[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]

Today in History - kurtster - Apr 30, 2024 - 10:46pm
 
NYTimes Connections - geoff_morphini - Apr 30, 2024 - 10:22pm
 
NY Times Strands - geoff_morphini - Apr 30, 2024 - 10:17pm
 
Russia - NoEnzLefttoSplit - Apr 30, 2024 - 9:52pm
 
Joe Biden - kurtster - Apr 30, 2024 - 9:16pm
 
Wordle - daily game - NoEnzLefttoSplit - Apr 30, 2024 - 9:02pm
 
USA! USA! USA! - haresfur - Apr 30, 2024 - 8:46pm
 
I Heart Huckabee - NOT! - Manbird - Apr 30, 2024 - 7:49pm
 
Unquiet Minds - Mental Health Forum - Red_Dragon - Apr 30, 2024 - 6:52pm
 
Derplahoma! - Red_Dragon - Apr 30, 2024 - 6:34pm
 
Democratic Party - R_P - Apr 30, 2024 - 4:01pm
 
Oh, The Stupidity - haresfur - Apr 30, 2024 - 3:30pm
 
And the good news is.... - thisbody - Apr 30, 2024 - 2:40pm
 
What Makes You Sad? - pilgrim - Apr 30, 2024 - 2:34pm
 
Israel - R_P - Apr 30, 2024 - 2:25pm
 
Talk Behind Their Backs Forum - VV - Apr 30, 2024 - 1:46pm
 
Canada - black321 - Apr 30, 2024 - 1:37pm
 
What Did You See Today? - Isabeau - Apr 30, 2024 - 1:15pm
 
Radio Paradise Comments - Isabeau - Apr 30, 2024 - 1:14pm
 
Breaking News - R_P - Apr 30, 2024 - 1:10pm
 
Trump - R_P - Apr 30, 2024 - 11:25am
 
Mixtape Culture Club - miamizsun - Apr 30, 2024 - 7:02am
 
Food - Bill_J - Apr 29, 2024 - 7:46pm
 
Photography Forum - Your Own Photos - Alchemist - Apr 29, 2024 - 1:11pm
 
New Music - ScottFromWyoming - Apr 29, 2024 - 11:36am
 
Upcoming concerts or shows you can't wait to see - ScottFromWyoming - Apr 29, 2024 - 8:34am
 
Tesla (motors, batteries, etc) - rgio - Apr 29, 2024 - 7:37am
 
Photos you haven't taken of yourself - Antigone - Apr 29, 2024 - 5:03am
 
The Dragons' Roost - GeneP59 - Apr 28, 2024 - 5:37pm
 
Questions. - Red_Dragon - Apr 28, 2024 - 12:53pm
 
Britain - R_P - Apr 28, 2024 - 10:47am
 
Birthday wishes - GeneP59 - Apr 28, 2024 - 9:56am
 
If not RP, what are you listening to right now? - Beaker - Apr 28, 2024 - 9:47am
 
SCOTUS - Steely_D - Apr 28, 2024 - 1:44am
 
Would you drive this car for dating with ur girl? - KurtfromLaQuinta - Apr 27, 2024 - 9:53pm
 
