by Barb Ogg, PhD, Extension Educator
House Dust Mite

House Dust Mite (highly magnified).

House dust mites are found in most homes. They are microscopic, eight-legged creatures closely associated with us, but they are not parasitic and do not bite. They don’t burrow under the skin, like scabies mites or live in skin follicles, like skin follicle mites.

The concern about dust mites is people are allergic to them. Symptoms associated with dust mite allergies include sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, stuffy ears, respiratory problems, eczema and (in severe cases) asthma. Many people notice these symptoms when they stir dust during cleaning activities. But, dust also contains other allergens, including cat and dog dander, cigarette ash, cockroach droppings, mold spores and pollen.

How can you find out if you’re allergic to dust mites? An allergist, a medical doctor specially trained to treat allergies, should be consulted for proper diagnosis.

The dust mite allergen is their tiny feces and body fragments which are components of dust. These particles are so small they can become airborne and inhaled when dust is disturbed.
Biology

There are two species of house dust mites found in North America. These mites are so small they are virtually invisible without magnification. Female mites lay cream-colored eggs coated with a sticky substance so eggs will cling to the substrate. These mites have two distinct immature stages. Under optimal conditions, the entire life cycle from egg to adult takes three-four weeks.

House dust mites feed on human skin scales, pollen, fungi, bacteria and animal dander. Dust mites do not drink free water, but absorb water from the air and the environment.

To thrive, dust mites need very warm temperatures (75-80 degrees F) and high humidity levels — 70-80 percent relative humidity. One study showed when humidity is 60 percent or lower, the mite population stops growing and dies out.

Humans continually shed skin and lose about 1/5 ounce of dead skin each week. We also spend about one-third of our lives sleeping so high levels of dust mites are often associated with the bedroom, especially bedding and the mattress. Dust mites also eat animal dander so allergens will be plentiful in areas where family pets sleep.
Dust Mite Management

To eliminate dust mite allergens, first, take actions to reduce dust mite populations and second, reduce exposure to dust. No one method has been found for reducing mites and relieving allergy suffering.

LOWER HUMIDITY — Reduce humidity levels to less than 50 percent inside your home, especially in the bedroom. This isn’t hard to do in the winter, but can be a challenge in Nebraska during summer months, especially in homes without air conditioning. Studies have shown air-conditioned homes have ten times fewer dust mite allergens than non-air-conditioned homes. In addition to cooling the house, air conditioning reduces the humidity dust mites need to thrive. A study has shown using an electric blanket for eight hours each day reduced dust mites by 50 percent in one month.

AVOID FURRY OR FEATHERED PETS — Pets with fur or feathers contribute to the dander in the dust and increase food source for mites. If you are a pet lover, locate their sleeping quarters as far from yours as possible and furnish their sleeping area so it can be cleaned easily. Hardwood or vinyl floors with washable area rugs are ideal.

REDUCING AIR INFILTRATION — Airing out the house with open windows allows entry of pollen, which is another allergen as well as food for dust mites. In some climates, incoming air may be humid, which promotes dust mites.

CLEANING/HEAT TREATMENTS — Wash all bedding weekly. Research has shown laundering with any detergent in warm water (77 degrees F) removes nearly all dust mite and cat allergen from bedding. If you cannot launder blankets, dry clean them once a year. Shampoo, steam clean or beat non-washable carpets once a year.

SELECT APPROPRIATE FURNISHINGS — Avoid overstuffed furniture because it collects dust. Also avoid wool fabrics/rugs because wool sheds particles and is eaten by other insects. Use washable curtains and rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. If you cannot replace carpeting, have it steam cleaned at least once a year, springtime is best. This will prevent a build up of dust mites feeding on skin cells in the carpet during the summertime. Enclose mattresses and pillows in plastic to decrease mite populations in the bed. Replace feather pillows with synthetic ones.
Dust Management

Eliminating dust from the environment is important in reducing allergens in sensitive people.

VACUUMING — The most important tool for managing house dust and dust mites is the vacuum cleaner. Regular, thorough vacuuming of carpets, furniture, textiles and other home furnishings such as draperies will help keep dust mite populations low. Vacuums with a water filter are preferable to those with a disposable paper bag because a water vacuum removes a greater range of particle sizes than paper-bag types. There are vacuums with highly efficient filters (HEPA) designed for use by people with allergies to dust. It is better to vacuum thoroughly once a week rather than lightly on a daily basis. Vacuum mattresses and padded furniture thoroughly; 20 minutes for each mattress is not too long.

