Types of Allergies

An allergy is the body's immune system having an exaggerated response to a substance. An allergic response can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by a variety of substances such as:

Environmental sources such as dust or pollens from grasses, flowers, and trees.
Foods such as strawberries, peanuts, and wheat or dairy products.
Chemical substances such as latex.
Fungi such as mold.
Animal dander from cats, dogs, bunnies, horses, etc.

Your Spring and Summer Time Allergies

Pollens

Allergy symptoms that can occur primarily in the spring, summer, or fall are frequently the results of inhaled pollens. Tree pollens in the spring, grass pollen in the early summer and weed pollens in the late summer and fall provide a predictable pattern of symptoms often helpful in identifying the offending pollens. Pollen counts are higher on dry, hot and windy days. Pollen counts decrease during rain, increase after rain and are highest between 5 and 10 am. Unfortunately exposure to pollen in not limited to outdoors because this is carried inside on clothing., shoes and pets and also enter through open doors and windows.

Molds

Molds or fungi are organisms that thrive on decaying organic matter. They are present year around, especially during spring and fall. Most molds produce spores that become airborne and may cay cause inhalant allergies. They thrive in warm, dark, moist areas. Places such as bathrooms, poorly vented laundry rooms and closets as as in basements, kitchens, window frames, refrigerator drain pans, old books, plants leaking roofs, plumbing leaks and deteriorating carpets that provide moisture which allow molds to thrive. Humid, warm air fosters mold growth. Therefore, control of your home's temperature and humidity can have great impact on your allergen exposure in the home.

Treatment of Allergies: Take control of your environment

The first, most basic treatment step, once an allergen has been identified, is to eliminate or avoid it if possible. This is something referred to as "avoidance therapy" or "institution of environmental controls." Controlling the environment is often overlooked but generally a very useful modality in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. While it may not be impossible to completely eliminate all the allergens or other substance that trigger your allergies, you can do great deal to minimize exposure and thereby reduce symptoms.

An Environmental Control Measure Checklist

Keep indoor humidity between 48 and 52 percent. You may need to purchase hygrometers that measure humidity and dehumidifiers or in rare cases ever a humidifier if the air is too dry.
Keep rain gutters clear and correct drainage problems around the home to reduce moisture and mold growth.
Clean up any water spills or leaks inside the home promptly and repair leaking faucets and drains. Periodically check food stored in the refrigerator and discard anything that shows signs of spoilage or mold. Install exhaust fans in the bathroom and over the stove to remove excess moisture and other odors.
Avoid yard work in the early morning when pollen counts are higher, use pollen filtering mask and gloves when you have to work in the yard. If you do spend time outside during periods of high pollen, change clothes and shower when you return inside.
Keep your car clean by vacuuming the seats and carpets regularly. Try to use auto air condition instead of opening windows during pollen seasons.

There are a number of treatments that provide effective and significant relief for allergy suffers.

Take our food allergy questionnaire to evaluate your symptoms.