Allergy Masks

When it comes to preventing your allergy symptoms, allergy masks (also known as dust masks or respirators) are one of the most effective allergy control products available.


There's really nothing more effective in blocking allergens and other irritants from triggering your symptoms...if you know which masks to use.

Let this page be your guide to understanding how allergy masks help you, and which ones are the best masks to use.
We have found there are several types of masks available, and each of them are for specific use.
Naturally since this site is about allergies, we focus on masks.
The types that allergy suffers should be familiar with are...


HEPA Mask – uses HEPA filtration...filters out at least 99.97% of allergens...the most effective for allergy sufferers.N95 Mask – similar to HEPA, but filters out at least 95% of allergens...more than sufficient for allergy sufferers.
Dust Mask – also known as a pollen mask...not up to HEPA or N95 standards, but definitely better than nothing.
Silk Mask – comfortable, breathable, washable, and fashionable...though not as effective as HEPA or N95.

If you also suffer from asthma, a cold weather mask should be a consideration for you as well. These help tremendously with preventing the asthma symptoms you experience in cold weather.

WHY WEAR A MASK?

Think of a mask as a personal air purifier. It filters out all the harmful airborne particles...especially allergens...allowing you to breathe clean, fresh air wherever you go.
How many times have you done certain activities, whether inside or out, that triggered your allergy symptoms or your allergy induced asthma. Well, we can tell you from experience if you wear an allergy mask, you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary suffering.
You know best which activities flare your symptoms, but here are some suggestions for times when it's a MUST to wear a mask...

• During allergy season.
• When the pollen and/or mold count is high.
• While doing yard work (Mowing, trimming, landscaping, gardening, etc.).
• When you're around pets.
• While cleaning house.

We have also found that it's also very important to wear a mask during many indoor activities as well. Probably the most important times to wear a mask is while dusting and vacuuming. These two activities kick up a lot of allergens...which can mean a lot of misery.

As we recommend on many other pages of this site, if you are an allergy sufferer, it's best to have someone else do the cleaning.
However, since I know that's not always a possibility, at least wear a mask to keep your allergy symptoms at bay!
MASKS FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS
Would you like a few examples of allergy masks that I would suggest?
The company 3M makes a good selection of masks that can help you with your needs....
The 3M 6291 mask is a true HEPA mask, which means it filters out 99.97% of allergens. It also protects you from other toxic particles and aerosols. It is a kind of a big, bulky mask...so in my mind for things like vacuuming and other allergy applications, it's a bit of overkill. It is very effective, however...so it's your call.
The 3M 8233 is a smaller, lighter HEPA mask than the 6291...making it a better choice for allergy sufferers. They also protect you from bacteria and viruses.
For all practical purposes, the 3M 8210 will keep your allergy symptoms from being triggered. This is your run-of-the-mill N95 mask. Not quite the protection of the HEPA mask, but if you have mild to moderate allergies it will work just fine.

AllergyZone also makes a great N95 mask N95 mask ...in fact, it's probably my personal favorite. You can see it in the picture at the top of the page. This mask is lightweight, comfortable, and has kept me from sneezing many times.

Overall, we have found that allergy masks are one of the cheapest and most effective allergy control products available.
Start using them today and enjoy the relief from your allergy symptoms! 

Milk allergy

Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. Although cow's milk is the usual cause of milk allergy, milk from sheep, goats and buffalo also can cause a reaction. And, some children who are allergic to cow's milk are allergic to soy milk too.

A milk allergy usually occurs a few minutes to a few hours after you consume milk. Signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Rarely, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis — a severe, life-threatening reaction.

Avoidance is the primary treatment for milk allergy. Fortunately, most children outgrow a milk allergy by age 3.

Symptoms

Milk allergy symptoms differ from person to person and occur within a few minutes to a few hours after ingesting milk.

Immediately after consuming milk, signs and symptoms of a milk allergy might include:

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Vomiting

Signs and symptoms that may take more time to develop include:

• Loose stools, which may contain blood
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy skin rash, often around the mouth
• Colic, in babies

Milk allergy or milk intolerance? 
It's important to differentiate a true milk allergy from milk protein intolerance or lactose intolerance. Unlike a milk allergy, intolerance doesn't involve the immune system. Milk intolerance causes different symptoms and requires different treatment than does a true milk allergy. Common signs and symptoms of milk protein or lactose intolerance include digestive problems, such as bloating, gas or diarrhea, after consuming milk or products containing milk.