Classical Music - miamizsun - Apr 27, 2024 - 1:23pm
 
LeftWingNutZ - Lazy8 - Apr 27, 2024 - 12:46pm
 
Things You Thought Today - Red_Dragon - Apr 27, 2024 - 12:17pm
 
Name My Band - DaveInSaoMiguel - Apr 27, 2024 - 4:31am
 
The Moon - KurtfromLaQuinta - Apr 26, 2024 - 9:08pm
 
April 2024 Photo Theme - Happenstance - fractalv - Apr 26, 2024 - 8:59pm
 
Musky Mythology - Red_Dragon - Apr 26, 2024 - 7:23pm
 
Mini Meetups - Post Here! - Red_Dragon - Apr 26, 2024 - 4:02pm
 
Australia has Disappeared - Red_Dragon - Apr 26, 2024 - 2:41pm
 
Radio Paradise sounding better recently - firefly6 - Apr 26, 2024 - 10:39am
 
Neil Young - Steely_D - Apr 26, 2024 - 9:20am
 
Country Up The Bumpkin - KurtfromLaQuinta - Apr 26, 2024 - 9:01am
 
Environmental, Brilliance or Stupidity - miamizsun - Apr 26, 2024 - 5:07am
 
The Obituary Page - DaveInSaoMiguel - Apr 26, 2024 - 3:47am
 
Poetry Forum - Manbird - Apr 25, 2024 - 12:30pm
 
Ask an Atheist - R_P - Apr 25, 2024 - 11:02am
 
Afghanistan - R_P - Apr 25, 2024 - 10:26am
 
Science in the News - Red_Dragon - Apr 25, 2024 - 10:00am
 
What the hell OV? - miamizsun - Apr 25, 2024 - 9:46am
 
The Abortion Wars - Isabeau - Apr 25, 2024 - 9:27am
 
Vinyl Only Spin List - ColdMiser - Apr 25, 2024 - 7:15am
 
What's that smell? - Manbird - Apr 24, 2024 - 10:27pm
 
Song of the Day - oldviolin - Apr 24, 2024 - 10:20pm
 
260,000 Posts in one thread? - NoEnzLefttoSplit - Apr 24, 2024 - 10:55am
 
TV shows you watch - Beaker - Apr 24, 2024 - 7:32am
 
Dialing 1-800-Manbird - Bill_J - Apr 23, 2024 - 7:15pm
 
China - R_P - Apr 23, 2024 - 5:35pm
 
Economix - islander - Apr 23, 2024 - 12:11pm
 
One Partying State - Wyoming News - sunybuny - Apr 23, 2024 - 6:53am
 
YouTube: Music-Videos - Red_Dragon - Apr 22, 2024 - 7:42pm
 
Ukraine - haresfur - Apr 22, 2024 - 6:19pm
 
songs that ROCK! - Steely_D - Apr 22, 2024 - 1:50pm
 
Bug Reports & Feature Requests - q4Fry - Apr 22, 2024 - 11:57am
 
Republican Party - R_P - Apr 22, 2024 - 9:36am
 
Malaysia - dcruzj - Apr 22, 2024 - 7:30am
 
Broccoli for cats - you gotta see this! - Bill_J - Apr 21, 2024 - 6:16pm
 
Main Mix Playlist - thisbody - Apr 21, 2024 - 12:04pm
 
George Orwell - oldviolin - Apr 21, 2024 - 11:36am
 
• • • The Once-a-Day • • •  - oldviolin - Apr 20, 2024 - 7:44pm
 
Radio Paradise on multiple Echo speakers via an Alexa Rou... - victory806 - Apr 20, 2024 - 2:11pm
 
Index » Radio Paradise/General » General Discussion » Allergies ( aka pollen hell) Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  Next
Post to this Topic
BlueHeronDruid

BlueHeronDruid Avatar

Location: Заебани сме луѓе


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 10:32pm

 bokey wrote:
Actually, it turns out there isn't any mold on the tile in my shower, just on the curtain. I used to just replace  it every couple months, but when Linens & Things  went out of business  I never restocked, now my curtain  looks  like something from a  pre Grateful Dead concert laboratory.
 
Dude. Throw it in the washer. Pour in 1/2 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle.

bokey

bokey Avatar

Gender: Male


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 10:29pm

Actually, it turns out there isn't any mold on the tile in my shower, just on the curtain. I used to just replace  it every couple months, but when Linens & Things  went out of business  I never restocked, now my curtain  looks  like something from a  pre Grateful Dead concert laboratory.

jadewahoo

jadewahoo Avatar

Location: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Gender: Male


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 8:43pm

 manbirdexperiment wrote:
Got anything for people who have problems with debt collectors?

 
  1. Don't use credit.
  2. Send the bill back to the sender, marked 'Addressee deceased'
  3. Move to Costa Rica
  4. .357 mag



bokey

bokey Avatar

Gender: Male


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 8:17pm

 romeotuma wrote:


Yeah, that's good. . .   and if you have a mold problem with mold allergies, you might want to start drying off the walls of the shower after you bathe— you don't have to dry out the bath tub, just the shower walls around the tub. . .   if they have mold on them now, you can put some bleach on paper towels, and stick it to the walls where the mold it. . .   leave it there overnight, and tomorrow when you remove the paper towels, the mold will be completely gone— that color of mold should be totally erased. . .

good luck with it. . .

 
I've got that problem too , because my dad( who won't be home for about a month) has to sit on a shower stool and go through a tedious, long process to bathe himself. When he gets back that won't be the case though, he won't be able to do it himself  so it won't take as long and will produce less humidity.

 Excellent advice, {#Arrowd}thanks again.

bokey

bokey Avatar

Gender: Male


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 8:04pm

  Thanks for the info.

      I've got a drain in my basement floor. I think I'm going to fill a sprayer with bleach and go all " Ghostbusters" on my basement.

