Allergies (also called “allergic rhinitis” or “hay fever”) are nothing to sneeze at -- just ask the approximately 50 million people in the U.S. who suffer from them. If you have seasonal allergies, watch out for common mistakes that could aggravate them, says Dr. James L. Sublett, section chief of the pediatric allergy department at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. Steer clear of these four most common slipups, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

1. Common Mistake: You treat symptoms without knowing what you’re allergic to.

Many allergy sufferers are so desperate for relief that they start taking their allergy medications before they have a chance to identify their triggers. This may be why patients report that over-the-counter medications are ineffective more than half the time, says Sublett.

Simple Solution: Get tested.

Before you assume that your allergy medicine isn’t working, make an appointment with a board-certified allergist. (Find one near you at www.acaai.org/LocateAllergist.) “The allergist can perform skin testing, which is the most accurate way to identify allergy triggers,” says Sublett. Then he or she can help you find the best treatment.

2. Common Mistake: You don’t steer clear of your allergy triggers.

Medications aren’t the only way to deal with allergy symptoms. It may not always be easy, but avoiding the culprit behind your sneezing and sniffling is just as important as taking meds.

Simple Solution: Play hard to get.

Once you know what your trigger is, minimize your exposure to it.

If you’re allergic to pollen:

· Keep your windows shut whenever possible.

· Shower and change your clothes when you come inside.

· Stay indoors when pollen counts are highest (in the middle of the day).

If you’re allergic to dust mites:

· If possible, remove wall-to-wall carpets from the bedroom.

· Use a vacuum with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter regularly.

· Enclose mattresses and pillows in mite-proof covers.

· Wash bedding regularly in hot water.

If you’re allergic to mold:

· Minimize moisture buildup by using vent fans when you shower and cook.

· If possible, vent appliances that produce moisture (like clothes dryers and stoves) to outside of your home rather than in.

3. Common Mistake: You wait too long to take allergy medicines.

Don’t wait until you start sneezing and sniffling to take medication. “The drugs work best at blocking the occurrence of symptoms, not treating symptoms once you have them,” says Sublett.

Simple Solution: Plan ahead.

If you know you have seasonal allergies, start taking medications that usually work for you as soon as the season starts. Watch the weather: As the temperature warms up, pollen is sure to follow.

4. Common Mistake: You eat produce and other foods that might aggravate sniffles and sneezes.

One out of 20 people who are allergic to pollen has oral allergy syndrome, which means his immune system mistakes the compounds in certain foods for pollen proteins, says Sublett. Some foods -- such as pears, cherries, peaches, apples, melons and nuts -- cause breakouts or itching in the throat or around the mouth.

Simple Solution: Talk to your doctor.

Check with an allergist if you’ve ever experienced these symptoms after eating certain foods. If you have oral allergy syndrome, you should avoid fresh fruit and nuts during allergy season, although cooking or peeling fruit can help some people avoid a reaction. Your physician will know best.

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The term “hay fever” brings to mind pollen and ragweed allergies, but mold can be the sneaky culprit behind summer sneezing, sniffling and itchy eyes. “Many allergy sufferers assume their symptoms are caused by pollen, when they’re actually allergic to mold,” says Dr. James L. Sublett, section chief of the pediatric allergy department at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, in Louisville, Ky.

The mold truth: Forty million Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever), and mold is one of several triggers -- especially in summertime. Mold allergy symptoms peak in July and late summer. As humidity rises, the fungi -- which flourish in damp, warm conditions -- grow on dead grass and leaves, straw and other plants. Once they’ve set up camp in an adequately damp spot, they reproduce by sending spores (or tiny seeds) into the air. Inhaling these particles triggers a reaction in those who are allergic to mold. “Mold spores can deposit on the lining of the nose and cause hay fever symptoms. They can also reach the lungs, which can cause asthma or another serious illness called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis,” says Angel Waldron, spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

So how do you know if you suffer from a mold allergy? Pesky allergy symptoms are a good indicator, but an allergist can confirm the source with a skin test by pricking the skin with extracts of different types of fungi to identify an allergic reaction.

Such medications as antihistamines and decongestants can help ease symptoms from mold. But the only surefire route to relief is avoiding mold both inside and outside your home. Follow these strategies to allergy-proof your surroundings.

Inside Your Home

Mold is an unwelcome houseguest, and it’s hard to send the fungi packing. It lurks in rooms where humidity levels are high (e.g., basement, kitchen and bathrooms), and it can grow on anything from houseplants to old newspapers. Luckily, our targeted plan of attack will help you get rid of the fungi for good.

