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health advisory Hospital Alternative Medicine 2007-11-16 3:11:31

Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity

Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter

Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you're highly sensitive to dust mites

To reduce exposure to cockroaches:

Block cracks and crevices where roaches can enter

Fix leaky faucets and pipes

Wash dishes and empty garbage daily

Sweep food crumbs from counters and floors

Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers

Consider professional pest extermination

To reduce exposure to pet dander:

Remove pets from the house

Bathe pets weekly

Keep your pet out of the bedroom

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Your body's immune system interprets the allergen (pollen, mold, dander, etc.) as an "invader" and responds by releasing a chemical called histamine into the bloodstream.

Histamine causes inflammation (swelling and redness) of the sinuses, nose, and mucus membranes of the eyes and triggers sneezing. The swelling reaction is designed to block the allergen from entering the body and sneezing is a method to expel it out of the body. Histamine also allows fluids to enter the nasal tissue, resulting in congestion, itching and a runny nose.

People with allergic rhinitis have sudden sneezing, a watery nasal discharge, puffy eyes and fatigue. Symptoms can occur at all stages of life, but most people develop these allergic rhinitis before reaching 30 years of age.