Ragweed Pollen

Asthma, Sinusitis, Rhinitis:  Cost to Society

Environment Matters
      Excerpts
            Dog Allergen
            Cat Allergen
            Burning Wood Indoors

Air Quality Index

Tips for Allergy & Asthma Health

Allergy Shots for Grass Pollen

Decreasing Dog Allergen

Millions of Americans are allergic to dogs and cats. Dander, hair and saliva all contribute to dog allergen. The best allergy health decision is not to have an indoor dog.

Washing it twice a week may reduce the amount of indoor dog allergen from hair and dander. Twenty-five dogs (not bathed in three weeks) were studied by United Kingdom researchers who thoroughly washed the dogs with shampoo for five minutes. Clipped hair and air samples indicated a significant decrease compared to allergen detected prior to washing. Dogs build up allergen so rapidly that maintenance requires bathing at least twice a week.

Washing the dog reduces dog allergen levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999; 103: 581-85.

Cat Allergen Exposure and No Cat!

Studies have well-documented the role of cat allergen in triggering asthma. Your child has asthma. An allergy skin test is positive to cat allergen, but the family has no cat. Why is your child allergic to cats when your home is cat-free? It may not be free of cat allergen or your child may have been exposed elsewhere. Various studies show transfer of cat allergen on the clothing of cat owners and is found on public transportation, in physicians' offices, in hospitals, and in schools.

Since school has started, your child may be exposed to cat allergen not encountered during summer vacation. Levels of cat allergen in homes, schools, and on the clothing of children was measured by Swedish researchers. Cat allergen is in the air at schools and attaches to the clothing of children without cats at home. Not only is the child exposed at school, but may transfer enough cat allergen on clothing to increase levels at home. Until more studies can be done on how to reduce exposure to pet allergens at school, encase your child’s mattress and wash school clothing.

School as a risk environment for children allergic to cats and a site for transfer of cat allergen to homes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103: 1012-1017

Wood burning can cause indoor and outdoor pollution. Stacked fire wood can encourage mold growth; lack of ventilation when burning wood in a fireplace or stove and the smell of smoke or ashes can trigger nose and lung symptoms.

It is better to burn hickory, oak, maple, beech or hardwoods than softwoods such as pine or even fir. Do not burn materials other than wood, such as colored paper, that can give off harmful chemicals. In fact, do not use wood that has glue, is treated for outdoor building projects, or is painted as these burning wood products produce harmful chemicals. Dry out wood months in advance of burning to decrease indoor smoke.

©1999

Contacting us

Please CALL our office (828-322-1275 or 1-800-432-5015) if you or your child is a patient at Hickory Allergy & Asthma Clinic, and 
1.  you have a question about your medical care.
2.  you are reporting or asking about symptoms. 
3.  you have a question about your medicines or need a refill. 
4.  you have a question about your account.
5.  you wish to schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment.

For problems or questions regarding this web site contact [Email].

If you have a general allergy or asthma related question, address that to haac@wheezy.com.  We answer e-mailed questions periodically, but not necessarily daily.  

Date last updated:  July 14, 2008
Copyright 1999-2008