FACTS ABOUT ALLERGIES

The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma, eczema and rash. The allergic response may be immediate or delayed. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify your allergies.

ALLERGIES TO ANIMALS

Animal dander (dead skin that is continually shed), urine and saliva can cause allergies and asthma symptoms. Exposure to these allergens, especially breathing in particles which include dander, cause the allergic reaction to animals.

Furry animals such as cats, dogs, birds, rodents (hamsters, gerbils, mice etc.) can cause allergy and asthma symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a "hypo-allergenic" cat or dog, and short-haired breeds are no less of a problem than animals with long hair. Exposure to other warm-blooded animals such as livestock, or to products made with feathers or down, may also cause allergy symptoms.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Once an allergy has been identified, the next step is to decrease or eliminate exposure to the allergen. This is called environmental control. Evidence shows that allergy and asthma symptoms may improve over time, if the recommended environmental control changes are made. Many of the changes are for the entire home. The bedroom is the most important, because the bedroom is where people usually spend 1/3 to 1/2 of their time.

STEPS TO CONTROL ANIMAL ALLERGENS

The best recommendation if you are allergic is not to own a pet.

If you must have a pet in the home, have the pet groomed frequently and keep the pet out of the bedroom so that you may be free of allergens while asleep.

If you own a male cat, consider castrating the cat since some of the potential for inducing allergies is under hormonal regulation.

COCKROACHES

Cockroaches thrive in warm conditions and usually are searching for water and food; hence simple measures to keep food stored away can reduce cockroach level in the home.

STEPS TO CONTROL COCKROACH ALLERGENS

• Keep food well covered.
• Clean up food spills immediately.
• Don't eat in the bedroom to avoid cockroaches in your sleep area.
• Be sure your trash can has a lid and remove your trash each night.
• Exterminate as needed using agents such as boric acid. Gel pesticides may be effective in cracks.
• Seal cracks in your wall and consider application of gel pesticides.