wooded areas or areas where there is mud. Con-
tact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
can cause symptoms any time of the year, though
this is more of a problem in spring and summer.
Indoor AllergensIndoor allergens are commonly dust, insect drop-
pings, and pet dander. Cockroach droppings are
the prime cause of ALLERGIC ASTHMAin urban areas,
especially in children. Cockroaches are attracted to
moisture and food debris; keeping living areas dry
and clean reduces the attraction. Dust mite drop-
pings are also a significant cause of allergic ASTHMA
and ALLERGIC RHINITIS. Dust mites also prefer humid
environments, though their food source is the
microscopic flakes of SKINthat people continually
shed. These flakes accumulate in bedclothes and
bed linens especially. Keeping the bedroom dry
and washing sheets once a week in hot water
helps reduce the dust mite population.
About 80 percent of American households
have pets. About the same percentage of people
who have allergies are allergic to pet dander (most
often cat dander). Some studies have found ani-
mal dander is as pervasive in the indoor environ-
ment as is pollen in the outdoor environment.
Desensitization is the recommendation of most
allergists for people who are allergic but want to
have pets. Though desensitization may take three
to five years to become fully effective, it is a per-
manent solution. There are no pets that are “low
allergy.” The length of an animal’s coat has little
relationship to its ability to evoke an allergic reac-
tion. Other measures include washing the hands
and changing the clothes after handling an ani-
mal, and keeping pets out of the bedroom.
Central heating and air-conditioning are effec-
tive for controlling humidity as well as filtering
the air. Central vacuum systems are also helpful
because they deposit vacuumed debris outside the
living area, usually into a container in the garage
or basement. High-efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filters can remove many kinds of allergens
from the air.
See also ALLERGEN; ALLERGY TESTING; QUALITY OF
LIFE.
living with immune disorders Living with an
immune disorder requires special attention to cir-
cumstances that increase the risk for INFECTION.
IMMUNE DISORDERSincrease susceptibility to infec-
tion either as a direct result of the disease process
or, in AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS, as a consequence of
the medications necessary to keep symptoms in
check. The most important factor for controlling
the symptoms of immune disorders is taking
medications as prescribed. Immune function is
complex, and often the therapeutic approach
combines different kinds of medications to achieve
an overall balance to the best extent possible
within the parameters of the disease process.
Though many complementary approaches are
beneficial, some may interfere with conventional
treatments and medications.
Nutritious EATING HABITSand regular physical
activity benefit the IMMUNE SYSTEMin innumerable
ways. The appropriate NUTRIENTSgive the body
the building blocks—amino acids—it needs to
make the components of the IMMUNE RESPONSE.
Autoimmune conditions may restrict physical
activity, yet physical activity helps maintain opti-
mal function. PHYSICAL THERAPY and MASSAGE
THERAPYare conventional means for improving
range of motion, STRENGTH, and FLEXIBILITY. YOGA,
TAI CHI, and qi gong are alternative approaches that
can do the same, along with MEDITATIONto help
relieve stress and improve mental clarity and
focus. BIOFEEDBACK and HYPNOSIS are other
methods to manage symptoms and establish a
sense of control or peaceful coexistence with the
condition. Numerous studies suggest a surprisingly
intricate relationship between stress, emotion, and
immune function, making stress management
particularly important with chronic immune dys-
function.
Efforts to prevent the chronic infections that
often accompany immune disorders or the use of
IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE MEDICATIONS to treat autoim-
mune disorders include limiting exposure to other
people who are sick (such as during cold and flu
season). Frequent HAND WASHING is an effective
means for containing pathogens.
See also LIVING WITH ALLERGIES; HYPERSENSITIVITY
REACTION; PATHOGEN; PSYCHONEUROIMMUNOLOGY;
QUALITY OF LIFE; STRESS AND STRESS MANAGEMENT.lymphokines CYTOKINESthat convey biochemical
messages among lymphocytes (a type of white280 The Immune System and Allergies