 First I need to  track down a good  dehumidifier as per BHD's suggestion.

(former member)

(former member) Avatar

Location: hotel in Las Vegas
Gender: Male


Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 8:00pm



Here is data about allergies...

this is for anyone who might have problems with mold
...  again, this information is nine years old, and I ain't no otorhinolaryngologist...

mold is the gray, green, or blue fungus that forms on old food, shower curtains, or any surface that stays damp...  mold produces spores that float in the air... the spores are especially numerous in humid weather, which in many parts of the USA comes in late summer or fall... the spores may cause allergy symptoms such as hay fever or asthma...

mold can grow on damp furniture, windows, carpet pads, clothes, shoes, or toys... it can develop in refrigerators, or in damp basements, cellars, or bathrooms...  mold thrives in the soil of some house plants... outside, mold is found on plants, or in piles of leaves and cut grass... people may carry it indoors on clothes and shoes...

there are over 10,000 kinds of mold, many of which reproduce by releasing mold spores into the air, creating misery and suffering for those with allergies and asthma... you'll find mold, mildew, and fungi in almost any warm, moist, poorly lit area, including some you'd least expect... (behind wallpaper, under carpets, and in your air ducts, for example...)  bathrooms and basements are prime areas, of course, but dens and bedrooms can also have mold spores by the millions... and be careful of houseplants, potting soil, firewood, and old books- they're breeding grounds, too...  the keys to protecting yourself from mold allergies are preventing mold from growing in the first place and its effective removal once it has...

make the house drier inside-
1)  use air conditioners... try to keep humidity below 50%
2)  cover pans when cooking
3)  open windows and close bathroom doors when showering...  bathing makes less steam than showering...  towel dry the shower curtain and the walls around the bathtub afterwards...
4)  use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom
5)  keep all rooms and closets well ventilated
6)  store old books in tightly-sealed containers and under very low humidity
7)  replace old wallpaper with a fresh coat of non-toxic paint
8)  use HEPA air filters

look for mold in the house-
1)  check under the sink, behind the toilet, and on the shower curtains and bathroom walls
2)  check closets... get rid of moldy shoes and boots
3)  throw out any moldy food immediately
4)  discard anything that has been damp or smells moldy
5)  check and clean out vaporizers and air conditioners
6)  use a fungicidal cleaner to kill the fungus on tile surfaces... household bleach works well
7)  keep house plants and dried flower arrangements to a minimum... inspect them closely for mold
...and don't forget to wash your feet!


just some general stuff—

What is an allergy?  About 25 million people in the USA have allergies... many people are allergic to more than one substance... allergies occur when your natural body defenses work too well...  normally, the body's defense system- the immune system- attacks harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses... in people who are allergic, the immune system works overtime... it attacks substance such as pollen dust, or certain foods, that are not harmful to most people... the process may leave you itching, sneezing, or breaking out in a rash... the substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens... examples of common allergens are dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and insect venom...  in people who are allergic, these allergens can produce hay fever, asthma allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, or hives...

The allergic response-
think of the body as a battlefield, with the immune system as its defender...  the body's immune system makes antibodies that are like soldiers.. these antibodies are special proteins that attack foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria... the invaders are called antigens... after the battle with a particular invader is over, these antibodies stay in the body... for example, once you have chicken pox, special chicken pox antibodies should help you from having the illness again...  it is similar with allergies... the body uses the same system to attack the allergen, whether it is pollen, dust mites, food, or some other substance that is harmless to most people... the body begins to battle the harmless allergen as if it were an harmful invader...  the body callus up its attacking army in the form of special antibodies (called IgE antibodies)... these activate certain cells called mast cells, which release chemical weapons- one of which is called histamine...  histamine is extremely irritating, causing itching, swelling, and inflammation... in other words an allergic reaction occurs... the next time you are exposed to this same allergen, the IgE antibodies are ready for it... they immediately signal the histamine attack and start another battle... the result is another allergic reaction...

