Allergy

[larrynz]

I found this on Yahoo, so many of us with COPD also suffer from allergies, so I thought it was worth posting here, I plan to print a copy for my daughter, its a problem that runs in our family.

Glorious blossoms and fragrances can also cause allergic reactions. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to address the problem and breathe easier.

Often there is no 'cure' as such, but you can find relief from the symptoms by avoiding the situations that cause them.

The low-allergy garden
Allergies are rife in spring because there are so many pollens from grass, flowers and trees in the air. Hay fever and some asthma attacks are triggered by allergic reactions to the pollens, so it helps to minimise your exposure to them.

Here's how to make your garden easier on your allergies:


* Make sure your garden is free from highly allergenic plants such as privet, many introduced grasses and most flowers that look like daisies.

* Replace grass with low allergy groundcovers or, if you like the look of lawn, plant Buffalo or 'Greenlees Park' couch grass.

* Mow regularly to stop the lawn flowering and producing pollen.

* Put out your washing - especially bed linen - on still days only. It may dry faster if there's a breeze, but it will also pick up pollens blown in from surrounding areas.


The low-allergy bedroom
If you react to pollen, you may also be affected by other common allergens such as dust mites, mould and cat dander.

Make some simple modifications to your environment and you'll be more comfortable all year round. As we all spend about eight hours a day in the bedroom, it's a good place to start:


* Vacuum mattresses whenever you change the bed sheets.

* If it's windy, keep windows closed so the house doesn't fill with airborne pollens. An air filter or airconditioner with built-in filters can also help.

* Mould and dust mites both love dark, damp places, so keep your bedroom flooded with natural light.

* Dust mites will set up house in natural fibres, so consider replacing woollen or feather-filled bedding with products made from synthetic materials.

* Kill dust mites by washing bedclothes once a fortnight in hot water with eucalyptus or tea-tree oil added.

* Use protective pillow, quilt and mattress covers such as Miteguard products. Call 1800 688 148 for stockists.

* Clean floors regularly. For carpets, it's worth investing in a vacuum cleaner with filters. For timber floors, use a damp mop with hot water and a dash of tea-tree oil.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens October 2001

[morningstar]

Larry,

This should help alot. As my allergies are terrible this time of year. Thank you Larry for sharing we have also printed it out.

[Deleted]

Thanks larrynz, I will save this, I suffer from allergies, and this year has been so bad for everyone! I'm going to print this out lot of good information!
Hugs Bev

[maryaz]

Allergy/sinus problems are something I have always had a problem with. So much that I know now but didn't pay attention to when young could have helped.

If I had it to do over, I would not have carpet in my house again. Anything with mold around is bad. So many triggers for allergies. It is almost like a double whammy if you have COPD too.

My problems with it are not near as bad as some that I read. Good post Larry.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Good one Larry; Thanks for sharing. Me; I have problems with my sinuses (they always get me into trouble). For some folks though it's a lot worse. You're into winter in NZ but here in North America we're in prime "allergy season" so thanks again for thinking of us.

[bobbioh]

Good artical thank you bobbioh

[LindaNY]

Thank you Larry. These things are critically important to all of us who suffer from allergies.

Here is my Allergist/Immunologist's web site with a lot of useful information.

www.broomeallergy.com/pat_edu.html