1. Pests and Pets

2. Why do people have allergies? People with allergies have hyperactive immune systems that think harmless things, such as pet dander, are dangerous. Their bodies react to try to fight off the danger.

3. What are symptoms of allergies? Itchy, stuffy nose Red eyes Coughing Wheezing Shortness of breath Rash

4. Review Question 1 Which of these is not a symptom of allergies? A)red eyes B) coughing C)nausea and vomiting D)shortness of breath

5. What is asthma? Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation and narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe Asthma cannot be cured, but flare ups can be prevented

6. What are symptoms of asthma? Coughing Wheezing Chest tightness Shortness of breath

7. Review Question 2 Which of these is not a symptom of asthma? A)wheezing B) shortness of breath C)coughing D)headache

8. What are risk factors for asthma? Having a blood relative with asthma Having allergies Smoking or exposure to second hand smoke Low birth rate

9. Review Question 3 TRUE OR FALSE Smoking and/or secondhand smoke is a risk factor for asthma.

10. What can cause allergies and asthma flare ups? Pet dander Dust mites Cockroaches VOC’s-volatile organic compounds Mold and moisture

11. Problems with Pets 15 percent to 30 percent of people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs.

12. What can I do? If you do not want to take your pet to a new home, you can try bathing him very frequently to cut down on the amount of dander Change air filters more frequently than suggested Keep pets out of your bedroom

13. Pest problems Dust mites Cockroaches

14. Dust Mites 20 million Americans have a dust mite allergy Adults may lose up to 1.5 grams of skin in a day, which will feed 1 million dust mites. Adults may live for 2 to 4 months Dust mites do not cause allergic reactions, but their waste products do!

15. Where are dust mites found? Dust mites are found in beds, carpeting, pillows, couches A mattress can have 100,000 to 10 million mites inside Dust mites feed off of dander (dead skin cells), so any place dander would be could attract dust mites

16. Review Question 4 Adult dust mites can live for: A)7-10 days B) 1 year C) 24 hours D) 2-4 months

17. How can I prevent dust mite allergies? Cover mattresses and pillows with dust proof covers Wash sheets and blankets weekly in hot water Have someone else do the cleaning in your bedroom, or wear a mask when dusting or vacuuming Wash rugs in hot water Use a dehumidifier Vacuum the house daily to get rid of dander that the mites feed on.

18. How can I prevent dust mite allergies? Use synthetic instead of down pillows Replace wool blankets with cotton or nylon ones Keep the thermostat below 70 degrees Remove carpeting and replace with tile or wood Replace furnace filters often

19. Cockroaches The cockroach allergy can come from their feces, saliva, and bodies Cockroaches can cause asthma attacks

20. What are symptoms of a cockroach allergy? Itchy skin Scratchy throat Itchy eyes Asthma attacks

21. How can I manage a cockroach allergy? Call pest control to get rid of cockroaches Use poison baits, boric acid, and traps, but be careful if you have young children Do not leave food and garbage uncovered Go to the doctor and use antihistamines, decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications

22. Review Question 5 What is the best way to get rid of a cockroach allergy? A) clean up the feces daily B) get rid of the cockroaches C) Use antihistamines D) Move to a new house

23. How do I get rid of pests? Make sure to thoroughly clean whole house with soap and water Do not spray pesticides Set out Raid traps and baits, but make sure they are out of reach of children Dust with borax

24. References American lung association. (2010). Asthma and children fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.lungusa.org/lung- disease/asthma/resources/facts-and-figures/asthma- children-fact-sheet.htmlhttp://www.lungusa.org/lung- disease/asthma/resources/facts-and-figures/asthma- children-fact-sheet.html Asthma and allergy foundation of america. (2005) Pet allergies. Retrieved from http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=63 http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=63 Environmental health and safety online. (2010). Dust mites: Everything you might not want to know. Retrieved from http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php

25. References Mayo clinic. (2010). Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/asthma/DS00021 National heart lung and blood institute. (2011) Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/As thma_WhatIs.html http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/As thma_WhatIs.html U.S. department of housing and urban development. (2011) About integrated pest management. Retrieved from http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/healthyhomes/ipm.cfm http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/healthyhomes/ipm.cfm

26. Quiz Answers 1. C 2. D 3. True 4. D 5. B