1/4 tsp nutritional yeast
- 200 mg vitamin D (grind with a mortar and pestle)
- 100 mg ascorbate (vitamin C) powder
- 1 tbsp safflower oil (pure, expeller-pressed)
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or lactose
Joanne Sanchez Formula
- 1 gallon soy milk
- 2 tbsp oil (flaxseed, olive or safflower; expeller-pressed)
- 1 tbsp lecithin
- 400 IU powdered vitamin D
- 1 tsp Bifidobacterium bifidum crystals
- 700 mg calcium lactate
- 100 mg ascorbate (vitamin C) powder
- 1-3 tbsp rice protein powder
- 8 tbsp organic cane sugar
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Saturday
Tips On House Cleaning To Combat Allergies
Reducing clutter
One of the most important allergy-reducing steps you can take is to rid your home of clutter. The simple truth is that clutter collects dust, so resolve to stop giving space to all those objects, curios, or knick-knacks you do not truly cherish. Take your time and go through your home, room by room. Aim to keep surfaces clear of clutter so that you can easily wipe away the dust that does settle there. Those objects you decide to keep can be placed in display cabinets - even books can be kept on glass-fronted shelves. Rid your home of unwanted larger items, too, such as that easy chair you have never really liked or those cushions on the sofa you always push aside before sitting down.
Dusting
Avoid using a feather duster. Rather than removing dust, all it does it flick it up into the air where it can be breathed in or cause problems by settling on the eyes or the mucous membranes of the nose. Dust can remain airborne for several hours before settling down once again, all the time posing problems for those sensitive to house-dust allergen. Instead, it is better to damp-dust using a slightly damp, but not wet, cloth. Dust-attracting (electrostatic) cloths are also available, or you may prefer to clean surfaces using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a suitable attachment.
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One of the most important allergy-reducing steps you can take is to rid your home of clutter. The simple truth is that clutter collects dust, so resolve to stop giving space to all those objects, curios, or knick-knacks you do not truly cherish. Take your time and go through your home, room by room. Aim to keep surfaces clear of clutter so that you can easily wipe away the dust that does settle there. Those objects you decide to keep can be placed in display cabinets - even books can be kept on glass-fronted shelves. Rid your home of unwanted larger items, too, such as that easy chair you have never really liked or those cushions on the sofa you always push aside before sitting down.
Dusting
Avoid using a feather duster. Rather than removing dust, all it does it flick it up into the air where it can be breathed in or cause problems by settling on the eyes or the mucous membranes of the nose. Dust can remain airborne for several hours before settling down once again, all the time posing problems for those sensitive to house-dust allergen. Instead, it is better to damp-dust using a slightly damp, but not wet, cloth. Dust-attracting (electrostatic) cloths are also available, or you may prefer to clean surfaces using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a suitable attachment.
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How To Clean Your Allergic Home
Run your finger along a dusty surface in your home and the light gray powder on your fingertip will consist mainly of dead skin scales. These are shed from the human body as the skin continually renews itself. Along with skin scales, dust also contains fibres, particles of pollution, pollen, animal dander (skin cares and saliva), and microorganisms, such as mould spores, bacteria, and, of course, the ubiquitous house-dust mite with its allergenic fecal droppings.
Because dust is composed mainly of skin scales (the dust mite's favourite food) it tends to accumulate in the most heavily used parts of the home, especially in beds, carpets, and furniture upholstered in fabric. These places also trap humidity and warmth, providing the ideal breeding environment for these tiny creatures.
Dust is, therefore, a potent source of allergens, especially of mite allergens, but also, to a lesser extent, of pollen, mould, and animal allergens. For those individuals who are sensitive to mite allergen, a dusty home is likely to be a significant factor in their allergic condition.
While it is likely that the stronger the sensitivity to mite allergen the more effective dust-avoidance and mite-elimination measures are likely to be, dust-mite allergen is not the only cause of allergic symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before buying products aimed specifically at reducing dust-mite allergen - for example, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners or anti-mite barrier covers for beds and bed linen.
The amount of effort you need to put into removing dust from your home depends on the severity of the allergic symptoms you experience. Being realistic, however, most of us have only limited time to spend on cleaning, so it is best to concentrate your efforts on the rooms most used by the allergy sufferer. In general, the bedroom is the most important room to keep free of dust mites and dust.
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Because dust is composed mainly of skin scales (the dust mite's favourite food) it tends to accumulate in the most heavily used parts of the home, especially in beds, carpets, and furniture upholstered in fabric. These places also trap humidity and warmth, providing the ideal breeding environment for these tiny creatures.
Dust is, therefore, a potent source of allergens, especially of mite allergens, but also, to a lesser extent, of pollen, mould, and animal allergens. For those individuals who are sensitive to mite allergen, a dusty home is likely to be a significant factor in their allergic condition.
While it is likely that the stronger the sensitivity to mite allergen the more effective dust-avoidance and mite-elimination measures are likely to be, dust-mite allergen is not the only cause of allergic symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before buying products aimed specifically at reducing dust-mite allergen - for example, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners or anti-mite barrier covers for beds and bed linen.
The amount of effort you need to put into removing dust from your home depends on the severity of the allergic symptoms you experience. Being realistic, however, most of us have only limited time to spend on cleaning, so it is best to concentrate your efforts on the rooms most used by the allergy sufferer. In general, the bedroom is the most important room to keep free of dust mites and dust.
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Friday
Allergens Beware: Furnishings and Fixtures At Home - Part 3
Board-based furniture
Various forms of "board" - an inexpensive wood-based product - include laminated board, chipboard (particle board), hardboard, and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). It is often in flooring, roofing, shelving, and furniture, and is composed of wood components bonded with glue or resin made with formaldehyde. Some, such as MDF, contain much higher levels of formaldehyde than others. The glue or resin gives off (out-gases) formaldehyde, a colourless, pungent gas. Some people with rhinitis or asthma find that formaldehyde worsens their allergic symptoms. The amount of formaldhyde out-gassed is greatest when the board is new, in the first few weeks to several months, but then gradually decreases.
Choose new furniture
Nearly all modern, mass-produced wood furniture, even that labelled "solid wood", contains some board. This includes veneered furniture, in which a layer of fine wood covers a less-expensive board carcass.
