The Information provided is not intended to replace professional consultations. The reader must consult a qualified specialist while considering any advice published on this web site - The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the author.


Medinose PLUS 45030 Hayfever and Allergy Treatment	Lumie Brightspark Light therapy Lightbox while you work for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)	Filtrete Ultra Clean Air Purifier - Standard	Dust Mite Controller - Dust Mite Controller	Premiair PDEH2020 dehumidifier	Black & Decker CV1205 Cless Dustbuster 12V - Wh/Blue
Medinose heralds a breakthrough in the way hayfever and allergies are treated.	Do not be sad - get Lumie Brightspark Light Therapy	Up to 30% more air circulation,24% higher pollen & 12% higher dust capture rate than Hepa equivalent	Control dust mites ultrasonically - effort free way to reduce dust mites in your room	4 relative humidity settings: 50%, 60%, 70% and continuous Continuous drainage option	Hand held portable dust buster: 12v power for maximum cleaning performance and efficiency

Another allergy shop ?

Top links

Not really, we do not have our own stock so we do not have to promote products that do not sell well, instead we only promote those allergy relief products that have received excellent customer reviews and offer great value for money. We only work with with big companies such as Argos so you will find that prices at our web site are often lower than those offered by small allergy shops. We also provide impartial allergy advice - if we believe there is something negative you should know about a specific product - we will let you know.

UK Customer notice

We could not find any UK online pharmacies that sell all allergy friendly medicines in one place so we left Ebay, Amazon or Google search box next to each product to help you find the best retailer.

Allergy information

If you are new to allergies please have a look at our allergy glossary at the bottom of this page

Allergy Basics

Featured pages and articles

What is an allergy

An allergy is a hyperactive response of the immune system to certain substances (allergens) which are "foreign" to our bodies - People may develop an allergy at any time during their lives and those with atopic history in their family are more likely to have an allergy.

Allergy Causes

Allergies can be caused by almost any substance that you inhale or swallow, or which touches your skin. The allergen may be in the food you eat, the deodorant you use or the clothing you wear.

Allergy Symptoms

There is no single allergy symptom. Most common symptoms are sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion or watery eyes. There are many other symptoms that may seem more difficult to attribute to allergies : for example difficulty to sleep or concentrate, tiredness, headaches or migraines.

Allergy Treatment

There is no magic cure or remedy for allergy treatment.

Most popular allergy treatment is blocking or supressing the immune system by using antihistamine tablets or corticosteroid sprays. It is an effective way to relieve unpleasant symptoms but it does little to address the underlying cause. It also carries a number of side effects and psychological dependence on drugs.

In many cases it is possible to reduce or totally eliminate the use of pharmaceutical products by using anti allergy products such as air purifiers or dust mite covers.

Hay fever Do You Really Have Food Allergies, or is it Your Hayfever? Pollen allergy and cross reactions with foods, approximately 70% of patients with birch pollen allergy also suffer from oral allergy syndrome	Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is triggered by tree allergens such as pollens or molds. The allergen triggers the release of histamine into the body which causes inflammation and typical symptoms of sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc. It is also known that people may develop adverse reactions to certain foods due to cross reaction between some pollen allergens and food proteins. Although there is no cure for hayfever but there are many available treatment options to alleviate the symptoms, people with severe hayfever symptoms may also consider allergy immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots)
Chemical Found In Computer Can Cause Allergy, Sickness	Triphenyl phosphate - a chemical compound widely used as a flame retardant in the plastic of video monitors and other products - is known to cause allergic reactions in some people
Pet allergies	Cats and dogs are the most common pets that people are allergic to. You may notice allergy symptoms after getting a new pet or you may develop various symptoms after having a dog or a cat for years. There are no allergy free dogs or cats as they all produce dander, but some breeds are considered to be more allergy friendly.
Allergies among children	Have you noticed allergy symptoms in your child ? Find out how you could identify most common underlying causes for allergies among children instead of covering up the problem with drugs
Latex allergy	It's not just a rubber allergy
Allergy induced asthma	Asthma is a chronic condition in which narrowing of the nasal or air passage causes periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma signs and symptoms occur when a person is exposed to various allergens and irritants such as pollen, dust mite, mold or animal dander.

