Allergies is the most common and probably the most complex cause for red eye symptoms. In general allergies are poorly understood, for example we can not fully explain or cure many allergy induced disorders such as asthma, rosacea or chronic urticaria. We can be allergic to almost anything, for example some researchers believe Rosacea is caused by an allergy to microscopic mite (Demodex folliculorum) that lives in the hair follicle. Knowing that eyes also provide a broad surface area for the collection of any airborne allergens it would not be surprising that some hidden allergy may be responsible for the adverse reaction, as people may experience allergic reactions limited solely to ocular tissues. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis may last throughout the year and although itching is the key symptom for diagnosing ocular allergy disorders it is often absent in allergic conjunctivitis. Some types of allergies, for example hay fever, make the eyes itchy, while others may merely produce a chronic redness. It's not only invisible microscopic particles that are all around us and abnormal immune system that may cause red eye symptoms, hidden food allergies may also create an allergic reaction of the eyes with usual symptoms such as itchy or red eyes. The first line treatment is identifying allergens and avoiding them. Common medicines used in ocular allergy treatment can be found at Review of Ocular Anti Allergy Products page. The most popular medicines used in ocular allergy are artificial tear drops (such as systane, theratears or refresh endura) and Patanol which is a combination of anti histamine and mast cell stabiliser. People who do not respond well to first line treatment may be prescribed with Alrex, which is a corticosteroid approved by FDA for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Long term use of corticosteroids have serious side effects such as elevated eye pressure or a possible development of cataract, therefore some specialists use Restasis (cyclosporin) for long term anti inflammatory effect, especially when dry eye symptoms are observed. A new possible trend in allergic eye inflammation treatment may be anti - immunoglobulin E medicine (such as Xolair), which is currently only approved for asthma.
If you have pet allergies, you're not alone. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals. Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies. These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children. What can you do if you, your child or someone in your family has pet allergies? This edition of the Allergy Control Products series on ?The Secret to Living with Allergies? covers top allergy relief action steps for help with pet allergies.
Step 1: Understand where Pet Allergens are found and the Hurdles in Tackling Pet Allergies Pet allergen, the allergy-causing material from dogs and cats that triggers allergic reactions, is not actually the pet hair but instead a protein present in the animal dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva). Pet allergens are particularly small and ?sticky?. These allergens are found to the greatest extent in homes with pets, however, their sticky nature means that they often travel on clothes or in other ways to places where pets have never been allowed (such as offices, schools, and other public places).
Depending on individual factors including the severity of the pet allergy, you may face the very difficult decision of finding a new home for your pet. If this happens, removing pet dander will require thorough cleaning as pet dander is difficult to eliminate throughout the home, and it can take as long as 20 weeks for pet dander to no longer cause allergies. If you keep your pet, it is important to take the action steps outlined in Steps 2 ? 9 to help reduce your exposure to pet allergens.
Step 2: Don't Allow the Pet in the Allergic Individual's Bedroom To reduce exposure to pet allergens, keep the pet out of the bedroom. This room is where we spend much of our day while sleeping and is where the greatest levels of allergens can be found. Hands and clothing should be washed after any contact with your pet.
Step 3: Cover Pillows, Mattresses and Box Spring with Allergy Encasings Protect yourself from pet allergens that have built up in the bed by covering pillow, mattress, box spring and even the comforter with allergy encasings. Choose an encasing with a small pore size (under 5-6 microns) that will effectively block the small pet dander particle and keep allergens contained within the bed.
Step 4: Wash Linens and Any Un-Encased Bedding Every Week in Hot Water Any linens, pillows, blankets or comforters that aren't encased should be washed weekly in hot water (130-degrees F) to remove allergens. If you have had to remove your pet, consider replacing bedding items with new purchases that are free from pet allergen build-up.
Step 5: Remove or Treat Carpets to Eliminate a Large Allergen Source Allergens fall into the weave of the carpet, accumulating to create a large allergen source. Remove the carpet to prevent continued exposure, or treat carpets to denature allergens and vacuum thoroughly.
Step 6: Clean Your Carpet with a HEPA Filtration Vacuum, Designed to Contain the Small Pet Dander Particle The tiny pet dander particle can pass through the standard bag of many vacuum cleaners and exhaust back into the air. HEPA vacuums, with high filtration bags and superior containment of allergen particles, should be used.
Step 7: Use HEPA Air Cleaners and Purifiers to Capture Airborne Allergens Although large dust and mold allergens can settle to the ground more quickly, small pet allergens remain airborne longer. HEPA air cleaners and air purifiers are particularly good for these allergens.
Step 8: Use Central Furnace Filters or Place Filter Media Over Vents in the Bedroom Filter air with a central furnace permanent or disposable air filter. Airborne allergen particles are captured by the air filter before circulating throughout the house. Cover vents in the allergic person's bedroom with filter media that further traps airborne particles before entering the room.
Step 9: Reduce Dander by Giving Your Pet Frequent Baths Although studies have demonstrated that washing pets with water removes some surface allergen, the effects are temporary and may not last long enough to reduce symptoms. Specially-formulated pet shampoos can be used to help remove dander.
Both Predrag Iljic & Colleen Finnegan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Predrag Iljic has sinced written about articles on various topics from Allergies, Blood Pressure and Health. Predrag Iljic has been suffering from various allergies for as long as he can remember. If you believe you could be suffering from allergies as well please visit his