The battleground-
The immune system is most likely to do battle with the allergens at points where they can enter the body- eyes (conjunctivitis), nose (have fever, allergic rhinitis), lungs (asthma), skin (dermatitis, eczema, hives)...  sometimes, the allergen is carried in the blood to other parts of the body... for example, hives (itchy, raised, red patches of skin) may be caused by an allergy to food...
Will contact with an allergen always trigger a reaction?  Whether or not you have an allergic reaction depends partly on-
1) your degree of sensitivity... this depends on the level of IgE present in your blood and tissue
2) the amount of allergen to which you have been exposed
3) the part of your body that was exposed, such as skin, nose, lings, eyes, or digestive tract

How allergies are diagnosed-
if there is any doubt, medical tests may be able to show whether you are truly allergic, and to what substances... the examination usually involves a medical history (during which you describe your symptoms), a physical exam, and skin or blood tests...
medical history- your doctor will ask- What kind of symptoms do you have?  What makes them better or worse?  Where or when do they appear?  At home?  At work?  Have you noticed a seasonal pattern to your symptoms?  Do the symptoms appear right after you have had contact with the suspected allergen?  Do you ever wheeze, or do you have a chronic cough?

physical examination-
your doctor will look for certain things- is the lining of your nose inflamed or swollen?  Is your skin scaly?  Are there dark circles under your eyes?
testing for allergies-  in addition to a medical history and physical exam, the doctor may suggest skin tests or blood tests... skin tests may help identify the special allergens causing the allergic reaction... the are usually don on the arm or back...  the doctor places a small amount of the specific allergen on the skin, which is gently scratched or punctured with a sterile needle... if the area swells or becomes red and itchy within 15 to 30 minutes, you may be allergic to that specific substance...  several kinds of blood tests can measure the level of IgE antibodies in the blood... these tests are simpler and faster to perform than skin tests, although skin tests may be more specific...
try to indentify what is causing your allergy... the most important part of any treatment is to avoid contact with the allergen... whenever possible, try to reduce the contact as much as possible...
millions of people in the USA have some allergic symptoms when they are exposed to cats... many others are allergic to dogs or other household pets... some people become allergic to pets only after they have been exposed for some time... the substances that may bring on the allergy include- pet saliva, fur, or feathers, dander (flakes of skin from animals, including birds), pollen and mold spores carried on the animal's fur... fleas and flea bites...
filtering the air- for airborne allergens, you might consider a HEPA filtration system... HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particle Arrester...  portable HEPA units are sold in many stores... to have a HEPA system installed in existing central heat or air conditioning systems, contact a heating or air conditioning company...some vacuum cleaners also include  HEPA filtration system...

how to guard against allergies-
the best solution is to avoid pets...  if a furry (or feathered) pet is already part of the family, here are some tips-
1)  keep the pet outside as much as possible
2)  keep indoor pets out of the bedroom
3)  wash hands thoroughly after contact with pets
4)  have someone else wash your dog or cat at least once a week...  a veterinarian can advise you about the best way to wash your cats
5)  do not let your pet travel in the same car with you
6)  have someone else vacuum your carpets at least once a week to remove pet hair and fleas
7)  use a room air filter to remove animal dander
8)  if you find out you are allergic to birds, avoid pillows, cushions, or sleeping bags that are stuffed with feathers or down

medication-
antihistamines are the most common type of medication used to treat hay fever... they help neutralize the histamine that your immune system has produced to attack the invading pollen and other allergens... over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may be available in liquid, tablet, or time-release form... they work well for mild or to moderate symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching...  some antihistamines may cause drowsiness or make it harder to concentrate...  newer types are available, by prescription, that generally do not make people sleepy...  nasal sprays come in easy-to-use spray bottles that you put in your nose and squeeze... prescription sprays come in two types-  steroid sprays can reduce inflammation; cromolyn sprays can prevent hay fever episodes... they must be used regularly for at least a week before they have any effect...
over-the-counter decongestant sprays may give short-term relief... however, using the spray for more than about three days at a time can cause a bigger problem- rebound rhinitis...  when you stop using the spray, you may become more congested than you were before you started...

hay fever (allergic rhinitis)-
affects the inner lining of the nose and its passages and irritates the eyes... it has nothing to do with hay or fever...  it is brought on by allergies...  when the allergen enters the nose, it may cause an allergic reaction... the lining of the nose becomes inflamed and swollen...  this may result in- itching and sneezing, runny nose, congestion, post-nasal drip, watery, itchy eyes...  hay fever symptoms can be made worse by changes in temperature, humidity, or the weather... exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or perfume can also have an effect...  if symptoms are not treated, they can sometimes lead to other problems... these include loss of the sense of taste and smell, and an increased risk of bacterial or viral infection of the ears, nose, throat, and sinuses... if you have asthma, allergy symptoms can make the asthma worse...