When buying new board-based furniture, including kitchen or bathroom cabinets, try to choose furniture made from board encased in a plastic laminate, which has the effect of minimizing formaldehyde emission. You may want to consider airing new products for a week or two, in a dry place under cover so that they do not warp, to make sure the peak period for formaldehyde out-gassing has passed.
Look for exposed areas of board where the laminate has not covered the carcass; these are the areas where formaldehyde will most readily out-gas. Painting any exposed board with several layers of paint or vanish is said by some people to minimize the emission of formaldehyde gas.
Because of the formaldehyde issue, you may want to consider using as much solid wood furniture as possible, despite its extra expense. Softwood, metal, or glass can all be used for shelving. A few people find that the terpene vapours given off by softwoods worsen allergic symptoms.
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Various forms of "board" - an inexpensive wood-based product - include laminated board, chipboard (particle board), hardboard, and medium-density fibreboard (MDF). It is often in flooring, roofing, shelving, and furniture, and is composed of wood components bonded with glue or resin made with formaldehyde. Some, such as MDF, contain much higher levels of formaldehyde than others. The glue or resin gives off (out-gases) formaldehyde, a colourless, pungent gas. Some people with rhinitis or asthma find that formaldehyde worsens their allergic symptoms. The amount of formaldhyde out-gassed is greatest when the board is new, in the first few weeks to several months, but then gradually decreases.
Choose new furniture
Nearly all modern, mass-produced wood furniture, even that labelled "solid wood", contains some board. This includes veneered furniture, in which a layer of fine wood covers a less-expensive board carcass.
When buying new board-based furniture, including kitchen or bathroom cabinets, try to choose furniture made from board encased in a plastic laminate, which has the effect of minimizing formaldehyde emission. You may want to consider airing new products for a week or two, in a dry place under cover so that they do not warp, to make sure the peak period for formaldehyde out-gassing has passed.
Look for exposed areas of board where the laminate has not covered the carcass; these are the areas where formaldehyde will most readily out-gas. Painting any exposed board with several layers of paint or vanish is said by some people to minimize the emission of formaldehyde gas.
Because of the formaldehyde issue, you may want to consider using as much solid wood furniture as possible, despite its extra expense. Softwood, metal, or glass can all be used for shelving. A few people find that the terpene vapours given off by softwoods worsen allergic symptoms.
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Allergens Beware: Furnishings and Fixtures At Home - Part 2
Denaturing agent
Tannic acid alters the structure of all allergens, (denatures them) including pollen and dander, as well as mite allergen, so that they no longer cause an allergic reaction. It needs applying three to four times a year, but may discolour pale fabrics or carpets. It is probably harmless to people and animals.
Steam treatment
Mites near the surface killed by steam, although those deeper down in soft furnishings (and mattresses) are likely to be unaffected. Ask for independent proof that the steam treatment is sufficiently hot for long enough to denature mite allergen, as not all steam treatments achieve this. The dead mites and allergen are removed afterwards by vacuuming. Steam cleaning probably needs to be done every three months.
Vacuuming
Domestic vacuum cleaners, even HEPA-filtered models, are not powerful enough to clean fabric-covered furnishings sufficiently of mites, which cling to the fabric, or of mite allergen to justify the effort involved.
Heat treatment
This treatment kills mites and denatures mite allergen. The whole sofa, couch, or chair, slightly dampened with a tannic acid solution, is heated to about 100ºC/212 ºF inside a tent-like envelope. Contractors recommend annual treatment. It is also suitable for mattresses, bedding, soft cushions, and curtains.
Liquid nitrogen
This freeze mites to death and loosens the allergn-containing dirt, which can then be removed with a vacuum cleaner. It must be applied by a contractor once or twice a year. It does not leave chemical residues and is safe.
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Tannic acid alters the structure of all allergens, (denatures them) including pollen and dander, as well as mite allergen, so that they no longer cause an allergic reaction. It needs applying three to four times a year, but may discolour pale fabrics or carpets. It is probably harmless to people and animals.
Steam treatment
Mites near the surface killed by steam, although those deeper down in soft furnishings (and mattresses) are likely to be unaffected. Ask for independent proof that the steam treatment is sufficiently hot for long enough to denature mite allergen, as not all steam treatments achieve this. The dead mites and allergen are removed afterwards by vacuuming. Steam cleaning probably needs to be done every three months.
Vacuuming
Domestic vacuum cleaners, even HEPA-filtered models, are not powerful enough to clean fabric-covered furnishings sufficiently of mites, which cling to the fabric, or of mite allergen to justify the effort involved.
Heat treatment
This treatment kills mites and denatures mite allergen. The whole sofa, couch, or chair, slightly dampened with a tannic acid solution, is heated to about 100ºC/212 ºF inside a tent-like envelope. Contractors recommend annual treatment. It is also suitable for mattresses, bedding, soft cushions, and curtains.
Liquid nitrogen
This freeze mites to death and loosens the allergn-containing dirt, which can then be removed with a vacuum cleaner. It must be applied by a contractor once or twice a year. It does not leave chemical residues and is safe.
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Allergens Beware: Furnishings and Fixtures At Home - Part 1
Choosing furnishings and fixtures for the home is a very individual affair, but more than personal taste is involved - your choice affects the level of allergens and irritants in the home.
Soft furnishings
Leather or vinyl is the preferred covering for soft furnishings, as dust mites find it inhospitable, while fabric-upholstered furniture provides the ideal home for dust mites. Consider replacing fabric upholstery with leather or vinyl, or other hard-surface materials, such as wood or plastic - or at least reduce the number of soft furnishings you have in your home.
Leather or vinyl only needs wiping over with a damp cloth weekly to keep it clean of dust and mites, while controlling mites in fabric-upholstered furnishings is far more difficult. Several approaches are used to try to do this, or to neutralize or remove the allergen, and these who apply to other mite reservoirs, such as carpets.
Acaricides
These mite-killing chemicals penetrate only the uppermost layers of fabric, so mites deeper down survive - and the mite allergen still needs to be removed afterwards by vacuuming. The most-researched acaricide, benzyl benzoate, may persist for up to a year after application, although most studies suggest it should be reapplied several times a year. One study suggests acaricides may reduce symptoms of mite-related rhinitis, but there is a lack of evidence that they are generally beneficial. As no long-term safety studies have been done in the home, you may not want to use acaricides in children's rooms.
