Battling the Sniffles

Sneezing much lately? Are your eyes watery and itching? If so, then you may be suffering from the common illness known as allergies. Americans across the country face the effects of this seasonal syndrome, and though allergies are treatable their symptoms are not always welcomed. Roughly 20% of Americans deal with them each year, emphasizing the need to do whatever possible to hopefully eliminate the possibility of the sneezing and itching episodes that arise. But just how can the estimated 45 million Americans who suffer from allergies prevent the harm that they cause?

First, it is necessary to understand what allergies actually are and how they affect the body. By definition, allergies are abnormal reactions to ordinary substances. The substances that account for these reactions are known as allergens, and they can be contracted through respiration, swallowing, or skin contact, thus making the body very vulnerable. There are hundreds of substances classified as allergens, including pollen, mold spores, and animal dander. When airborne, it is difficult to determine when exposed; the first few signs of allergic reactions include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes. Therefore, it is no doubt important to keep the air purified at all times so that symptoms do not intensify.

Whats interesting about allergies is they are overreactions of the bodys immune system attempting to fight off foreign airborne invaders that become present in the body. Exact causes are quite unclear, but it is safe to say that heredity plays a role in determining if ones immune system will be sensitive to certain substances. For the most part, allergies tend to be seasonal, usually causing the greatest concern in the spring and fall. The proper name for this type of annual illness is seasonal allergic rhinitis. You may have heard it referred to as hay fever as well. But how does a change of seasons bring rise to these unwanted symptoms?

When flowers start to blossom again and plants begin to sprout, they release pollens into the air. These pollens, or tiny powdery grains, are carried off by wind and insects, causing them to spread at rapid rates, especially during the spring and fall seasons. When reaching a persons eyes, nose, and lungs, the body responds in a strange way by releasing histamines, which account for the allergic symptoms. It should be noted that trees and grass also release pollen into the air, thus explaining the reasoning behind why allergies tend to be seasonal.

As a homeowner, it is important to take the necessary measures so that these unwanted contaminants do not build up in your household. Among all allergens, dust mites and pet dander are some of the most common household substances that account for the undesired symptoms. Dust mites are found in furniture, and it is actually the waste particles of these dust mites that make up the chunks of dust found in the corners of your kitchen. As far as pets are concerned, the allergic reactions are not caused by the hair from the pet but rather the urine, saliva, and dander that the animal releases. Dander is defined as dead skin flakes, and when emitted from the pets body it combines with other contaminants to become an airborne allergen.

While various medical treatments are offered to prevent allergic symptoms, cleaning the air in your household is considered an efficient method of eliminating a significant portion of these unwanted substances. Ionic and HEPA air purifiers are filtration products that are able to destroy the pollen, dander, and other airborne pollutants that can have a negative effect on your health. Most of the units today are constructed to operate in single rooms and guarantee an efficiency of about 98%. Ionic purifiers emit an electric field, which basically kills any surrounding airborne contaminants within a certain radius from the unit. HEPA units, on the other hand, actually run cycles of air through a filter which captures the harmful substances, allowing the newly-purified air to pass through. Both types of units are considered effective, but they do have their drawbacks. For instance, some of these models have recently been tested by the government to insure that they are not releasing unhealthy levels of ozone into the air.

In addition to investing in an air-purification system, there are several other measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of suffering from allergens (or other air pollutants for that matter). One of the most obvious solutions is to try and keep both the windows and doors closed during heavy pollen seasons. This will eliminate the possibility of contracting any allergens by not even allowing them into the scene. Keeping plants out of the house is also recommended, as the pollen that they can produce is a known catalyst for allergic reactions. Washing sheets and furniture regularly is yet another preventable measure. Finally, bearing in mind that pets can be a primary source of dander is important in families with a member whose immune system is very sensitive to airborne allergens. Well getting rid of a pet is not necessarily the only solution, bathing it regularly and purifying the air will help in preventing dander from accumulating.

Understanding the basis of allergies, such as what they are, how they affect the human body, and why symptoms occur is an ongoing importance that people, particularly adults, need to become more aware of. The best way to recognize them is to monitor how much you are sneezing each day, as it is a common initial reaction to exposure. Taking the appropriate measures is essential in eliminating the possibility of allergies developing in your household, with air purification ranking high on the list of preventable solutions.

In addition, seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms become severe. By following all of the advised steps and taking the time to learn a little about the basics of allergies, you will hopefully be able to finally win the battle against the sniffles.

John McColgan runs Nano 02 (http://www.nanoo2.com/) and Pharmatropic (http://www.pharmatropic.com/) a leading air purification and health product manufacturer. Buffy Blog58273
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