Many of us don’t realize that we spend about one-third of each day at home (except less for workaholics) and during this time we are exposed to potential indoor allergens. 

The most common causes of indoor or year-round allergies include house dust, dust mites, pet dander, feather bedding, mold spores and cockroach allergens. During the wintertime, indoor air is rather dry and we may feel it with parched, chapped lips and dry skin.  Many people prefer to use an indoor humidifier to moisturize the air for greater comfort as well as to soothe dry nasal and sinus passages.

The number one indoor allergen for most people with allergies is the “house dust mite” (a potent indoor allergen within dust).  These spider-like critters (fortunately you cannot see them without a microscope) love to inhabit warm, cozy places like pillows, mattresses, box springs and duvet covers in the bedroom.  You may have as many as two million dust mites in your bedding!  So what do they need to survive? Moisture! As we moisturize the indoor air with a humidifier, we are actually mobilizing them for a real party as they absorb water from the nearby environment.

If you happen to use a humidifier, it is essential to monitor the level of indoor humidity with a hygrometer (costs about $10-15).  You want to avoid over doing it and keep the level of humidity indoors below 50 percent (shoot for range of 30-50percent).  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning a humidifier and refill with fresh water daily.

Get some more expert advice from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/1107/  and http://www.aaaai.org/winterallergy/2006/. 

Check out the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s website at: http://www.acaai.org/public/indoor/indoor.htm.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Ever since the early ‘70s, we have been on the universal precautions bandwagon. 

First, we introduced latex gloves in the healthcare setting in doctors’ offices and in hospitals.

Next, individuals who prepare and serve food in restaurants, cafeterias, etc. also started using latex rubber gloves.  So what are the chances you can develop an allergic reaction to latex rubber?

The majority of those affected develop only localized symptoms such as skin irritation and burning, itchiness, redness and/or swelling of the hands or those areas exposed to the latex.  Next, are those unlucky allergic people who may have reactions that are more serious and progressive.  Higher-risk areas include the dentist’s office, operating room or emergency department and gynecologists’ offices ― just to name a few.  So get a medical identification card and/or bracelet to inform of your latex allergy! 

So where else do we see allergic reactions to latex rubber?

What am I seeing in my office?  Just the other day, a restaurant owner who supervises food preparation (personally) was exposed to foods and products served by staff who wear latex rubber gloves. When tested, we learned she had become allergic to latex rubber and had two potentially life-threatening reactions as a result of exposure in her own restaurant. 

If you are allergic to latex, be aware you may also react to the following foods: Bananas, avocados, chestnuts, apples, carrots, celery, papayas, kiwi, melons, potatoes and tomatoes.

Finally, defense being your best option, click here  for a consumer-friendly list of products that may contain latex rubber.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Hey, guess what? You have probably been eating foods colored by ground-up insects for quite sometime now.  I’m sure you did not know this. Carmine (a red food coloring made from beetles) has been used as a coloring agent in many foods from yogurt, ice cream, juices, candies, and even in cosmetics. 

University of Michigan allergist Dr. James L. Baldwin reported a number of patients with an apparent life-threatening allergic reaction to the insect-based food coloring.  Cases of asthma and hives and even anaphylactic shock, have been described. The carmine food dye may be a risk for those individuals that are sensitive or allergic to the ground-up insects. 

The NY Times reported a recent rule change at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that will mandate food manufacturers list carmine on a food label.  At present, the FDA does not require the components of food coloring agents to be named on a label. 

Natural food colorings can be added to foods and this new rule change is set to begin in 2011 (although food companies may voluntarily list the components of natural food coloring agents sooner).  It is highly likely that ingesting natural food dyes won’t cause any particular health problem, however if you experience an allergic reaction after ingesting a food product with carmine food dye, it may be something to discuss with a food-allergy savvy allergist.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Our soon-to-be First Family faces a personal struggle that millions of other American families face every day: Their daughter suffers from allergies.

An estimated 10-15 percent of people with allergies in the U.S. are allergic to dogs or cats. And about two million people who have cat allergies apparently live with at least one cat in their households. For many pet allergy sufferers, the importance of keeping their pet outweighs the difficulties present due to their allergies. 

The major pet allergens are produced in glands in the skin and can easily get into the animal’s fur, hair and saliva as well.  These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction if an individual is allergen-sensitive.  There are a variety of allergy symptoms including itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat, as well cough, asthma and hives.

