Living With Grass Pollen Allergies

Technorati Tags: Allergies, Grass, Manage, Pollen, Struggling, Ways

Mold Removal – Get Rid of Mold Spores

Molds and mildews are omnipresent; they can attack your home any time. Mold spores are the units of life – similar like seeds of plants. These spores float around in the air and make their way straight into your home. Mold removal is the only thing that helps you make your home mold free.

Mold Spores – the sleeping demons

Mold spores wait for the right condition of life; as soon as they get it, they settle down and start flourishing. Spores can stay dormant for long time. When they enter your home they might not start growing readily; but they are still risky. It’s like living with a sleeping demon that can wake up any time!

When the density of mold spores increases in indoor environment, even when the spores are inactive, the place becomes unhealthy. They may infect respiratory tract if inhaled. Spores are so small that they can travel all through respiratory tract and get into the lungs. This may lead to severe health problems.

If, by any chance, they get the right conditions of life in your home, they start growing. Once they start to grow the process goes very fast. It is difficult to believe that a small mold spore is responsible for huge mold colonies! But it is true. Tiny mold spores and invisible hyphal fragments can make a strong and able person sick.

Mold Removal

Mold removal is important; it helps you solve following problems:

* Kill mold permanently
* Remove mold colonies
* Remove mold spores
* Protect your properties from mold

Having mold removal done you can secure good health for you and your family members. Sound mold cleaning campaign with organic mold removal shields your home from mold infection. Right mold cleaning regime not only removes molds and mildews but helps you stop future mold growth as well.

Mold Removal Process – how it is done

Now you know that you have to remove mold from home. But how to proceed? Is there any specific guideline for mold removal? Well, yes there is.

There are a lot of factors that influence the removal process. Factors like the type of mold, degree of contamination, the area of your house where the growth exists, presence of immunocompromised persons in the family etc. define how the cleaning process should be carried out.

Anybody can conduct the cleaning process. However, people with allergies, asthma and weak immune system are suggested not to get involved in mold and mildew removal. Actually, those who have any of the above mentioned diseases should essentially avoid mold exposure. People with weak immune system are very much prone to mold attack and the health problem easily takes bigger shape in them.

However, if you find that mold has grown up to extreme inside your house, it is better to consult professionals. They would help you inspect the places of contamination properly and then suggest the right remediation. They would kill mold and mildews maintaining all safety measures.

At any point of time, if you feel that the problem has gone out of your hand, consider seeking advice from experts.

Technorati Tags: Mold, Removal, spores

Where can i go to get tested for a bee sting allergy?

I never been stung, so i just want to make sure im not…im 21, and went my whole life without getting stung…and how long after the test will i know?

Technorati Tags: Allergy, sting, tested

Symptoms of Dog Allergies

Every Dog is unique and it is sometimes hard to know and determine the exact cause of food intolerance or dog food allergies because many other problems can also cause similar symptoms such as environment, disease, flea and insect bite, parasite, yeast or bacterial infections etc. Dog can have allergy from difference type of foods. There are many research which proven that chicken, beef and eggs can cause more reaction than other types of food.

For one thing remember that the chemical that causes a dog allergy usually comes from their saliva and not their skin. This is unlike a cat allergy, which is usually triggered by cat hair and dander. A dog’s saliva contains albumin, which causes an allergic reaction in many. So obviously the first thing you need to do when you have a dog allergy is keep the dog from licking your hands and face! When the dog licks themselves this sticky protein is deposited on the hair along with dead skin cells.

Skin allergies are very common in dogs. Skin diseases in dogs such as ear infections and allergies, are some of the most common health problems in dogs. Skin irritation usually shows up around the eyes and mouth, armpits, stomach, and anal area.

Dog allergies are not nearly as easy to diagnose as human allergies. Typically, there is not an allergy specialist for a dog to visit. In addition, when there is an allergy specialist available, the problems the dog may be exhibiting may be the result of thyroid disease. This disease is frequently the culprit in poor skin health.

Common signs and symptoms of dog allergies include your dog licking her paws, scratching her body or pawing at her ears (due to inflammation). In severe cases, you dog may have oozing hot spots on her body. Allergies may be seasonable or your pet may suffer all year round, depending on the allergen.

Generally speaking, poodles shed less hair and dander, and therefore cause fewer allergy symptoms. The fact that these small dogs are frequently bathed may be one reason why people with dog allergies have few symptoms with owning this breed. A number of medications can also help relieve the symptoms of allergies.

The allergens become airborne as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, can produce allergic symptoms. It is worth mentioning that the same source may be worsening your own allergy symptoms, so taking care of it would make life easier for both you and your pet.

A dog allergy is just one of the allergies you might be suffering with that are environmental. Keep the dog dander to a minimal in your home. Run a HEPA filter in each room and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum at least once a day and don’t forget to vacuum in the vents where hair, dander, and dust gather. Also vacuum the furniture. HEPA filters make a huge difference.

Technorati Tags: Allergies, symptoms

Does anyone know of a perfume or colone for woman to wear that has allergies?Looking for something light-?

Having allergies and asthma, I am looking for light perfumes, soaps, lotions etc that I can wear without getting an asthma attack. Something that is natural and not overwhelming. Is there anything like that out there?