asthma-
  a condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making them irritable or twitchy...  in response to certain changes or substances in the air, the airways get narrower... it becomes harder to get air into and out of the lungs... the airways also produce more mucus and become inflamed...  inflammation makes the airways narrower and even more irritable... not all asthma episodes are related to allergens... however, in many cases, episodes are brought on by allergy to airborne particles... in many adults, the causes of asthma are unknown... more than 200 different chemicals in the workplace can cause asthma in certain people... even tiny amounts can trigger an asthma episode... improving ventilation or wearing a mask may help... the best solution may be to find work that does not involve exposure to those substances...

allergic conjunctivitis-
  an inflammation of the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelid- the conjunctiva... conjunctivitis may be caused by allergies to pollen, animal dander, or molds...  pink, watery, itchy eyes can sometimes be treated successfully with antihistamines taken by mouth... if you need additional help-
1)  use a salt-water eyewash (1 tsp. of salt to 1 cup of water) to wash off the pollen or other irritant
2)  if your eyes are very itchy, shower and wash your hair after you have been exposed to an allergen
3)  your doctor may prescribe antihistamine eye drops...  these can relieve most mild symptoms

contact lenses-
many eye drop preparations are not recommended for people who use contact lenses...  people who wear contact lenses should take them out at night, and wash them carefully during pollen season...

long-term treatment-
  if symptoms are really hard to control, your doctor may recommend allergen immunotherapy (desensitization or "allergy shots")...  this involves a series of injections that can make you less sensitive to specific allergens...  these injections are particularly useful in cases of hay fever or asthma, especially if caused by certain pollens, dust mites, pet dander, or molds... injections may also be useful in cases of allergy to certain insects, but not for food allergy or for people with multiple allergies...  tiny amounts of the allergen- too small to activate the IgE antibodies- are injected under the skin of the upper arm... gradually, the amounts are increased... exactly how immunotherapy works is still unknown... one theory suggests that the injected allergens activate another type of antibody... this "IgG antibody" helps to block the formation of histamine, the chemical most responsible for the symptoms of an allergic reaction...
immunotherapy is not for everyone... it usually extends over three to five years, involving many injections, and may not show improvement for up to a year... for many people whose allergy is not controlled by avoidance and medication, the chance of getting rid of a troublesome allergy is worth the effort...

summary-
1)  substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens... common allergens include dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and insect venom
2)  skin and blood tests can help identify the allergens that are causing allergic reactions
3)  the best way of treating an allergy is to identify the allergens to which you are sensitive, and avoid them
4)  if it is not possible the avoid all the allergens that may affect you, your doctor can help you find effective medications the help reduce the symptoms
5)  in some cases, you can get permanent reduction in sensitivity through a series of injections called allergen immunotherapy



pet allergy stuff—

Here is some more data about allergies...  this is for anyone who might have problems with pets...  again, this information is nine years old, and I ain't no otorhinolaryngologist...


Defend Yourself Against Pet Dander

Most people think pet allergies cause more misery than any other kind, not because of the symptoms, which are similar in severity to the other major allergies, but because of the cure...  the sad fact is, the most effective treatment for pet allergies is to remove the pet...  understandably, however, most pet owners are not prepared to pursue this option...  if you're among them, here are some things you should know...  first, contrary to popular belief, it isn't dog and cat hair that people are allergic to- it's a protein found in both the pets' dander and saliva that is the culprit  (and short-haired pets can produce as much of this microscopic, misery-inducing allergen as their long-haired brethren)...  so even if you diligently clean up pet hair, there can be large quantities of allergen left behind...  pet dander is extremely small (approximately 1/10 the size of dust mite allergens) which causes it to stay airborne for long periods of time...  while airborne, it attaches itself to vertical surfaces such as walls, curtains, picture frames, and lampshades... as it settles, it comes to rest on surfaces such as carpets, bedding, and upholstery which, when moved in any way, propels the dander back into the air and into the air passages of allergy and asthma sufferers... now, here are some things you can do to make you life with your beloved friends a lot more pleasant...

control where your pet sleeps...  don't let your animal sleep with you on the bed or in the bedroom... also, use a pet blanket or other bedding that can be washed frequently in hot water...

treat your pet's coat... brush-in or spray-on an allergen-inhibiting solution...

bathe your pet regularly... once every two weeks, at least, using a specially formulated pet shampoo that will reduce dander...  regular shampoos will only dry out your pet's skin and make the problem worse...

wash your hands thoroughly after contact with pets...

clean your home regularly and thoroughly... pet allergen sticks to vertical surfaces such as walls, furniture, and picture frames... wipe them clean frequently...

use them there HEPA air filters...  this bears repeating-  HEPA air filters, HEPA vacuums, and electrostatic filters for heating and cooling systems are particularly effective in keeping pet dander to a minimum...

if you are allergic to birds, avoid pillows, cushions, or sleeping bags that are stuffed with feathers or down...


