FitSugar

Get Physical: Partner Yoga for the Bride and Groom

FitSugar — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Since wedding planning can be really hectic, why not relieve some stress by trying something new with your fiancé? When yoga poses are done with another, especially someone you care about, they can relax your mind, open your heart and deepen your connection. Yoga is great on your own, but when you practice Partner Yoga, you can achieve what you never could alone.

Interested? Check out the yoga studios in your area to see if they offer special Partner Yoga classes or workshops. It's a great way to learn partner poses from an actual instructor so you can ask questions and get help with alignment. Plus, with the two of you in the class, when you're at home practicing together, you can help each other remember how to do the poses (two memories are better than one!).

Can't find a class? Then read more

I highly recommend this amazing book called Partner Yoga: Making Contact for Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Growth. You can get it through Buy.com for only $16.18.

It explains the spiritual aspect of Partner Yoga brilliantly, plus the illustrations are incredibly helpful so you can figure out exactly what you're supposed to be doing.

It explains why touch is so important to our well-being and happiness. Partner Yoga can provide a playground for contact that is intimate, but not sexual. It can nourish that need for loving and affectionate touch that so many of us are living without.

Fit's Tips: Know any new couples? This Partner Yoga Book also makes a great Engagement or Bridal Shower gift!

Source

iDo: Wedding Planning and Multi-tasking

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Planning for the big day can be really stressful. Working women/brides-to-be have so much to think about: flowers, the ceremony, bridesmaids, the cake, the honeymoon. Planning the wedding is almost a full time job!

So you don't become too overwhelmed, you're going to have to make multi-tasking a part of your planning process.

Here's a great way to kill two birds with one stone: research wedding info while working out. Download podcasts to your iPod from iTunes. Here are a few for you to try: Wedding Planning Talk Radio (8 free episodes), Queer Eye (has a 9-episode wedding series), and 4 free podcasts from Bride Magazine.

For a small bit of change, you can download individual episodes of your favorite wedding-themed TV shows, or even get an entire season of the reality TV show, Whose Wedding is This Anyway? for $18.

Listen while you tone up for your wedding, that is multi-tasking at its best.

It's Wedding Planning Mania on The Sugar Network

PopSugar — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 23:34:54 -0700

As promised, we are back again with more Wedding Season fun. A few weeks ago was all about the Engagement and now it's time for anything and everything related to actually planning the Big Day! There is sure to be something for everyone whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams or a guest with lots of summer weddings to attend. Here's an idea of what we have planned:

Tell us your planning nightmares on DearSugar
Learn about the latest fashion trends for Brides and Guests on FabSugar
Tone your Arms and Abs while trying to stay sane on FitSugar
Get tips on everything from the invitations and decor to the cake and favors on YumSugar
Relive some of TV's greatest weddings on BuzzSugar
Learn how to choose a videographer and a photographer on GeekSugar.
See some brides behaving badly on GiggleSugar

All of this and more coming this week across The Sugar Network. To see all of the wedding coverage, visit the Wedding Talk group on TeamSugar. Stay tuned all Spring for more wedding coverage including showers, flowers, honeymoons and more. Fun times.

It's Wedding Season On The Sugar Network!

Community Manager — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 10:26:18 -0700

Spring has sprung, which means that Wedding Season is around the corner. We get tons of emails asking for advice so we at The Sugar Network are ready to share wedding related stories, advice and fun. This week we are kicking things off with everything involving the Engagement.

Tell us your favorite engagement stories on DearSugar
Learn about great Engagement gifts on FabSugar
Get toned up for the big day on FitSugar
Learn how to plan an Engagement Party on YumSugar
Relive some of TV's greatest engagement moments on BuzzSugar
Learn How To Make a Wedding Website on GeekSugar.
See some hilarious proposals gone wrong on GiggleSugar

All of this and more coming this week across the Sugar sites. To see all of the wedding coverage by us and by all of you, visit the Wedding Talk group on TeamSugar. Stay tuned all Spring for more wedding coverage including showers, flowers, honeymoons and more. Fun times.

Source

Destress On Your Big Day: Yoga for Weddings

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

For all you bride-to be's out there, I just came upon this great website called Yoga For Weddings. Basically, it's a service that offers private yoga classes for brides, grooms, and their families, focusing on de-stressing and making strong connections.

Real teachers will come to you, and give classes for the months leading up to your wedding, such as a Bride Class, Groom Class, Bride & Groom Class, Parent Class, In-Law Class, Bachelorette/Bachelor Party Class (definitely not your traditional party), Bridal Party Class, Sibling Class, Groom & Dad Class, Bride & Mom Class, Bride & Sibling Class, Groom & Mom Class, or Family Combo Class.