DUSTING — Dust furniture before you vacuum so the dust has time to settle on the floor, where it can be picked up by the vacuum. Do not scatter dust. Instead, dust with a damp cloth rather than dry dusting. Spraying furniture polish/dusting liquid directly on surface reduces airborne particles by 93 percent compared with dry dusting.

AIR PURIFERS — A researcher at the University of Texas-Austin found a HEPA air filter was much more effective at removing dust than ion-generating air purifiers which make particles electrically charged to remove them from circulating air. For more information on this research, visit HERE

The problem with ion-generating air filters is they emit significant amounts of ozone. Ozone irritates the lungs and can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone may worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. The EPA also states manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as “energized oxygen” or “pure air” suggest ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen. For more information about health problems associated with ozone, check out http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html
Chemicals

No acaricides are registered for dust mite control, but benzyl benzoate or tannic acid may reduce levels of dust mites. Be careful if you decide to use these chemicals. According to the Mayo Clinic, these chemicals worsen allergies in some people. It is wise to use non-chemical dust mite control measures around people with serious allergies.

Cleaning and non-toxic approaches listed above should give adequate control, except in humid, tropical regions of the world.

Arthritis symptoms can vary depending on what type of arthritis you have. Arthritis can affect several part of the body and can be caused by several different factors. Although many of the arthritis symptoms may be similar, there are also some differences. Here are a few examples of arthritis symptoms.

Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis of the joints in the spine. It is also known as Marie-Strumpell disease and rheumatoid spondylitis. This disorder affects multiple organs such as eyes, heart, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of this arthritis include: low back and hip pain and stiffness; difficulty expanding the chest; pain in neck, shoulders, knees, and ankles; low-grade fever; fatigue; weight loss. Initial arthritis symptoms are uncommon after the age of 30, although patient may not be diagnosed until after then.

Bursitis is another form of arthritis. Bursitis usually affects the hip, shoulder, and elbow. But it can also affect the knee, heel, or base of big toe. Usually this affects athletes, golfers, baseball players, or people who are out of shape and have poor posture. This arthritis’ symptoms are pain and stiffness in the joint. Arthritis symptoms become worse when joint is used. The joint may also be swollen and warm to the touch.

Juvenile arthritis symptoms are similar to the adult symptoms. There is pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Symptoms can come and go. Young children especially do not complain about their arthritis symptoms. Parents may not notice until they see their child limping, avoiding physical activity, or acting unusually clumsy.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form in older people. It is brought on partly by long-term everyday use. Depending on which part of the body is affected, arthritis symptoms may vary. Most people with osteoarthritis in their fingers don’t even know about it unless an x-ray reveals deterioration in the cartilage. Arthritis symptoms are standard with pain and swelling. With osteoarthritis though, even though the arthritis never goes away, the pain fades over time.

Gout is a form of arthritis where the body has too much uric acid. The symptoms of gout arthritis are intense pain in the joint (usually the big toe). It may also become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. At times, gout can occur in the wrists, ankles, and knees. Arthritis symptoms may not come back for several years. But if crystals formed by the uric acid are left untreated, it can destroy part of the bone.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system. Arthritis symptoms usually start out as minor stiffness and pain. It may come and go, but eventually the arthritis systems get worse and more frequent. Treatment for this is most effective if caught within the first few months.

If you have some arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor. Treatments are always more effective if they are caught in the early stages. You can also get more information on arthritis symptoms from the Arthritis Foundation.

Allergy is the most common illness in the world. It is characterized by the immune system’s reaction to substances that are viewed by the body as potentially harmful. The body launches an attack on these substances which is manifested by the symptoms experienced in an allergy attack. There are many substances that can cause an allergic reaction. Among them are peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, dust, insect bites and pollen.

Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is usually characterized by an allergic reaction to pollen. The illness is named after the “haying season” when pollen grains in the air are in abundance. Since pollen carried by the wind is the more popular culprit, you should be aware of the most common plants releasing these pollen grains in the air. Trees including birch, alder, hazel, hornbeam, horse chestnut, willow, poplar, plane, lime and olive cause hay fever. Among these, birch and olive pollen are the most dominant. On the other hand, grass pollen from rye and timothy are responsible for about 90% of the total hay fever cases.