Allergy Testing

Allergy Blood Test	Allergy Skin Test
RAST test (Radioallergosorbent testing, often referred to by the names of new versions of it such as UniCap RAST test) is an allergy blood test which measures the amount of IgE antibodies produced in response to specific allergens. Allergy Blood test is not as sensitive as skin test but it exposes your blood sample to various allergens so you do not have to come into contact with possible allergens yourself. Blood tests can be used for both - inhalant and food allergens. The newest version, the ImmunoCAP� Specific IgE 0-100, is the only specific IgE assay to receive FDA approval to quantitatively report to its detection limit of 0.1kU/l.	Skin allergy test is very accurate, but you will have to come into contact with different possible allergens (it will be applied on your skin and the skin will be irritated by pricking it with a needle or scratching the skin). People with severe allergies may experience serious allergy reactions and side effects with such tests. Skin tests can be used for both - inhalant and food allergens.
Allergy Blood Test advantages	Allergy Skin Test advantages
Some people may be in the process of sensitization of a specific allergen (such as natural latex proteins), which means they may not show allergic symptoms yet. Unlike skin test, RAST test will identify this possible sensitivity and people may prevent developing allergic reactions by avoiding latex products and latex-prone areas.	More Accurate Simpler Cheaper Results are instant
Allergy Blood Test disadvantages	Allergy Skin Test disadvantages
Considered to be less accurate than skin test. More expensive Some foods contain a large number of allergens but RAST test may only test a few of them, so people may have an adverse reaction to certain foods even though RAST test did not identify the problem.	Results may be affected if you are taking antihistamine tablets or other medications. May not show sensitivity to a specific allergen if a person is still developing an allergy to it (a process known as sensitization)
Please note that the above comparison is not fully comprehensive and you may find further information at :
ImmunoCAP: Specific IgE Blood Test for Allergy Testing RAST test basics MayoClinic Allergy skin test Ask The Expert

Allergy treatment - Sinus Allergies (e.g. Hayfever or Dust Mite Allergy) - Medicine and product review

Antihistamine tablets

A well known side effect of antihistamine tablets are dry eyes. Antihistamine tablets are ocular drying agents - Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (although the newer agents such as Zyrtec and Allegra are less drying). Nasal antihistamine sprays such as Astelin do not have ocular drying effect. You may find more information and expert opinions at Eye World Magazine Issue March 2007

Benadryl Allergy Relief One A Day Tablets

Benadryl Allergy Relief One A Day Tablets offer once daily relief from hay fever and year-round allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. This medicine may also provide relief from skin allergy symptoms

Natural anti allergy nasal sprays

	Nasaleze - 200 sprays
	Nasaleze is a natural and clinically proven powder spray that delivers fast and effective protection against hayfever (and other airborne allergies that are inhaled through your nose). Nasaleze treats the cause not just the symptoms by acting as a natural barrier to airborne allergens, Nasaleze is a drug-free anti allergy spray that is available at almost any allergy shop

Decongestant nasal sprays

The effect of decongestants will decrease if used regularly over a period of time. After prolonged use the decongestant can cause the symptoms again, even when the cause of sinusitis or allergy that originally caused the problem has passed. A return of nasal congestion may occur on stopping the use of decongestants if the medicine was used for too long. As a result many people become addicted to decongestant sprays.

	Otrivine Adult Formula Spray - 10ml
	Otrivine Decongestant Nasal Spray helps to open up and clear the nasal passages by reducing the excessive nasal secretions and returning the swollen blood vessels to their normal size. The effects start within minutes and last for up to 10 hours. Otrivine Decongestant Nasal Spray gives symptomatic relief of nasal congestion (including in colds), perennial and allergic rhinitis (including hay fever) and sinusitis. Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray contains active ingredient Xylometazoline Hydrochloride 0.1% w/v. which belongs to a group of medicines called sympathomimetic nasal decongestants.