Keep It Clean

· Zap kitchen hot spots. Mold loves to hang out in trash cans, refrigerator door gaskets and drip pans. Use a cleaning product that’s formulated to kill the fungi.

· Don’t let laundry pile up. Damp laundry (whether it’s in the machine or not) is the perfect spot for mold to grow.

· Scrub your shower. Clean your shower with a solution of diluted beach at least once a month.

· Tidy up the fridge. It may seem obvious, but make sure to throw out old food from your pantry and fridge as soon as it expires.

 

Clear the Air

· Get hip to HEPA. Be sure your central heating and air-conditioning is fitted with a high-efficiency particulate accumulator (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters can trap very small particles, including pollen and mold spores, and are sold online and at numerous home improvement stores.

· Minimize moisture. Use a dehumidifier, especially in damp areas like the basement and the bathroom, suggests Sublett. Don’t forget to empty the water and regularly clean the appliance to prevent creating a breeding ground for mold.

· Air out the shower. After hot showers and baths, run a fan or open a window. In bathrooms without windows, keep the door open when the room isn’t in use.

 

Target Mold Zones

· Bag the shag. Remove carpeting in the basement, laundry room and bathrooms.

· Clear the walls. Wallpaper can trap mildew in the bathroom; a cheery shade of paint is a better bet. Look for mold- and mildew-resistant paint at the hardware store.

· Let there be light. Since most mold grows in the dark, install a light on a timer in dark rooms like the basement or closets.

· Store carefully. Don’t put newspaper, old books, clothes, bedding or other items in damp areas where mold will latch on.

· Water with care. Mold loves potted soil, so don’t overwater household plants.

 

Outside Your Home

It’s more of a challenge to eradicate mold outside your home, where it thrives on dead grass, dead leaves, straw and other plants. These five strategies will keep the fungi under control in your great outdoors.

· Rake and mow. The lawn should be regularly mowed and raked. It’s best to have someone else do the dirty work if you’re allergic; otherwise, wear a face mask when you’re cutting the grass, digging, weeding or raking.

· Chop and remove. Store firewood away from your home.

· Patch the roof. Be proactive: Repair any leaks in your roof immediately.

· De-clutter the gutters. Always keep rain gutters clear of leaves and debris.

· Relocate compost. A compost pile is good and green, but it’s also a major breeding ground for mold. Keep it as far away from your house as possible.

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You’ve packed the bags. You’ve dog-eared and highlighted the travel guides. With everyone excited for the family vacation, someone getting sick is the last thing you want. Here’s how to keep the family healthy while you’re away -- plus what to do if sickness does strike.

Stay Healthy (No Matter Where You Are)

1. Keep sipping.

Be sure to stay hydrated, especially if you’re driving. Dehydration can lower blood pressure and make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Because babies and kids get dehydrated faster, make sure they get plenty of fluids too. Staying hydrated supports the immune system, helping you and your kids fight sicknesses like colds and the flu.

Drinking fluids also helps prevent blood clots in the legs. Clots can occur when flying, especially for long distances. Drink plenty of water so you have to get up and use the restroom about once an hour, says Dr. Michael Zimring of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore and author of Healthy Travel. “When you get up and walk, you reduce your risk of clots,” he says.

2. Drink often, but drink wisely.

If you’re hanging out in the sun, avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, which make you lose fluids. And be aware that sweating can quickly bring on dehydration.

If you’re traveling internationally, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guide to safe drinking water to find out where you can drink from the tap and where bottled water is best. This will save you and your family from traveler’s diarrhea, an illness sure to keep you in your hotel room instead of out enjoying the sights.

3. Avoid motion sickness.

Few things will make a car ride as miserable as a bout of motion sickness. Fix your eyes on the horizon to help prevent nausea and vomiting. To help the little ones, “play games (like License Plates) to keep kids focused on the midpoint of the road ahead,” says Dr. David Pollack, a pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

If you’re flying, stave off queasiness by avoiding greasy foods before takeoff, staying hydrated and snacking on crackers.

Beat These Common Vacation Ailments

1. Earaches

When flying, earaches and “popping” in the ears are common, especially for little ones. Give kids something to suck on, like a lollipop, bottle or pacifier. It’s unlikely that an ear infection would be reason enough to cancel a trip, but if you think your child has one, call your pediatrician before boarding the plane. Ear infections can lead to fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Still, “there is nothing better for an ear infection than getting out of a cold environment and to a warmer climate,” says Pollack.

