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People suffer from many different forms of allergies, including allergies spurred by food, pollen, dust, insect bites, animal dander, and more. Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Fortunately, those who suffer from allergies have a wide range of treatment options available to them.
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string(4467) "You've just finished dinner, and there it is: A twinge in your mouth or itchiness along your face.
An estimated 4 to 6 percent of children and 4 percent of adults suffer from food allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And allergic reactions to food can be swift — symptoms can appear at any age, even after eating foods you've previously had no problem consuming.
What Is A Food Allergy?
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a particular food or ingredient as a harmful substance.
Exposure to these foods — or allergens — sparks your body's natural defense mechanisms, triggering a series of symptoms that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.
While food allergies and reactions can vary, some common foods are much more likely than others to bring on an allergic reaction.
Common Food Allergies
1. Peanut Allergy
Peanuts are among the most common food allergens — and the number of people who report suffering from peanut allergies is on the rise.
Peanut allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe. When exposed to peanuts, some may experience an acute, life-threatening reaction called "anaphylaxis." Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Trouble breathing and swallowing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
2. Milk Allergy
Reactions to a milk allergy can range from uncomfortable hives to serious anaphylaxis. Keep in mind, a milk allergy is different from
lactose intolerance.
- A milk allergy is an overreaction of the immune system after drinking milk.
- Lactose intolerance, however, occurs when the body has difficulty digesting dairy foods, resulting in symptoms like nausea, gas, and bloating. This reaction does not involve the immune system.
Infants and
young children are most likely to develop an allergy to milk — and they're also likely to outgrow the allergy later in life.
3. Shellfish Allergy
People who suffer from a
shellfish allergy should avoid eating marine animals with shells, including shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, and oysters.
Shellfish allergy symptoms typically emerge within a few minutes of eating a shellfish. They can range from mild stuffiness to a severe anaphylaxis.
4. Soy Allergy
Soybeans are a common ingredient in many processed foods. Though soy allergy symptoms tend to be mild in nature, anaphylaxis can occur. People suffering from this allergy should always consult food labels to identify harmful ingredients.
Soy is a member of the legume plant family, which includes peanuts, lentils, and peas. People who have a food allergy to soy are not necessarily allergic to other legumes.
5. Tree Nut Allergy
Tree nuts include walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios.
Peanuts, which are legumes, are not a part of this group. Many doctors, however, recommend that those who are allergic to tree nuts avoid peanuts as well, as these two foods can sometimes come in contact during the food manufacturing process.
Do You Have a Food Allergy?
Only a doctor can
diagnose a food allergy. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.
Once diagnosed, your doctor can recommend a treatment plan and diet adjustments to treat your food allergy. Learn more about food allergy testing at the
UPMC Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy Center website.
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string(173) "Common food allergies cause a variety of symptoms in sufferers, ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Learn more allergy symptoms and treatment options. "
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string(138) "An estimated 4 to 6 percent of children and 4 percent of adults suffer from food allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control. "
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An estimated 4 to 6 percent of children and 4 percent of adults suffer from food allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control.Read More
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string(3949) "You take the good with the bad: The beauty of spring also brings seasonal allergies, sometimes called hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 19.1 million adults and 6.1 million children will struggle with itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms as snow melts and plants begin to grow again.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Spring is well-known for its blooms and blossoms. And those same blooms and blossoms produce pollen.
Pollen is released from trees, flowers, weeds, and bushes. All kinds of plant life release pollen into the air, and these small particles can travel miles from their original plant.
For many people, breathing in pollen, made airborne by the wind, doesn't bother them at all. For allergy sufferers, pollen is recognized by the body as a foreign invader, and the body mounts an immune response to eliminate it. It's this immune response that causes the classic symptoms of allergies: sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and stuffy, runny nose. Some patients will also have asthma symptoms, like cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Managing Your Spring Allergies
For allergy sufferers, a windy day is their worst enemy. The wind can pick up pollen, spreading it great distances and filling the air with allergens.
A rainy day, however, has the opposite effect and can effectively scrub the air of pollen, allowing people with allergies to breathe freely. If possible, people with allergies may want to stay indoors during high-pollen, windy days.
All pollens do not occur at the same time. Tree pollens start first, followed by the grass pollens in May, and then finally the weed pollens (ragweed is the most common) in the fall.