Technorati Tags: allergiesLooking, Anyone, colone, know, light, PERFUME, something, wear, woman

Mold Spore Removal: What You Need To Know About Air Filters

To begin, let us delve into the world of air filters to determine exactly what the deciding factors should be. Beyond understanding MERV ratings, there are different types of air filters to choose from. There are washable and disposable, electrostatic and non-electrostatic. At the most basic, there are flat panel filters made of fiberglass. Fiberglass offers general air filtration applications with light to medium dust loading conditions. Fiberglass (or flat panel spun glass) is a basic filter option usually utilized to protect equipment from dust. Most fiberglass filters offer a MERV-4 rating. Some specialty or online retailers offer polyester panel filters as a basic because polyester panels are considered better for the environment, more efficient and won’t cause skin irritation. Additionally, fiberglass filters do not trap mold spores and the binders used in fiberglass production have a possible link to the promotion of bacterial growth.

In comparison to disposable air filters, washable air filters are designed to be reused and are washed out monthly. Some reusable filters are made to last up to 5 years while others are made to last a lifetime, hence, they are a great choice for protecting the environment. Some washable filters are treated with anti-bacterial and anti-microbial compounds to prevent germs and mold growth. In contrast, untreated washable filters can actually contribute to mold growth because mold thrives in a moist environment. While purchasing a washable filter can definitely save you money over time, it is important to note that most washable filters are less efficient at catching smaller particles and typically are rated MERV-5.

In addition, some air filters claim to be electrostatic, which means that they charge particles while airborne so they are attracted to the filter. In washable filters, the frame is made out of metal; in disposable filters, like Filtrete, the fibers are electrostatic and claim to act like magnets. There are varying opinions on electrostatic filters: some say these are the best and others disagree. It is important to note that the electrostatic aspect only works while the air conditioner or furnace is running and that candle wax may clog the filter and eventually wreck it.

Most residential consumers tend to purchase disposable filters. A MERV-8 will offer filtration for mold spores, pollen, pet dander and dust mite debris, while a MERV-11 will offer filtration for all of those plus microscopic allergens, some bacteria, disintegrated feces, some tobacco smoke, insecticide dust, lead dust and nuisance dust. Anything rated MERV-13-16 (usually found in hospitals) will offer the highest protection from all bacteria, most tobacco smoke and sneeze germs. You may notice that some filters have odor control. As long as it is a natural substance, like baking soda, it can’t hurt. How effective is it? That depends on the MERV rating. If you are trying to remove the odor of tobacco, you need a filter that removes tobacco smoke. Also, you may notice that the filter you are considering to purchase has a filter efficiency rating. This rating refers to the filter’s ability to actually remove the particles that is says it can remove. For example, if a filter has a 100% filter efficiency rating, it will be able to remove all of the particles within its MERV rating from the air which passes through it. Alternatively, some filters have a number for their effectiveness rating. For example, a Flanders Arm and Hammer Standard MERV-8 filter has an effectiveness number of 343 while the Arm and Hammer Elite filter has a MERV rating of 12 and an effectiveness number of 1481.

In sum, air quality is extremely important. Many people suffer from subtle signs of allergies like headaches. While people who suffer from allergies may think that they need to only avoid pet dander, dust and pollen, they need to realize that mold is a substantial allergen. In addition to controlling the moisture in your home, you can also control the journey of a mold spore by using an air filter in your air conditioning/furnace unit that effectively removes mold spores from the air. Look for a MERV rating of at least 8 or higher, as well as a high filter efficiency rating. If you are using a reusable filter, the same rules apply and make sure that the filter has been treated by an antimicrobial compound. As for brands, there are so many to choose from. The simple rule is to find one that is the right size and has the highest MERV rating. Places like Home Depot carry a selection of air filters that offer high ratings for lower than supermarket prices. And remember: change your disposable filter often. Most filters come with a 3 month window; however, there are several factors that can affect the performance of your filter. If you live in a dusty area, have poor insulation, run your unit often, have pets or even have a lot of traffic in and out of your house, your filter can become dirty and clogged in no time. Check the filter often and replace as necessary.

Air filters will not only help the performance of your air conditioner or furnace by keeping it dust free, they will also improve the air quality of your indoor space and help prevent the growth of mold by effectively removing airborne mold spores.

Technorati Tags: about, Filters, know, Mold, Need, Removal, Spore

Will a bee sting help improve my allergies?

As I was clearing some brush a few hours ago, I must have disturbed some nesting wasps and I got stung on my little finger. Will this help reduce my OTHER (pollen, pet) allergies?

Technorati Tags: Allergies, Help, improve, sting

Do crawdads count towards Shell Fish Allergies????

Technorati Tags: Allergies, count, crawdads, fish, shell, towards

Is anyone allergic to Aspartame or other artificial sweeteners? If so, does any one have joint pain?

I lost a lot of weight and, to do so, I changed from regular soda (drank very little of it) to diet soda (mostly diet Coke – drinking almost every day – sometimes two glasses a day). I had no back pain, knee pain, back popping sounds before I lost weight. I though I would be healthier (lost about 50 lbs) but now I am in so much pain – espcially on the left side of my back – area of my ribs. I can even seem to “push” the rib cage forward and it pops and feels better for a while. I also feel better standing up than sitting, or laying down.

Someone has suggested I could have an allergy that is causing severe arthritis (I am over 50 yrs old).

Any help at all would be appreciated – I have gone to more than one doctor and they can’t seem to find anything difinitive. I have done physical therapy and continue to walk as often as possible.

Thanks for any help – I am living with it – but I sure would like to spend a few days pain free. Any ideas?

Technorati Tags: allergic, Anyone, Artificial, Aspartame, joint, pain, Sweeteners

Can you have a food allergy to artificial sweeteners that gives you bad gas?

I ate some yogurt with artificial sweetener and spent the rest of the day totally humiliated by the consequences. Anyone know about this, or is it a coincidence?

Technorati Tags: Allergy, Artificial, food, gives, Sweeteners