Effects of hay fever vary form person to person. Some experience mild reactions while others suffer severe reactions. Symptoms of the illness include coughing, headache, itching nose, runny nose and sneezing. You might also experience impaired smelling functions and sensitivity to flavors. Your eyes will water from the irritation in your nose. Sore throat, wheezing and conjunctivitis are also common reactions.

Hay fever is usually diagnosed by determining the patient’s history of symptoms. Your doctor will ask you the frequency of your symptoms, severity and onset. Changes in your diet, exposure to pets and allergens as well as weather conditions will all be considered in the evaluation for hay fever. Skin testing is also performed to determine specific sensitivity to particular allergens. Since cross-reactivity is normal, your doctor will naturally check you for reactions to cross-reacting substances.

To prevent hay fever, you should avoid being exposed to pollen. If you must go outdoors, try to wear a protective face mask for filtering pollen. You should also avoid going out during the early mornings and evenings when pollen levels are high. When drying your clothes, never put them outside where they can be exposed to pollen. The pollen will attach to the clothes you placed outside for longer than a moment and if you wear these clothes it’s possible that you could have an allergic reaction. Another activity you should avoid is mowing your lawn. This activity will disperse pollen in the air, increasing your chances for a hay fever attack. Some doctors recommend putting little cream on the nostrils and around the eyes to prevent pollen from entering these areas.

There are currently several available medications for treating symptoms of hay fever. These include fast-acting antihistamines, short-acting antihistamines, longer-acting antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, corticosteroid nasal sprays, topical decongestants, cromolyn sodium, allergy shots and herbal remedies. Any of these medications can relieve symptoms of hay fever effectively. You should make sure that when taking these medications, you will not be driving or operating heavy machineries since drowsiness can be experienced when taking medication like antihistamines.

HealthAllergies, they do not have to control your life. A number of things can cause allergies. There are treatments available depending on the type of allergies you have. Read this article to help you understand the types of allergies and their causes.

An Allergy is a hypersensitivity to foreign substances which are normally harmless but which produce a violent reaction in the allergy sufferer. Allergies are generally the body’s effort to eliminate something it considers unsuitable. Typical allergic reactions are hay fever, migraine, asthma, allergic rhinitis, digestive disturbances, coeliac disease, conjunctivitis, urticaria, eczema, drowsiness, CFS, hyperactivity in children, tinnitus,
recurrent sinusitis and ear infections. In a few people, the histamine (anaphylactic) reaction can cause muscle cramps, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death from shock
or suffocation.

Types

There are different types of Allergies, the most common being type1. When an allergen encounters cells capable of antibody formation, they then form IgE antibodies, which bind to the surface of other cells, called mast cells and basophils. In response to the attachment those cells release chemicals, called mediators of anaphylaxis, among them histamine. Those chemicals cause allergic reactions such as swelling or the secretion
of mucus.

Almost any substance can be an allergen for an individual. Common allergens include certain foods, especially milk, wheat and eggs, pollens, dust, moulds, cosmetic and certain food additives.

An Allergy is not the same as intolerance. Allergies always involve the immune system, whereas intolerance, e.g. lactose intolerance, is caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme that converts lactose into glucose.

Causes

Allergies may have many different causes-from pets to pollen to certain types of medicine and foods. In addition, allergic symptoms may be just as varied. While no one can predict when or how an allergy will develop, you can learn how to keep allergies under control by following a treatment plan and avoiding the things that aggravate your allergic symptoms.

Symptoms

When allergies flare up, they may cause a considerable amount of discomfort and inconvenience, but having allergies does not mean you have to struggle with your symptoms. Understanding how to help keep allergies from interfering with the things you want to do may make a big difference in how you feel and how you live.

HealthAllergies, they do not have to control your life. A number of things can cause allergies. There are treatments available depending on the type of allergies you have. Read this article to help you understand the types of allergies and their causes.

An Allergy is a hypersensitivity to foreign substances which are normally harmless but which produce a violent reaction in the allergy sufferer. Allergies are generally the body’s effort to eliminate something it considers unsuitable. Typical allergic reactions are hay fever, migraine, asthma, allergic rhinitis, digestive disturbances, coeliac disease, conjunctivitis, urticaria, eczema, drowsiness, CFS, hyperactivity in children, tinnitus,
recurrent sinusitis and ear infections. In a few people, the histamine (anaphylactic) reaction can cause muscle cramps, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death from shock
or suffocation.