Anaphylaxis 
Rarely, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that can narrow the airways and block breathing. If you or your child has a reaction to milk, tell your doctor about it no matter how mild the reaction was. Tests can help confirm a milk allergy, so you can take steps to avoid future and potentially worse reactions. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires treatment with an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot and a trip to the emergency room. Signs and symptoms start soon after consuming milk and can include:

• Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat that makes it difficult to breathe
• Facial flushing
• Itching
• Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure

When to see doctor
See a doctor or allergist if you experience milk allergy symptoms shortly after consuming milk. If possible, see your doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring. This will help the doctor make a diagnosis. Seek emergency treatment if you develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Causes

All food allergies are caused by an immune system malfunction. Your immune system identifies certain milk proteins as harmful, triggering the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the protein (allergen). The next time you come in contact with these proteins, these IgE antibodies recognize them and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals. Histamine and other body chemicals cause a range of allergic signs and symptoms. Histamine is partly responsible for most allergic responses, including runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, rashes, hives, nausea, diarrhea, labored breathing and anaphylactic shock.

There are two types of protein in cow's milk that can cause an allergic reaction:

• Casein, which is found in the solid part (curd) of milk that curdles
• Whey, which is found in the liquid part of milk that remains after milk curdles

You or your child may be allergic to only one milk protein or allergic to both casein and whey. These proteins are not only present in milk — but also are found in processed foods. Additionally, most people who react to cow's milk will also be allergic to sheep, goat and buffalo milk. Less commonly, people allergic to cow's milk are also allergic to soy milk.

Risk factors

Certain factors may put you at greater risk of developing a milk allergy:

• Other allergies. Many children allergic to milk also have other allergies. Often, however, milk allergy is the first to develop.
• Atopic dermatitis. Children with this type of skin reaction are much more likely to develop a food allergy.
• Family history. You're at increased risk of a food allergy if one or both of your parents have a food allergy or another type of allergy — such as hay fever, asthma, hives or eczema.
• Age. Milk allergy is more common in children. As you grow older, your digestive system matures and your body is less likely to react to milk.

Complications

Children who are allergic to milk are much more likely to develop certain other health problems, including:

• Allergies to other foods — such as eggs, soy, peanuts or even beef
• Hay fever — a reaction to pet dander, dust mites, grass pollen and other substances

Tests and diagnosis

When food is the cause of an allergic reaction, it isn't always easy to pinpoint the exact food that's to blame. To evaluate whether you or your child has a milk allergy, your doctor may:

• Ask detailed questions about signs and symptoms
• Perform a physical exam
• Have you keep a detailed diary of the foods you or your child eats
• Have you eliminate milk from your diet or your child's diet (elimination diet) — and then have you add back the food to see if it causes a reaction

He or she may also recommend one or both of the following tests:

• Skin test. In this test, your skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in milk. If you're allergic, you develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin. Allergy specialists usually are best equipped to perform and interpret allergy skin tests. This type of test isn't always accurate for detecting a milk allergy.
• Blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to milk by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to milk. However, this test isn't always accurate in correctly identifying a milk allergy either.

If your doctor suspects your symptoms are caused by something other than a food allergy, you may need other tests to identify — or rule out — other medical problems.

Treatments and drugs

The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid milk and milk proteins altogether. This can be difficult, as milk is a common ingredient in many foods.

Despite your best efforts, you or your child may still come into contact with milk. If this happens, medications, such as antihistamines, may reduce signs and symptoms of a mild milk allergic reaction. These drugs can be taken after exposure to milk to control an allergic reaction and help relieve discomfort. Talk with your doctor about which medications might work best for you.

If you or your child has a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) and a trip to the emergency room. If you're at risk of having a severe reaction, you or your child may need to carry injectable epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) at all times. Have your doctor or pharmacist demonstrate how to use this device so that you're prepared for an emergency.