2. Sunburn

Apply SPF 30 sunblock whenever you’re outdoors, says Dr. Ramzi Saad, a dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Spa in Plymouth, Mass. But if you or your kids do burn, Saad recommends cool compresses to soothe the skin, plus moisturizer to keep it from cracking and peeling.

3. Swimmer’s Ear

Water stuck in the ear canal after a day at the pool is painful but easy to treat, says Pollack. Try making a mixture of half vinegar and half water. “A couple of drops in each ear canal help to dry it out faster,” says Pollack.

4. Allergies

Depending on where you’re traveling, allergies might be a problem. If your kid suffers from seasonal or any other type of allergies, don’t forget to pack his medication. And even if your family doesn’t suffer from seasonal sniffles, it doesn’t hurt to pack an age-appropriate allergy medication along with health essentials you might need occasionally, like tissues, antidiarrheal drugs and antacids.

Remember: If there’s an emergency, go to the nearest hospital. For more minor issues, like a cold or flu, you can call your family doctor. He might be able to diagnose the issue over the phone and call in a prescription to a pharmacy in the area. And if you’re traveling internationally, plan ahead and get travel medical insurance, which can help put you in touch with a local English-speaking doctor and cover the cost of care.

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No mom enjoys hearing her child cough, even though pediatricians often remind parents that coughing is actually a good thing: It's the body's way of keeping the lungs clear and preventing pneumonia. But that doesn't make the problem any easier for you or your child, especially when your little one can't get a good night's sleep because of a nagging cough.

Figuring out the cause of your child's cough can be tricky, says Dr. Roy Benaroch, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at Emory University in Atlanta.

"The description of the cough is really just a starting point because different people hear slightly different things," says Benaroch."You really need to look at the cough in context of the other symptoms.”

The first question you need to ask yourself is, "How sick is my child?" says Benaroch. For instance, if your child is sucking in her ribs with every breath, breathing fast or having trouble speaking in complete sentences, these are all signs of breathing difficulties that require prompt medical attention either in the physician's office or in the emergency room, he says.

Below is a guide to deciphering and treating the most common types of cough symptoms in young children.

Cough symptom: Wet and productive, or dry and hacking

What it probably means: It's likely a cold or another upper respiratory infection, which are the most common causes of coughs in children, according to Benaroch. He adds that while the child's cough may sound productive, it usually isn't; young children generally don't cough up phlegm.

How to treat it: Plenty of fluids and a vaporizer, which adds moisture to dry air, effectively ease coughs due to colds. Parents can also administer appropriate over-the-counter cough and cold medicine based on the age of their children. If the cough is accompanied by a high fever (more than 103 F), take your child to a pediatrician to rule out pneumonia. "If the fever comes on in the middle of the night, you don't need to rush to the ER right then," says Benaroch."In this case, it's usually OK to wait until the next morning.”

Cough symptom: Wheezy

What it probably means: This is the classic chronic cough that often accompanies asthma symptoms. Oftentimes, the cough is triggered by cold air or exercise.

How to treat it: If you notice that your child is wheezing, call your doctor right away, as it might be a sign of a first asthma attack. If the wheezing is severe and your child has difficulty breathing (struggles for each breath, makes grunting noises with each breath, or cannot speak or cry due to difficulty breathing), call 911 immediately. Depending on the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, your child may need to take asthma drugs to control the disease, treat the symptoms or do both. 

Cough symptom: Dry and tickling

What it probably means: A cough that's caused by environmental allergies, such as mold or ragweed, often originates in the upper airways, says Benaroch. "By the time kids are about 6 or so, I'll often ask them to show me where the cough is coming from. With allergy-related coughs, they'll usually point to the upper chest," he says. Other symptoms that accompany the cough include an itchy nose and frequent sneezing.

How to treat it: The best solution for managing allergies is to try to minimize exposure to known allergens. However, over-the-counter allergy medicines, such as those that contain the antihistamine loratadine, can also be helpful.

Cough symptom: Bark-like

What it probably means: If your child wakes up in the middle of the night and her cough sounds like a seal or a small dog barking, the likely culprit is croup. This common childhood infection causes swelling of the larynx and trachea, which is why children also often have a hoarse voice and make a high-pitched, squeaky sound as they inhale. The cough usually lasts three or four days; it often improves during the day and then gets worse again at night.