Cromolyn nasal sprays

Nasalcrom (Sorry, Nasalcrom is not available in the UK)

NasalCrom can be used for year-round allergies, it prevents nasal allergy symptoms from occurring, it also provides relief to your symptoms while building protection against future symptoms. Since NasalCrom works locally instead of systemically, it causes absolutely no drowsiness and no jitters. NasalCrom is safe to use throughout the entire allergy season. It's not addiction forming so there's no fear of dependency. Nasalcrom can be used by children as young as 6 years old. Nasalcrom is a nasal mast cell stabilizer which reduces swelling and secretions by decreasing the number of mediators (histamine and prostaglandins). Cromolyn sodium nasal spray (Nasalcrom) is the only sinus mast cell stabilizer. Because of the enhanced safety profile, Nasalcrom is often recommended for young children, pregnant women and the elderly for the treatment of allergy symptoms. Nasalcrom spray is available over the counter without prescription.

Anti histamine nasal sprays

Astelin (Astelin is prescription only medicine, not available in the UK)

ASTELIN is a steroid free antihistamine nasal spray (available by prescription only) which relieves allergy symptoms such congestion, itchy/runny nose, sneezing and postnasal drip by blocking the effects of histamine - the primary cause of allergy symptoms. It is the only prescription antihistamine sinus spray approved for allergy symptom treatment -whether caused by seasonal allergens or environmental irritants, Astelin provides targeted therapy to the areas of the body where its needed most (Oral medication must go through your digestive system and bloodstream first). Astelin is approved for both allergic and non allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis produces allergy like symptoms and can be caused by a variety of factors which may include environmental irritants such as perfume or cigarette smoke, temperature changes, stress, etc. While Astelin works as an antihistamine to block the effects of histamine on the body, it also contains properties of a corticosteroid which is unusual for a steroid-free product. Astelin does not cause rebound congestion because it doesn�t contain any vasoconstrictors.

More Information about Astelin :
Astelin
Could this be the missing element in your allergy treatment arsenal ?
AntiHistamine Spray Treats Seasonal Allergies, Web MD

Corticosteroid nasal sprays

Studies are quite clear that nasal steroids are more effective than antihistamine tablets. You may find more information at AntiHistamine Spray Treats Seasonal Allergies, Web MD

Beconase

Beconase spray contains the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate (previously spelt beclomethasone in the UK), which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are produced naturally by adrenal glands and possess many important functions including the control of inflammatory responses. Beclometasone sinus spray can be bought over the counter for the prevention and treatment of all nasal allergies including hayfever and pet allergies, in adults aged over 18 years. For further allergy advice please see the Beconase hayfever nasal spray factsheet

Flixonase

Flixonase aqueous nasal spray contains the active ingredient fluticasone propionate, which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Fluticasone is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. People who suffer from nasal allergies (e.g. hayfever) may experience a variety of symptoms as a result of their allergy, including a runny, itchy or blocked nose, sneezing and sinus discomfort. These symptoms occur due to inflammation in the nasal passages. The nasal inflammation takes place when the nasal passages are exposed to allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet fur. The allergens cause the release of chemicals that help to produce allergic responses. These result in inflammation in the nasal passages and other allergy symptoms. Flixonase works by preventing these cells from releasing the chemicals that trigger the allergic response. This stops the allergic reaction from happening, so the nasal inflammation is reduced and the symptoms are relieved. Flixonase can take two to three days to have its full effect. Thus you start using the nasal spray two or three days before you expect to be exposed to allergens, for example before the start of the pollen season, or if you know you are going to be in contact with certain pets. For further allergy advice please see the Flixonase hayfever spray factsheet

Nasonex

Nasonex provides powerful night and day relief for indoor and outdoor nasal allergy symptoms. These symptoms are congestion, sneezing and itchy, runny nose.

