In his first press conference, Obama seemed to think that all would be okay if they found a ‘hypoallergenic dog’. Sounds like a great plan. But according to medical experts, it’s not all that feasible. In fact, soon after the press conference, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology  (AAAAI) issued a statement saying “There is no truly ‘hypoallergenic’ dog.”

According to the Academy, there are many misconceptions regarding dog allergies, chief among them being ‘that people are allergic to a dog’s hair, and it is falsely believed that a dog that sheds less will not cause a reaction.’ Not true!

Here’s the truth. The major allergen is a protein found in all dog’s serum and this protein is shed from their skin through sweat, as well as in their saliva and probably is also in their urine. So it’s next to impossible to find an allergy-free dog.

So what’s a President-elect to do? He’s made a promise that will be impossible to back out of.

Dr Corinna Bowser, an allergy and asthma expert from Pennsylvania recommends that the Obama’s do two things before bringing any puppy home: First, dog-sit a friend or neighbors dog to see how Malia’s allergies fare, and second, set some rules about how they’ll plan on handling any allergy issues.

Brower says “”What we tell our patients is draw an imaginary line in the sand. If the child has an ER visit for asthma or needs significantly more medication, or whatever you want to determine as the line, that’s when the dog has to go. And set these rules ahead of time, because then everybody knows that’s when the dog has to go.”

Combine this advice with the AAAAI guidelines list below and the Obama might just be able to pull of his most important campaign promise.

• Visit an allergist/immunologist to diagnose the allergy and discuss treatment, which may include maintenance medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots).
• Keep the pet out of the allergic person’s bedroom. Animal dander will collect on pillows, leading to worsened symptoms at night and morning.
• Bathe the animal weekly to reduce the amount of dander shed at home.
• Replace carpeting with hardwood or other solid-surface flooring for easy clean-up.
• Vacuuming may not be effective in decreasing allergen levels, but using a HEPA filter and double bags may help.
• Wash bedding and clothing in hot water. While animal allergens are not easily removed by high temperatures, these measures may help.

(Image credit: Newscom)

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For example, check out these 10 strange but true allergic reactions…

Cell Phones – there has been increasing number of patients presenting with contact dermatitis because they are allergic to the nickel in their cell phones.

Chairs, Flutes and Other Items With Nickel – children developing rashes on the back of their legs, a result of sitting on classroom chairs with nickel-plated studs. And for one child, playing a flute containing nickel resulted in severe dermatitis of the lips.

Black Henna Tattoos – can result in severe swelling and skin blistering if you are allergic to p-phenylenediamine (PPD), a hair dye that makes henna darker. It can also cause permanent scarring, as might be the case with this 3 year old who faces lifelong Bart Simpson scar after suffering reaction to henna tattoo.

Allergic to Dad? - When a young girl developed hives after she hugged and kissed her father when he returned home from work, her doctor did some detective work and figured out that she was allergic to the nut-derived oil in her father’s shaving cream.

Chocolate – Imagine being allergic to chocolate. It’s rare but possible, as this case, involving a young boy already allergic to numerous foods, proved.

Exercise – yes really, it is possible to be allergic to exercise. Like chocolate allergies, it is rare but exercise-induced anaphylaxis does exist, displaying all the signs and symptoms of a peanut allergy.

Hot and Cold – for the very few, it is possible develop heat-induced or cold-induced urticaria or hives. And some are even allergic to water – aquagenic urticaria.

Hairy Caterpillars – the hairs, which contain a toxin that results in a severe allergic reaction, fly off the caterpillar much like dandelion seeds and become airborne allergens.

Asian Ladybugs – also known as multicolored Asian lady beetles, these ladybugs don’t like the cold and can often be found congregating in houes and can cause allergic symptoms which including hay fever, coughing, wheezing and watery eyes.

Cancer Drug – Cetuximab, a drug used to treat colon and head and neck cancer seemed to cause allergic reactions in patients from certain parts of the U.S.

Read more about the allergic reactions and how doctors figured out the culprits in this ABC news article.

But wait, here’s more unusual but true allergic reactions…

Allergic to Sperm

Allergic to the sun

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It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and with summer comes all kinds of storms. And all kinds of opportunities for allergies.

Here’s something you may have never thought of, though: you may be allergic to thunderstorms.

Yeah, for real.

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, keep an eye to the sky and an ear on the weather reports, since the pollen and mold spores that are sucked into the cloud base at the start of a storm can be broken down into even smaller particles and inhaled even more easily, triggering attacks or flare-ups.

The fix? When a storm’s a-brewing, head inside and shut the windows since the greatest risk is at the onset of a storm.

Pregnant with asthma? Check out Marijke’s post at Womb Within for ideas on asthma medications.

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Vital Juice Daily gives us a few tips on Wind Down Workouts

Cranky Fitness reminds us of the Top Six Ways to Feel Uncool Exercising.

That’s Fit has tips on the 7 Habits of Successful Snackers.

Medlaunches has all the info on Seiko’s Slimstick – a fitness device that will keep track of your exercise.

The Office Diet explains Six Healthy Ways to Cope with Tiredness- that work.

Cultivate Greatness reminds us of the 14 Habits That Make You Fat.

Fit Sugar provides Tips for Exercising Outdoors During Allergy Season.

And finally, Mark’s Daily Apple offers 10 Ways to ‘Get Primal’.

Happy reading…

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