How to treat it: "I tell parents it's important to remain calm so that the child remains calm. As children become more anxious, they tighten their throats and that just makes the cough worse," says Benaroch. The best remedy for croup is to take your child outside if it's cold or into a steamy bathroom if the weather's warm. The cold or steamy air will help reduce swelling and ease the cough. Severe cases may require oral steroid medications. Children under the age of 2 are at a higher risk of developing breathing problems with croup, so be on the lookout for the signs of breathing difficulty listed above.

Cough symptom: Severe, violent and rapid

What it probably means: It could be whooping cough, a persistent bacterial infection of the lungs that has been increasingly prevalent across the U.S. "In school-age children, the infection can cause very severe bouts of coughing," says Benaroch. "A child may not be coughing constantly throughout the day, but he'll periodically have violent spells where he coughs so rapidly that he really doesn't get a chance to catch his breath."

The name comes from the "whoop" sound that kids make at the end of the cough as they take a big breath to try to get air into the lungs. Although babies generally don't cough, they're at the greatest risk of dying if infected with the bacteria. Until the pertussis vaccine became available in the 1950s, whooping cough was a common cause of mortality in newborns, says Benaroch, "and unfortunately it seems to be making a bit of a comeback."

A big cause for the resurgence in cases, he says, is that the pertussis vaccine given to babies doesn't offer lifelong immunity, and many preteens aren't getting the recommended pertussis booster recommended at age 11 or 12. A booster is also suggested for adults.

How to treat it: Antibiotics are essential to stop the spread of the bacteria. However, antibiotics generally don't ease symptoms or shorten the duration of the illness. If you or a family member has a persistent or severe cough, it's a good idea to avoid close contact with infants until a doctor has ruled out whooping cough.   

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You've been stuck at home with the flu for what seems like an eternity. The worst is over, but you still have some lingering sniffles, coughs and aches. Are you still contagious? Consult our guide.

The Common Cold
You’re still contagious: From one day before your first symptom to about three days after it.
You can catch the common cold from over 200 different viruses that lurk in the air and on common surfaces. You can be contagious before such telltale symptoms as sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and coughing even begin. That means stellar hygiene is key 24/7, not just when you feel under the weather. And remember that a cold must run its course -- there is no cure for this common respiratory infection.

Seasonal Flu
You're still contagious: From one day before your first symptom to up to seven days after it.
The flu hitches rides on sneeze and cough droplets. "You're most infectious during the first three days that you're sick with the flu, because that's when you experience the most nasal secretions," says Dr. Linda Meloy, a pediatrician and professor in the division of general pediatrics at Virginia Commonwealth University Children's Medical Center in Richmond, Va. This period also usually corresponds to when your fever is highest. An antiviral medication may shorten the stretch that you're contagious, so see your doctor at the first sign of symptoms: fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, runny nose or sore throat.

Strep Throat
You're still contagious: From the first day of symptoms to 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics.
The streptococcal bacteria is the culprit behind the classic symptoms: sudden sore throat, pain when you swallow, fever over 101 F, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, and white or yellow spots on the back of the throat. Unlike when you have a cold or the flu, you need an antibiotic to get well, so it's crucial to visit your doctor for a strep test and a treatment plan that includes prescription antibiotics. Although you're typically not contagious after a full day on the medication, it's important to complete the entire course of treatment to eradicate the infection completely.

Bronchitis
You're still contagious: From the first day of your first symptom to up to 7 days after it.
A virus is usually to blame for this inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and the infection takes about a week to leave your system. Key symptoms include a cough that produces mucus, wheezing, low fever and chest tightness. Once in a while, bronchitis is caused by bacteria (your doctor can check), and you'll need an antibiotic to kick it.

Pneumonia
You're still contagious: From the first day of your first symptom to 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics.
This infection of the lungs is most often caused by bacteria called pneumococcus, so you won't recover until you treat it with antibiotics. The most common symptoms are cough, fever, chills, wheezing and shortness of breath. That said, in rare cases, pneumonia is caused by a virus, so medications won't wipe out the infection (and it will take about a week to stop being contagious).

Allergies
You're still contagious: Never.
Many hay fever symptoms -- sneezing, stuffy nose, headache, wheezing -- copycat the symptoms of the common cold. However, you can't spread or catch allergies, because they're not infectious illnesses, says Dr. Charles Ericsson, head of clinical infectious disease at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. So why do you and your spouse get hay fever at the same time? Probably because you've been exposed to the same environmental triggers, such as pollen, mold and dust.

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