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Soft furnishings
Leather or vinyl is the preferred covering for soft furnishings, as dust mites find it inhospitable, while fabric-upholstered furniture provides the ideal home for dust mites. Consider replacing fabric upholstery with leather or vinyl, or other hard-surface materials, such as wood or plastic - or at least reduce the number of soft furnishings you have in your home.
Leather or vinyl only needs wiping over with a damp cloth weekly to keep it clean of dust and mites, while controlling mites in fabric-upholstered furnishings is far more difficult. Several approaches are used to try to do this, or to neutralize or remove the allergen, and these who apply to other mite reservoirs, such as carpets.
Acaricides
These mite-killing chemicals penetrate only the uppermost layers of fabric, so mites deeper down survive - and the mite allergen still needs to be removed afterwards by vacuuming. The most-researched acaricide, benzyl benzoate, may persist for up to a year after application, although most studies suggest it should be reapplied several times a year. One study suggests acaricides may reduce symptoms of mite-related rhinitis, but there is a lack of evidence that they are generally beneficial. As no long-term safety studies have been done in the home, you may not want to use acaricides in children's rooms.
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Allergens Beware: Volatile Organic Compounds
These compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs, are one of the main home pollutants. They contain carbon, hence the term "organic", and the ease with which they evaporate at room temperature makes them "volatile".
There has been much discussion about the health effects of VOCs, which are found in many domestic products. Although many experts recommend that VOC levels should be kept low inside the home, there is still debate on precisely what are safe levels for many of these substances. VOCs are not allergens, but they may act as irritants in some people with allergies, provoking symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a "tight" chest, or wheeziness. For the vast majority VOCs cause little problem.
Sources of VOCs
Most VOCs are synthetic and are derived from petrochemicals. They are found in many home-improvement and cleaning products. A few, however, occur naturally; for example, the citrus fragrance of an orange or the eye-stinging vapour given off by an onion when you cut into it.
The evaporation of VOCs into the air (known as "out-gassing") may occur rapidly and disperse quickly, as when you cut into an orange, or it may occur slowly over many months from products such as board-based furniture. This slow leakage helps to contribute to the background level of VOCs found within the typical home.
Reducing VOC levels
The first and most crucial step is to make sure that your home is well ventilated, as this will prevent VOC levels building up in the air you breathe. If you still think that VOCs from particular products are irrtating your allergic symptoms, then try to avoid the products responsible, or look for alternatives.
Formaldehyde in the home
This substance is a common VOC. It has attracted much attention recently because of teh controversy concerning its health effects. Low concentrations in the air may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, particularly in people with rhinitis or asthma, and may cause running eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
Formaldehyde is found in minute quantities in numerous household products, but most contain too little to cause any problems for the vast majority of people with allergies. However, a few dosmetic products contain formaldehyde in high concentrations. These products out-gas for months, sometimes years, even though this may be at very low levels:
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There has been much discussion about the health effects of VOCs, which are found in many domestic products. Although many experts recommend that VOC levels should be kept low inside the home, there is still debate on precisely what are safe levels for many of these substances. VOCs are not allergens, but they may act as irritants in some people with allergies, provoking symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a "tight" chest, or wheeziness. For the vast majority VOCs cause little problem.
Sources of VOCs
Most VOCs are synthetic and are derived from petrochemicals. They are found in many home-improvement and cleaning products. A few, however, occur naturally; for example, the citrus fragrance of an orange or the eye-stinging vapour given off by an onion when you cut into it.
The evaporation of VOCs into the air (known as "out-gassing") may occur rapidly and disperse quickly, as when you cut into an orange, or it may occur slowly over many months from products such as board-based furniture. This slow leakage helps to contribute to the background level of VOCs found within the typical home.
Reducing VOC levels
The first and most crucial step is to make sure that your home is well ventilated, as this will prevent VOC levels building up in the air you breathe. If you still think that VOCs from particular products are irrtating your allergic symptoms, then try to avoid the products responsible, or look for alternatives.
Formaldehyde in the home
This substance is a common VOC. It has attracted much attention recently because of teh controversy concerning its health effects. Low concentrations in the air may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, particularly in people with rhinitis or asthma, and may cause running eyes, sneezing, and coughing.
Formaldehyde is found in minute quantities in numerous household products, but most contain too little to cause any problems for the vast majority of people with allergies. However, a few dosmetic products contain formaldehyde in high concentrations. These products out-gas for months, sometimes years, even though this may be at very low levels:
- Board-based wood products, widely used for flooring, shelving, and especially flat-packed kit furniture
- Foam-backed carpets and underlay
- Paint preservatives
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Allergens Beware: Home Improvement Products
Paint and varnishes
The fumes given off as solvents from paints and varnishes can act as an irritant - especially for those with rhinitis or asthma - causing symptoms that include watery eyes, sneezing, or coughing. In some cases, these irritants may even trigger an asthma attack. As a general rule, the higher a product's VOC content, the stronger its odour.
Solvent (VOC) content
Paints are either oil or water based. Most paints used for walls are water based, while those used for woodwork could be either oil or water based. Oil-based paints are much more likely to cause problems for people with allergies, however, because they contain high concentrations of solvent. The solvent is used to thin the oil, which, in turn, makes the paint easy to apply. Surprisingly, some oil paints may contain more than 50 percent solvent.
As the paint dries, the solvents evaporate into the air, initially at high concentrations, and this may provoke an irritant reaction. Water-based paints and varnishes do not contain such high concentrations of solvents.
Major paint manufacturers advise people with respiratory allergies to use water-based paints and varnishes for walls and woodwork. These are usually low-odour and dry more quickly than oil-based paints.
Water-based products are also promoted for exterior use, but paints and similar products are unlikely to trigger symptoms when used outside.
Alternative paints
With some people with allergies, even water-based paints may provoke symptoms; others may simply want to minimize their overall exposure to VOCs. While they are not as readily available as paints from the major manufacturers, specialist companies generally provide a good range of allergen-friendly products.