Anti Allergy Bedding

Dust mites are especially prevalent in bedding materials such as pillows, mattresses or quilts. Dust mites can not be seen as they are creatures of about 1/100th inch in length. People can be allergic to dust mites� fecal droppings in bedding, carpeting and furniture. Old mattresses are heavier than new ones due to skin flake material, dead dust mites and droppings.

Anti dust mite tips :

Encase your pillow and mattress with dust mite covers. Studies have shown that these covers are effective at reducing dust mite allergens by keeping existing dust mite trapped inside and preventing new dust mite from getting into your pillow and mattress. Some studies have also shown that anti allergy bedding is not as effective as previously thought, but the bottom line is try to get every weapon that can possibly reduce your exposure to dust mites.
Even with dust mite covers dust mites will not be fully eliminated as dust may still accumulate on the surface so wash bedding regularly and in hot water (not less than 60 degrees) as dust mites may survive washings below 60C.
Dust mites do not like dense structure material such as memory foam mattresses or polyester pillows, but there is no single way to effectively destroy dust mites so memory foam products should only be considered a component of the overall battleplan.

Where can I buy anti allergy bedding products ?

You may find various anti allergy bedding products such as anti allergenic pillows, mattresses, quilts or dust mite covers at Ebay or simply by using google search box

You may also find great anti allergy bedding products at Argos :

Anti Allergy pillows

�5.99

John Cotton Pair of Anti-Bacterial Anti-Allergy Pillows.

Specially treated anti-allergenic, anti-dustmite and anti-microbial pillows to inhibit microbial and bacterial growth protecting against dustmite allergens.
100% polyester filling; 70% polyester, 30% cotton cover; Machine washable as synthetic at 40�C; Suitable for tumble drying on cool setting

�7.99

Love2Sleep Pair of Anti-Allergy Pillows.

Specially treated anti-allergenic, anti-dustmite and anti-microbial pillows to inhibit microbial and bacterial growth protecting against dustmite allergens.
100% polyester hollowfibre filling; 100% cotton covers; Machine washable as synthetic at 40�C; Suitable for tumble drying on cool setting; Size 74 x 48cm.

�24.99

Luxury Memory Foam Pillow.

Luxury 16 cm deep pillow with 100% visco-elastic memory foam filling; Sumptuous jacquard cover in 70% cotton, 30% polyester fabric; Removeable cover is machine washable at 30�C; Size 74 x 48cm; Foam is wipe clean only.

EBAY

More bargain deals available on Ebay

Anti Allergy Mattresses and mattress dust mite covers

�44.99

Morphy Richards Anti Allergy Mattress Cover - Double.

Cotton quilt material with Amicor� pure anti-microbial fibre. Ultra thin wires for extra comfort. Detachable dual control. Heat up time from 20 minutes. Pre-heat facility. 2 heat settings Extra foot warmth. Overheat protection. Suitable for all night use. Machine washable. Tumble dry safe. Approved by Allergy UK. BEAB approved. Size 190 x 137cm/74.8 x 53.9in. Manufacturer's 3 year guarantee

Luxury Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Single.
Luxury Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Double.
Luxury Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Kingsize.
Luxury Deep Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Double.
Luxury Deep Memory Foam Mattress Topper - Kingsize.

Luxury 3cm deep 100% visco-elastic memory foam with quilted knitted cover for superior comfort and support.
80% cotton, 20% polyester face with non-woven 100% polypropylene reverse.
Elasticated corner tapes secure to bed.
Removable cover is machine washable at 30�C.
Size 190 x 90cm.
Foam is wipe clean only.
Cover not suitable for tumble drying.

Air Coniston Single Memory Foam Mattress.
Air Coniston Small Double Memory Foam Mattress.
Air Coniston Double Memory Foam Mattress.

Trizone 3 phase spring system with extra firm support in the lumber region of the mattress.
Soft white polyester fillings reflex support foam.
Visco elastic foam knitted cover and fluted borders.
Flag stitched handles.
No turn mattress.
Size (W)90, (L)190, (D)21.5cm.

