Types of Products

Air Cleaners: The first step in controlling allergy symptoms is investigating the quality of the air inside our homes. Homes and businesses are contaminated with dust, dust mites, molds, pet dander, pollen and other man-made chemicals that are in our household carpet, air and furniture. It has been reported that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Our well-built homes and offices let virtually no outside air in to circulate outside air to improve air quality. There are many products on the market that assist in cleaning the air and are fairly easy on the budget. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) and carbon/zeolite filtration are the more desirable type of air filters. These special filters are made to fit in the furnace or over vents. The filters then trap dust and particles from ever entering a room. Freestanding units are also available to clean the air. These units may not be as efficient as quality air filters, but these two basic products are a start at controlling poor air quality. Without realizing it, the average consumer actually spews dust particles in the air every time the vacuum cleaner is used to clean the house. Many vacuums come equipped to deal with this problem and are designed with the allergy sufferer in mind. These vacuums have special filters, canisters and bags. If you have a basic vacuum, it is worth the extra change to purchase a bag that is specially made to contain dust that usually escapes into the air. These double layer bags help get the dust from the carpet and reduce the airborne particles that are released back into the air.

 

Bedding Products: If you are an allergy sufferer, the nighttime can be especially annoying because symptoms increase when your head touches the pillow. Having a bed and pillows free of dust and dust mites is the first step in getting a good nights sleep. It is impossible to completely rid your home of allergens but controlling the environment is very advantageous to the allergy sufferer. Zippered encasings are available on the Internet, and many retail stores sell encasings that fit duvet covers, pillows and mattresses. There are many types of specialized casings made out of a variety of materials including special blends of cotton polyester that have the look and feel of satin, silk and breathable cotton. Also available, are waterproof nylon fabrics and vinyl that provide barriers against dust mites.

 

Household Products: One area of concern the consumer fails to think about are the retail cleaning products we purchase to clean the very things we are allergic to. Even the laundry detergent we use to clean our clothes may contain perfumes and other products that irritate the nose, eyes and skin. Natural products such as vinegar, baking soda and vegetable-based products are safe as well as effective. Cleaners such as these reduce our exposure to toxic and semi-toxic products. Body soap is another culprit in the modern home. Shampoo and soaps are available that are made with soy and other natural materials (aloe vera, vitamin E and glycerin) that are gentle to the skin. These products are available without the irritants like dye and fragrances. There are also products available to rub into your pet’s coat to remove the dander which is thought to be the main allergic reaction to your favorite animal. 

 

Milk Allergies: Babies and children are born or may develop allergies to peanuts and even milk. Fortunately, for parents there are milk supplements available to nourish the growing child. If your baby is lactose-intolerant, milk formulated with soy can provide the nutritional support needed for babies. 

 

Allergy Medicines: There are two common over-the-counter medicines that are available to the allergy sufferer. The antihistamine and decongestant are lifesavers for those who suffer from hay fever. These medicines relieve itchy eyes, runny nose and the common sinus headache. Antihistamines are notorious for making you feel tired, but non-drowsy formulas are available. There are prescription antihistamines that are available from a doctor. Decongestants need to be used for only a short time and can be found in nose sprays and pills. Overuse can cause an over dependency and may raise your blood pressure. Decongestants should be used on days that you have extreme allergy symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays are effective in reducing the swelling and stuffiness in your nose. They do not provide immediate results like an antihistamine but after continued use a nasal spray is effective in reducing annoying symptoms. If an extreme allergic reaction occurs due a bee sting or a food allergy, it may be necessary to carry and EpiPen (adrenaline) at all times. This reaction is called anaphylaxis and can be fatal. This allergy product may be a necessity and is available from a doctor’s prescription.