Wood preservatives
There are numerous products for protecting wood from insect or fungal attack. Many are solvent-based, however, and potentially dangerous for those with allergies. Handle these chemicals carefully to avoid skin contact and avoid breathing in the fumes. Wood preservatives may cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Whenever possible, buy water-based wood preservatives. These contain much lower levels of VOCs than standard types and smell less strongly, and may also be less irritating for people with respiratory conditions.
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The fumes given off as solvents from paints and varnishes can act as an irritant - especially for those with rhinitis or asthma - causing symptoms that include watery eyes, sneezing, or coughing. In some cases, these irritants may even trigger an asthma attack. As a general rule, the higher a product's VOC content, the stronger its odour.
Solvent (VOC) content
Paints are either oil or water based. Most paints used for walls are water based, while those used for woodwork could be either oil or water based. Oil-based paints are much more likely to cause problems for people with allergies, however, because they contain high concentrations of solvent. The solvent is used to thin the oil, which, in turn, makes the paint easy to apply. Surprisingly, some oil paints may contain more than 50 percent solvent.
As the paint dries, the solvents evaporate into the air, initially at high concentrations, and this may provoke an irritant reaction. Water-based paints and varnishes do not contain such high concentrations of solvents.
Major paint manufacturers advise people with respiratory allergies to use water-based paints and varnishes for walls and woodwork. These are usually low-odour and dry more quickly than oil-based paints.
Water-based products are also promoted for exterior use, but paints and similar products are unlikely to trigger symptoms when used outside.
Alternative paints
With some people with allergies, even water-based paints may provoke symptoms; others may simply want to minimize their overall exposure to VOCs. While they are not as readily available as paints from the major manufacturers, specialist companies generally provide a good range of allergen-friendly products.
Wood preservatives
There are numerous products for protecting wood from insect or fungal attack. Many are solvent-based, however, and potentially dangerous for those with allergies. Handle these chemicals carefully to avoid skin contact and avoid breathing in the fumes. Wood preservatives may cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, as well as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Whenever possible, buy water-based wood preservatives. These contain much lower levels of VOCs than standard types and smell less strongly, and may also be less irritating for people with respiratory conditions.
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Thursday
Can Urine Treat Your Allergies? Part 2
In the case of autoimmune and allergic diseases, in which the immune system is overactive, urine's precise mechanism of action is still not completely clear, but researchers hypothesize that the person's urine contains antibodies involved in the aggressive allergic response, along with the offending allergens. The antibody-antigen complexes that are residues of allergic reaction are obtained intact from sterile fashion so that only urea and antibodies remain. The urine is injected into the donor's buttocks, which distends the skin, activating immune responses. The chemicals responding to the immune activation recognize the antigen-antibody complexes in the urine as foreign and attack them by making antibodies to the antibodies of the donor's allergies. These new antibodies attack the initial antibodies and block the allergic reaction. This is a targeted blocking antibody therapy.
Doctors have used urine therapy as an injection because it works far better than drinking urine. But it can also be effective if taken orally. People with an aversion to drinking their own urine can start off very slowly following this procedure: in the morning, catch a small amount of urine in a clean cup, have another cup of filtered water available. Then, use a clean glass eyedropper and add just two drops of urine to the cup of water. Every few days, increase the amount of urine by one drop; go slowly, adding a little bit more urine each morning. The ideal dosage is ten drops of urine to one glass of water. Once this amount is reached, maintain it indefinitely. Urine tastes like salty water, but you can add a drop of peppermint oil to disguise the taste, if needed. Research has suggested that a person's ability to taste their own urine decreases as the therapeutic does is reached.
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Doctors have used urine therapy as an injection because it works far better than drinking urine. But it can also be effective if taken orally. People with an aversion to drinking their own urine can start off very slowly following this procedure: in the morning, catch a small amount of urine in a clean cup, have another cup of filtered water available. Then, use a clean glass eyedropper and add just two drops of urine to the cup of water. Every few days, increase the amount of urine by one drop; go slowly, adding a little bit more urine each morning. The ideal dosage is ten drops of urine to one glass of water. Once this amount is reached, maintain it indefinitely. Urine tastes like salty water, but you can add a drop of peppermint oil to disguise the taste, if needed. Research has suggested that a person's ability to taste their own urine decreases as the therapeutic does is reached.
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Can Urine Treat Your Allergies? Part 1
It may seem a hard fact to swallow, but urine has a broad spectrum of health benefits. We normally think of it only as a waste product that is unhealthy and unclean. But in actuality, healthy urine is completely sterile and rich in nutrients when it is first passed from the body. Modern drug manufacturers long ago discovered that many important chemical compounds are contained in urine. Urine is routinely collected from humans, horses, and other animals for the purpose of isolating and condensing desirable components. Premarin, for instance, a type of estrogen used for hormone replacement therapy, is derived from the urine of pregnant mares. Urokinase, a drug commonly used to treat patients with advanced atherosclerosis (fatty calcified deposits on the arterial walls), is manufactured from urine collected from portable toilets. Most shampoos and cosmetics contain a component of urine, urea, or its synthetic counterpart known as carbamide.
Urine is composed of water, urea (a breakdown product of proteins and amino acids), hormones, enzymes, minerals, and salts, which are specific to the individual. The chemical components of a person's urine reflect the individual's health profile. This physiological "fingerprint" contains evidence of infectious agents, specific types of antibodies used to combat them, circulating immune complexes (antibodies that have attached themselves to antigens or foreign bodies), substances that have initiated an immune response, hormones and other natural chemicals used to regulate and control the body's functions, and synthesized vitamins and other nutritive substances.
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Urine is composed of water, urea (a breakdown product of proteins and amino acids), hormones, enzymes, minerals, and salts, which are specific to the individual. The chemical components of a person's urine reflect the individual's health profile. This physiological "fingerprint" contains evidence of infectious agents, specific types of antibodies used to combat them, circulating immune complexes (antibodies that have attached themselves to antigens or foreign bodies), substances that have initiated an immune response, hormones and other natural chemicals used to regulate and control the body's functions, and synthesized vitamins and other nutritive substances.
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What To Be Aware Of For Wall Coverings and Windows
There are many forms of wall covering, ranging from wallpaper to wood panelling, although some are better than others for the low-allergen home.