Here is some more data about allergies...  this is for anyone who might have problems with insects...  my disclaimer once more-  some of this information is nine years old, and I ain't no otorhinolaryngologist...

stings from insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and bites from some ants cause allergic reactions in about two million people in the USA each year...  not all reactions to insect stings and bites are allergic...  swelling, itching, and redness may be a normal reaction near the sting or bite, even if it lasts for several days...  allergic reactions to insect stings and bites activate the immune system, and may involve the whole body...

within seconds or minutes, you may have symptoms such as-
1)  nasal congestion
2)  itchy throat, ears, and eyes
3)  hives
4)  nausea, vomiting, and pain in the abdomen (belly)
5)  dizziness or feeling of faintness
6)  wheezing and difficulty breathing
7)  slurred speech or extreme confusion

someone should immediately call for medical help if you have wheezing; difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing; coughing; chest tightness; dizziness; or if you pass out...  you may be having an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction... after being exposed to a substance like bee sting venom, the person's immune system becomes sensitized to that allergen... on a later exposure, an allergic reaction may occur... this reaction is sudden, severe, and involves the whole body...  tissues in different parts of the body release histamine and other substances... this causes the airways to tighten and leads to other symptoms...

anaphylaxis is an emergency condition requiring immediate professional medical attention... call 911 immediately...  check the ABC's (airway, breathing, and circulation from Basic Life Support) in all suspected anaphylactic reactions...  CPR should be started, if needed... people with known severe allergic reactions may carry an Epi-Pen or other allergy kit, and should be helped if necessary...  paramedics or physicians may place a tube through the nose or mouth into the airway (endotracheal intubation) or perform emergency surgery to place a tube directly into the trachea (tracheostomy or cricothyrotomy)... epinephrine should be given by injection in the thigh muscle right away... this opens the airways and raises the blood pressure by tightening blood vessels... treatment for shock includes fluids through a vein (intravenous) and medications that support the actions of the heart and circulatory system... the person may receive antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, and corticosteroids such as prednisone to further reduce symptoms (after lifesaving measures and epinephrine are administered)...

people who have a history of allergy to insect bites/stings should carry (and use) an emergency kit containing injectable epinephrine and chewable antihistamine... they should also wear a Medic-Alert or similar bracelet/necklace stating their allergy...  epinephrine is a hormone also produced by the body, which will help prevent or overcome shock systems or breathing problems...  epinephrine provides temporary relief while waiting for medical help...

how to guard against insect venom-
1)  I am sorry to say it is best not to walk barefoot outside... wear sandals, at least
2)  take care not to trap stinging insects under arms, legs, hands, or clothing
3)  inspect all food and drink when you are outside to make sure there are no stinging insects on or in it
4)  do not attract insects by wearing perfume, cologne, or brightly colored clothing



starcloud

starcloud Avatar

Location: Geo Update: 35.568622, -121.10409 you're close enough
Gender: Male


Posted: Aug 12, 2008 - 2:58pm

 romeotuma wrote:

 2)  use pillows made of synthetic material
 
All good info but you may want to investigate Wool Bedding:
  • Reduces Common Bedroom Allergens
  • Wool is naturally dust-mite, mold and mildew resistant.  Wool quickly absorbs and releases moisture and thus does not allow the damp conditions that dust-mites and molds thrive on.  Other fibers, such as down and cotton, do not readily release moisture.  Since dust-mites require moisture to survive, they don’t prefer wool. 



Manbird

Manbird Avatar

Location: ? ? ?
Gender: Male


Posted: Aug 12, 2008 - 11:15am

Got anything for people who have problems with debt collectors?
(former member)

(former member) Avatar

Location: hotel in Las Vegas
Gender: Male


Posted: Aug 5, 2008 - 12:34pm



Here's allergy data about dust mites...  it is not simply dust that causes allergies, but microscopic insect-like creatures called dust mites and their droppings... dust mites are found virtually everywhere dust can collect... they live on the skin cells that are always being shed by humans, and are a common cause of asthma...  mites live on mattresses, pillows, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, draperies, clothes, and stuffed toys...

mites prefer warm, damp weather...

the mites and their droppings are so small that they cannot easily be vacuumed up... they pass right through a standard vacuum bag and float in the air...  vacuuming can make the symptoms worse... when breathed in, the mites and droppings can cause sneezing, itching, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, or eczema...

