Author: Dennis Reed

Dennis Reed Owner and Author @ BreatheBetterAir.org

Mold Allergy Symptoms- Top 7 Ways to Avoid Them in your Home


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It may seem like fighting mold allergy is a losing effort. Mold is just part of the natural environment after all. Even though you are unable to see mold spores, they are nevertheless moving through the air and may enter your nose – triggering mold allergy symptoms. While mold allergy can be an issue, the first steps towards fighting it is maintaining basic hygiene. Much like you can avoid sunburn by just staying out of the sun, you can manage allergies – including mold allergies – by taking good care of your house. Don’t overlook the power of simple housekeeping.

 

How Does Mold Cause Allergies?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in moist places. As mold is growing, it is unlikely to trigger any kind of allergy symptoms, unless you are touching or removing it. Problems arise on dry and windy days which is when mold will go into the protective part of its life-cycle. This will be when it releases its spores. These spores blow on the wind and may be inhaled, which causes allergy symptoms.

 

Of all the many different varieties of mold, around Reeve dozen of them are known to cause respiratory allergies. The allergic symptoms to mold can include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, postnasal drip, mucus buildup, and an itchy nose or eyes. If mold spores enter the lungs, then they may cause asthma.

 

If you yourself experience any of these allergic symptoms and answer what has caused them, then you can have an allergist perform a skin or blood test to discern if mold is responsible not.

 

Breathe Better by Reducing Mold

Given that mold requires moisture in order to grow, it is commonly found in leaves, grass, and on logs. It can grow indoors in any area that has poor ventilation and high levels of moisture. Here are seven tips on how to protect yourself against mold and mold allergy symptoms.

 

  1. Use a Dehumidifier

It seems obvious that the best way to prevent mold would be to reduce humidity levels inside your home. Reducing humidity to less than 45% – if not under 35% – helps to prevent the growth of mold. If you live in a particularly large home, then you should consider placing a dehumidifier in the basement. The basement is one of the coldest and moist as places in the home – and therefore a place where mold can grow easily. We recommend setting a dehumidifier up in such a way that it can drain automatically without the need to empty the reservoir, which is all too easy to forget to do. A full reservoir actually helps more to grow. You can set up a self-draining dehumidifier by attaching hosted a dehumidifier which allows it to empty into a water-collecting pump drain. That way it doesn’t matter even if you forget the dehumidifier is there needs to be emptied.

  1. Keep Your AC Running Smoothly

Another great way to keep moisture levels down indoors is to use your air-conditioner in the warmer months. An air-conditioner allows you to keep the house dry and reduce mold levels; assuming that your unit is kept in good condition and cleaned out regularly. That means setting time aside to regularly dust and eliminate dirt from within the air-conditioner. You also need to regularly change the filters and clean out the ducts to keep air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers running properly and working their best. That includes changing the AC filter in your car. We also recommend cleaning the ducts out in your home once a year as condensation can occur, and this leads to mold growing

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  1. Focus on Air Flow

Help the air flow through your home by using a clean exhaust fan in the bathroom when showering, and in the kitchen when cooking and washing dishes. Open the inner doors of your home to keep flowing through the house and prevent mold from growing.

 

  1. Scrub Mold Away

If you do happen to see more growing, then use a 10% bleach solution to scrub it away. Don’t forget to wear a protective facemask while doing this. If you have respiratory problems that will prevent you from using bleach, then use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. This will work fine to remove mold, but it may take some more elbow grease to get the job done.

 

  1. Keep Up with the Housekeeping

Fungi may grow on the soap film that is left on tile and grout. This is why you should clean the bathroom thoroughly once a month at the very least. Wipe down the rubber seal on your washing machine door and keep the lid open when it is not in use to Brent moisture from getting trapped inside. As far as to kitchen girls, mold may stick around on refrigerator door gaskets, garbage cans, and drip pans. Also keep in eye out for mold growth in pitchers and water bottles. Empty them out leave them to dry completely.

 

  1. Stay Indoors When Mold Counts Are High

If you don’t want to wear a dust mask outside, or find it too uncomfortable, and avoid going outside too much if the mold count is high. You can check out the website of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology to find out more about current levels of mold and pollen where you live. Mold allergy symptoms are generally at their worst spring and fall seasons and during dry and windy days.