Wallpaper. This is a very popular method of decorating walls. It instantly changes the "feel" of a room and literally papers over minor defects in the surface of less-than-perfect walls. Smooth, washable wallpaper is preferable, since textured wallpaper is more prone to trapping dust. Damp is unlikely to be a problem behind the wallpaper unless the wall itself is cold enough to encourage condensation. Most wallpaper glues contain fungicides, which inhibit the growth of mould. If you are allergic to mould, beware of mould patches and the release of mould spores when you are stripping off old wallpaper. Some people develop allergic dermatitis when in contact with the carboxymethylcellulose that is found in some wallpaper pastes, and so you should wear protective gloves if you are sensitive to this substance.
Paint. For the low-allergen home, paint is the recommended option for walls. The range of paint colours is so wide that there is bound to be exactly the right shade, and if a flat colour is not to your taste then you can always try your hand at stencilling, wood-graining, or one of the many other decorative paint effects. It is worthwhile giving some thought to your choice of brand, however, since the solvents contained in some paints can provoke symptoms in those with allergies.
Wall panelling. Wooden panelling has undergone a popular revival recently with the renewed interest in the American Shaker style of decoration and in the decorative styles of the Victorian era. Unfortunately, wall panelling in the form of a veneer over particle board, plywood, or hardboard is usually made with glues that emit formaldehyde, and therefore cannot be recommended for the low-allergen home.
Windows. Your choice of window dressing impacts on allergen levels. Heavy curtains are not recommended because they collect dust and are hard to keep clean. They may also act as a place for dust mites to breed. Easily cleaned blinds (shades) are the preferred option, especially plastic or wooden slatted types. Vertical blinds collect less dust and are easier to clean than horizontal ones, but easy-clean roller blinds can also be satisfactory.
Double-glazing (secondary glazing) prevents or reduces condensation, so reducing the potential for mould growth. Modern units also have trickle ventilators - a sliding control in the frame to allow in a little air while the window remains shut - to provide background ventilation and help reduce humidity, which also helps to inhibit mite populations and moulds.
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Wallpaper. This is a very popular method of decorating walls. It instantly changes the "feel" of a room and literally papers over minor defects in the surface of less-than-perfect walls. Smooth, washable wallpaper is preferable, since textured wallpaper is more prone to trapping dust. Damp is unlikely to be a problem behind the wallpaper unless the wall itself is cold enough to encourage condensation. Most wallpaper glues contain fungicides, which inhibit the growth of mould. If you are allergic to mould, beware of mould patches and the release of mould spores when you are stripping off old wallpaper. Some people develop allergic dermatitis when in contact with the carboxymethylcellulose that is found in some wallpaper pastes, and so you should wear protective gloves if you are sensitive to this substance.
Paint. For the low-allergen home, paint is the recommended option for walls. The range of paint colours is so wide that there is bound to be exactly the right shade, and if a flat colour is not to your taste then you can always try your hand at stencilling, wood-graining, or one of the many other decorative paint effects. It is worthwhile giving some thought to your choice of brand, however, since the solvents contained in some paints can provoke symptoms in those with allergies.
Wall panelling. Wooden panelling has undergone a popular revival recently with the renewed interest in the American Shaker style of decoration and in the decorative styles of the Victorian era. Unfortunately, wall panelling in the form of a veneer over particle board, plywood, or hardboard is usually made with glues that emit formaldehyde, and therefore cannot be recommended for the low-allergen home.
Windows. Your choice of window dressing impacts on allergen levels. Heavy curtains are not recommended because they collect dust and are hard to keep clean. They may also act as a place for dust mites to breed. Easily cleaned blinds (shades) are the preferred option, especially plastic or wooden slatted types. Vertical blinds collect less dust and are easier to clean than horizontal ones, but easy-clean roller blinds can also be satisfactory.
Double-glazing (secondary glazing) prevents or reduces condensation, so reducing the potential for mould growth. Modern units also have trickle ventilators - a sliding control in the frame to allow in a little air while the window remains shut - to provide background ventilation and help reduce humidity, which also helps to inhibit mite populations and moulds.
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Wednesday
Allergens: Other Types of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood
Modern hardwood flooring is often available as a laminated material - a thin hardwood layer is glued to a plywood or other artificial wooden base. It is nearly always prestained and prefinished. In general, water-based adhesives, stains, and other finishes give off less odour and "out-gas" less than solvent-based finishes. Laminated floors are cheaper than solid-wood floors, but they cannot be sanded down later or refinished as real wood can. Solid-wood flooring comprises planks or parquet (patterned blocks).
Linoleum or vinyl
Due to its low cost, ease of installation, and the wide range of patterns and colours available, vinyl and linoleum flooring is very popular. Vinyl flooring is made from vinyl plastic, primarily polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When new, it out-gases high levels of chemicals, particularly plasticizers. Although linoleum is made from natural ingredients, it is based on linseed oil, which, when new, gives off a powerful odour that may cause respiratory irritation. If you are fitting either of these materials, open windows and thoroughly air the room until the smell has completely disappeared. This should not take more than a few days.
Ceramic tiling
There are various types of ceramic tiles to choose from, with mosaic, quarry, glazed, and stale tiles being popular. These are available in sizes, colours, and surface textures to suit most styles and situations. Glazed or vitreous tiles have an impervious surface and do not need to be sealed. Porous, unsealed tiles may harbour bacteria and other microorganisms and easily become stained. To make cleaning easier porous tiles should always be sealed when used in kitchens and bathrooms.
The grouting between tiles can harbour mould if it becomes cracked or is constantly damp. Most common allergenic moulds prefer an acidic environment, so it is best to choose a grouting that is strongly alkaline in its chemical composition.
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Modern hardwood flooring is often available as a laminated material - a thin hardwood layer is glued to a plywood or other artificial wooden base. It is nearly always prestained and prefinished. In general, water-based adhesives, stains, and other finishes give off less odour and "out-gas" less than solvent-based finishes. Laminated floors are cheaper than solid-wood floors, but they cannot be sanded down later or refinished as real wood can. Solid-wood flooring comprises planks or parquet (patterned blocks).