They offer private classes for the day or week of your wedding, and classes for after the wedding, like for your Anniversary (aww).

I love this idea. Currently, they have teachers based in New York, London, Seattle, and Miami, but they'll work with you through their network of yoga instructors, depending on where you need them. Just e-mail or call Yoga For Weddings - schedule one class or a class package, and they'll come to you, offering you peace and relaxation on your special day.

Powderwh*re "Flakes" Gets You Psyched For Snow

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:30:06 -0700

I know it is still the middle of Fall, but here's a video that will make you wish it were Winter. Powderwh*re brings you their latest backcountry skiing video appropriately titled Flakes. Last Winter the production company filmed some of the best telemark skiers in the world, with the goal to "capture the joy and freedom that is powder skiing." There are no ski lifts, crowds of people, or impeccably groomed trails here, folks. These hardcore skiers hike up untouched powder-filled mountains, and then ski down the steepest, fluffiest, most gorgeous terrain you could imagine. This movie is touring the country right now, so here's a sneak peek to get you drooling with amazement.

If you're interested in seeing Flakes, grab your fellow ski bums and check out the tour dates. For my fellow Bay Area dwellers, it's playing in San Francisco this Friday!

Still aching for more? The Freeheel Life is another skiing movie touring the country. To check out that movie trailer read more.

Are you looking forward to hitting the slopes? I know I sure am.

Fit Tip: Be As Excited to Exercise As Your Dog Is

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Early in the morning, my dog Bonnie is raring to go. She wakes me up with tons of licks, and paces coyly around the room until I pull my lazy bum out of bed. She can't wait to get outside, not only to "do her business," but to run and jump and chase and play. Every day her boundless energy inspires me to get my body moving, too. She reminds me to stretch and I feel I should do a down dog every time she does. So the next time you see a dog zooming by, catch their buzz and be just as excited to exercise as they are.

If you have a dog that motivates you to get up and go, be sure to check out PetSugar's giveaway to win $250 worth of food, toys, and grooming supplies. Plus, two Kuranda beds will be donated to the animal shelter of your choice. It's a great way to thank your dog for encouraging you to get off the couch and move.

Source

Trichorrhexis nodosa

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:46:08 -0700

Illustrations

Hair follicle anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Trichorrhexis nodosa is a problem in which thickened or weak points (nodes) along the hair shaft cause your hair to break off easily.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Your genes may play a role in whether or not you develop trichorrhexis nodosa.

Certain things you do to your hair -- such as blow-drying, over-brushing, perming, or excessive chemical use -- appear to trigger the condition.

In some cases, trichorrhexis nodosa may be caused be an underlying disorder such as hypothyroidism, argininosuccinicaciduria, Menkes' kinky hair syndrome, Netherton syndrome, or or trichothiodystrophy.

Symptoms

Your hair may appear patchy or like it's not growing.

In African-Americans, looking at the scalp area using a microscope shows that the hair breaks off at the scalp area before it grows long.

In Caucasians, the problem often appears at the end of a hair shaft in the form of split ends, thinning hair, and hair tips that look white.

Signs and tests

Examination of the hair shafts with a microscope may reveal changes of trichorrhexis nodosa.

Treatment

Improving environmental factors will reduce damage to the hair.

Your doctor may recommend gentle brushing with a soft brush instead of aggressive brushing, ratting, or other procedures.

Avoid harsh chemicals such as those used in straightening compounds and permanents. Do not use a very hot hairdryer for long periods of time. The hair should not be ironed. Avoid excessively harsh shampoos, but always use hair conditioners.

Expectations (prognosis)

Improving grooming techniques and avoiding products that damage hair will help correct the problem.

This condition is not dangerous but may it affect a person's self esteem.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if symptoms do not approve with changes in grooming and other home care measures.

Prevention

Avoid aggressive brushing and grooming, strong chemicals, permanents, straightening, and similar hair-damaging habits.

Review Date: 4/16/2007

Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001449

Hair disorders

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:55 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
What Causes It?
Who's Most At Risk?
What to Expect at Your Provider's Office
Treatment Options
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Hair disorders is a broad category that includes the following conditions:

Alopecia: the loss or thinning of hair. There are two types of alopecia: scarring, in which hair follicles are destroyed, and nonscarring, which can be reversed.
Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia): This is the most prominent type of hair disorder affecting, to varying degrees, half of all men over 50 years of age.
Hirsutism: excessive male-pattern hair growth affecting 8%of adult women.
Hair shaft disorders: usually hereditary abnormalities.