You can see an allergist to help determine which plant pollen is causing your spring allergies. The allergist will administer a test in which an allergen is pricked into your skin. Many species of pollen will be tested at once, and the pollen that produces an allergic response is the culprit. Some patients may need a breathing test to rule out asthma.
Knowing what you're allergic to can help you choose which trees and grasses to plant around your home, although even these measures may not fully protect you from allergy symptoms.
Treatment for Spring Allergies
Many over-the-counter medications are available to treat your allergy symptoms. Antihistamine pills, steroid and decongestant nasal sprays, and even eye drops are your first line treatment options.
Decongestant nasal sprays should not be taken more than three days in row because they can make your nasal symptoms worse. Also, common antihistamines can make you very sleepy.
If over-the-counter medications are ineffective, you can consult with your health care provider about the next level of treatment: prescription-strength medication, allergy shots, and recently developed immunotherapy tablets.
Fortunately, spring will turn to summer, and the world will be breathable again for allergy sufferers. With the help of your health care provider, you can make it through the allergen-filled days of spring, comfortable and breathing easy."
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More than 19.1 million adults and 6.1 million children will struggle with itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms every spring.Read More
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string(4190) "Did you know approximately 50 million Americans have some type of allergy? Allergic disorders typically appear in infants and children, and, as the most commonly reported chronic condition in this age group, allergies affect more than 40 percent of kids.
Causes
Things that can cause an allergic reaction, known as allergens, include:
- Animals
- Dust
- Food
- Insects
- Latex
- Medicine
- Mold
- Pollen
- Poison Ivy or Oak
Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can present themselves as itchy or red eyes and a runny nose, rashes, eczema, or hives.
“Eye itching and redness are among the most bothersome symptoms for patients,” says Todd Green, MD, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy & Immunology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, “These symptoms may not seem significant to those not experiencing them, but they can be very bothersome to the point where they can affect sleep, daytime functioning, productivity in school, and general quality of life.”
If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction after contact with a potential allergen, you should contact his or her pediatrician.
In some cases, especially those involving medications, foods, dyes, latex, or insect stings, severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, can occur within seconds or hours of exposure. During one of these severe reactions, the child’s throat will typically swell and breathing will become difficult. Other symptoms can include hives, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, and irregular heartbeat or blood pressure. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal emergency situation and you and your child should seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis
Your child’s pediatrician may refer you to an allergy specialist for diagnostic testing, which can include skin tests, blood tests, challenge tests, or nasal smears.
Treatment
“We aim to use the minimum amount of medications necessary to achieve maximum relief of symptoms and improve quality of life,” says Dr. Green. “There are a lot of options available that effectively reduce symptoms.”
Your child’s treatment will be determined based on several factors, including age, medical history, severity of allergies, and his or her tolerance for medications or procedures.
Avoidance is typically the most effective way to treat allergies, and it is suggested that your child stays away from anything that causes an allergic reaction as much as possible.
Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, is also very effective. The shots are made up of a mixture of allergens, called an allergy extract, that affect your child. Medications can help relieve symptoms, as well. Medicinal treatments may include antihistamines in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid, or injections.
In conjunction with these treatments, you can also make modifications to ease your child’s symptoms. Dr. Green suggests making sure the vents and filters in your house are free of dust, removing plants or rugs from your child’s room since they can hold allergens, and keeping your indoor humidity below 35 percent.
“As allergists, our primary goal is to help our patients lead full, active lives,” he says."
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Allergic disorders typically appear in infants and children, and, as the most commonly reported chronic condition in this age group, allergies affect more than 40 percent of kids.Read More
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string(4446) "Did you know that approximately 50 million Americans have some type of allergy? From pet dander to pollen and even substances as common as dust, the potential for allergies exists everywhere. Allergic disorders typically appear in infants and children, and, as the most commonly reported chronic condition in this age group, allergies affect more than 40 percent of kids. Today, it's relatively simple to determine if your child is allergic to something specific and how he or she may be treated for that allergy to minimize discomfort.
Causes of Allergies
Allergies may affect children in the spring, but it's not unusual for kids to experience seasonal allergy symptoms any time throughout the year. Allergens, or the things that cause an allergic reaction, can be more prevalent during different seasons. For example, tree pollen can cause symptoms in the spring, while weed pollen may be more active during its peak pollination season in the fall.
It's important to be aware that allergies can occur anytime children come in contact with allergens such as:
Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can present themselves as itchy or red eyes and a runny nose, rashes, eczema, or hives.