Linoleum or vinyl
Due to its low cost, ease of installation, and the wide range of patterns and colours available, vinyl and linoleum flooring is very popular. Vinyl flooring is made from vinyl plastic, primarily polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When new, it out-gases high levels of chemicals, particularly plasticizers. Although linoleum is made from natural ingredients, it is based on linseed oil, which, when new, gives off a powerful odour that may cause respiratory irritation. If you are fitting either of these materials, open windows and thoroughly air the room until the smell has completely disappeared. This should not take more than a few days.
Ceramic tiling
There are various types of ceramic tiles to choose from, with mosaic, quarry, glazed, and stale tiles being popular. These are available in sizes, colours, and surface textures to suit most styles and situations. Glazed or vitreous tiles have an impervious surface and do not need to be sealed. Porous, unsealed tiles may harbour bacteria and other microorganisms and easily become stained. To make cleaning easier porous tiles should always be sealed when used in kitchens and bathrooms.
The grouting between tiles can harbour mould if it becomes cracked or is constantly damp. Most common allergenic moulds prefer an acidic environment, so it is best to choose a grouting that is strongly alkaline in its chemical composition.
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Allergens: Hard Surface Flooring
Although a few people argue that removing carpets is not wise, since they trap large quantities of dust that would, otherwise, be circulating freely in the air, experts in general advise hard-surface flooring as a healthier alternative. A simple cleaning routine will ensure dust does not accumulate.
If you decide to retain the comfort factor and have a fitted carpet in the living or family rooms, then still consider taking carpets and non-washable rugs out of children's bedrooms, since children spend so much time sleeping or playing in their rooms.
Choice of materials
There are several choices of hard-surface flooring available, including hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, and ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are particularly suitable for the "wet" rooms of the home - the kitchen and bathroom - while linoleum and vinyl flooring, which is available in an extremely wide range of colours and designs, can be installed successfully in any room. If linoleum or vinyl is used in bathrooms and kitchens, however, you will have to wipe up any water spills quickly to stop moisture working its way underneath the material. Cork is another option, but there is the possibility of it becoming colonized by mites. This is less likely if sealed cork is used.
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If you decide to retain the comfort factor and have a fitted carpet in the living or family rooms, then still consider taking carpets and non-washable rugs out of children's bedrooms, since children spend so much time sleeping or playing in their rooms.
Choice of materials
There are several choices of hard-surface flooring available, including hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, and ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are particularly suitable for the "wet" rooms of the home - the kitchen and bathroom - while linoleum and vinyl flooring, which is available in an extremely wide range of colours and designs, can be installed successfully in any room. If linoleum or vinyl is used in bathrooms and kitchens, however, you will have to wipe up any water spills quickly to stop moisture working its way underneath the material. Cork is another option, but there is the possibility of it becoming colonized by mites. This is less likely if sealed cork is used.
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Allergens: Rugs and Matting
Cotton rugs, including chenille, dhurrie (flat, woven, non-pile rugs), and rag rugs, can be used to add warmth and individuality, and to muffle noise. They are preferable to wall-to-wall carpet because house-dust mites and allergenic agents can be laundered out, but they need to be properly secured with rug grips or double-sided tape to make them safe to walk on. Ideally, cotton rugs should be colour-fast and machine-washable at a temperature of 56 degrees Celsius or above - the temperature needed to kill house-dust mites.
Wool rugs can be used, but they will need dry cleaning regularly to remove dust mites and allergens. Oriental wool rugs can last for generations, becoming family heirlooms. Dry steam cleaning is an alternative to dry cleaning.
The durability of sisal, seagrass, and coir (coconut-husk fibre) rugs makes them a useful floor covering. However, they may harbour house-dust mites and so need thorough cleaning every few months. Alternatively, you can restrict their use to passageways and other heavily used areas of the home to make the most of their hardwearing features without compromising mite control too much.
Between launderings or dry cleaning, rugs and matting should be vacuumed regularly (daily or weekly, depending on how much foot traffic they receive), ideally with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner or central vacuum system.
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Wool rugs can be used, but they will need dry cleaning regularly to remove dust mites and allergens. Oriental wool rugs can last for generations, becoming family heirlooms. Dry steam cleaning is an alternative to dry cleaning.
The durability of sisal, seagrass, and coir (coconut-husk fibre) rugs makes them a useful floor covering. However, they may harbour house-dust mites and so need thorough cleaning every few months. Alternatively, you can restrict their use to passageways and other heavily used areas of the home to make the most of their hardwearing features without compromising mite control too much.
Between launderings or dry cleaning, rugs and matting should be vacuumed regularly (daily or weekly, depending on how much foot traffic they receive), ideally with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner or central vacuum system.
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Tuesday
Allergens: Fitted Carpets
Wall-to-Wall carpeting is today's most popular flooring material, and can also be the unhealthiest. A look through a microscope reveals microorganisms covering every strand and fibre. Although many of these organisms represent no danger to human health, there are some - particularly house-dust mites and mold spores - that are major causes of allergies.
Soon after a new carpet has been installed, house-dust mites will be busy making themselves at home. Micro-organisms, such as bacteria and moulds, can also thrive in carpeting, which provides them with a warm, moist environment with plenty to eat. Dirt will inevitably be walked into the carpet from outside, depositing traces of soil, pollen, animal dander, animal waste products, pesticide residues, mould spores, and so on. This is a good reason to adopt a "no-shoes" policy in the home, for guests as well as members of the family.
Children are most at risk from soiled carpeting. Adults usually sit on chairs or sofas and are unlikely to come into direct contact with the carpet, and their noses are well off the ground. Children, however, habitually crawl and play on carpeted floors and are much more intimately exposed to any allergens or dirt they may contain.
It is foolish to deny that for many people carpet has many advantages in the home, including comfort and insulation against sound and loss of heat. If you do want some carpet in the home, short-pile carpets are easier to keep clean than deep-pile ones, or you may want to consider an anti-allergy carpet.
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Soon after a new carpet has been installed, house-dust mites will be busy making themselves at home. Micro-organisms, such as bacteria and moulds, can also thrive in carpeting, which provides them with a warm, moist environment with plenty to eat. Dirt will inevitably be walked into the carpet from outside, depositing traces of soil, pollen, animal dander, animal waste products, pesticide residues, mould spores, and so on. This is a good reason to adopt a "no-shoes" policy in the home, for guests as well as members of the family.
