Allergies

First, what are you allergic to?

Millions of people suffer year-round from allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens. These culprits include dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings and molds.
Your immune system controls how your body defends itself. For instance, if you have an allergy to dust mites, your immune system identifies dust mites as an invader or allergen. Your immune system overreacts by producing allergic antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction usually causes symptoms such as sneezing, stuffiness, a runny nose, or itchiness in your nose, the roof of your mouth, throat, eyes or ears.

Dust mites:
Dust mite allergens are a common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms. While they can be found throughout the house, these microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments such as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting.

Because so much time is spent in the bedroom, it is essential to reduce mite levels there.

Pets:
Contrary to popular opinion, there are no “hypoallergenic” breeds of dogs or cats. That is because people are not allergic to an animal’s hair, but to an allergen found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur.

Pet allergy symptoms typically occur within minutes, with short-term exposure. With more chronic exposure symptoms may occur more chronically and not as acutely. For some people, symptoms build and become most severe 8 to 12 hours after contact with the animal. People with severe allergies can experience reactions in public places if dander has been transported on pet owners’ clothing.

Cockroaches:
Cockroaches are often found in the homes of densely populated urban areas, schools or commercial buildings, but these creatures can lurk almost anywhere. This does not mean that you have a dirty house or living area.

source:https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/indoor-allergens​

What is Fel d 1?


 Fel d 1, produced largely in cat saliva and sebaceous glands, is the primary allergen present on cats and kittens.[1] Fel d 1 is also    produced by cat skin itself.[4] The protein is of an unknown function to the animal but causes an IgG or IgE reaction in sensitive    humans (either as an allergic or asthmatic response).
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 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fel_d_1

What is Can f 1?


Caused by dander, saliva or urine of dogs, or by dust, pollen or other allergens that have been carried on the fur.[26] Allergy to dogs is present in as much as 10 percent of the population.[26]
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Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_allergens#dogs​

What is Der f 1?


Dust mites may be the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma. They are on every continent except Antarctica. It may not be possible to rid your home entirely of these creatures. . Both the body parts and the waste of dust mites are allergens for many people. Most dust mites die in low humidity levels or extreme temperatures. But they leave their dead bodies and waste behind. These can continue to cause allergic reactions. 
Source:http://www.aafa.org/page/dust-mite-allergy.aspx​

What's happening inside your body

When an allergic person first comes into contact with an allergen, the immune system treats the allergen as an invader and gets ready to attack. The immune system does this by generating large amounts of a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. Each IgE antibody is specific for one particular substance. In the case of pollen allergy, each antibody is specific for one type of pollen. For example, the immune system may produce one type of antibody to react against oak pollen and another against ragweed pollen. The IgE molecules are special because IgE is the only type of antibody that attaches tightly to the body’s mast cells, which are tissue cells, and to basophils, which are blood cells. When the allergen next encounters its specific IgE, it attaches to the antibody like a key fitting into a lock. This action signals the cell to which the IgE is attached to release (and, in some cases, to produce) powerful chemicals like histamine, which cause inflammation. These chemicals act on tissues in various parts of the body, such as the respiratory system, and cause the symptoms of allergy. ​

What can you do to help prevent an allergy attack?

First, it's important to see an allergist/immunologist.  They will help you narrow down what you are allergic too and how best to treat your symptoms. Here are some steps you can take to help reduce an attack.

If you have pet allergies:
1. Try not to hug or kiss your pet
2. Invest in a good HEPA air filter or air purifier 
3. Keep pets out of the bedroom, remember allergens are sticky proteins and they will stick to your bedding
4. Get a mirco- filter for your vacuum. You would be surprised at how many allergens leak back into the air from vacuuming. 


Dust mites allergies?
1. Change your bedding often. Always wash your bedding in hot water (130 degrees) with soap. 
2. Invest in a good HEPA air filter or air purifier 
3. Buy a good set of allergy proof sheets and pillow cases.

Questions? Concerns? Let's chat!