Symptoms can be bothersome to children and may affect sleep, daytime functioning, productivity in school, and general quality of life.
What to Do If You Child Is Experiencing Symptoms
If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction after contact with a potential allergen, you should contact his or her pediatrician.
In some cases, especially those involving medications, foods, dyes, latex, or insect stings, severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, can occur within seconds or hours of exposure. During one of these severe reactions, the child's throat will typically swell and breathing will become difficult. Other symptoms can include hives, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, and irregular heartbeat or blood pressure. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal emergency situation and you and your child should seek medical attention immediately.
Obtaining a Diagnosis
Your child's pediatrician may refer you to an allergy specialist for diagnostic testing, which can include
skin tests, blood tests,
challenge tests, or nasal smears.
Treatment Options for Children
Your child's treatment will be determined based on several factors, including age, medical history, severity of allergies, and his or her tolerance for medications or procedures.
Avoidance is typically the most effective way to treat allergies, and it is suggested that your child stays away from anything that causes an allergic reaction as much as possible.
Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, is also very effective. The shots are made up of a mixture of allergens, called an allergy extract, that affect your child. Medications can help relieve symptoms, as well. Medicinal treatments may include antihistamines in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid, or injections.
In conjunction with these treatments, you can also make modifications to ease your child's symptoms. Make sure the vents and filters in your house are free of dust, remove plants or rugs from your child's room since they can hold allergens, and keep your indoor humidity below 35 percent.
If you think your child may be suffering from allergies, talk to his or her
doctor, or visit the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC's
Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy & Immunology webpage for more information.
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Allergies may affect children in the spring, but it’s not unusual for kids to experience seasonal allergy symptoms any time throughout the year.Read More
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string(2793) "This article was last updated on September 27, 2016
Fall is upon us and as the leaves start to change and the summer flowers begin to die off, we breathe a sigh of relief that our summer allergies will be gone until next year. Unfortunately, many people still find themselves sneezing and sniffling, even after these blooms are gone. That's because fall allergies arise from different triggers including weeds and molds not common in the summertime. Before you toss your tissue box, read on to learn more about fall allergy triggers.
Symptoms of Fall Allergies
Fall allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Itchy nose and throat
- Coughing and wheezing
- Sneezing
Most seasonal allergy symptoms can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications like nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. If you find that your symptoms are especially bothersome, visit a doctor to discuss a more specific treatment plan. Nobody enjoys dealing with allergies, but with the help of your physician, you can help relieve some of the symptoms. Everyone reacts differently to certain medications depending upon the severity of their allergies.
Ragweed Allergies in the Fall
Ragweed is the most common allergen in the fall. The majority of individuals who are allergic to spring plants also find themselves falling victim to ragweed.
This yellow weed can produce one billion lightweight pollen grains which can travel through the air for hundreds of miles. This means that even if your yard is weed-free, you can still be exposed to these allergens. Ragweed can also be found on produce such as zucchini, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables.
This plant starts releasing pollen in August and its effects are typically felt through October.
Seasonal Allergies from Mold
When we think of mold, people typically envision spores growing in dark and dingy areas in bathrooms and basements. Contrary to popular belief though, most people have more exposure to mold that grows outdoors. Outdoor mold isn't seasonally specific; however the fall provides a perfect environment for mold to grow in rain and dew soaked piles of leaves.
Dust Mites and Fall Allergies
It is estimated that around 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites. Although these allergens are most common in the hot, humid summer months, they can be circulated back through your home when you first start using your heat in the fall.
Keeping a clean home year-round, wearing a mask when cleaning, and utilizing HEPA air filters will help to reduce dust mites in your home.
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Fall allergies arise from different triggers, including weeds and molds not common in the summertime.Read More
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string(3089) "This post was last updated on March 20, 2018.
Spring has finally arrived, or so they say, and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and other irritating symptoms.
With UPMC AnywhereCare, you can get quick and convenient treatment so you can get back to doing all the fun activities that spring offers, no matter the time or place.
"As people start to become affected with allergies, UPMC AnywhereCare can be used as a valuable, time-saving tool to get treated, instead of taking time to schedule an appointment," says Natasa Sokolovich, executive director of telemedicine at UPMC. "The convenience of getting treatment from your couch, at work, or wherever else you happen to be is definitely something people are looking for."