Types

There are different types of Allergies, the most common being type1. When an allergen encounters cells capable of antibody formation, they then form IgE antibodies, which bind to the surface of other cells, called mast cells and basophils. In response to the attachment those cells release chemicals, called mediators of anaphylaxis, among them histamine. Those chemicals cause allergic reactions such as swelling or the secretion
of mucus.

Almost any substance can be an allergen for an individual. Common allergens include certain foods, especially milk, wheat and eggs, pollens, dust, moulds, cosmetic and certain food additives.

An Allergy is not the same as intolerance. Allergies always involve the immune system, whereas intolerance, e.g. lactose intolerance, is caused by a lack of lactase, the enzyme that converts lactose into glucose.

Causes

Allergies may have many different causes-from pets to pollen to certain types of medicine and foods. In addition, allergic symptoms may be just as varied. While no one can predict when or how an allergy will develop, you can learn how to keep allergies under control by following a treatment plan and avoiding the things that aggravate your allergic symptoms.

Symptoms

When allergies flare up, they may cause a considerable amount of discomfort and inconvenience, but having allergies does not mean you have to struggle with your symptoms. Understanding how to help keep allergies from interfering with the things you want to do may make a big difference in how you feel and how you live.

by Donovan Baldwin

Just like humans a common health problem in cats is allergy. It’s strange that we always worry about humans being allergic to cats, but so seldom hear about what cats are allergic to!

In this way, cats aren’t that much different from humans. Some foreign substance, commonly referred to as an allergen or antigen, triggers a situation in which the cat’s immune system goes into hyper drive and produces symptoms of an allergic condition.

When a cat is allergic to something, common indications will be itchy skin, coughing and/or sneezing in the case of a respiratory problem, or vomiting or diarrhea in the case of a digestive allergy.

Allergies in cats seem to fall into these major categories. Allergies to fleas, foods, things inhaled, or something they have come in contact with.

Contact allergies generally result in a fairly localized reaction on the skin. The cat may scratch a lot and/or there may be an indication of irritation at the place of contact. Most common causes of contact allergies in cats would obviously be items with which they come in close contact such as flea collars, bedding, toys, etc. The simplest cure is to remove the contact. Take the collar off or change the bedding, for example. If the irritation persists, or if you still need effective flea control, consult with your veterinarian.

Some cats may also experience allergic reactions to certain plastics and/or metals. If you suspect this in your cat, you may wish to change to a ceramic or glass feeding bowl. Another problem which may mimic a contact allergy can occur if you simply do not rinse your cat carefully and completely after its bath. Residual shampoo or soap on the skin can cause dermatitis which can be mistaken for an allergic reaction.

Happily, contact allergies in cats are the least common type.

Flea allergies, on the other hand, are very common in cats. Any normal cat will commonly experience irritation from flea bites, but a cat with a genuine flea allergy will have a more severe itching reaction to the flea’s saliva. A normal cat may simply bite or scratch for a while and then go on to other things, but a cat with a flea allergy may scratch, chew, and worry at the spot until large amounts of fur are lost. This constant attempt to relieve the maddening itch or irritation may result in open sores which can add the risk of infection to the allergy’s list of evils. In most cats, the most common area to be affected is going to be on the back just before the tail. The cat may also create spots of sores or scabs on the neck and head. Inhalant types of allergies (atopy) are even more common cat allergies than flea and contact allergies! In fact, this type of allergy is probably the most common allergic problem in cats. It is possible that your cat may be allergic to the exact same allergens that you are! Tree pollens, grass pollens, and weed pollens along with the rest of the items we humans fear; mold, mildew, dust mites, and dust itself can all trigger allergic reactions in both cats and the humans they have trained to tend them.

A big difference between humans and cats, however is that while humans will most commonly react to inhaled allergens by sneezing or coughing, a cat will more commonly react by scratching an itch caused by those same allergens. Unlike a contact allergy, the cat’s reaction to inhaled allergens will be a general itching of the skin as opposed to a severe reaction at a specific spot. If your cat seems to be scratching a lot and it doesn’t appear to be local, as in reaction to a flea collar for example, there is a good chance that he or she is experiencing a reaction to some inhaled substance.