a good way to combat dust mites in your home, and especially in your bedroom, is to follow a careful, daily cleaning plan... measures such as dusting with a damp cloth and mopping the floors with water every day may help limit dust...  the bedroom is critical... follow these suggestions, and you'll be amazed at how much better you'll be able to breathe and sleep, and how much better you'll feel when you wake up—

in the bedroom—
 1)  use airtight cases for pillows, mattresses, and box springs... these come in a variety of brand names at most stores that sell bedding— just make sure the products meet "asthma friendly standards" of the
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America...
 2)  use pillows made of synthetic material
 3)  if possible, replace carpets with tile, wood, or vinyl floors... use throw rugs that can be laundered frequently...
 4)  if you are unable to remove your carpets, treat them with a tannic acid solution to neutralize dust mite allergens... tannic acid is safe, natural, and powerful... it is better to avoid so called "miticides" because they contain toxic chemicals
 5)  if possible, avoid upholstered furniture... substitute wood, leather, vinyl, or metal furniture that can be wiped clean easily
 6)  avoid clutter that is hard to dust... do not use the space under the bed for storage
 7)  if possible, have someone else vacuum the floor weekly, using a "microfiltration" bag... the person who has the allergy should stay out of the room while it is being cleaned
 8)  wash bedding at least once a week in hot water... include blankets and comforters...
 9)  do not do any steam-cleaning— it increases humidity and moisture levels, which helps dust mites breed
10)  use an allergy neutralizing solution on curtains, upholstery and other surfaces that harbor dust mites
11)  keep clothes tucked away in closets and drawers... keep closet doors closed... this prevents dust from collecting

general tips—

1)  change the filters on heating or central air conditioning units at least four times a year
2)  keep the humidity low (below 50%, if possible) by using the air conditioner, and avoid humidifiers... the mites will not reproduce as much




samiyam

samiyam Avatar

Location: Moving North


Posted: Aug 5, 2008 - 12:42am

brandog wrote:
when I was a prescription junkie, I used to fake aversion to everything that wasn't a narcotic; aspirin made me throw up blood, ibuprophen made me nauseous, acetaminophen didn't do anything at all (tricky because it's used with so many pharmaceutical forms of hydro- and oxycodone.) Now that I'm not a junkie, I find that, when I (rarely) need a pain reliever, 400mg of ibuprophen knocks me out.



Because I'm on blood-thinners, I cannot use most NSAIDS, and acetaminophen makes me vomit. (the difference between allergy and sensitivity doesn't mean much when either way the f**king stuff makes me feel like shit!).

I have a small store of codeine which I save for those days when I truly need them... I go through a prescription of 30 pills every four to six months or so...

Mostly I can deal with pain with broccoli...  I find it less physically debilitating.

I'm usually in pain (mostly muscular/skeletal) most days of the week...  But I am usually so afraid of being accused of "pill shopping" that I won't go to a doctor about pain unless it is truly crippling.

(former member)

(former member) Avatar



Posted: Aug 5, 2008 - 12:32am

when I was a prescription junkie, I used to fake aversion to everything that wasn't a narcotic; aspirin made me throw up blood, ibuprophen made me nauseous, acetaminophen didn't do anything at all (tricky because it's used with so many pharmaceutical forms of hydro- and oxycodone.) Now that I'm not a junkie, I find that, when I (rarely) need a pain reliever, 400mg of ibuprophen knocks me out.


DownHomeGirl

DownHomeGirl Avatar

Location: American Russia
Gender: Female


Posted: Aug 5, 2008 - 12:13am

samiyam wrote:

So... the fact that I'm allergic to acetaminophen means that I'm faking it? I don't think so!





That isn't (even close to) what I said (wonder why I don't talk to you much?). Read it again.
And BTW, true 'allergies' to NSAIDs are very rare. Sensitivity is a different story. Wouldn't expect most people to know the difference.

Not trying to be an ass, but nothing annoys me more than people putting words in my mouth or misrepresenting my comments.


samiyam

samiyam Avatar

Location: Moving North


Posted: Aug 5, 2008 - 12:10am

OCDHG wrote:
You'd be surprised how many people there are that claim to be allergic to ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Forget the fact that this should be less than 1% of the population... you'll hear it from 50%.
How convenient.
/nevermind


Sherri and Lynne know what I'm talkin' bout.



So... the fact that I'm allergic to acetaminophen means that I'm faking it?  I don't think so!