How the UPMC AnywhereCare Visit Works
Connect with a UPMC online health care professional in a convenient and secure way using your smart phone, tablet, or computer.
The health care provider will conduct a face-to-face video visit with you to determine a diagnosis and recommend a personal treatment plan and advice, prepared just for you.
Conditions We Treat During a UPMC AnywhereCare Visit
Some of the additional common adult conditions that can be treated using UPMC AnywhereCare virtual visits include:
UPMC AnywhereCare Pediatric (ages three and older) visits include:
- Cold
- Cough
- Pink eye
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
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With UPMC AnywhereCare, you can get quick and convenient treatment for your allergies.Read More
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string(2533) "Many people use neti pots to relieve the sniffing, sneezing, and congestion from colds and allergies.
While the idea of nasal irrigation may seem strange at first, rinsing your sinuses can effectively flush allergens, bacteria, and thin mucus — so you can breathe easier.
Before you give it a try, learn the basics about how neti pots work and how to safely use them.
What Is a Neti Pot?
A neti pot is a teapot-shaped container, usually made of plastic or ceramic, filled with warm water and a special saline solution to rinse out your sinuses. You can purchase a neti pot at most pharmacies, and many come with pre-packaged kits that include the saline solution.
How Do I Use a Neti Pot?
- Before using a neti pot, make sure that it is clean. Wash your hands first, then wash the pot in distilled, filtered, or previously boiled and cooled water.
- Fill the pot with warm distilled, filtered, or previously boiled and cooled water and add the saline mixture. If you don't have a kit that includes the pre-packaged solution, you can make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of table, kosher, or sea salt with a pinch of baking soda.
- Standing over your sink, tilt your head to one side, open your mouth to breathe, and pour the water into one nostril. The water will flow into your sinus cavity and out the other nostril. Gently blow your nose, then repeat on the other side.
- Once you're finished, wash the neti pot again with distilled, filtered, or previously boiled and cooled water.
Are Neti Pots Safe?
You may have heard that using a neti pot isn't safe because there is a risk of bacteria getting into your body. This can happen if you don't use distilled, filtered, or previously boiled and cooled water, but in general, neti pots are considered safe to use.
Always read the package instructions before using a neti pot. If there are no directions, talk with your doctor about how to use it safely.
Learn more by visiting the UPMC Ear, Nose, and Throat services webpage.
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string(157) "A neti pot is a teapot-shaped container, usually made of plastic or ceramic, filled with warm water and a special saline solution to rinse out your sinuses. "
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A neti pot is a teapot-shaped container, usually made of plastic or ceramic, filled with warm water and a special saline solution to rinse out your sinuses.Read More
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string(2833) "Will taking a decongestant raise your blood pressure?
Before you reach for cold, flu, or allergy relief at the drugstore, it’s important to learn how decongestants, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines, can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.
What Is a Decongestant?
When you have a cold, allergies, or sinus trouble, the membranes in your nose, sinuses, and chest can swell and block the flow of air. This makes you feel stuffy or congested.
A decongestant is a kind of medicine that helps shrink the blood vessels in these membranes, lowering the swelling and helping you breathe easier.
Decongestants are found in many kinds of cold, flu, sinus, and allergy medicines, but not all. To find out if the medicine you want to take has a decongestant in it, look at the drug facts label on the package. This label will show the names of all the active ingredients in the medicine and their purpose. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure or a heart problem, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take a new kind of medicine.
Decongestants and High Blood Pressure
Decongestants are similar to adrenaline, a hormone that helps you fight or flee from danger in times of stress.
Adrenaline opens your airways, causes your blood vessels to shrink, and moves more blood to your heart and lungs. This makes your heart beat faster and causes your blood pressure to go up.
Because decongestants act like adrenaline, they can also raise your blood pressure and pulse. You should not use decongestants if you have:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- An irregular heartbeat
Finding Relief Without Decongestants
If you’re not able to take decongestants because of your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about other ways to find relief. Your doctor may suggest:
- Taking medicines that do not contain decongestants but can still help relieve your symptoms
- Drinking plenty of fluids like water, tea, juice, and soup
- Using a saline nasal spray to flush out your sinuses
- Getting enough rest, and taking it easy with your activities
- Using a cool-mist humidifier to make the air in your home moist
To learn more, visit the
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute or call
1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484).