Children are most at risk from soiled carpeting. Adults usually sit on chairs or sofas and are unlikely to come into direct contact with the carpet, and their noses are well off the ground. Children, however, habitually crawl and play on carpeted floors and are much more intimately exposed to any allergens or dirt they may contain.
It is foolish to deny that for many people carpet has many advantages in the home, including comfort and insulation against sound and loss of heat. If you do want some carpet in the home, short-pile carpets are easier to keep clean than deep-pile ones, or you may want to consider an anti-allergy carpet.
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Tips On Minimizing Combustion By-Products
- Stop smoking. Passive smoking by children increases the respiratory infections they contract and worsens the symptoms of asthma. If you find it impossible to quit, set aside a well-ventilated "smoking room", perhaps fitted with an air filter unit or an extractor fan.
- Consider replacing open fires with imitation coal or wood electric fires. Avoid gas fires.
- Make sure that chimneys are functioning properly - it is important that there is an adequate supply of replacement air available for that used up during combustion.
- When the time comes to replace your gas cooker (stove), consider buying an electric model.
- If you must cook with gas, make sure that your hood is sufficiently powerful to remove by-products and that it is installed at the correct height for best effect.
- Consider installing a high-efficiency gas or oil boiler or furnace with a sealed combustion chamber, which blows by-products outside through a sealed exhaust pipe.
- Have boilers and fuel-burning appliances serviced once a year.
- Do not use bottled gas heaters (butane and propane) or paraffin (kerosene) heaters, since these produce a lot of water vapour during combustion, as well as combustion products that are emitted into the interior air.
- Vent gas-fuelled clothes dryers to the outside, or dry clothes outside when possible.
- Use incense burners, candles or aromatherapy oils only in a properly ventilated room.
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Monday
Allergens: Heating Methods For Your Home
Although there are many types of heat-delivery system for the home, they are all either mainly convection or radiant in the way they do their job.
Convection heating systems circulate heated air around a room, taking with it allergen-containing dust particles. Radiant heating, however, warms the air directly and so does not disturb the dust. Radiant heating is also preferred because it prevents "cold spots", thus reducing mould growth and dust-mite numbers.
Forced-air heating systems
These systems have a poor reputation for blowing dust around. However, if you regularly vacuum, there should be less dust to become a problem. Remember to maintain and clear a forced-air system regularly, especially the ducting, to prevent the build up of dust, mould, and bacteria.
Conventional radiators
As long as you vacuum regularly underneath and behind the units to prevent dust building up, conventional radiators, which heat mainly by convection, can be satisfactory in a low-allergen home.
Underfloor heating
In underfloor heating, heated water is passed through pipes laid under the floor. The heat is mainly radiant, so that the air and, therefore, dust is left undisturbed. Underfloor heating makes hard-surface floors, and may possibly keep carpets too dry for house-dust mites (and mould). It is best installed when a house is being built, or when a floor is being laid as part of rebuilding, such as a house-extension project.
Radiant skirting (base) boards
This method of radiant heating can be installed in existing homes. The normal, solid skirting (base) board is replaced with a hollow one containing either heated-water pipes connected to a boiler or electrically heated pipes. The heated skirting (base) board radiates heat evenly through the room and does not disturb dust.
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Convection heating systems circulate heated air around a room, taking with it allergen-containing dust particles. Radiant heating, however, warms the air directly and so does not disturb the dust. Radiant heating is also preferred because it prevents "cold spots", thus reducing mould growth and dust-mite numbers.
Forced-air heating systems
These systems have a poor reputation for blowing dust around. However, if you regularly vacuum, there should be less dust to become a problem. Remember to maintain and clear a forced-air system regularly, especially the ducting, to prevent the build up of dust, mould, and bacteria.
Conventional radiators
As long as you vacuum regularly underneath and behind the units to prevent dust building up, conventional radiators, which heat mainly by convection, can be satisfactory in a low-allergen home.
Underfloor heating
In underfloor heating, heated water is passed through pipes laid under the floor. The heat is mainly radiant, so that the air and, therefore, dust is left undisturbed. Underfloor heating makes hard-surface floors, and may possibly keep carpets too dry for house-dust mites (and mould). It is best installed when a house is being built, or when a floor is being laid as part of rebuilding, such as a house-extension project.
Radiant skirting (base) boards
This method of radiant heating can be installed in existing homes. The normal, solid skirting (base) board is replaced with a hollow one containing either heated-water pipes connected to a boiler or electrically heated pipes. The heated skirting (base) board radiates heat evenly through the room and does not disturb dust.
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Allergy: Combustion Appliances
As a result of the combustion of fuel, certain by-products are inevitably produced, including water, solid particles (particulates), and, depending on the fuel being burned, a range of gases. This occurs with all appliances that burn fuel. If these by-products are released into the air in the building, they may provoke respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or even an asthma attack, in some people with rhinitis or asthma. High levels of nitrogen oxides may also increase the number of respiratory infections in children. The following points will help you to minimize the level of combustion by-products in the home:
Boilers or furnaces
Balanced-flue boilers, or furnaces, are sealed off from the room. They draw the air they need to burn their fuel from outside, which is where they also exhaust all their combustion by-products. This system is the preferred type for a low-allergen home.
Other boilers or furnaces are open-flued. With these systems, the flue is open to the room from which it draws it air. This means that the combustion gases may escape back into the room.
Unflued heaters
Portable liquid-propane gas, paraffin (kerosene), or butane gas heaters have no place in the low-allergen home. They are unflued and so emit combustion by-products straight into the interior air. In addition, they increase humidity due to the amount of water they produce as a result of combustion. Similarly, unflued gas convector heaters should not be fitted in the low-allergen home.
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- Keep the number of combustion appliances in the home to a minimum
- Have combustion appliances serviced regularly - once a year
- Make sure that chimneys and flues are working properly
- Keep your home well ventilated
Boilers or furnaces
Balanced-flue boilers, or furnaces, are sealed off from the room. They draw the air they need to burn their fuel from outside, which is where they also exhaust all their combustion by-products. This system is the preferred type for a low-allergen home.
Other boilers or furnaces are open-flued. With these systems, the flue is open to the room from which it draws it air. This means that the combustion gases may escape back into the room.
