How to Gain Control Over Your Airborne Allergies!

It is possible to have your life back and gain control over you allergies, but you first need information regarding cause, effect/symptoms and treatment.

What causes airborne allergies? 

Allergies happen when your body’s immune system overreacts to a substance in the environment.  For some reason, your body identifies harmless substances, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold as being harmful.  In an attempt to protect itself, antibodies in your immune system release a chemical called histamine; it is histamine that produces the symptoms associated with allergies.            ”Pollen” Attribution:  Dartmouth Electron                                                                                       Microscope Facility, (CC)

What are the symptoms of common airborne allergies?

Many common allergens – such as dust and pollen – are airborne particles. Therefore, symptoms are related to areas that are in contact with the air;  your eyes, nose and lungs.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from airborne allergies this list of symptoms will be all too familiar:

• Itchy, watery, red or burning eyes
• Sneezing, stuffy, runny nose
• Itchy nose and throat
• Cough
• Dark circles under the eyes (caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses)

However, inhaled allergens can also lead to the more severe asthmatic symptoms, caused by:

• narrowing of the airways
• increased production of mucus in the lungs
• shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.

If these symptoms occur you should immediately seek emergency intervention by dialing 911 or immediately consulting your health care provider.

Airborne Allergy Treatment:

Tips and tricks for your home:

• Clean or change your air conditioner and heating filters regularly.
• Do not let dust and pet hair accumulate. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
• Avoid standing water and resulting mold growth by keeping surfaces dry.
• Close windows and screens during peek pollen periods.
• Wash pillows and blankets once a week in hot water to eliminate the buildup of pet dander and dust.
• Dry your sheets and clothing in a dryer, not outdoors on a clothesline, where pollen grains can attach themselves to the material.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce mold growth.
• Cover mattresses, pillows and duvets with zippered, dust mite-impermeable covers.
• Limit clutter, toys and collections, as these collect dust.
• Avoid carpeting, especially in the bedroom, as it is a reservoir for dust and mold.

For your less severe allergy symptoms caused by:

• Pollen
• Ragweed
• Grass
• Trees
• Dust
• Pets
• Molds

…consider taking an anti-histamine such as Claritin® Liquid Capsules.

My son, daughter and I all suffer seasonal allergies and the resulting itchy, watery, eyes; sneezing, stuffy, runny nose and itchy nose and throat. Our son lives away, but my daughter and I recently had the opportunity to try the new Non-Drowsy Claritin Liquid Capsules.

We both found it worked well and managed our allergy symptoms for 24 hours with no drowsiness.  The capsules themselves were small and easy to swallow, even without water.

My only complaint was I had difficulty actually removing the capsules from the individually sealed pockets.  Once I read the instructions carefully and realized I needed to break away the individual dose and tear the packet on the indicated line it was much easier.  However, if you have difficulty maneuvering your fingers you may need assistance with this step.

Dosage:

• Adults and children over 12 years of age: 1 tablet every 24 hours.
• 10 mg loratadine USP (medicinal ingredient)

Caution:

 If you have liver disease, seek the advice of a physician before using this product. Do not use if allergic to loratadine or any of the ingredients in the product. Not recommended for nursing or pregnant women. Prescribing Information available to health professionals upon request. Keep this and all medication stored in a safe place and out of reach of children. Store between 15° and 30°C and protect from exposure to excessive moisture.

Claritin® is helping Canadians relieve indoor and seasonal allergy symptoms and be more alert and focused every day!

If you would like to learn more about the complete line of Claritin products you can connect with them via their: , ,  sites.

{Older Mommy Still Yummy is a   member.  As part of this membership, we receive samples and products for testing and review purposes.  As always, any opinions expressed are those of Older Mommy Still Yummy.}

{Disclaimer:  The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition and/or concerns with your health practitioner.}