"
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string(38) "Do Decongestants Raise Blood Pressure?"
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string(133) "Is there a link between decongestants and high blood pressure? Find ways to relieve your cold and flu symptoms without decongestants."
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Before you reach for cold, flu, or allergy relief at the drugstore, it’s important to learn how decongestants, a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines, can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.Read More
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string(3619) "An occasional hoarse voice is normal: You've strained your voice shouting to be heard over loud music or while cheering on your favorite sports team, for example. But a chronic hoarse voice can have many different causes, from benign to serious. When you understand what's at the root of hoarseness, you can take steps to treat it and prevent it in the future.
Common Causes of a Hoarse Voice
Normally, your vocal cords stay apart while you breathe and come together when you speak. As you exhale, this causes a vibration that results in sound. But if you develop swelling, growths, or other damage to your vocal cords, your voice can be affected.
In general, a hoarse voice has the following characteristics:
- Raspy
- Strained
- Breathy
- Changes in pitch or volume
While some causes of hoarseness are temporary, others may require a visit with your physician. Typical culprits include:
- Laryngitis. Acute laryngitis is the most common reason for hoarseness. It occurs when your vocal cords swell, usually due a cold, upper respiratory infection, or straining your voice. It's important to rest your voice when you have acute laryngitis, because trying to speak loudly could damage your vocal cords.
- Improper voice use. Shouting isn't the only act that can make your voice hoarse. Excess talking, speaking at an abnormally high or low pitch, and even cradling a telephone between your ear and shoulder can contribute to this problem.
- Vocal cord lesions. People who use their voice frequently (such as singers) can develop benign nodules, polyps, and cysts on the vocal cords that can lead to hoarseness.
- Reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) can trigger hoarseness. In these conditions, stomach acid can rise through the esophagus and throat, irritating the vocal cords.
- Smoking. As you might imagine, smoking can make your voice hoarse. It can also increase your risk of throat cancer, another cause of hoarseness.
- Other disorders. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, spasmodic dystonia, and stroke can affect the voice, as can thyroid disease, allergies, and laryngeal cancer.
When to Call Your Doctor for Hoarseness
Temporary hoarseness can be normal, especially if you have a cold, allergies, or recently strained your voice. Everyone is different, but you should contact your physician if your voice is still hoarse after three weeks, you have difficulty swallowing, feel like you have a lump in your throat, experience throat pain, or are coughing up blood. Also seek medical attention if you suddenly and completely lose your voice after shouting or straining: This could be a sign of a vocal cord hemorrhage, which is considered an emergency.
For more information on hoarseness or to schedule an appointment with one of our ENT doctors, please visit the
UPMC Voice Center website.
"
["post_title"]=>
string(23) "Why Is My Voice Hoarse?"
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Temporary hoarseness can be normal, especially if you have a cold, allergies, or recently strained your voice.Read More
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string(3051) "If you have allergies, asthma, or another respiratory condition, you've probably wondered whether an air purifier could help. The concept is tempting: in theory, these machines filter out pollutants, particulates, and other impurities, leaving you with fresh, clean air in your home. But do air purifiers really work — and can they benefit your health? Here's what you need to know about these popular devices.
The Ins and Outs of Air Purifiers
To understand what air purifiers can and can't filter, it helps to understand what could be in your air. In general, indoor air can contain two main types of pollutants: particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. Particulate matter is any kind of microscopic particle found in the air, such as pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. As their name suggests, gaseous pollutants are gases produced by paint, new carpet, cleaning products, and wood or gas stoves. Some indoor air pollutants contain a mix of both these types. Most home-based air purifiers can only remove particulate matter and sometimes a small amount of gaseous pollutants.
There are also two main mechanisms for cleaning indoor air. They are available as either units that clean the air for one room, or as central filtration systems that must be professionally installed.
Mechanical air filters
These machines use a filter to trap larger particulate matter, such as dust and allergens. They may not be as effective at filtering smaller particles, bacteria, or viruses, however. Mechanical air filters include high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Electronic air filters
This category of air purifiers includes electrostatic precipitators and ionizers. They charge the particles so they can be trapped on surfaces. However, electronic air filters can also produce ozone, which can irritate the lungs and exacerbate existing respiratory conditions, negating any beneficial effects.
Can Air Purifiers Help Your Health?
