America's Allergist Blog

Facts about Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes one to stop breathing and start again during sleep. It happens multiple times per night. It can affect oxygen levels. More than 18 million people suffer from this disorder. Although it’s most common in those over the age of 40, it can affect someone at any age. Symptoms include snoring, periods of breathing cessation, abruptly waking up short of breath, dry mouth and sore throat after waking up, irritability, problems focusing, headaches in the morning and sleepiness. There are many myths about sleep apnea. The facts are this: Those who suffer from sleep...

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The Most Common Places Dust Hides

We all know that dust is everywhere. It seems no matter how often we clean, we still notice dust or find a missed spot. Not to mention how much some of us sneeze while dusting and vacuuming. Dust collects dirt, pollen, lint, hair, mold spores, flakes of paint, carpet fibers and sometimes dead insect pieces. Although dust is not a cute thing to find laying around the house, the bigger concern is dust mites. Dust mites are an eight-legged, small bug that survive on dead skin flakes. There can be hundreds or thousands of them within one gram of dust....

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Do you suffer from allergies in the winter?

Although allergies tend to taper off during cold weather, many people still experience allergy symptoms. Indoor allergies can affect people year round with dust, dust mites and pet dander. Allergy symptoms include runny/stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes, throat clearing, post nasal drip and coughing. To keep allergens under control in your house during the winter, try these tips: •HEPA air cleaners in bedrooms and living/family rooms •Keep humidity under 40% to keep dust mites and mold growth down •Remove carpet throughout house to reduce allergies •Make sure the house has good insulation to keep mold from growing and sticking to surfaces...

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CRE Superbug Threatening U.S. Cities

CRE (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae), an antibiotic-resistant superbug, has hit seven U.S. cities at levels higher than expected. Three of those include major cities, New York City, Atlanta and Baltimore. Meanwhile, low levels have been tracked in Denver, Albuquerque, and Portland, Oreg., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). CRE is uncommon and does not have specific symptoms, however, doctors can usually find suspicions of CRE based on a few problems. These problems include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis, high fevers, septic shock and organisms that are resistant to antibiotic treatment. Once CRE is suspected, your physician can run blood...

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How You Can Boost Your Immune System

As the school year picks up and flu season begins, it is important to stay healthy. Studies show there are multiple ways to boost your immune system. The first step to staying healthy is to wash your hands frequently and keep up on nasal washes. Keeping your hands clean and sinuses clear will help keep your immune system strong. Other simple ways to boost your immune system include:  Have a positive attitude. Thinking positive helps lower stress hormone levels. Regular sex. Research shows a link between frequent sex and immunoglobulin being present. Immunoglobulin is a protein which helps fight the...

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