Allergies - Something In The Air

There was a very interesting article in 'USA Today' about allergies, and some of the environmental causes, including global warming:

"If you have respiratory allergies, you have an environmental problem: There's something in the air that makes you sniffle, sneeze, stuff up or wheeze.

And growing evidence suggests your problem may be linked with the biggest environmental problem of all: global climate change."

"We've got really good evidence now that environment matters," says Jay Portnoy, a Kansas City, Mo., allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Just taking a pill is not going to solve your problem."

Mark Dykewicz, chief of allergy and clinical immunology at St. Louis University School of Medicine, agrees: "Allergen avoidance is Job One."

Allergens are the things that trigger symptoms: the pollens and molds outside; the dust mites, molds, pet dander and insect droppings inside. Different people have different triggers and need different environmental control strategies.

Many are common sense: If pollen bothers you, check daily counts (at www.aaai.org) and stay inside with your windows closed when they peak. If you go outside, shower before bedtime.

Avoiding indoor trouble-makers takes more work. But research suggests it's worth the bother, if sufferers take multiple steps. "Doing one thing isn't enough," Portnoy says. Measures that may help:

•Control dust mites by keeping indoor humidity below 50%, putting mite-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, washing bedding in hot water, removing carpets from bedrooms, using products that kill or deactivate mites and using a cyclonic vacuum cleaner or one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Room air cleaners with HEPA filters also can help.

• Reduce indoor mold by finding and repairing leaks and making sure bathrooms, basements and kitchens are well ventilated.

• If you can't part with a pet that causes allergies, at least keep the pet out of your bedroom."

To read the full article please visit:

Big culprit for allergies? Evidence points to global change - USATODAY.com

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