Signs and Symptoms

Hair disorders are accompanied by the following signs and symptoms, depending on the type:

Alopecia (nonscarring) involves hair loss all over or in circular areas, a receding hair line, broken hairs, a smooth scalp, inflammation, and possibly loss of lashes, eyebrows, or pubic hair.
Alopecia (scarring) is limited to particular areas. Symptoms are inflammation at the edge and follicle loss toward the center of lesions, violet-colored skin abnormalities, and scaling.
Hirsutism is male-pattern hair growth in women, irregular menstruation, lack of ovulation, acne, deepening of voice, balding, and genital abnormalities.
Symptoms of Hair shaft disorders are split ends and hair that is dry, brittle, and coarse, as well as skin and other abnormalities.

What Causes It?

Hair disorders can be caused by any of the following:

Alopecia (nonscarring) -- skin disorders, certain drugs, certain diseases, autoimmunity, iron deficiency, severe stress, scalp radiation, pregnancy, or pulling at your own hair.
Alopecia (scarring) -- skin disorders, diseases, or bacterial infections.
Hirsutism -- excess of androgen (a steroid hormone that stimulates development of male sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics). This overproduction of androgen could result from certain drugs or conditions.
Hair shaft disorders -- overprocessed hair (coloring, permanent waves, excessive heating) or certain diseases.

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk for developing hair disorders:

Alopecia -- male gender, genetic predisposition, pregnancy, physical or emotional stress, poor diet.
Hirsutism -- genetic predisposition, lack of ovulation.
Hair shaft disorders -- genetic predisposition, damaging grooming practices.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a hair disorder, you should see your health care provider. A physical exam can help identify the type of hair disorder, and laboratory tests can reveal any underlying diseases. In the case of hirsutism, imaging may help diagnose the cause.

Treatment Options

Prevention

Having a well-balanced diet and avoiding potentially damaging hair treatments can help prevent some types of hair loss.

Treatment Plan

The primary goals of treatment are to treat the underlying cause, re-grow the hair when possible, and correct damaging grooming practices.

Drug Therapies

Your provider may prescribe the following medications:

Alopecia:

Minoxidil (Rogaine), for hair regrowth and possibly to prevent further loss
Tretinoin (Retin-A), to decrease thick scalp layer and increase minoxidil penetration
Topical or injectable steroids

Hirsutism:

Steroids
Oral contraceptives

Hair shaft disorders:

Minoxidil
Drugs for underlying diseases

Surgical and Other Procedures

Cosmetic therapies, such as surgical placement of follicle-supporting plugs or folds
For hirsutism, possibly removal of ovarian tumor

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for hair disorders may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test you for food sensitivities.
Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens, and sea vegetables.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squashes and peppers).
Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

You may be able to address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1-2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful of oil daily, to help decrease inflammation. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources.
Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg two times daily, as an antioxidant.
L-lysine, 500 - 1,000 mg daily, for hair loss.
B-complex vitamins, 1 tablet daily, for symptoms of stress.
Melatonin, 2 - 5 mg before bed, for sleep and relaxation.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

For alopecia and hair shaft disorders:

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg two to three times daily, for detoxification support.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) standardized extract, 40 - 80 mg three times daily, for antioxidant support and blood flow.
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) standardized extract, 100 - 250 mg 1 - 3 times a day as needed for symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Relora, 250 mg 1 - 3 times a day, for adrenal stress.

Topical applications of essential oils may benefit skin infections and stimulate new hair growth. Use three to four drops each of peppermint (Mentha piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ), and sage (Salvia officinalis ) in 1 tablespoonful of vegetable oil or olive oil. Massage gently into affected area one to two times daily.

For hirsutism:

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) standardized extract, 160 mg two times daily, for hormonal support.

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies include Ignatia, Pulsatilla, and Sepia. Acute dose is three to five pellets of 12X to 30 C every one to four hours until symptoms are relieved.

Acupuncture and Massage

Acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms or hair loss. Acupuncture may help enhance immune function, normalize digestion, and address disease conditions.

Although not all abnormal hair loss is associated with stress, psychological stress can alter thyroid and sex hormone levels in the body, potentially leading to hair loss. Yoga, prayer, guided imagery,and a variety of other methods may help retrain your body's response to stress. Group support can also be a vital component of any stress reduction plan and can have measurable physiological impact.

Supporting Research

Abraham KC, Connor KM, Davidson JR. Explanatory attributions of anxiety and recovery in a study of kava. J Altern Complement Med. 2004;10(3):556-9.