Evidence to support the alleged health benefits of air purifiers is mixed. For example, some research suggests that these machines may help decrease levels of airborne allergens, such as pet dander and dust, in a home. While some studies have found mild improvement of symptoms in people with allergies or asthma who use air purifiers, the machines aren't a first-line treatment for these conditions. Instead, you're better off preventing indoor air pollution in the first place by keeping your home clean and free of allergens and other particulate matter.
If you think a HEPA filter or other type of air purifier might benefit you, be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Check rankings and reviews of air purifiers, such as those available from Consumer Reports. Your physician can give you more suggestions for managing allergies or asthma effectively.
"
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string(28) "Do You Need an Air Purifier?"
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Air purifiers may help decrease levels of airborne allergens, such as pet dander and dust, in your home.Read More
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string(3002) "It's getting to be that time. You're trying to hold on to those last few days or weeks before you turn the heat on inside. Then, sinuses and colds kick in.
Humidifiers can be a great tool to help reduce symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies for adults and kids. However, to get the most benefit, you need to follow a few tips for proper care.
Benefits of a Humidifier
A humidifier puts moisture back into the air. Central heat can often dry out the air inside your home, and combined with cold, dry air outside, this can cause a lot of respiratory symptoms.
Adding moisture into your home can help keep your nasal passages lubricated, which lessens runny noses and nose bleeds. The humidity can also help keep your skin from getting overly dried out and ease those deep coughs you and your kids may get with colds.
Types of Humidifiers
You have three main choices of humidifiers for at-home use in a single room.
Steam vaporizers
These heat up water and put warm steam into the air. These are generally not recommended to use around children. The steam can burn them.
Cool mist humidifier
These are also called impeller humidifiers. They have a fan, wick, and tank to blow a cool mist into the room. These are fairly inexpensive and the most commonly recommended for colds or for kids' rooms.
Ultrasonic humidifier
This type of humidifier uses ultrasonic vibration to put out a cool mist. These are quieter than the impeller type, but cost more.
Within the different types of humidifiers you can also find a range of features — filters, timers, humidity level readers, automatic shutoff, and more.
Care of a Humidifier
A humidifier is a great choice to help with allergies and respiratory symptoms; however, they can make these symptoms worse if not properly cared for.
Clean frequently
Your humidifier must always be kept clean. Any mold or bacteria that grows in the tank will end up in the air. Be sure to wipe out the tank every time you refill it.
Depending on the water in your home, you may want to use distilled water. Any minerals or impurities in tap water will be left in the tank or blown into the air.
For tanks with a wick or filter, you'll want to let these dry out between uses and change them regularly.
Watch the humidity
Too much humidity can be bad for your home. Ideally, you should keep the humidity around 50 percent. Some humidifiers have settings to help you watch this. If the walls or floors have water on them, you'll want to stop using the humidifier until the room dries out.
In addition, higher humidity levels encourage dust mites and mold to grow, making respiratory problems worse, especially if you have asthma.
With proper care and maintenance, humidifiers are an inexpensive, natural way to manage colds and allergy symptoms this winter.
"
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Humidifiers can be a great tool to help reduce symptoms of colds and seasonal allergies for adults and kids.Read More
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string(3231) "The summer heat is finally passing, and the cool fall air is here. Although the weather feels great, we're back into a new season of allergies and colds.
Get a jump start on beating the sniffles and stuffed up noses by keeping your sinuses open and clear, and your nasal passages clean.
What Causes Stuffiness?
When allergies flare up or a cold hits, you feel a lot of pressure in your nose and sinuses. Mucus buildup isn't the only reason you get that stuffy head feeling. Allergies and illness can make your sinuses inflamed. They swell up, making it harder for you to breathe in or out and trapping mucus.
How Can I Clear Out My Sinuses?
The good news is you've got a lot of painless options to help you clear the airways this allergy season. Antihistamines, allergy medications, and decongestant nasal sprays all help with ongoing seasonal allergies or stubborn colds.
However, many of those are intended for short-term use and can leave you feeling a little foggy. Trying a few natural remedies before your symptoms get too bad can help you prevent colds and keep your nose clear.
Humidifier
As the weather cools, the air gets drier. A humidifier puts moisture back into the air. It also helps thin the mucus in your nose when you have a cold. They are relatively inexpensive, but they need to be cleaned regularly to avoid mold.