If you have pet allergies, consider the following proven survival tips:

• Create an “allergy free” bedroom (where we spend about one third of each day).
• Use a high-efficiency HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom.
• Purchase allergen mattress and pillow covers which may help to prevent pet hair brought into the bedroom from getting into the bedding.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and/or a double-bag filter to better catch pet allergens.
• Some studies indicate weekly bathing of a pet may substantially reduce the level of pet allergens in the fur (speak with your vet about any specific suggestions on best ways to do this).
• Learn which prescription or OTC allergy medications are helpful if you have pet-allergic symptoms.
• Allergy injections for pet allergies can be helpful in reducing symptoms if avoidance measures are not successful.
• One study found that it’s easier to transfer pet allergens form person-to-person when wearing wool rather than cotton.
• Washable wall covering, wood and linoleum flooring is easier to clean and remove adherent pet allergens than other surfaces. 
• Ask a non-allergic friend or family member when animal grooming is required.  It is best to do this on non-carpeted flooring. 
• Avoid the area around the cat’s litter box if you suffer with cat allergies.
• Wash your hands after handling a pet to keep from transferring the allergens to your eyes and nose.

LIVE SMART WITH YOUR PETS!  

Check out more tips about pet allergies from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at their consumer friendly website at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/just4kids/pet_allergies.asp

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Winter dryness can really wreak havoc when it comes to your eyes, nose and skin this time of year.  I have found that a little planning for this annual event where the air is quite dry (both indoors and outside) throughout the country can prevent unwanted symptoms. 

What can you do to improve your wintertime health?

1. Water, water, water! Increase the amount of fluids you drink during the winter to help nourish the surface of the eyes. Drinking water will also help to wash away pollutants and allergens, and replenish the moisture your skin loses during this time of year.  Nasal salt water solutions and saline gel can help to moisturize your sinuses. 
2. Moisturize. Use non-fragranced moisturizers on your skin that are hypoallergenic — especially for the face and body.  Artificial tears and nasal saline gel drops can also help.
3. Sleep well. Adequate sleep can also help to replenish moisture and give you a more refreshing awakening in the morning.
4. Antioxidants. Load up on Omega-3s and other antioxidant rich foods (Think “Mediterranean” diet).
5. Go natural. Watch out for “drying” effects of alcohol-based personal products/cosmetics and harsh soaps.
6. Take a break. Give your eyes a rest while you’re working. Frequent breaks from the computer will help to avoid worsening eye fatigue and dryness, and so will closing your eyes at intervals.
7. Don’t smoke. Smoke free is the way to be since tobacco smoke can dry the surface of the skin and has negative effects on your eyes and nasal passages.
8. De-stress! Learn anti-stress and positive lifestyle behaviors and coping skills.

And remember ladies, mature women may be at particular risk as a result of a reduction in estrogen that can lead to drying of the skin — particularly during the winter months!

For more information, log onto www.dryeyeremedy.com.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

A new study published in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) found a higher likelihood of anaphylaxis, or severe and/or life-threatening allergic reactions than previously reported.

In the study, Wyatt W. Decker, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, reported that the incidence rate of food-allergic reactions increased significantly from 1990 to 2000. Researchers reported about a 10 percent increase in cases of life-threatening allergic reactions over the 10-year period of the study. 

Children ages 0 to 19 are at the highest risk for these severe reactions. Based on the new study, it’s estimated that food allergies cause 50,000 emergency room visits per year, with overall cases approaching 150,000 annually.

“This study shows anaphylaxis affects significantly more people, many of whom are children, than previously reported,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). 

Increased prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergy

Almost every day I am asked by patients, colleagues and the media why there are so many new cases of food allergies — particularly, nuts and peanuts. The prevalence of peanut allergy in the U.S. has been estimated to affect as many as 6 million people. The incidence of peanut allergy is said to have doubled in American children in the five years between 1998 and 2003.

Since there is no treatment or cure for food allergies, avoidance and education are the most important methods of reducing risk. Another important strategy is to become a “label detective.” To better understand food labels, carry a “food allergy identification card” (especially when eating outside of the home), and be prepared to treat severe allergic reactions when they occur. 

For more information on food allergy, contact FAAN at (800) 929-4040 or visit www.foodallergy.org.  In addition, see a board certified allergist for testing, and if you or a family member has food allergies, ask for a food allergy action plan!  

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

It’s time for the old end-of-year office party or family holiday dinner.  During the holiday season the likelihood that you will ingest high-risk foods that may cause allergic reactions is at an all-time high.  So if you are one of the estimated 11 million people affected by food allergies, focus on being a label detective in order to avoid these potentially hazardous ordeals. 