Beattie PE. The patient with hair loss. Practitioner. 2003;247(1643):128-30, 132-4.

Behrman RE, ed. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1996.

Bilia AR, Gallon S, Vincieri FF. Kava-kava and anxiety: growing knowledge about the efficacy and safety. Life Sci. 2002;70(22):2581-97.

Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea--a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(2):79-99.

Cecil RI, Plum F, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 20^th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1996.

Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. 1999 ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.; 1999.

Dawber RPR. An update of hair shaft disorders. Dermatologic Clinics. 1996; 14(4).

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14^th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Fiedler VC, Alaiti S. Treatment of alopecia areata. Dermatologic Clinics. 1996; 14(4).

Fontani G, Corradeschi F, Felici A, et al. Cognitive and physiological effects of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Invest. 2005;35(11):691-9.

Goroll AH, ed. Primary Care Medicine. 3^rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincot-Raven Publishers; 1995.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 3^rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1996.

Lawless J. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatics in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-being. New York, NY:Barnes & Noble, Inc.; 1992:199.

Middlekauff HR, Yu JL, Kui K. Acupuncture effects on reflex responses to mental stress in humans. Am J Physiol Regulat Integrat Comp Physiol. 2001;280:R1462-R1468.

Mock DM, Baswell DL, Baker H, et al. Biotin deficiency complicating parenteral alimentation: diagnosis, metabolic repercussions, and treatment. J Pediatr. 1985;106(5):762-9.

Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993.

Pandi-Perumal SR, Srinivasan V, Maestroni GJ, et al., Melatonin. FEBS J. 2006;273(13):2813-38.

Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(2):143-52.

Rai D, Bhatia G, Sen T, Palit G. Anti-stress effects of Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng: a comparative study. J Pharmacol Sci. 2003;93(4):458-64.

Rakel RE, ed. Conn's Current Therapy. 50^th ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders; 1998.

Rotsein OD. Oxidants and antioxidant therapy. Crit Care Clin. 2001;17(1):239-47.

Rushton DH. Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002;27(5):396-404.

Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(6):495-505.

Sinclair RD, Mallari RS, Tate B. Sensitization to saw palmetto and minoxidil in separate topical extemporaneous treatments for androgenetic alopecia. Australas J Dermatol. 2002;43(4):311-2.

Sufka KJ, Roach JT, Chambliss WG Jr, et al. Anxiolytic properties of botanical extracts in the chick social separation-stress procedure. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001;153(2):219-24.

Wang SM, Kain ZN. Auricular acupuncture: a potential treatment for anxiety. Anesth Analg. 2001;92:548-553

Yamada T, ed. Textbook of Gastroenterology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott-Raven Publishers; 1995.

Yoon JH, Baek SJ. Molecular targets of dietary polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties.Yonsei Med J. 2005;46(5):585-96.

Zuckerman-Levin N, Tiosano D, Eisenhofer G, et al. The importance of adrenocortical glucocorticoids for adrenomedullary and physiological response to stress: a study in isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(12):5920-4.

Review Date:
8/6/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Allergy to mold - dander - dust

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:52:13 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Allergy symptoms

Dust mite-proof pillow cover

HEPA air filter

Yeast and mold

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Allergy-related symptoms can occur after you are around mold, certain animals or animal hair, dust, and other substances. These substances are usually found indoors and do not cause symptoms for most people.

Alternative Names

Indoor allergies; Pet allergies

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Allergies are relatively common. They are caused by an over-sensitive immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and, in most people, do not cause an immune response.

When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen, histamine and other chemicals are released as part of the immune response. This causes itching and swelling, mucus production, and in serious cases, hives and rashes, as well as other symptoms.

Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Most environmental allergens contact the skin or eyes, or are inhaled. Therefore, most symptoms affect the skin, eyes, or the breathing passages.

You may develop an allergic reaction to particles in the indoor or outdoor environment that leads to hay fever-like symptoms. Common allergy triggers include:

Mold -- Mold spores are carried in the air and may be present all year long. Mold is most common indoors in damp locations such as basements, bathrooms, or washrooms. Fabrics, rugs, stuffed animals, books, or wallpaper can contain mold spores if they are frequently in contact with water or kept in a damp place. Outdoors, mold lives in the soil, on compost, and on damp vegetation.
Animals -- People who are allergic to certain animals are rarely allergic to the animals' fur or feathers. They are actually allergic to the small scales of skin (dander) that the animal sheds. Some people are allergic to the animal's saliva, particularly cats. Cats have saliva that contains a protein known to cause allergy. You can come into contact with animal saliva if the pet licks you, if you touched the pet after it has groomed itself, or if you touch an object that the animal has recently licked or chewed.
Dust -- House dust contains tiny particles of pollen, mold, fibers from clothing and fabrics, detergents, and microscopic insects (mites). Dust mites, including small fragments of dead mites, are the primary cause of dust allergy and are found in the highest numbers in bedding, mattresses, and box springs.

