Healthy Lifestyles for Allergy Sufferers

Most people know that it is a good idea to live a balanced life that includes eating the proper amounts of healthy food, getting daily exercise, sleeping well and maintaining good relationships.

Yet, for allergy sufferers, there are other more specific actions that may be taken to improve quality of life. Find out what doctors at National Jewish Health recommend for a happy, healthy life with allergies.

I’m Allergic to...

• Dust Mites and Pet Dander
• Food or Medicine / Drugs
• Insect Venom
• Mold
• Pollen

I’m Allergic to Dust Mites and Pet Dander…

• Do HEPA Filters Help Keep Dust Out of the Air?
  For people who have problems with airborne allergens and irritants such as animal dander, pollen and dust, vacuuming can cause allergies to flare up.
• Get Rid of Unwanted House Guests: Dust Mites
  Dust mites settle in and reproduce rapidly in homes that are moisture-rich. Dr. Harold Nelson gives some tips to help ease symptoms of dust mite all.
• Spring-Cleaning Stirs Up Dust and Dander
  Sometimes cleaning seems to make allergies worse. Maria Gutierrez, MD, talks about what to do when dust and other irritants are stirred up by spring cleaning.
• Are Any Pets Allergen Free?
  No animal is entirely free of allergens. Dr. Harold Nelson says that if allergic to animals, the best solution is to avoid pets.
• Dog and Cat Dander Can Worsen Winter Allergies
  A combination of less fresh air and pets spending more time inside often increases allergy symptoms.
• Winter Still a Time for Allergies
  Even though freezing temperatures bring an end to seasonal pollen allergies, millions of people suffer from indoor allergies because of the time spent indoors during cool weather.

I’m Allergic to Food or Medicine / Drugs…

• Carry an EpiPen®
  If you are at risk for having an anaphylactic reaction to certain foods or drugs, you should carry an injectable epinephrine device and know how to use it.  An EpiPen® must be prescribed to you by your doctor.
• Don't Let Allergies Put a Damper on the Holidays
  During the holiday season, more hidden dangers exist for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Dr. Dan Atkins offers tips to help people stay healthy.
• Fishing for Answers: Seafood Allergies Impact Few, But Can Be Deadly if Undiagnosed
  National Jewish Health pediatric allergist Dan Atkins explains seafood allergies, their potential dangers and what can be done to avoid them.

I’m Allergic to Insect Venom…

• Carry an EpiPen®
  If you are at risk for having an anaphylactic reaction to certain insect stings, you should carry an injectable epinephrine device and know how to use it.
• Take the Sting Out of Summer
  Learn how to avoid stinging insects and what to do if you are stung.
• Take the Sting Out of Fall: Beware of Angry Yellow Jackets
  When fall is approaching, yellow jackets become increasingly testy and prone to stinging. People allergic to yellow jacket stings need to be careful.

I’m Allergic to Mold…

• Christmas Tree Allergies: It's Everything but the Tree
  Christmas trees are often cited as the source of allergy attacks during the holidays, but molds and chemicals are the more likely irritants.
• Cleaning a Humidifier
  A neglected humidifier can be a big source of mold and mold spores. Learn how to keep a humidifier clean and reduce or eliminate this common allergen.

I’m Allergic to Pollen…

• How to Keep Eyes From Getting Itchy, Irritated, and Red
  Allergies can make eyes itchy, irritated and red. Pediatrician Dan Atkins, MD recommends several steps that people can take to reduce pollen's irritating effects on their eyes.
• Windows Closed to Allergy Sufferers
  Sleeping with open windows can bring pollen into the home.
• Keeping Windows Shut May Not Shut Out Allergy
  A 'late-phase response' can extend allergy symptoms into the night.
• Special Precautions for Ragweed Season
  If the right precautions are taken, ragweed season doesn't have to make allergy sufferers miserable.