Sharing meals during the holidays is one of the highlights of the season for many families. The most common food allergens in the U.S. are cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts.  Unfortunately, food allergies make up over tens of thousands of emergency room visits annually. Peanut allergy is associated with potentially fatal allergic reactions and often, allergic individuals will not outgrow it.

When invited as a guest to the home of a friend or family member during the holidays, it’s important to explain what your food issues and concerns may be. By doing this, you can hopefully avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

Watch our for these holiday culprits:

• Eggnog (the word albumin on a label indicates the presence of eggs)

• Fruitcakes (may contain nuts)

• Glazed rolls and bread or other bakery items (containing egg)

• Mixed nuts

• Chocolate, candies and other confectionery items (many contain nuts, milk)

• Dips, fondues and salsas (may contain diary cream and egg)

• Quiches (often contain egg)

• Fried foods – if you are seafood-allergic (as the same oil used in the fried fish may also be used in the preparation of other fried foods such as French fries)

• At least some alcoholic beverages (if you are grain or wheat sensitive)

• Soybean oil salad dressings – (if soy sensitive)

• Caesar or Greek salad (may contain anchovies)

• Marzipan (a paste made of ground almonds, egg and/or milk)

• Worcestershire sauce (may contain fish)

• Yams, sweet potato pie (may contain egg, pecans, walnuts or dairy)

• Pumpkin pie (may contain peanut/nuts, nutmeg)

• Gingerbread cookies (may contain egg, milk, soy, corn and wheat)

• Potato pancakes served for a Chanukah celebration (may contain egg)

Here are some strategies for the holidays:

• Use caution if you eat Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Mexican cuisine as many foods may contain nuts. 

• Keep a “restaurant food allergen ingredient card” with you to make the kitchen staff aware of your food allergy when dining out.  Ask for a list of ingredients before ordering.    

• Be a label detective! Learn to read food labels as many ingredients can be misleading or confusing.  Check out the recommendations on “How to Read a Label” at www.foodallergy.org.

• When visiting with friends and family, let your host know if you need to avoid certain foods so they can prepare alternate choices. 

• Bring safe, homemade, allergy-free dishes when invited to someone’s house.

• Keep a spot in the food preparation area of the kitchen free of food allergens.

• Be sure and know the earliest signs of an allergic reaction and how to give the emergency medication(s) prescribed by your allergist/physician.

• Develop an emergency plan that includes ample medication, including epinephrine auto-injectors (be prepared for prolonged reactions).

• Plan ahead if you need to travel during the holidays and have safe snacks and foods with you, especially if you have a food-allergic child.

• Stay with “simple dishes” that avoid hidden ingredients.

• Avoid salad bars where containers can have traces of allergens and cross contamination is common.

• Use caution when ordering deli meats where the same equipment may be used to slice meat and milk-based cheeses.

Having an allergy to a food does not mean you cannot enjoy the many and varied holiday foods this time of the year.  Many alternate foods can be substituted and still ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season!  For more tips on avoiding food allergens during the holidays, vitit www.aaaai.org or www.acaai.org.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

The Yule log is burning in the fireplace and various holiday ornaments are back in use for the holiday season. This is a particularly tricky time for those affected by indoor allergies, sinus problems, asthma and other respiratory disorders. Each year my staff and I take the extra time to educate our allergy sufferers and better prepare them for the onslaught of holiday and winter-time allergies. 

First, do you notice that when the family Christmas tree, complete with holiday ornaments makes its appearance in your home, your nasal, eye, sinus and various respiratory symptoms begin to worsen?  Live Christmas trees can trigger mold allergies and the spores that thrive on their branches can trigger weeks of suffering. 

Many people consider pine tree pollen to be the primary cause of their allergy symptoms during the holidays. But, while it’s possible to have an allergy to pine tree pollen, you’re much less likely to have symptoms during the Christmas season because pine trees mostly pollinate in the spring.

Christmas trees are a source for mold spores which attach to the branches and needles. Because these trees may be cut up to two months before they arrive in your home, and are kept alive by daily watering, which over time, can lead to mold growth. 

