Vacuuming Your Place Clean - Part 1

Natural allergy cures

One of the natural allergy cures that we can do is of course keeping our house clean. Vacuuming is one critical step in doing so.

We often only think machines operate only in one way; for example, most of us think of a vaccum cleaner as a machine that draws dirt and dust in. However, another way of looking at it is that in fact the vacuum is pulling in air that contains the dirt and dust. The air that flowed into the machine has to flow out from somewhere, and we hope the dirt and dust particles will remain behind in the filter. But it is hard for this to happen with microscope particles because most vacuums leak. Particulates escape through the openings around seals and from within the vacuum bags itself as the particulates are much too small. In addition, the carpet surface is disturbed when you vacuum vigorously with any type of equipment, thereby releasing additional contaminants into the air.

There are special filtration systems for some vacuum cleaners. I prefer a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrestance) filter; this filter works against all “large” particles and claim to contain at least 99.97 percent of the 0.3 micron particles caught through the machine. I highly recommend those with allergies in the family use only a HEPA vacuum, as it is highly effective compared with other vacuum cleaners. If you plan to purchase one of these machines, check Consumer Reports magazine for the latest evaluation of the various models.

Be careful about the "optional HEPA" filter attachments on vacuum cleaners. The filter holder secured to the vacuum using two tabs that fitted out of the openings around the tabs. Most of the exhaust air blew unfiltered out of the openings around the tabs, completely defeating the purpose of the HEPA filter. If you do decide to purchase a HEPA vacuum, be sure the holder is airtight and that the filter is properly placed in its holder. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filter replacement. If you are very allergic to dust, wear an N95 NIOSH fine-particle mask and go outdoors to change the vacuum bag, and be sure the inside of the compartment that holds the bag is clean. If you can, try not to use vacuums without bags, because dumping the dust may create allergenic aerosol.

Natural allergy cures



If You Want Immediate Anxiety Relief, Check Out Our New Natural Technique To Stop Panic Attacks and General Anxiety Fast!

Asthma and Allergies –Connection Between the Two?

Natural allergy cures

A lot of people who suffer from asthma also suffer from allergies, and the allergies are usually playing a part in causing the asthma. Children are especially prone to this pattern: about 90% of asthmatic children are allergic to something, and that is either the main cause of their asthma or a critical contributor.

However not all asthma is associated with allergy. In particular, people who first develop asthma when they are adults are much less likely to have an allergy playing a part in their asthma.

How does allergy produce asthma?

Allergens in the air

Many allergens come into the airway when we inhale, as they are found in the atmosphere and in the air that we breathe. They are all tiny particles, which cannot be detected with the naked eye and can only be seen with a microscope. Airborne allergens include things such as house dust mite droppings, moulds, cat allergen, dog allergen and pollen. If you are allergic to one of these and one of these landed on the surface of your airways, then a direct reaction will occur which makes the airway inflamed. There is swelling of the airway lining which reduces the flow of air through the airway. The inflammation also signals the muscles of the airways to contract, producing even more narrowing.

For some lucky folks, removing the allergen makes all these effects vanish. This is what happens to asthmatics who get asthma only during the pollen season. But for other asthmatics, the inflammation of the airway lining continues all season long, and the arrival of the allergen just makes matters worse. Natural allergy cures in combination with medicine prescribed by a doctor will go a long way in getting relief.

Other allergens

Although inhaled allergens such as pollen and dust are the main offenders in asthma, allergens from other sources such as food and beverages can also be a culprit.

Asthma may be linked to a true food allergy, which is a prompt and often quite serious reaction to food. The more severe type of reaction is known as anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis. With some people, anaphylaxis is caused by wasp and/or bee stings, and for others it is the combination of eating an allergenic food and taking exercise that provokes anaphylaxis. There are other sources as well, such as anti-venom, given for snake bites, also can provoke anaphylaxis in those who have had anti-venom before. And one of the more common allergies, latex allergy, are vulnerable to anaphylactic shock if latex gloves are used during a medical examination or surgery. Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening, especially in asthmatics because very severe asthma attack often accompanies anaphylactic shock. This condition must be treated by a specialist immediately.

Less dramatically, eating a particular food day after day, such as wheat or milk, may be contributing to asthma or even be the sole cause. This is not a true allergy but is known as food intolerance. A targeted diet with natural allergy cures such as juices and herbs is necessary.

It is rarely obvious that there is any link between the food and the asthma, but there are usually other symptoms that suggest food intolerance. Those with brittle asthma may be more likely to have food intolerance.

Natural allergy cures

If You Want Immediate Anxiety Relief, Check Out Our New Natural Technique To Stop Panic Attacks and General Anxiety Fast!