Unflued heaters
Portable liquid-propane gas, paraffin (kerosene), or butane gas heaters have no place in the low-allergen home. They are unflued and so emit combustion by-products straight into the interior air. In addition, they increase humidity due to the amount of water they produce as a result of combustion. Similarly, unflued gas convector heaters should not be fitted in the low-allergen home.
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Allergy: Heating and Combustion By-Products
Only a generation ago we would have kept warm by the kitchen range or an open fire in the living room, while the rest of the home would have been much cooler. Today, modern heating systems allow us to walk around any room during winter wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing.
There is, however, more than a monetary price to pay for the benefits we derive from our heating systems - the environment they create is ideal for the house-dust mite. Warmer houses, together with increased humidity, carpeting, and soft furnishings, have encouraged the mite population to expand - particularly in bedrooms, where we spend about a third of our lives.
At the same time, draught-proofing (weather stripping) and insulation - to keep in all that extra heat - heave dramatically decreased ventilation, resulting in higher levels of interior pollutants. These include those produced by burning fuel, which are often described as combustion by-products. High levels of these gases, such as sulphur dioxide, can make asthmatic conditions worse.
Each combustion source produces by-products. Reducing the overall number of sources in the home lowers levels of combustion gases.
COMMON SOURCES
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There is, however, more than a monetary price to pay for the benefits we derive from our heating systems - the environment they create is ideal for the house-dust mite. Warmer houses, together with increased humidity, carpeting, and soft furnishings, have encouraged the mite population to expand - particularly in bedrooms, where we spend about a third of our lives.
At the same time, draught-proofing (weather stripping) and insulation - to keep in all that extra heat - heave dramatically decreased ventilation, resulting in higher levels of interior pollutants. These include those produced by burning fuel, which are often described as combustion by-products. High levels of these gases, such as sulphur dioxide, can make asthmatic conditions worse.
Each combustion source produces by-products. Reducing the overall number of sources in the home lowers levels of combustion gases.
COMMON SOURCES
- Coal-burning fires
- Wood stoves or open fires
- Gas cookers (stoves) or ranges
- Gas clothes dryers
- Gas- and oil-fuelled water heaters, furnaces, or boilers
- Butane or propane gas heaters
- Kerosene (paraffin) heaters
- Oil lamps
- Candles and aromatherapy lamps
- Tobacco smoking
- Water
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Sulphur dioxide
- Hydrogen cyanide
- Carbon monoxide
- Caron dioxide
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrocarbons, such as butane, propane, benzene
- Particulate matter
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Portable Air-Quality Units: Part 2
Humidifiers
These units add moisture to the air. Since normal human activity produces a lot of water vapour, it is usually unwise to put extra humidity into the air. From a health point of view, too dry is usually better than too humid. People sometimes complain that the air dries out when the central heating is on. However, this is because the relative humidity has been lowered and not because the central heating has removed moisture from the air. Using a humidifier may make the air feel more comfortable, but you will be providing more favourable conditions for mould and dust mites. Try setting your central heating to a lower temperature instead.
In addition, humidifiers contain a reservoir of standing water, which can become the breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Even if the unit has been designed to kill these microorganisms, dead allergenic mould may still be blown out along with the humidified air.
Humidifiers can be used to help medical conditions, such as croup, but steam inhalation is as effective. If a child with asthma is having breathing problems at night, the cause should be sought and dealt with by your doctor.
Air-conditioning units
Most domestic air-conditioning systems, including stand-alone units, simply cool and recirculate the air within the area they operate; they do not necessarily bring fresh air in from outside. This is not always realized - because stand-alone air conditioners are often mounted through a window, people assume that they exchange interior with exterior air as part of their operation. In fact, window mounting is simply the easiest method of exhausting the heat they take from inside the home.
Stand-alone units do not usually have any air filters, while filters provided for central air-conditioning systems are primarily designed to protect the cooling unit, and need upgrading if they are to be of any benefit to allergy sufferers.
Regular maintenance of stand-alone units (and the ductwork of central systems) prevents a build-up of dust and contamination by mould and bacteria - running the unit for 30 minutes after turning off the cooling function helps to dry out the system and prevent mould growth.
Air conditioning may benefit pollen sufferers, as windows can be kept closed during peak pollen times. Air conditioning also helps to reduce relative humidity, so helping to control dust mite numbers and mould growth.
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These units add moisture to the air. Since normal human activity produces a lot of water vapour, it is usually unwise to put extra humidity into the air. From a health point of view, too dry is usually better than too humid. People sometimes complain that the air dries out when the central heating is on. However, this is because the relative humidity has been lowered and not because the central heating has removed moisture from the air. Using a humidifier may make the air feel more comfortable, but you will be providing more favourable conditions for mould and dust mites. Try setting your central heating to a lower temperature instead.
In addition, humidifiers contain a reservoir of standing water, which can become the breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Even if the unit has been designed to kill these microorganisms, dead allergenic mould may still be blown out along with the humidified air.
Humidifiers can be used to help medical conditions, such as croup, but steam inhalation is as effective. If a child with asthma is having breathing problems at night, the cause should be sought and dealt with by your doctor.
Air-conditioning units
Most domestic air-conditioning systems, including stand-alone units, simply cool and recirculate the air within the area they operate; they do not necessarily bring fresh air in from outside. This is not always realized - because stand-alone air conditioners are often mounted through a window, people assume that they exchange interior with exterior air as part of their operation. In fact, window mounting is simply the easiest method of exhausting the heat they take from inside the home.
Stand-alone units do not usually have any air filters, while filters provided for central air-conditioning systems are primarily designed to protect the cooling unit, and need upgrading if they are to be of any benefit to allergy sufferers.
Regular maintenance of stand-alone units (and the ductwork of central systems) prevents a build-up of dust and contamination by mould and bacteria - running the unit for 30 minutes after turning off the cooling function helps to dry out the system and prevent mould growth.
Air conditioning may benefit pollen sufferers, as windows can be kept closed during peak pollen times. Air conditioning also helps to reduce relative humidity, so helping to control dust mite numbers and mould growth.
If You Want Immediate Anxiety Relief, Check Out Our New Natural Technique To Stop Panic Attacks and General Anxiety Fast!
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