Allergy shots, also sometimes called immunotherapy, haven't been proven effective for treating food allergies, but research is ongoing.

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent a food allergy from occurring in the first place — but you can prevent signs and symptoms by avoiding the food that causes them. If you know you or your child is allergic to milk, the only sure way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid milk products. Know what you or your child is eating and drinking. Be sure to read food labels carefully.

Some research suggests that breast-feeding during the first four months of a baby's life instead of giving a standard cow's milk formula can help prevent milk allergy.

In children who are allergic to milk, breast-feeding and use of hypoallergenic formula can prevent allergic reactions.

• Breast-feeding is the best source of nutrition for your child. Experts recommend breast-feeding for at least the first four to six months of life if possible, especially if your infant is at high risk of developing a milk allergy. Breast-feeding may reduce your baby's chance of developing a milk allergy. Your doctor may also recommend eliminating cow's milk from your diet while nursing your baby if you have a strong family history of food allergy.
• Hypoallergenic formulas are produced by using enzymes to break down (hydrolyze) milk proteins, such as casein or whey. Further processing can include heat and filtering. Depending on the level of processing, products are classified as either partially or extensively hydrolyzed. Or, they may also be called elemental formulas. Some hypoallergenic formulas aren't milk based, but instead contain amino acids. Along with extensively hydrolyzed products, amino-acid-based formulas are the least likely to cause an allergic reaction.
• Soy-based formulas are based on soy protein instead of milk. Soy formulas are fortified to be nutritionally complete — but, unfortunately, some children with a milk allergy also develop an allergy to soy.

Milk from other animals, such as goats or sheep, isn't a good substitute for cow's milk, as these types of milk contain proteins similar to the allergy-causing proteins in cow's milk. What's more, children who are allergic to cow's milk may also be allergic to soy milk.

If you're breast-feeding and your child has a milk allergy, cow's milk proteins passed through your breast milk may cause an allergic reaction. If this is the case, you may need to exclude all products that contain milk from your diet. Talk to your doctor if you know — or suspect — your child has a milk allergy and has allergy signs and symptoms that occur after breast-feeding.

If you or your child is on a milk-free diet, your doctor or dietitian can help you plan nutritionally balanced meals. You or your child may need to take supplements to replace calcium and nutrients found in milk, such as vitamin D and riboflavin.

Hidden sources of milk products 
Allergy-causing milk proteins are found in dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, butter, half-and-half and sour cream. But milk can be harder to identify when it's used as an ingredient in processed food products ranging from sausage to breakfast cereals. Hidden sources of milk include:

• Whey
• Casein
• Ingredients that contain the prefix "lact" — such as lactose and lactate
• Candies, such as chocolate, nougat and caramel
• Fat-replacement products, such as Simplesse
• Protein powders
• Artificial butter flavor
• Artificial cheese flavor
• Hydrosolate

Even if a food is labeled "milk-free" or "nondairy," it may still contain allergy-causing milk proteins — so you have to read the label carefully. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to be sure a product doesn't contain milk ingredients.

When eating out, ask how foods have been prepared. Does your steak have melted butter on it? Was your seafood dipped in milk before being cooked?

While there's no sure way to prevent an allergic reaction to milk, reading labels, being cautious when eating out, and using hypoallergenic or milk-free products can help you or your child avoid an unpleasant or dangerous reaction.

If you're at risk of a serious allergic reaction, talk with your doctor about carrying and using emergency epinephrine (adrenaline). If you have already had a severe reaction, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that lets others know that you have a food allergy.

Pet allergy

Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva or urine. Signs of pet allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Some people may also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats, dogs, rodents and horses.

If you have a pet allergy, the best strategy is to avoid or reduce exposure to the animal as much as possible. Medications or other treatments may be necessary to relieve symptoms and manage asthma.