Typically, spore counts in your house climb when evergreen trees are brought indoors. Connecticut allergist Philip Hemmers, who recently studied this holiday phenomenon, found that indoor mold counts in a home with a Christmas tree increased to five times the normal level within two weeks of bringing the tree indoors. So if you are allergic to mold, try running an air cleaner in the same room as the tree and shorten the length of time you have the tree in the house to limit mold exposure. And for those who are sensitive to odors, avoiding live Christmas trees may be a wise decision because the aroma could irritate their eyes and nose.

Terpene, which is found in the oil and sap of many evergreen trees and wreaths, is also a potential allergy culprit. Terpene can cause skin rashes when it comes in contact with the skin of allergic individuals. 

So, how can you reduce the risks of Christmas tree allergies interfering with your holidays? Here are some tips that may help:

• When handling a live tree, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, to prevent sap and resins from irritating the skin. 
• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology  suggests that you allow your tree to dry out on an enclosed porch or garage before bringing it indoors, while keeping the trunk in a bucket of water so it doesn’t die.
• You also may want to explore whether your tree retailer provides a shaking machine, which will physically remove some allergens from the tree.  
• Be sure to clean ornaments and lights before decorating your tree to rid them of dust and mold. 

Artificial trees remain an option for people with mold allergies, but even artificial trees can aggravate allergies. They tend to collect dust and mold since they’re in storage for most of the year. If you have an artificial tree, store it in a cool, dry place, and wipe it down or wash it before putting it up.

The risks associated with a real or artificial tree can be reduced significantly by following simple precautions:

• Use a cloth to wipe clean your artificial tree.
• Decorations stored for the past year in a damp basement may harbor molds or dust mites. Whenever possible, keep ornaments and decorations stored in dry areas, off the floor in plastic bags. It is also a good idea to wash your hands after unpacking them.
• The ever popular holiday plant, the poinsettia, belongs to the same plant family as the Brazilian rubber tree from which latex is obtained. Direct contact with a broken poinsettia leaf can trigger a rash or allergy symptoms if you are sensitive to latex rubber.  
• Candles and incense can trigger allergies, but by using soy and beeswax candles you can reduce your risk of suffering respiratory symptoms.

Winter is on it’s way, and allergies don’t stop there. Here are some room by room tips to help you cope with winter allergies!

Bedrooms (number one important allergen is the house dust mite)
1. Encase your pillows and bedding (mattress and box spring) with tight allergen–impermeable slip covers that “seal in” indoor house dust mites if you have allergic sensitivities to this powerful indoor allergen
2. Dust mite levels in mattresses are more closely linked with asthma attacks
3. Wash bedding in very hot water every 7–14 days
4. Remember to reduce dust collectors, particularly in the bedroom, such as drapes, horizontal blinds (tend to trap dust easily and more problematic to clean them), non-washable items (stuffed toys)
5. Washable window shades are preferred
6. Unpacking of winter clothing may have accumulated dust and mildew from open storage in basement or attic areas
7. Try and keep pets out of the bedroom if you have pet allergies

Bathrooms
Look for problem areas with excess mildew and molds, leaking faucets, damp carpets and/or rugs

Kitchen
1. Exposure to household cleaning agents, aerosols, cleaners, cockroach traps
2. Limit candle usage
3. Check refrigerator drip pans for excess mildew and moisture
4. “Always open the window or run an exhaust fan, when you’re cleaning in an enclosed space, you must always have good ventilation,” says Pramod S. Kelkar, MD, chair of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology’s Cough Taskforce.

Living Areas
1. Smoke from fireplace, chemicals from carpeting and furnishings, pet hair and dander
2. Avoid scented candles and potpourri
3. Use a HEPA air cleaner (either room model or central HVAC) to remove unwanted airborne pet allergens (cat, dog hair)
4. Even if you’re not the one out of ten allergy sufferers allergic to pets, your household pets are still quite capable of bringing outdoor hidden allergens indoors on their skin and fur
5. Cover air vents with allergen filters
6. Keep humidity in check – don’t over do it with trying to over humidify your home. Get a hygrometer and measure humidity inside, try and keep it less than 40-45% to avoid a buildup of mold spores and dust mites (they love excess humidity). 
7. Avoid excessive amounts of house plants if you have sensitivities to mold spores
8. Hardwood floors and tile are better than wall to wall carpets and heavy rug
9. Vacuum frequently with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter in the vacuum cleaner which will able to catch many allergy-irritating particles (hopefully this can be done by non allergic individual)
10. Keep out of rooms recently vacuumed or dusted for about 30 minutes to let the “dust settle”
 
