What's in the Air? The Complete Guide to Seasonal and Year-Round Airb

by Shepherd, Gillian; Betancourt, Marian

• ISBN13: 9781451646399
• ISBN10: 1451646399
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2016-11-05
• Publisher: Gallery Books

Summary

Allergy victims can fight back with up-to-date expert advice on airborne allergies and immunology. Readers can learn the latest techniques for controlling symptoms through conventional medicines and diet, how to make a home allergen-free, and discover the exciting promise offered by lgE blockers and improved immunotherapy.

Author Biography

Marian Betancourt has written numerous books on health and women's issues. Her most recent books include What's in the Air?, a guide to managing seasonal and year-round allergies; and Playing Like a Girl: Transforming Our Lives Through Team Sports. She has written for the Associated Press, Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and other national publications.

Table of Contents

Contents
<P>
INTRODUCTION: The Allergy Boom and the Hygiene Hypothesis<BR>
<P>
<B>PART I</B><BR>
An Allergy Primer<BR>
<P>
1. WHY YOU ARE ALLERGIC<BR>
<P>
<B>Defining Allergens</B><BR>
THE MAIN INHALED ALLERGENS<BR>
<P>
<B>The Genetic Setup</B><BR>
THE IGE MOLECULE<BR>
SENSITIZATION AND EXPOSURE TO ALLERGENS<BR>
<P>
<B>The One-Two Punch of an Allergic Response<BR>
<P>
The Age When Allergies Begin<BR>
<P>
Allergic Rhinitis (a.k.a. Hay Fever)</B><BR>
HOW YOUR NOSE WORKS<BR>
WHY YOU SNEEZE<BR>
<P>
<B>Do You Have an Allergy or Just a Hyperactive Nose?</B><BR>
NONALLERGIC RHINITIS<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergic Conjunctivitis<BR>
<P>
The First Step to Relief: Keep a Symptom Diary<BR>
<P>
Some Risk Factors You Can Change<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
2. POLLEN AND THE MATING SEASONS OF PLANTS<BR>
<P>
<B>Tree Pollen: It Doesn't Take a Forest</B><BR>
BIRCH TREES<BR>
THE MIGHTY OAK<BR>
ELM TREES<BR>
CEDAR TREES<BR>
EVERGREENS IN NEW ENGLAND<BR>
LESS ABUNDANT POLLINATORS<BR>
<P>
<B>Grass Pollen: Fields of Allergens</B><BR>
BLUEGRASS<BR>
TIMOTHY GRASS<BR>
BERMUDA GRASS<BR>
<P>
<B>Ragweed: The King of Pollens<BR>
Other Bad Weeds</B><BR>
SAGEBRUSH<BR>
TUMBLEWEED<BR>
DOCK WEED<BR>
<P>
<B>How the Weather Affects Airborne Allergens</B><BR>
IS GLOBAL WARMING CHANGING THE POLLEN SEASON?<BR>
<P>
<B>The Effect of Ozone and Pollution</B><BR>
DIESEL EXHAUST PARTICLES<BR>
MORE TRAFFIC AND MORE RAGWEED POLLEN<BR>
PARTICULATE MATTER<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
3. STRATEGIES FOR MINIMIZING YOUR EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE POLLEN<BR>
<P>
<B>Know When to Go Out and When to Come In<BR>
<P>
More Prevention Tips</B><BR>
WEAR A MASK<BR>
STAY IN YOUR SHADES<BR>
WEAR NATURAL FIBERS<BR>
EXERCISE INDOORS OR BEFORE SUNRISE<BR>
IN THE GARDEN<BR>
<P>
<B>What the Pollen Count Really Means<BR>
<P>
Avoid Foods that Cross-React with Pollen<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
4. MOLD SPORES: AIRBORNE MOST OF THE TIME<BR>
THE VARIED LIFE OF MOLD SPORES<BR>
<P>
<B>How to Find Out If You Are Allergic to Mold</B><BR>
TESTING FOR MOLD<BR>
<P>
<B>Getting Rid of Mold: Lower the Humidity</B><BR>
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE<BR>
INSIDE THE HOUSE<BR>
SOME MOLD BUSTERS<BR>
IF YOU BUY A DEHUMIDIFIER<BR>
GET SOME PROFESSIONAL ADVICE<BR>
<P>
<B>Toxic Molds Are Not Allergens</B><BR>
FOOD MOLD IS NOT AN ALLERGEN<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>