 

  1. Shower after Spending Time outside

Mold spores are similar to pollen in that you should wash them away after coming inside from outdoor activities such as sports and gardening. This prevents the spores from being spread around the indoor environment.

 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re spending time indoors or outdoors, these steps can help to reduce your exposure to mold; and therefore the allergy symptoms it causes.

7 Simple Remedies to Get Rid of Dog Allergies

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. They certainly can be, but allergic reactions to dogs are hardly fun. While allergies can be treated with medication, these medications sometimes cause adverse side effects such as drowsiness.

The good news is that you can control your allergy symptoms using natural means.

Here are 7 simple remedies to get rid of dog allergies.

7 Simple remedies to get relief From Dog Allergies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is slowly becoming more popular, and has never been more accessible. One of the best ways to start your day is with a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice. It can also be used alongside a neti pot to flush your sinuses and eliminate any dog dander stuck where it shouldn’t be.

2. Quercetin

Quercetin can be found naturally in plant foods including cruciferous vegetables, onions, citrus fruits, and green tea. It is a natural bioflavonoid that stabilises histamine secretion and helps the body to natural control allergic reactions. Studies have shown that it calms down the hyperactivity of airways, which is one reason it is so effective. It’s recommended to use quercetin over the long term as it can take a few months for it to work properly.

3. Neti Pot

Neti pots provide natural relief for allergies by cleaning out the sinuses and eliminating congestion and allergens. Neti pots have been shown to improve the quality of life for people with respiratory illnesses with little to no side effects. This kind of “sinus irrigation” for removing allergens and other irritants was started hundreds of years ago as part of Ayurvedic traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries in India and has now made its way to the west. If using a neti pot, then be sure to use distilled and sterile water. Tap water can actually make your sinus problems worse because it has chlorine in it.

4. Stinging Nettle

The medicinal use of stinging nettle can be traced all the way back to Medieval Europe, where it was used to relieve fluid retention and joint pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that stinging nettle can be used to treat a variety of health problems including allergies. Stinging nettle has been shown to naturally control histamines. It can be taken as a tincture or in tea form.

5. Eucalyptus Oil and Frankincense Oil

Essential oils have been shown to work well for allergies, including pet allergies. They work by detoxifying microorganisms and other thing that can trigger allergic reactions, as well as reducing inflammation. Eucalyptus oil and frankincense oil are two of the most potent essential oils for allergy relief.

There are a few different ways you can use eucalyptus oil, including mixing it into a neti pot, inhaling it through a diffuser, and using it as part of your laundry detergent. Just add 25 drops of the oil to your wash to clear away pet dander from clothes. Frankincense oil can be used in much the same way. Just diffuse it into your home and office for about three hours each day or apply it directly to your chest and behind your ears.

6. Probiotics

The link between having a healthy gut and having a powerful immune system is becoming more recognized. After all, over 80% of your immune function is stored in the gastrointestinal tract. This basically means that you can help to reduce allergy symptoms by taking probiotics. Probiotics, as the name suggests, are friendly bacteria that live in your gut and defend against viruses, infections, allergies, and more.

They are so potent that studies have suggested when a pregnant woman takes probiotics regularly it reduces the chances of their children having allergies. Soil based probiotics are the best and they can be found in supplement form or obtained through your diet. Check out the organic vegetables at your local farmer’s market or consider growing your own.

7. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can be more effective than you’d think at preventing pet allergies. Most people assume that pet allergies are caused by fur, but that isn’t the case. They’re actually caused by pet dander; a tiny substance that sticks to their skin and fur and gets everywhere, including the air. A HEPA air filter can help to relieve pet allergies by eliminating dander in the air. You’ll still have to keep your furniture clean yourself, but at least you won’t have to worry about the air.


The good news for dog allergy sufferers is that there are a lot of things you can try that don’t involve just getting rid of your dog.

 That kind of thing is much easier said than done. Give our natural remedies a try and see what they can do for you. There are lots of options out there, so even if one of these solutions doesn’t work, there’s bound to be one that will.