Symptoms

Pet allergy symptoms caused by inflammation of nasal passages include:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose

If your pet allergy contributes to asthma, you may also experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

Skin symptoms
Some people with pet allergy may also experience skin symptoms. Allergic dermatitis is an immune system reaction that causes skin inflammation. Direct contact with an allergy-causing pet may trigger allergic dermatitis symptoms, which may include:

• Raised, red patches of skin (hives)
• Itchy skin

When to see a doctor Some signs and symptoms of pet allergy, such as a runny nose or sneezing, are similar to those of the common cold. Sometimes it's difficult to know whether you have a cold or an allergy. If symptoms persist for more than one week, you might have an allergy.

If your signs and symptoms are severe — such as severe nasal congestion, difficulty sleeping or wheezing — call your doctor. Seek emergency care if wheezing or shortness of breath rapidly worsens or if you are short of breath with minimal activity.

Causes

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander.

Your immune system produces proteins known as antibodies. These antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn't. When you inhale the allergen or come into contact with it, your immune system responds and produces an inflammatory response in your nasal passages or lungs. Prolonged or regular exposure to the allergen can cause the ongoing (chronic) inflammation associated with asthma.

Cats and dogsAllergens from cats and dogs are found in skin cells the animals shed (dander), in saliva and on hairs. Dander is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with the slightest bit of air circulation. It also collects easily in upholstered furniture and sticks to your clothes.

Pet saliva can stick to carpets, bedding, furniture and clothing. Dried saliva can become airborne.

A so-called hypoallergenic dog may shed less fur than a shedding dog, but no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.

Rodents and rabbitsRodent pets include mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs. Allergens from rodents are usually present in hair, dander, saliva and urine. Dust from litter or sawdust in the bottom of cages may contribute to airborne allergens from rodents.

Rabbit allergens are present in dander, hair and saliva.

Other petsPet allergy is rarely caused by animals that don't have fur, such as fish and reptiles.

Risk factors

Pet allergies are common. However, you're more likely to develop a pet allergy if allergies or asthma runs in your family.

Being exposed to pets at an early age may have an impact on your risk of pet allergies. Some studies have found that children who live with a dog or cat in the first year of life may have a lower risk of pet allergies than kids who don't have a pet at that age.

Complications

Sinus infections Ongoing (chronic) inflammation of tissues in the nasal passages caused by pet allergy can obstruct your sinuses, the hollow cavities connected to your nasal passages. These obstructions may make you more likely to develop bacterial infections of the sinuses, such as sinusitis.

Asthma People with asthma and pet allergy often have difficulty managing asthma symptoms. They may be at risk of asthma attacks that require immediate medical treatment or emergency care.

Preparing for your appointment

f you're experiencing runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath or other symptoms that may be related to an allergy, you'll most likely start by seeing your family doctor or general practitioner. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to allergy-like symptoms.
• Write down your family's history of allergy and asthma, including specific types of allergies if you know them.
• Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
• Ask if you should stop any medications, for example, antihistamines that would alter the results of an allergy skin test.

Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. For symptoms that may be related to pet allergy, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
• Are there any other possible causes?
• Will I need any allergy tests?
• Should I see an allergy specialist?
• What is the best treatment?
• If I have a pet allergy, can I keep my pet?
• What changes can I make at home to reduce my symptoms?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Are symptoms worse at certain times of day?
• Are the symptoms worse in the bedroom or other rooms of the house?
• Do you have pets, and do they go into bedrooms?
• What kind of self-care techniques have you used, and have they helped?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Issues for people with asthmaIf you already have been diagnosed with asthma and are having difficulty managing the disease, your doctor may talk to you about the possibility of allergies. Although allergies are a major contributing factor to asthma, the influence of allergy on asthma isn't always obvious.

The impact of a pollen allergy may be noticeable because the allergy is seasonal. For example, you may have more difficulty managing your asthma for a short time during the summer.

Pet allergy, on the other hand, may be due to something to which you're exposed throughout the year if you have a pet. Even if you don't have a pet, you may be exposed to pet allergens in other people's homes or that have been transported on people's clothes at work or school. Therefore, you may not recognize allergy as a factor possibly complicating your asthma when, in fact, it may be a primary cause.

What you can do in the meantime If you suspect that you may have a pet allergy, take steps to reduce your exposure to your pets. Keep pets out of your bedroom and off upholstered furniture, and wash your hands immediately after touching pets.