f0 5. DUST MITES: THE PERENNIAL SCOURGE<BR>
SEPARATING DUST MITES FROM DUST<BR>
<P>
<B>Banishing the Skin Eaters</B><BR>
BEGIN WITH A NEW PILLOW<BR>
STOP SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY<BR>
BARE YOUR FLOORS<BR>
OTHER UPHOLSTERED PLACES<BR>
MAKE THE CAR CAREFREE<BR>
<P>
<B>Bigger Bad Bugs: Cockroaches</B><BR>
WAYS TO KEEP ROACHES OUT<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
6. CATS AND DOGS AND OTHER FURRY CRITTERS<BR>
<P>
I<B>It's Not the Dander or the Fur</B><BR>
MALE CATS ARE WORSE<BR>
CAT ALLERGY WITHOUT A CAT<BR>
<P>
<B>If You Won't Give Up Your Pet</B><BR>
KEEP THE PET OUT OF THE BEDROOM<BR>
KEEP THE LITTER BOX FAR AWAY<BR>
GIVE YOUR CAT A BATH -- VERY CAREFULLY<BR>
ONCE THE CAT HAS GONE<BR>
<P>
<B>The Hairless Dog Theory</B><BR>
<P>
<B>Little Rodents, Big Allergens</B><BR>
<P>
<B>Birds of a Feather</B><BR>
ISOLATE THE CAGE<BR>
A BIRD'S BATH<BR>
<P>
<B>Horse Allergy<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
<B>PART II</B><BR>
How Your Doctor Can Help You<BR>
<P>
7. WHEN YOU NEED AN ALLERGIST<BR>
<P>
<B>How to Find an Allergist</B><BR>
WORKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR<BR>
TELLING YOUR ALLERGY STORY<BR>
PHYSICAL EXAMS AND TESTS<BR>
<P>
<B>When You Need Allergy Tests</B><BR>
PRICK TESTS<BR>
BLOOD (RAST) TEST<BR>
INTRADERMAL TEST<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
8. THE RIGHT MEDICATION AT THE RIGHT TIME<BR>
<P>
<B>The Priming Effect<BR>
<P>
Nasal Steroid Sprays</B><BR>
<P>
INTRANASAL IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE (ATROVENT)<BR>
INTRANASAL CROMOLYN (NASALCROM)<BR>
SIDE EFFECTS<BR>
USING NASAL SPRAYS CORRECTLY<BR>
<P>
<B>Antihistamines</B><BR>
NONSEDATING AND LIGHTLY SEDATING ANTIHISTAMINES<BR>
SIDE EFFECTS<BR>
OVER-THE-COUNTER ANTIHISTAMINES<BR>
PRESCRIPTION ANTIHISTAMINES<BR>
<P>
<B>Decongestants<BR>
<P>
Medications for Treating Allergic Conjunctivitis</B><BR>
EYE DROPS<BR>
OPHTHALMIC PREPARATIONS FOR ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS<BR>
USING EYE DROPS CORRECTLY<BR>
<P>
<B>Pregnancy and Allergy Medications</B><BR>
IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER<BR>
PREGNANCY AND IMMUNOTHERAPY<BR>
<P>
<B>Alternative Allergy Remedies Are Not Proven<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
9. IMMUNOTHERAPY: THE CLOSEST THING TO A CURE<BR>
<P>
<B>How It Works</B><BR>
GRADUALLY BUILDING IMMUNITY<BR>
<P>
<B>Are You a Candidate?</B><BR>
WILL YOU PERSEVERE?<BR>
WHICH ALLERGIES RESPOND BEST?<BR>
WILL YOU REMAIN IMMUNE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?<BR>
THE COSt<BR>
<P>
<B>New Treatments in the Works<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
<B>PART III</B><BR>
The Allergic Person's Survival Guide<BR>
<P>
10. WHEN YOU'RE ALLERGIC TO YOUR JOB<BR>
<P>
<B>Occupational Rhinitis and Asthma<BR>
AIRBORNE LATEX PARTICLES</B><BR>
THE ONSET OF SYMPTOMS<BR>
ARE YOU AT RISK?<BR>
HOW TO KNOW: DIAGNOSIS<BR>
AVOIDANCE IS THE ONLY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT<BR>
TIPS FROM NIOSH (NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH)<BR>
CROSS-REACTIONS WITH FOODS<BR>
EMERGENCY TREATMENT<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
11. HELPING YOUR CHILD COPE WITH ALLERGIES<BR>
<P>
<B>All in the Family -- or Not<BR>
<P>
Dust Mites</B><BR>
YOUR CHILD'S BEDROOM<BR>
<P>
<B>Avoid Having Pets<BR>
<P>
Working with Your Pediatrician and Allergist</B><BR>
MEDICATIONS AND CHILDREN<BR>
<P>
<B>Middle Ear Disease (Otitis Media)<BR>
<P>
The Link to Asthma<BR>
<P>
Information That Children Can Use<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
12. AIR MANAGEMENT 101: MAKING YOUR HOME ALLERGEN-FREE<BR>
<P>
<B>Clarify Your Goal<BR>
<P>
Get Hip to HEPA<BR>
<P>
Central Heating and Cooling Systems<BR>
<P>
Effective Use of Air Conditioners<BR>
<P>
Window Fans<BR>
<P>
Dehumidifiers<BR>
<P>
Room Air Purifiers and Cleaners<BR>
<P>
Keep the Air Free of Irritants<BR>
<P>
Housekeeping Hints for the Allergic</B><BR>
THE HEPA VACUUM<BR>
SURFACE DUSTING<BR>
CLEANING SUPPLIES<BR>
PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE CLEANING<BR>
<P>
<B>Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
13. THE ALLERGIC PERSON'S GAZETTEER<BR>
<P>
<B>Traveling in Reverse of the Pollen Seasons<BR>
<P>
If You Are Allergic to Tree Pollens<BR>
<P>
Watch Out for the Parietaria Weed</B><BR>
OTHER WEEDS IN EUROPE<BR>
A POLLEN OF INDIA<BR>
<P>
<B>A Guide for Avoiding Indoor Allergens</B><BR>
HOTELS FROM ALLERGY HELL<BR>
VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS<BR>
ON THE ROAD<BR>
WHEN YOU'RE AIRBORNE<BR>
ON A SHIP<BR>
<P>
<B>Visit Your Doctor First</B><BR>
CARRY YOUR MEDICATIONS<BR>
ALLERGY SHOTS AWAY FROM HOME<BR>
<P>
<B>Get the Facts First<BR>
<P>
Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
EPILOGUE: Don't Let Chronic Allergies Interfere with Your Life<BR>
SINUSITIS<BR>
TREATMENT<BR>
<P>
<B>Depression and Stress<BR>
<P>
One Last Allergy Checklist</B><BR>
<P>
<B>Glossary<BR>
Appendix A: Resources<BR>
Appendix B: Shopping Guide<BR>
Index</B>