A few people develop allergy-like symptoms to other irritants in the environment, including smoke, fumes from industries or cleaning products, tobacco, powder, and laundry detergents.

Symptoms

Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Hives
Itching of the nose, eyes, throat, or skin
Rash
Redness in the eyes
Runny nose
Sinus pressure
Sneezing
Tearing eyes
Wheezing

Signs and tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. The history of symptoms is important in diagnosing allergies, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season and possible exposures such as having a pet in the household.

Allergy testing is done to see identify the specific allergens that are causing your symptoms. Skin testing is the most common and useful method. This may include scratch, patch, or other tests.

If your doctor determines that you cannot undergo skin testing, a RAST blood test (to look for IgE antibodies to a specific allergen) may be helpful.

Having allergies may also alter the results of the following tests:

WBC count, particularly eosinophil count
Serum immunoelectrophoresis

Treatment

The goal of treating allergic rhinitis is to reduce allergy symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues.

The best "treatment" is to avoid what causes the allergic symptoms in the first place. It may be impossible to completely avoid all allergens to which you are sensitive, but you can often take steps to reduce exposure.

Medication options include the following:

Short-acting antihistamines can relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. Many may be bought without a prescription. A pediatrician should be consulted before using these medicines in children, as they may affect learning. Loratadine (Claritin) is now available over the counter. It does not tend to cause drowsiness or affect learning in children.
Longer-acting antihistamines are available by prescription. They cause less drowsiness and can work just as well. They usually do not interfere with learning. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Nasal corticosteroid sprays work very well for people with symptoms not relieved by antihistamines alone. These prescription medications include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort).
Azelastine (Astelin) is a new, nasal antihistamine that is used to treat allergic rhinitis.
Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used for long periods.
Cromolyn sodium is available as a nasal spray (Nasalcrom) for treating hay fever. Eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchy or bloodshot eyes.
The leukotriene inhibitor montelukast (Singulair) is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

The most appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Immunotherapy includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may help the body adjust to the antigen. As mold, animal, and dust avoidance are more feasible than avoiding outdoor pollens, allergy shots are less commonly prescribed for these types of allergies.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most symptoms of allergies to mold, dander, and dust can be readily treated, and regular treatment can minimize the symptoms.

In some cases (particularly in children), people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance causes allergies for an individual, it can continue to affect the person long term.

The most severe cases of allergic rhinitis from these allergens may require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose or sinuses.

Complications

Frequent ear infections (otitis media) in children
Drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
Side effects of other medications (see the specific medication)
Sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Hives or other skin rashes
Anaphylaxis (a rare but severe allergic reaction)
Disruption of lifestyle

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if severe symptoms of allergy occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent development of allergies, but recent research has given us clues.

Breastfeeding can be effective at preventing and decreasing allergies. There is also evidence that exposures to certain allergens in the first year of life may prevent some allergies. This is called the "hygiene hypothesis" and sprang from observations that infants on farms tend to have fewer allergies than those in environments that are more sterile. Once allergies have developed, avoiding known allergens may decrease symptoms and prevent other allergies.

Mold spores are everywhere. Minimize exposure by keeping rooms dry, using a dehumidifier if necessary. Discard moldy or mildewed articles (books, toys, shoes, and so on). Use synthetic fabrics for clothing and household furnishings whenever possible. Disinfect bathrooms, basement walls, and furniture with diluted bleach or other appropriate disinfectant solution.

Clean frequently to minimize dust. Vacuum frequently, preferably using a small-pore filter to capture dust mites. Damp-mop and dust often. Eliminate as many "dust catchers" as possible, including rugs, bed ruffles or canopies, and curtains. Bedding and mattresses harbor dust mites.

You can buy special covers for mattresses, box springs, and pillows to reduce dust mite allergens. Wash rugs, bedding, and furniture coverings weekly if possible. Central heating and air-conditioning systems may be helpful, particularly if they include special filters to capture dust.

People who are allergic to animals may need to avoid keeping pets. Frequent bathing and grooming of the pet (preferably by someone who is not allergic to the animal) may help. Allergy to animals may also include wool, which may contain tiny amounts of dander (skin).

Avoid other irritants whenever possible.

Review Date: 10/30/2006

Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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