As in humans, true food allergies in cats can be extremely difficult to pinpoint. One reason is that they commonly demonstrate many of the symptoms of distress seen in the other groups. True food allergies in cats can cause itching and/or respiratory problems. Additionally, true food allergies can cause digestive difficulties as can other illnesses or toxic substances. In cats, food allergies are usually not present from birth, but are developed after long exposure to foods that have been eaten for long periods. Most food allergies will center around the type of protein common in the cat’s diet, such as beef, pork, poultry, or lamb. Simply eliminating that type of protein by changing to another type of food will usually take care of the problem.

There are two difficult points for the cat owner when they begin to detect signs that lead them to believe that their cat may have an allergy.

1. The cat may actually be reacting to an irritant, rather than an allergen, and

2. The symptoms may be the result of some other condition, possibly one more dangerous.

For example, a flea infestation may cause flea bites which will itch and the cat will scratch. This is normal. You would scratch too, and extensively, if fleas were munching on you! However, if your cat is allergic to the flea’s saliva, they will actually inflict damage on themselves in an attempt to relieve themselves of the intensified itch. However, the itch could be, as pointed out, the result of a food allergy, a contact allergy, or some undiagnosed medical condition such as a fungal infection (perhaps caused by ringworm, for example), mange, or some other type of skin infection which might have been caused by bacteria.

While a little astute detective work on the part of the pet owner may often alleviate the problem, only the veterinarian will usually be able to tell for sure what the cause and effect may actually be…and how to best deal with the situation. However, the vet does not live with your cat, so it is important to note carefully what the symptoms are, when they began, how they have progressed, what steps you have already taken, and what happened as a result of those steps. All of this information will help your vet in getting to the truth behind the apparent allergy in your cat. Your cat’s veterinarian will also have diagnostic tools at his or her disposal for getting at the cause of your pet’s apparently “allergic” reactions.

Home and GardenA futon mattress is a great choice. After all its 100% pure cotton which means is allergy and environmentally friendly. But before you buy here are 15 futon mattress tips.

1. Life Expectancy - expect your futon to last about 7 years. It will last about the same length of time as a traditional mattress.

2. Care - roll and turn at least once a month.

3. Try Before You Buy - as with any traditional mattress you need to try before you buy. Relax, enjoy, and find the thickness that’s right for you.

4. Protection - your mattress is going to need a cover. If it’s going to be in a child’s room or somewhere where there’s a risk of accidents then use a vinyl cover underneath the cover. You can also use a mattress pad to absorb dirt and sweat.

5. Flip It - flip and rotate your mattress at least once a month. This ensures even wear. If you have one of those mattresses you can’t flip, then at least be sure to rotate it.

6. Handles - don’t use the handles to pick up the mattress. They are only designed for sliding the mattress around slightly.

7. Don’t Jump - the kids might think jumping on the bed is fun but it can damage the futon mattress so don’t allow it. If they want to jump buy them a trampoline.

8. Refresh - use baking soda to freshen your mattress. Sprinkle, let it sit for a day and then vacuum off.

9. Warranty - find out what the frame warranty is. It should be at least 5 years.

10. Thickness - your mattress should be a minimum of 6 inches if you are going to use your futon as a mattress.

11. Material - your futon should be made of cotton, cotton and foam, or cotton polyester. Cotton and foam weighs less than other combinations and it doesn’t sag.

12. Inter spring - An inter spring mattress is made of a spring unit that has a layer of foam and cotton on each side. A good choice for additional firmness.

13. Frame Type - you can choose between a bi-fold or tri-fold frame. A bi-fold folds once and uses the mattress length as the couch for more seating. The tri-fold folds twice and uses the width of the mattress for the couch.

14. Wood - pine is the most affordable and durable wood option for the frame. There are also metal frames that are fairly reasonable in price.

15. Mattress Size - a King measures 76 x 80 inches, a queen is 60 x 80 inches, a double is 54 x 75 inches, and a single is 39 x 75 inches.

A futon mattress is a great investment offering you affordability, durability, and comfort. It’s a great choice for a master bedroom or a guest room. These 15 futon mattress tips will help you choose the correct mattress for your needs. So are you ready to start shopping?

About The Author:

Catherine has been a salesperson for a bedding store for the last 15 years and enjoys helping customers select the right products for maximum comfort and support. Come to http://www.mbwl.net to get free advice on evaluating mattresses and tips on how to pick the best mattress.

Allergy Symptom

Cleaning Habits Reduce Allergy Symptoms

By Gelfey.

According to a survey conducted by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it is clear that cleaning habit can greatly reduce allergy symptoms for all those who greatly suffer from allergies and asthma. Cleaning your own home to manage dust mites and pet dander involve a yet simple but an effective cleaning strategies that can be performed by the all non family members.