Tests and diagnosis

Your doctor may suspect pet allergy based on symptoms, an examination of your nose and your answers to his or her questions. He or she may use a lighted instrument to look at the condition of the lining of your nose. If you have a pet allergy, the lining of the nasal passage may be swollen or appear pale or bluish.

Your doctor may suspect a pet allergy, based on your comments. For example, you may have a pet allergy if your symptoms are worse when you have direct contact with your pet or when your pet sleeps in your bedroom or on the bed.

Allergy skin testYour doctor may suggest an allergy skin test to determine exactly what you're allergic to. You may be referred to an allergy specialist (allergist) for this test.

In this test, tiny drops of purified allergen extracts — including extracts with animal proteins — are pricked into your skin's surface. This is usually carried out on the forearm, but it may be done on the upper back.

The drops are left on your skin for 15 minutes before your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you're allergic to cats, for example, you'll develop a red, itchy bump where the cat extract was pricked into your skin. The most common side effects of these skin tests are itching and redness. These side effects usually go away within 30 minutes.

Blood testIn some cases, a skin test can't be performed because of the presence of a skin condition or because of interactions with certain medications. As an alternative, your doctor may order a blood test that screens your blood for specific allergy-causing antibodies to various common allergens, including various animals. This test may also indicate how sensitive you are to an allergen.

Treatments and drugs

The first line of treatment for controlling pet allergy is avoiding the allergy-causing animal as much as possible. When you minimize your exposure to pet allergens, you should expect to have allergic reactions that are less often or less severe. However, it's often difficult or impossible to eliminate completely your exposure to animal allergens. Even if you don't have a pet, you may unexpectedly encounter pet allergens transported on other people's clothes.

In addition to avoiding pet allergens, you may need medications to control symptoms.

Allergy medicationsYour doctor may direct you to take one of the following medications to improve nasal allergy symptoms:

• Antihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction. These drugs relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. Prescription antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex). Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase) are prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray. Over-the-counter antihistamine tablets (Claritin, Zyrtec, others), as well as antihistamine syrups for children, also are available.
• Corticosteroids delivered as a nasal spray can reduce inflammation and control symptoms of hay fever. These drugs include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone furoate (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasacort) and ciclesonide (Omnaris). Nasal corticosteroids provide a low dose of the drug and have a much lower risk of side effects compared with oral corticosteroids.
• Decongestants can help shrink swollen tissues in your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through your nose. Some over-the-counter allergy tablets combine an antihistamine with a decongestant. Oral decongestants can increase blood pressure and shouldn't be taken if you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. In men with an enlarged prostate, the drug can worsen the condition. Talk to your doctor about whether you can safely take a decongestant.
  Over-the-counter decongestants taken as a nasal spray may briefly reduce allergy symptoms. If you use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row, it can contribute to congestion.
• Cromolyn sodium prevents the release of an immune system chemical and may reduce symptoms. You need to use this over-the-counter nasal spray several times a day, and it's most effective when used before signs and symptoms develop. Cromolyn sodium doesn't have serious side effects.
• Leukotriene modifiers block the action of certain immune system chemicals. Your doctor may prescribe this prescription tablet, montelukast (Singulair), if you can't tolerate corticosteroid nasal sprays or an antihistamine nasal spray. Possible side effects include headache. Less common side effects include abdominal pain, cough, dental pain and dizziness.

Other treatments

• Immunotherapy, a series of allergy shots, can "train" your immune system not to be sensitive to an allergen. One to two weekly shots expose you to very small doses of the allergen, in this case, the animal protein that causes an allergic reaction. The dose is gradually increased, usually during a three- to six-month period. Maintenance shots are needed every four weeks for three to five years. Immunotherapy is usually used when other simple treatments are not satisfactory.
• Nasal lavage is the use of a saltwater (saline) rinse for your nasal passages. Your doctor may suggest a saline rinse to help lessen congestion, sneezing and postnasal drip. You can purchase over-the-counter saline sprays or nasal lavage kits with devices, such as bulb syringes, to administer a rinse. You can make your own solution with 1/8 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of distilled or purified water. Mix the ingredients together and store the solution at room temperature, and remix another batch after a week. Lavage your nose daily.