Seasonal Allergies – 5 Simple Remedies To Get Relief Now

The weather is getting warmer, and with it comes a higher pollen count. That may leave you with a runny nose, itchy eyes, and that annoying sensation of not being able to sneeze no matter how much you want to. One of the most common home remedies for seasonal allergies is local honey. The idea is to build up immunity before symptoms hit. It can work, but it’s far from the only solution. Here are 5 simple remedies to help you get relief from seasonal allergies.

seasonal allergy remedies

Nettle-Peppermint Tea

Nettles have a bad reputation, but they are one of the best herbs you could have in your repertoire. They can be used or everything from arthritis and lowering blood pressure to easing seasonal allergies. Peppermint itself has a kind of flavonoid called luteolin-7-O rutinoside, which helps to prevent anti-inflammatory enzymes such as histamines from being reduced. Peppermint also helps to reduce the effects of these enzymes to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. Just put the peppermint and nettle together in a mug and pour in boiling water. Steep the mixture for around 15 minutes, add some honey for taste, and drink twice a day as needed to get allergy relief.

Bee Pollen

If you aren’t getting the relief you need from local honey, then you should try bee pollen. The concept behind the two is pretty similar; start taking small amounts and gradually increase the dosage to build up your immunity to the local pollen around you. This follows what is known as the “hygiene hypothesis”, where being exposed to germs and bacteria as a child leads to immunity against them in later life. Expose yourself to allergens before allergy season begins to ensure your system isn’t hit as hard when there’s more pollen in the air. It’s important that you make sure you aren’t allergic to bees or anaphylactic, and that you don’t have an allergic reaction to pollen. It’s important that you use local pollen. This remedy only works if you’re using local pollen. It should come from a good, organic source. Start taking pollen around five months before the allergy season begins. Start out with a small dose and gradually increase the dose. Decrease the dose if you start developing allergic reactions, and continue taking a small dose during the allergy season itself.

Citrus Drinks

Given that allergies tend to peak during the spring and summer, they coincide with the warm and sunny weather that you enjoy by spending time outdoors. While tea is healing, there are times when you just want a cool and refreshing drink. This great citrus drink is packed full of vitamin C, which helps to relieve seasonal allergies as it nourishes the immune system. Given that allergies leave the immune system in trouble, it’s easy to understand why a citrus drink like this is a great idea. You’ll need 2 oranges, half a lemon, and a tablespoon of raw, organic local honey. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon and oranges and leave them to chill for a few hours before stirring in the honey, adding ice, and enjoying on a daily basis.

Red Onion Water

Onions are filled with quercetin, a water soluble compound that has been shown to reduce the amount of histamine the human body produces. Effectively, it reduces allergy symptoms. Think of it as a natural anti-histamine. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and work as a bronchodilator; that is to say that it opens up the airways and makes it easier to breathe. For this you’re going to need 1 red onion, 4 cups of water, and some organic raw honey to taste. Slice the onion as thinly as you can and add it to the water. Leave it to infuse for up to 12 hours before drinking it once or twice a day. It will keep in a fridge for up to 4 days, so don’t be afraid to make a lot in advance. Add some honey into an individual glass when drinking it to add some taste if you want.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are a great way to keep seasonal allergies at bay, but not just any air purifier will do. You need to avoid using an ionic air purifier, because they generate ozone; a toxic substance. You need a HEPA-certified air filter. HEPA stands for “High-effective particulate air”, and an air filter needs to remove 99.7% of particles in air over 0.3 micrometers in order to meet this lofty standard.

HEPA filters are ideal for people with mild and moderate allergies that want some respite, but keep in mind that they only protect you while you’re indoors. If you have severe allergic reactions to airborne allergens and seasonal diseases, then you might want to invest in a bigger and more powerful PECO filter. A PECO filter – which stands for photoelectrochemical oxidation – works on the molecular level to destroy airborne irritants and pollutants. It can take out some of the things that a HEPA filter may miss. It’s beneficial for those who need immediate relief from severe allergies. Don’t forget to replace the filter in an air purifier every so often!

Summary

There are lots of things you can do in your home to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. It’s tempting to open up the window to let in the cool breeze, but remember this will also let in allergens. It’s better to keep the windows closed and rely on the AC. Try some of these natural remedies and invest in a good HEPA filter to keep your nose clean this allergy season.

Quit Smoking – 7 Real Things You Can Do Now

 

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Tobacco cravings are very real for most smokers and they can be hard to resist, particularly when you’re trying to quit smoking.

Don’t forget that you aren’t at their mercy though.

Quitting is possible and something that you can do.