EBAY

More bargains available at Ebay

Anti Allergy Duvets and duvet dust mite covers

	Fogarty 7.5 Tog Fresh Sleep Anti-Allergy Kids Bed Set-Single
Ebay	More deals available at Ebay

Other anti allergy bedding products

	Fogarty 7.5 Tog Fresh Sleep Anti-Allergy Kids Bed Set-Single
	A non-allergenic set containing 7.5 tog duvet and 1 pillow. Especially suitable for feather allergy and asthma sufferers due to the combined benefits of anti-dustmite and anti-microbal Ultracare treatments, also giving that 'just washed' freshness ; 100% hollowfibre filling ; 50% cotton, 50% polyester cover ; Machine washable ;Suitable for tumble drying
	Air Coniston Single Divan/Comfort Mattress - Non Storage. Air Coniston Small Double Divan/Comfort Mattress/Non Storage Air Coniston Double Divan/Comfort Mattress - Non Storage. Air Coniston King Size Divan/Comfort Mattress - Non Storage.

	Air Coniston Single Divan with Comfort Mattress - 2 Drawers. Air Coniston Small Double Divan/Comfort Mattress - 2 Drawers Air Coniston Small Double Divan/Comfort Mattress - 4 Drawers Air Coniston Double Divan with Comfort Mattress - 2 Drawers. Air Coniston Double Divan with Comfort Mattress - 4 Drawers. Air Coniston King Size Divan/Comfort Mattress - 2 Drawers. Air Coniston King Size Divan/Comfort Mattress - 4 Drawers.
	Fully upholstered platform top divan with 2 drawers located on 1 side of divan ; Size (W)90, (L)190, (H)59.9cm ; Trizone 3 phase spring system with extra firm support in the lumber region of the mattress ; Soft white polyester fillings reflex support foam ; Visco elastic foam knitted cover and fluted borders ; Flag stitched handles ;No turn mattress ;Mattress depth 21.5cm.

Air purifiers

Air purifiers not only remove allergens such as pollen from the air, but they are also able to remove smoke, smells and bacteria. Keep in mind though that dust mites are not air borne for long time, therefore air purifiers alone will not make your bedroom allergy-proof, but it may be a very effective component of the overall battle plan.

�29.99	Rio Antiviral Air Purifier.
	The first domestic air cleaner to filter the air and kill airborne viruses like MRSA, E.Coli, Hep B, Legionella, Listeria and Salmonella...even flu and the common cold. Already used in hospitals and care homes the Rio antiviral air purifier incorporates a proven biocide to help protect you and your family from infections. 'BUPA endorsed' ;Mains operated. ; 2 year manufacturer's guarantee
�49.99	Bionaire Compact Air Purifier with Ioniser.
	Suitable for room sizes up to 34m2. ; 3 speed settings. ; Low energy consumption 36W. ; Allergy UK Foundation Seal of approval. ;Quiet operation for all day and night use.; Replaceable 99% HEPA and anti-odour baking soda filter. ; Washable pre filter captures large particles and extends the life cycle of the HEPA filter. Optional ioniser assists in particle removal. ; Dual positioning - compact design. ; Manual filter life indicator. ; Weight 2.4kg. ; Size (H)24, (W)32.5, (D)14cm.
�59.99	Prem-I-Air Air Purifier with Remote Control.