Remodeling, renovations and decorating your home
1. Try to choose products made with real wood and low-VOC sealants 
2. If you must use carpeting in your home, go for ones that are free of formaldehyde and use allergy-friendly paints 
3. Open the windows to properly ventilate the home
 
Garage
Exposure to chemicals, paints, mildew, fumes and gardening products
 
Additional tips
1. Control your stress during the frantic holiday period
2. Learn coping and stress management strategies (yoga, meditation) if you are one of over 17 million with asthma.  Holiday stress can tighten respiratory passages and aggravate asthma. 
3. Lastly, don’t forget if you have allergies and/or asthma have your emergency medications on hand at all times

Get some more expert advice from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/1107/  and http://www.aaaai.org/winterallergy/2006/ as well as from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at: http://www.acaai.org/public/indoor/indoor.htm

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

During in the fall and early winter time in most 4-season regions of the US, we see an upswing in the number of individuals who suffer with a variety of respiratory and allergy symptoms as a result of greater exposure to pet cats and dogs.  Almost 70% of U.S. households have one or more domestic pets, equally divided between cats and dogs, accounting for 100 million pets.

Allergic owners suffer from reactions to their pet’s dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine. Hair or fur also can collect pollens, mold spores and other outdoor allergens. Americans love their pets and a recent Japanese study found that one in four patients with pet allergies continue to keep a pet despite allergy- and asthma-related problems.  In addition, the study indicated approximately 80 percent of the pet owners surveyed kept their pets inside the home most of the time. 

The presence of allergic dander in cats and dogs is not affected by length of hair or fur, and there are no truly “hypoallergenic breeds.” According to another study I conducted at The Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, the color of a cat’s hair may influence true allergic symptoms in people exposed to the dander. Preliminary data from a self-administered questionnaire of 400 households with pet cats indicated a significantly greater amount of allergy-related symptoms (such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin) with exposure to dark cat hair. As expected, the severity of allergy symptoms also was greater in owners who permitted their pet’s unlimited access to the bedroom.

Keeping animals outdoors is only a temporary solution since pet dander will eventually accumulate in the house, carried inside on clothing. Even the type of clothing worn can affect the transportation of pet dander.

Taking Control

Keeping pets out of the bedroom can reduce unnecessary suffering since people spend approximately one-third of each day in this room. The presence of cats and dogs on owners’ beds contributes greatly to the amount of airborne allergens in the home. Exposure to airborne allergens, which also are spread by air currents, can be reduced by restricting the pet’s presence in bedrooms, dens or living rooms with upholstered furniture.  

Because pet dander is quite light and buoyant, and floats freely in the indoor air, electrostatic or HEPA air cleaners can be a big help in removing unwanted allergenic particles, especially cat dander. The size of the space determines the size filter necessary, and units are available as tabletop models or can be adapted to central air conditioning systems. Placing a screen or filter over room vents may keep dander from traveling through the heating and air conditioning system. Bear in mind that it may take six months or more to completely rid the home of cat dander particles even after the pet is removed.

There are a variety of other measures that can be utilized to minimize contact with pet allergens:

• Get allergy tested and learn if you are really allergic to your pets!
• Avoid hugging and kissing pets if you are truly allergic to them.
• Remove litter boxes from direct contact with allergy sufferers and place them away from areas of air filtration intake vents in homes with central heating and air-conditioning.
• Wash hands after handling or touching a pet to help avoid spreading the dander.
• Consider placing plastic covers on the couch or other upholstered furniture (which may harbor pet allergens) where the pet sleeps or rests.
• Utilize washable mattress  (encasings) covers, pillow covers and bedding in 130 degree hot water
• Replace carpeting with tile, linoleum and hardwood or other solid-surface flooring.
• Wash your pet on a weekly basis. Recent studies have indicated that some significant reduction in the amount of pet allergens occurs with weekly washing of dogs and cats. This activity appears to reduce the amount of dander that causes allergy symptoms
• A non-allergic individual should brush the pet regularly, outside of the home.
• Speak with your pet’s veterinarian to get a well balanced diet for your pet. This change in diet may help to minimize hair loss for the pet and this can reduce dander indoors.
• Use a double or micro-filter bag and a HEPA filter in the vacuum to augment the filtration of the vacuum cleaner and, in turn, reduce the amount of pet allergen present in carpeting that leaks back into the room air. 
• Finally, for those allergy sufferers who want to keep their pets, look into the administration of allergy shots (immunotherapy) by your allergist/immunologist to reduce the unnecessary suffering associated with having a pet in the home.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.