When you get the urge to smoke, remember that the feeling will likely pass within 10 minutes or so whether you smoke that cigarette, chew tobacco gum, or do nothing at all.

Every time you resist the urge to smoke a cigarette, you take one step closer to being smoke free for good. Here are seven real things you can do now to quit smoking.

  1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy. This includes things like nicotine sprays and inhalers, patches and gum, and prescription medications designed to help users to quit smoking such as Chantix and Zyban.

Short-acting replacement therapies such as gum, lozenges, and inhalers can help you overcome an intense craving. They are generally safe to use alongside nicotine patches and other non-nicotine medications.

There’s been a lot of focus on electronic cigarettes lately. The only problem with them is we don’t know for sure if they really work as effective stop-smoking solutions. Further study is needed to assess their safety and success.

  1. Be Honest About Why you Like Smoking and Why it Will be Hard to Quit

Get a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. Write down everything that you like about smoking on one side, and all the things you don’t like on the other.

This includes things like how it affects your health and gets in the way of time with friends and family. If you are feeling brave then you can get some feedback from your family about the things they don’t like about you using cigarettes.

Change the list over time, and accept that you’re ready for the change when the negatives outweigh the positives.

Smoking is never easy though, and you need to be honest about this too. Make a separate list of all the reasons that you know quitting isn’t easy. Also list some options for overcoming these problems.

If you write that it will be tough because of the addictive nature of nicotine, then you could also write down that you can try a nicotine replacement.

If you know it will be tough to quit because smoking helps you deal with stress, then jot down how you can go for a short walk or do something else to manage stress.

The point is to be honest about the difficulties of quitting while also giving yourself an opportunity to overcome those difficulties.

  1. Avoid Triggers

The urge to smoke is likely going to be at its worst when you are in situations you normally smoke or chew tobacco, such as at a party or a bar, when sipping coffee, and when feeling stressed out.

Identify what triggers your urge to have tobacco and come up with a plan to either get through them without the need for tobacco or avoid them altogether.

You should never set yourself up to fail or relapse. If you are someone who smokes while talking on the phone for example, then have some paper and a pencil on hand so that you can doodle while using the phone instead. Just come up with something you can do to get you through it.

Don’t forget that smoking can damage your furniture and the smell of tobacco can linger in the air and on furniture even after you quit. That’s bound to be a trigger. So consider picking up an air purifier and having furniture deep cleaned.

  1. Stay Active

You may find that you’ve got lots of pent up energy when you’re trying to quit and stay tobacco-free.

If you’re looking for something you can do other than smoke, then think about different ways to be productive and get active, or consider getting a brand new hobby.

Do some work on the house or yard, do some cleaning and organizing in your closets or a room in the house. Pick up a new hobby or sport that you’re interested in.

Not only will these help you avoid smoking, but you can also prevent the weight gain that sometimes comes with quitting smoking.

It’s best to find activities that are cheap or just free. Rent out a DVD on yoga, tai chi, or aerobics.

Take a walk through the park, a mall, or just around the neighborhood.

These are all great ways to get on your feet and be active. You’ll soon notice that these activities get easier the more you do them, and that you can breathe a whole lot easier as you continue to avoid smoking.

  1. Get Help From Friends and Family

Touching base with friends, family members, and support groups is a great way to quit smoking. They can really help you to resist those cravings for tobacco.

Pick up the phone for a chat, invite them on a walk, have some fun together, or just commiserate with them about the difficulties of quitting. This is where support groups in particular help. These are people that know what you’re going through and they can really help.

  1. Reach out Online for Help

If you don’t have any stop smoking groups in your area, or feel that you need an extra helping hand, then there are a number of online stop-smoking programs you can join.

There’s also other help online, such as blogs written by other people that have quit who want to offer their encouragement and support to others who are struggling to deal with their tobacco cravings.

Learn more about how others quit, and how you can emulate their success.

  1. Remind Yourself of the Benefits of Quitting

Write down and say out loud the reasons that you are quitting and the benefits of quitting. This includes things like feeling better in yourself, being healthier, sparing loved ones from second hand smoke, and saving money.

Summary

Keep in mind that trying to do something to beat the urge is better than doing nothing. It’s certainly better than giving in. Every time you resist the urge to smoke tobacco, you do get closer to giving up for good.