�69.99	Bionaire Silver Mini Tower Air Purifier.
	Allergy UK Foundation Seal of Approval. Suitable for room sizes up to 34m2.3 speed settings. Optional ioniser assists in particle removal. Filter life indicator. Replaceable 99% HEPA and anti odour baking soda filter. Washable pre filter captures large particles and extends the life cycle of the HEPA filter. Quiet operation for all day and night use. Low energy consumption 40W. Weight 3.1kg. Size (H)37, (W)16, (D)23cm
�99.99	Prem-I-Air Plasma/UV/Ionic Air Purifier With Fan.
	Maximum room size 26m2. ; UV photo catalyst and high frequency Plasma seerilizing technology will destroy 97% of viruses and bacteria. ; Removes 90% VOCs (volatile organic compounds). ; HEPA removes 97.97% of airborne particles. ; Carbon filter eliminates odours. ; 3 speed settings. ; Exceptionally quiet motor. ; 8 hour timer. ; Ioniser. ; Replaceable filters and easy to use and clean. ; Digital controls and LED display. ; Size (H)33.9, (W)23, (D)17cm
�154.99	Bionaire Tower Air Purifier with Permanent Filters.
	Suitable for room size: 84m2. 3 speed settings. Remote control for added convenience. Low energy consumption: 90W. Allergy UK Foundation Seal of Approval. With permanent filters. Optional ioniser speeds up particle removal. 99% HEPA cleanable permanent filters x 2. Washable pre filter captures large particles and extends the life cycle of the HEPA filter. Automatic filter life light indicator. Size (H)69.5, (W)25, (D)16cm.

Dehumidifiers

Dust mites thrive in areas where humidity is high so it is important to maintain the humidity level under 40%

�54.99	Prem-I-Air Midi Dehumidifier.
	2 litre tank; 600ml per day at 30 degrees C / 80% relative humidity ; LED tank full indicator and auto switch off. ; Uses Peltier thermal technology (no compressor). ; Ideal for use in wardrobes, larders, nurseries and storerooms. ; Weight 2.7kg. ; Size (H)36, (W)24.5, (D)18.5cm
�99.99	DeLonghi DEM10 Dehumidifier.
	2 litre capacity tank with visible water level. 10 litres extraction per 24 hours. Compact dimensions only 42cm high with pull up handle for easy carrying. Humidistat to set moisture to comfortable level and save energy. Electronic anti-frost device for lower temperature use. Eclogical gas R134a. Weight 10kg. Size (H)42, (W)33, (D)25c
�59.99	Challenge 16L Dehumidifier.
	Auto shut off with LED indicator. Continuous drainage Modern design with warm air outlet. Adjustable humidity control. Removable filter. Auto switch off. 3.5 litre water tank capacity. Extraction capacity: 16 litres per day. Size (H)58.2, (W)36.2, (D)27cm.
�179.99	EBAC Power Pac 18 Smart Control Dehumidifier.
	Suitable for room sizes up to 180m2. 2 speed settings. Electronic climate control for variable humidity. Working range from 2 to 32 degrees C. Tank size 3.5 litres. Moisture removal per day 18 litres. Hydrophillic coatings give higher water extractions. Full tank indicator with auto shut off. Continuous drainage. Removable filter. Technically advanced rotary compressor. Intelligent defrost saves on running costs. Anti frost protection. Quiet operation. Suitable for night time use. Size (H)44.5, (W)38, (D)22cm.

Allergy Friendly Vacuum cleaners

HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners : Regular vacuum cleaners can stir up dust and allergens - you may avoid this by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter

�49.99	Black and Decker Dustbuster Cyclonic Action Cleaner.
	Model number CV9605H. 9.6V. 13 min running time on a full charge. 700ml dust capacity. HEPA filter for improved suction and cleaner air. Unique filter cleaning wheel and double filtration system. Includes crevice tool and stiff brush. On-board tool storage. Charging indicator light. 'Grab and Go' wall mountable charging base. Weight 1.6kg.
�149.93	Bosch BX3 Advanced Power HEPA Cleaner.
	Model number BX32430GB. 2400 watts. Variable power control. 2.5 litres dust capacity. Dust maximum mark on dustbin. Easy 2-step emptying system. HEPA filtration. Automatic cable rewind. Includes crevice tool and upholstery nozzle. On-board tool storage. Stretch hose for staircase cleaning. Telescopic metal extension tubes. Adjustable floorhead for carpet and hard floor cleaning. 7.5m power cord. Weight 6.2kg.
�253.80