Neti pot (nasal irrigation)
A Neti pot looks like a tiny teapot. You use it to thin mucus and flush it out of your nasal passages. Nasal irrigation also helps clear allergens and bacteria out of the tiny hair-like structures in your nose.
How to use a neti pot
To use the pot, fill it with distilled or filtered water and a saline mixture. Most pharmacies sell kits that already have single-use saline mixtures, but it's easy to make your own with salt and baking soda.
Tilt your head, open your mouth to breathe, and pour the water in one nostril. The water flows through your nasal cavity and comes out the other nostril. Gently blow your nose, and repeat on the other side.
Using a Neti pot feels a little strange at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to it. The trick is to make sure you keep your head tilted at the right angle. Otherwise, you'll get salty water running down the back of your throat.
A Neti pot is safe and can be used every day.
Steam
Similar to a humidifier, steam can help open up your airways. Take a shower, hot bath, or deep breaths over a hot cup of water. You can occasionally try adding a drop of peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil to a steaming cup of water and inhaling a few times to open up the sinuses.
Most of these methods can be used daily to keep your nose open throughout this fall allergy season. If you're having more severe symptoms, however, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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Allergies and illness can make your sinuses inflamed. They swell up, making it harder for you to breathe in or out and trapping mucus.Read More
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string(5035) "Updated June 8, 2021
You may notice that you cough or sneeze more at certain times of the year. Maybe your nose gets stuffy or runny in the spring and summer.
If that's the case, there may be a simple explanation. You could be suffering from seasonal allergies.
Although the symptoms can be a nuisance, there are ways you can find relief.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are also known as "hay fever" or "allergic rhinitis." More than 19 million American adults and more than 5 million children suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Seasonal allergies commonly occur as a reaction to pollen in the outdoor air. Trees, mold spores, and grasses/weeds can create pollen, which is a powdery substance.
Your immune system may overreact to pollen, causing seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies most commonly occur in the spring, summer, and early fall. But factors like the weather can cause pollination to begin sooner or end later, extending allergy season.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
People with seasonal allergies may experience many different symptoms. The symptoms may be similar to a cold, but they generally last longer than one or two weeks.
Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy or red eyes and/or throat
- Sore throat
- Loss of taste
- Mucus accumulation in back of nose/throat
- Congestion or popping of the ears
- Mouth breathing during sleep or trouble sleeping that causes fatigue during the day
The severity of symptoms may depend on the person, the time of the year, and pollen levels.
Seasonal Allergy Treatment Options
Although seasonal allergies can be difficult, there are many different ways you can lessen your symptoms.
- Avoid going outside: Monitor pollen and mold counts in the weather forecast. Try to stay inside on days with higher counts. Warm and windy days tend to have higher pollen counts. In spring/early summer, pollen counts are higher in the evening. In late summer/early fall, pollen counts are higher in the morning.
- Keep windows and doors closed: Make sure the windows and doors of your house and car are closed, especially during peak pollen times.
- Wear a mask: If you're outside and are worried about pollen, wearing a mask can help protect your nose and mouth.
- Wear a hat and/or sunglasses when outside: This can keep pollen out of your hair and eyes.
- Clean up: Wash your hands, take a shower, wash your hair, and/or change clothes after being outside.
Certain types of medications also can relieve symptoms from seasonal allergies. Many of those drugs are available over the counter.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These are often the first medicine for seasonal allergies. They can reduce inflammation in your nose and relieve all different seasonal allergy symptoms. They also don't have many side effects.
- Antihistamines: These can relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, and itching in your nose and eyes. There are different antihistamines, which can come as a pill, liquid, or nasal spray.
- Decongestants: Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. There are different types of decongestants, including pills, liquids, nasal sprays, and nose drops. You shouldn't use decongestant sprays and drops for longer than a few days. Using them long-term could cause more permanent congestion.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy): If over-the-counter medicines don't solve your allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. The shots expose you to gradually increasing amounts of your allergens over an extended period of time. Over time, your immune system will be less likely to overreact when it is exposed to pollen or other allergens.
If seasonal allergies are causing you problems, talk to your doctor for advice on treatment.
The
UPMC Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy Center can treat a wide variety of conditions, including seasonal allergies. For more information or to schedule an appointment,
contact one of our several locations.
Related Articles
"
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Seasonal allergies, also known as ‘hay fever’ or ‘allergic rhinitis,’ affect approximately 20 percent of people of all ages.Read More