According to recent survey, seventeen percent of people clean their home and their neighbor envoirment. But all those who clean their envoirment have a question in front of him how effective they are in their cleaning.

Allergy and its associate asthma control begin at homes and spread all over. The most common triggers: dust mite and house hold mold must be tackled appropriately. For ex- simple cleaning a home can stir up a dust mites and pet dander that can cause and results in allergic reaction.

So if you are known about the fact that you are more prone to allergy, then it is advisable that plz stay away from it. Cleaning your carpets (including the under pad) and removing yard waste. Use dust mite covers on your bedding, mattresses and furniture. Vacuum regularly and avoid sweeping, which tends to move dust around the room rather than eliminate it.

If you’re more infected with this condition then there are certain solution you can adopt:

1. Talk to your doctor about best medication.

2. Clean your home at least twice.

3. Eat properly and plz not spread it all places especially if you have child.

So always clean your home to save yourself from allergic condition and its effect that could results in danger diseases. If you are more prone to this, then consult with your doctor.
About the Author

Author is experienced health expert.

allergy
beddingl

Are you are allergic to goose down, pet dander, or dust mites? Do you wake
up in the morning with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, or other
allergy symptoms? Do you suffer from nighttime allergy and asthma attacks?
You’d be surprised how much allergy relief bedding can help. Follow these
four easy steps to set up your own allergy relief bedding with complete
protection from down, pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens:

1. After ten years, the weight of the average mattress doubles due to dust
mites and their waste particles. Yuck! You spend about a third of your life
on your mattress, and if you have allergies, you definitely don’t want to
share your bed with millions of microscopic organisms. If your mattress is
more than 10 years old, then you should replace it with a hypoallergenic
mattress and mattress pad.

2. After only a year, the average pillow sees a 10% increase in weight due
to dust mite infestation. Replace all of your old pillows with
hypoallergenic pillows. They’re just as soft and comfortable as down
pillows - without all the allergens!

3. Dust mites are the most common cause of year-round allergy problems and
asthma. Protect yourself from dust mites by covering all of your bedding
with dust mite proof covers. Encase your pillows and mattress with ALLERGY
ARMOR allergy relief bedding. This tightly woven, breathable microfiber
fabric acts a barrier between you and your mattress, and it is impenetrable
to dust mites and other allergens. Encase your box springs and duvets as
well for complete protection from dust mites, pet dander, and other
allergens.

4. Top off your new allergy relief bedding with hypoallergenic blankets and
comforters. Having allergy relief bedding doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice
style! We carry a wide variety of textures, styles, and colors to delight
even the most discriminating tastes.

Follow steps 1-4 to create your own complete allergy relief bedding and get
the good night’s sleep you deserve.

food
allergies

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) will reveal findings of a
study that could give significant insight on what may cause teens to be a
high risk group for fatal allergic reactions to food. These findings will be
presented on Monday, March 6, at the American Academy for Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Conference in Miami, Fla. A press conference
will be held at 11:00am at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Room B117.

Entitled “Risk-taking and Coping Strategies of Food Allergic Adolescents and
Young Adults,” the study was conducted by Margaret Sampson and Dr. Scott
Sicherer of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and FAAN Founder and CEO, Anne
Muñoz-Furlong.

The study findings demonstrate that a significant number of food-allergic
teenagers admit to taking potentially life-threatening risks with their
allergies particularly when the teens are out with friends. 174 subjects
were surveyed via a Web-based questionnaire. While 74 percent reported
always carrying their epinephrine, it also depended on what activities they
were involved in. Almost all participants carry their epinephrine while
traveling, but the number dropped significantly when participating in sports
activities, school dance, or when they wear tight clothes. Until there is a
cure for food allergies, epinephrine is the only medication that can save
lives during an anaphylactic episode.

The study findings also demonstrate that not all of the participants read
food labels - another important practice for people who have to live with
food allergies. While 75 percent of them always read labels, 42 percent of
the teens would eat food that “may contain” a food allergen.

“Teenagers who suffer from food allergies are the highest risk group for
having fatal, food-induced anaphylactic reactions,” said Munoz-Furlong.
“This study confirms that they face unique social pressures that make it
difficult for them to make consistent safe decisions. It is crucial that we
help teenagers develop the tools they need to live safely with food
allergies.”