How You Can Treat Your Allergy Problems
Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air we breathe can affect us in many ways. With the construction of homes and buildings changing significantly in the past 50 to 100 years, there are many air changes also. Carpet, "tight" buildings (reduced fresh air), synthetic or chemical impregnated building materials, basements, indoor pets and much more have changed what we breathe.
What to do? First, monitor humidity with a hygrometer. Keep the moisture level between 40% and 50%. Without moisture, mold and dust mites cannot thrive. Second, control/remove the dust. HEPA filters, HEPA vacuums, solid floors (carpet removed), bedding and furniture changes can all help. Be alert to persistent odors, especially musty ones, as they indicate a problem. Remember, any building can develop a leak.
A current (January, 2009) major indoor air problem is secondary to chemically contaminated wallboard (gymsum) affecting many people in new homes and offices. More to follow on this one.
HEPA Filters
These filters are highly efficient dust particle removers, including pollen, dander and house dust. Think of HEPA as a dust/pollen/dander collector. They work to established standards (99.7% of particles > 0.3 microns) and are readily available. Filters require regular replacement, depending on the unit/installation. Some HEPAs are combined with an activated charcoal filter (odor/vapor control) and ultraviolet lights (antiviral, antibacterial) HEPA filters can also be installed on a central air handler. Remember, removing circulating dust is critical – more than one filter may be necessary.
Dehumidifiers
These units help reduce the amount of water vapor in the air, with a proper indoor humidity of 40 – 50% critical to reduce mold and dust mite proliferation.
Masks
These work to trap dust particles which would otherwise be inhaled. Think of these as similar to the air filter on your car. "N-95" is recommended. Good for mowing, sweeping, and general cleanup, but not effective for gases, solvents and cleaning agents.
Hygrometers
These devices measure humidity so that the exact level can be maintained. Low cost humidity monitors are available at hardware stores. Some dehumidifiers have a built-in hygrometer.
Fixing roofing or plumbing leaks, cleaning up mold growth and regular cleaning are helpful. Most of us have no idea what the indoor humidity level is.
Medication
Many "allergy medicines" are available either over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription. The fact that so many are available suggests that no one medicine is correct for every individual. Although commonly used, side effects can occur with these, as with any medication, OTC or prescription.
Antihistamines act to directly block the most common type of allergic reaction (ragweed and cat dander are examples) by blocking the release of the chemical histamine. Histamine release triggers a series of inflammatory events resulting in "typical allergy symptoms" like itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines are available in pill, nasal spray, and topical (skin) preparations.
Two major categories exist: sedating (may make you sleepy or groggy) and non-sedating (minimal sleepiness).
FACT: an individual taking a sedating antihistamine can be cited for a DUI (driving under the influence).
FACT: most OTC sleep aids are antihistamines.
Nasal Corticosteroids (spray) are a commonly used, effective nasal allergy treatment. Safety, when used alone (no other steroid medications), is considered excellent, with nasal irritation and bleeding the most common side effects. Prescription only.
Nasal Saline is a mild salt solution used to rinse the nasal tissues. It is a very effective (and safe) way to cleanse the nasal tissues and help tissues stay healthy. It has the advantage of being inexpensive (you are able to make at home or buy) and time proven. Highly recommended for all noses.
Saline nasal gel products have recently become available and are also beneficial.
Decongestants help shrink the swollen tissues but don’t actually treat allergy. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) is a pill form; Oxymetazoline (Afrin®) is a nose spray.
Cromolyn is an over-the-counter, non-antihistamine, which can be very effective.
Diagnostic Allergy Testing
"Allergy tests" can be a sensitive, specific test for certain allergies, especially airborne (pollens, mites, dander and molds). Getting the right answers (or accurate results) is critical for any diagnostic test. Common types of allergy testing include skin prick testing and intradermal testing, also known as skin endpoint titration. A positive (+) test (observed reaction to specific allergens) is typically accepted; however a negative (-) test does not always mean there is no allergy present. As with all medical conditions, the patient's symptoms are important, with so called false negative tests possible. A good patient history combined with accurate testing is a goal of Midwest Sinus Allergy Specialists.
