Tips for Dealing With Fall Allergies from DampRid.ORLANDO, Fla. -- For America's 60 million seasonal allergy sufferers, fall can be one of the most difficult times of year as ragweed ragweed, any plant of the genus Ambrosia, coarse, weedy herbs belonging to the family Asteraceae (aster family), most of which are native to America. They have inconspicuous greenish flowers and soft subdivided leaves. begins to release its pollen into the air and mold and fungus spores increase due to the decay of leaves and other plants. Each ragweed plant produces one billion pollen grains per average season. This generally continues until the first frost, usually in October. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for and controlling asthma, food allergies, nasal allergies and other allergic diseases. AAFA's mission is also to educate the public about these diseases. , allergies are considered the fifth leading chronic disease and are a major cause of work absenteeism, resulting in nearly four million missed or lost workdays each year. Seasonal allergies can be further aggravated by poor air quality inside the home. Allergy sufferers can begin to take control of their condition by improving the quality of their home environment and create cleaner, fresher air. Moisture control is the key to preventing mold and mildew growth and the resulting allergens from forming. Removing excess moisture also protects against moisture damage to clothing, furniture and valuables and eliminates musty odors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), independent agency of the U.S. government, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1970 to reduce and control air and water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation and to ensure the safe handling and warns that exposure to mold can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness nasal stuffiness ENT A sensation of difficulty in nasal breathing, ± associated with ↑ nasal airway resistance. See Nasal congestion, Nasal obstruction. , eye irritation, wheezing Wheezing Definition Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound associated with labored breathing. Description Wheezing occurs when a child or adult tries to breathe deeply through air passages that are narrowed or filled with mucus as a , or skin irritation skin irritation, n reaction to a particular irritant that results in inflammation of the skin and itchiness. . Particularly susceptible are pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Severe reactions can include asthma episodes, fever, shortness of breath Shortness of Breath Definition Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a feeling of difficult or labored breathing that is out of proportion to the patient's level of physical activity. , and mold infection in the lungs. To minimize exposure to ragweed pollen and mold and fungus spores and to improve indoor air quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), chemicals (such as carbon monoxide, radon), allergens, or any mass or energy stressor , DampRid recommends: * Stay indoors as much as possible, especially in the early morning when pollen is released. * Monitor pollen counts in your area by visiting the National Allergy Bureau at www.aaaai.org/nab. * After spending time outside, take a shower to remove pollen from your hair and skin. * Remove shoes and jackets immediately upon entering the house to minimize the spread of pollen. * Keep windows at home and in the car shut. * Use air conditioning as long as possible to clean the air. * Wash sheets, blankets, and comforters weekly in hot water to reduce dust mites. * Vacuum regularly, using a machine with a good filtration system. * Eliminate cockroaches cockroaches insects which may carry Salmonella spp. in their gut and play a part in the spread of the disease. , as their waste produces allergens. * Wash pets weekly to reduce dander dander /dan·der/ (dan´der) small scales from the hair or feathers of animals, which may be a cause of allergy in sensitive persons. dan·der n. . To further manage indoor moisture and humidity, DampRid recommends: * Install exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room and any other space water vapor is created. * Inspect doors, windows and the foundation for water seepage or excessive air infiltration. * Replace worn caulk caulk also calk v. caulked also calked, caulk·ing also calk·ing, caulks also calks v.tr. 1. and seals. * Place DampRid moisture absorbers in bathrooms, kitchen and laundry areas, and closets to create fresher, healthier indoor air. DampRid offers a line of moisture absorber products that create fresher, healthier indoor air, prevent mold and mildew and the resulting allergens, and eliminate musty odors. For more ideas on how to use DampRid in the home, visit www.damprid.com. About DampRid Founded in 1948, DampRid is the worldwide market leader for effective, safe and affordable non-electric dehumidifiers. Through the years, DampRid has introduced a number of products designed to absorb moisture, eliminate odors, continually expanding and improving its line. Today's line of DampRid products control moisture in all areas of the home, vacation and weekend homes, cars, boats, and RVs. DampRid is now a division of W.M. Barr and is based in Memphis, Tennessee. DampRid products are available for purchase at major retailers and grocery stores, online at http://shop.wmbarr.com/store, or by calling 1-800-238-2672. For more information, visit www.damprid.com. |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion