Allergens

An allergen is defined as any imbibed substance that is recognized by your immune system as a threat and thus purged from the body. Allergens range from pet dander to pollen to peanuts, and many people are unaware of how many allergens surround them in their homes, their workplaces, and the outdoors. Following is a list of common allergens.

• Seasonal allergens: Grass and tree pollen usually have their greatest effect in spring and summer, while weed and flower pollens do the most damage in fall. Avoiding outdoor allergens can be restrictive and difficult, and may include changing outdoor activities during peak allergic times of the year. This can be very inconvenient. Your best bet will be to see your physician about a prescription or over-the-counter recommendation, and make sure to avoid extensive or direct exposure to the allergen as possible.
  
  
• Indoor allergens: Dust mites and fungi are the most common allergens within the home. Dust mites live in dust accumulated around a house, and when breathed in and inhaled, can cause an allergic reaction. Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments such as the bathroom or under your sink. To control dust mites, use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioning. Remove as much wall to wall carpeting as possible, and scrub the floor beneath it, especially in corners and other areas where dust tends to collect. Wash the sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillowcases in your room at least once weekly in hot water.
  
  
• Pet Dander: Cats, dogs, horses, rodents, and birds are very common allergens both indoors and out. Many people who own pets do not want to get rid of their animal companions. It is possible to keep a pet and keep allergic reactions under control but it requires a great deal of rearrangement, cleaning, and restriction of your pet’s household boundaries.

Did you know that young women with allergies are more likely to snore? Over fifty percent of young women, as a matter of fact. Smoking contributes to the snoring, but the mites and dust in their bedrooms had more to do with it.

While we can live in hyperbaric chambers, we can learn how to live as clean and healthy as we can. With a little precaution and an understanding of where our allergies come from, we can alleviate most of the symptoms.

Sometimes it’s the environment, by that I mean the actual air you breath. If you are prone to debilitating allergies, missing a lot of work during heavy smog days in your city, you might want to consider moving. It is a difficult decision, but allergies ca cause other problems to your overall health in addition to the symptoms you know about, such as the sneezing, watery eyes, and scratchy dryness in your throat. The side effects of some allergy medicines can be as bad as the allergies themselves. If you are taking allergy medication and still not feeling that you are all you could be, an entirely different climate might be the answer to improving the quality of your life.

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