DownHomeGirl

DownHomeGirl Avatar

Location: American Russia
Gender: Female


Posted: Aug 4, 2008 - 11:54pm

brandog wrote:
posting from my phone: I used to take allergy meds - now, if they start acting up I snort about 3/4 cup of water through each nostril 2 days in a row & then every 2nd or 3rd day. Doing thess can be temporarily unpleasant but, it passes, and I got used to it.


Use a neti pot instead.  Much more pleasant experience.  This is essentially what you are doing with the snorting water thing. You can get a neti pot and some neti pot salt for about $25-30 total.  Totally worth it.    Use it daily.  Or at least daily during allergy season.  Then maybe a couple days a week when allergies aren't so bad.

I can't say enough good things about a neti pot. 

DownHomeGirl

DownHomeGirl Avatar

Location: American Russia
Gender: Female


Posted: Aug 4, 2008 - 11:51pm

You'd be surprised how many people there are that claim to be allergic to ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin. Forget the fact that this should be less than 1% of the population... you'll hear it from 50%.
How convenient.
/nevermind


Sherri and Lynne know what I'm talkin' bout.


(former member)

(former member) Avatar



Posted: Aug 4, 2008 - 11:42pm

posting from my phone:

I used to take allergy meds - now, if they start acting up I snort about 3/4 cup of water through each nostril 2 days in a row & then every 2nd or 3rd day. Doing thess can be temporarily unpleasant but, it passes, and I got used to it.

for mold - depriving it of moisture is best and - 1 Tsp Tea Tree oil per cup of water or 1 Tsp Grapefruit seed extract per cup of water (no odor) sprayed on moldy surfaces will kill it. diffusing Tea Tree and using Grapefruit seed extract as a nasal rince or internal flush (10 drops extract / 8 Oz water) will help with the effects of mold exposure. White vinegar will kill mold, as will Hydrogen peroxide but they aren' so effective as the above. Using bleach to kill mold is not as effective as the above.
jadewahoo

jadewahoo Avatar

Location: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Gender: Male


Posted: Aug 3, 2008 - 11:08pm

Nettles. Nettles are a very effective treatment for pollen allergies. f you don't have nettles growing around you, look for nettle extrract tablets in your local health food store. Within an hour of taking the nettles, the allergies (weeping eyes, running nose, irritated throat... all that) will be gone.
ScottFromWyoming

ScottFromWyoming Avatar

Location: Powell
Gender: Male


Posted: Aug 3, 2008 - 9:42pm

romeotuma wrote:




Well aren't you Johnny-on-the-spot!

(former member)

(former member) Avatar

Location: hotel in Las Vegas
Gender: Male


Posted: Aug 3, 2008 - 7:55pm

 kestrel wrote:

The past 7 days I have been miserible. First time I have been identified as having allerges. Feels like the Amazon River flowing down the back of my throat.

I'd rather be dead, have not found a medicne that works yet.

Is there pollen on the moon?
Can someone come over and clean my nasty dusty house?
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?




 

Somehow, I missed this post...  I am not in the medical field... I will be glad to share what I know...

Pollen is the most common cause of hay fever... pollen is the fine powder produced by flowers, trees, grass, and weeds...  it plays a role in plant reproduction...  nature has designed pollen grains to travel through the air over long distances... the timing of the symptoms often depends on the pollen season...  this varies from one region of the country to the next...

the pattern usually goes like this—

Spring— mostly tree pollen, especially elm, maple, birch, poplar, ash, oak, walnut, sycamore, olive, and cypress

Spring to Fall— grass pollen

Late Summer— weed pollen, especially ragweed and its relatives (chrysanthemums, daisies)

how to guard against pollen—

it is almost impossible to avoid pollen entirely, but you can reduce your contact with it... check the newspaper's weather section so you know when the pollen that most affects you is at high levels...  airborne pollen levels are usually at their highest on warm, dry, breezy days... there is often more pollen in the air early in the morning and late in the evening...  stay indoors if anyone is mowing lawns or raking up leaves... try to avoid outdoor activities when the pollen count is high... keep windows closed, especially in the bedroom... if your home has an air conditioner, use it...  in your car, close the air vents... if your car has an air conditioner, use it... do not dry clothes or sheets outside...

if you are sensitive to pollen and have been exposed to a lot of it, you should shower or bathe and wash your hair as soon as possible... you should also wash your clothes... if that is not possible, store them away from the bedroom... don't forget to wash your feet!





Alexandra

Alexandra Avatar

Location: PNW
Gender: Female


Posted: May 27, 2008 - 11:25am

Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  Next