With this long and lingering allergy season, many people are tired of the same symptoms day after day. Often people turn to a neti pot, but many people still are wondering what exactly it is and what exactly it does. Here is your basic rundown on the benefits and the how to’s of the neti pot.

What is a neti pot?
A neti pot is a small pot usually made of ceramic, but also can be glass, metal or plastic. It looks like a cross between a small tea pot and Aladdin’s lamp. A saline solution is used to thin mucous and flush the sinus passages between the ears, nose and throat to remove built up congestion.

How does that help?
Not only does the neti pot help remove congestion and excess mucous, it also can help remove any allergens caught in the nasal passages. By getting rid of all of this, allergy symptoms can be lessened and the risk of secondary symptoms (like ear and sinus infections) is reduced. Think of it as going in the ocean and being knocked down by a big wave and the salt water going up your nose. When it’s over, you feel so cleaned out!

Can kids use a neti pot?
Yes! Depending on age and ability, they may need some adult help or they can learn to do it themselves. Be ready for some giggles when learning!

How do you use a neti pot?
The pot is filled with a room temperature or body temperature saline solution (see below*) and simply poured in one nostril to come out the other. Of course, it needs to be done over a sink or tub, and you hold your head over the sink leaning up to one side. Some people choose to do this everyday, just like brushing their teeth, while others save it for when their allergies are bad or sinuses are painful. Make sure the salinity is correct in the neti pot and that the temperature is right. You can also read more detailed directions in using a neti pot.

What is the best way to get the right temperature?
It is recommended to boil the water first, add the salt, and then let the water cool to room temperature, or just above, like body temperature. By adding the salt to the warm water, it will dissolve. Undissolved salt can be irritating to the nasal passages. Water too hot can be dangerous, so make sure it is cool enough.

How much salt or what kind of saline solution do I add?*
If making your own solution, use salt with no additives and use fine salt; you can buy sea salt and grind it yourself if you can’t find fine sea salt. Table salt is not recommended as it may contain iodine or other additives. You can find neti pot solutions and salts, like Neti Salt from Himalayan Institute or Alkalol Nasal Wash, both sold on Amazon.com along with neti pots and other accessories.

Ideally, the solution should be 0.9% salt and many neti pots come with measuring tools for this. If you are making this yourself, it also equals 500 ml of water and one teaspoon of salt.

Like most alternative practices, there are not a lot of side effects with neti pots, only benefits. Once people get up the gumption to give them a try, they’re sold. It may be just the thing you need for your allergies!

There are some picture books that may offer help and building blocks for dialogue for classes and peers. I looked on Amazon.com and saw not only some familiar ones, but also some that I don’t know as well. I’m including some of the reviews below, but these could be great gifts for your child’s new teacher or a nice addition to the school library and they can be shared with your child’s new class each year. I am sure any teacher would love a new book for her class library, as would the media specialist. It also could be helpful to have any of these at home to help your own child learn more about his allergy, and know it may be hard for some kids to understand, but anything that can help to empower him with knowledge will be a lifelong benefit.

No Lobster, Please! A Story of a Child with a Severe Seafood Allergy
by Robyn Rogers
This is the story of a boy with a seafood allergy told by him. He describes the first time he experienced an allergy attack, complete with symptoms and a trip to the hospital. It is helpful for other children to understand the physical and social aspects of food allergies, as the narrator is a first grader.

The Bugabees: Friends with Food Allergies
by Amy Recob
The bugabees are a tight group of friends who all have different allergies, representing the top 8 allergens. It is full of learning and teaching opportunities and shows that friendship is much more sweet than any food. The daily routines are explored as they face their allergies with positive attitudes.

A Day at the Playground with Food Allergies
by Tracie Scrand
Great for the under 5 crowd giving good advice about food allergies.

Allie the Allergic Elephant: A Children’s Story of Peanut Allergies
by Nicole Smith
Allie is an elephant with a peanut allergy and this is a very effective book in explaining (peanut) allergies to small children. It lets them know that if a child eats something he is allergic to, it can make him very sick. Though we’re always teaching our children to share, this is one instance where kids cannot share. It mixes the severity of food allergies with age appropriate humor and understanding.

Things may have just gotten easier. iPhone has a new app called NutriSleuth which helps you grocery shop. Here is what it does:

NutriSleuth is an iPhone application that “translates” everyday foods that you buy in the grocery store into “allowed or not allowed” based on an individual’s medical, allergy and lifestyle needs. The app allows a user, ie a parent, to create individual profiles for each member of the family and indicate each person’s specific medical needs. When a parent/caregiver goes grocery shopping, they can use their iPhone camera as a UPC bar code scanner and scan just about anything. NutriSleuth instantly tells you which members of the family can or cannot safely consume the product you’ve scanned, gives you alternatives to foods that conflict with dietary needs, and does it all in seconds!

This app is $4.99 and can store all kinds of information according to personal needs. Barcodes and information can be saved for future reference. Items can be scanned at home and sent to the person shopping, or kept on record for easier shopping. It’s also helpful in deciphering all the nutritional lingo for top allergens, like all the other words for milk or peanuts. Often something like casein is listed, which is a type of dairy; these “other” words can be easily overlooked. With this app, this is all taken care of for you with a scan of a barcode.  

I also always love learning the backgrounds of the creators of new, innovative and valuable products; with all the varied backgrounds it shows we can do anything. The founder of NutriSleuth is Valerie Daley, RD CD-N  a graduate of the University of Connecticut in the Allied Health / Dietetics program with over 15 years of experience in the field of nutrition counseling and education. With an emphasis in clinical nutrition education for acute and home care settings she focuses her expertise in gastrointestinal disorders, pregnancy, food allergies and behavior management. She is dedicated to helping her clients meet their individual needs and make positive choices to best impact their health.

For more info, see www.nutrisleuth.com

The Food Allergy-Band was the brainchild of three partners from the Nashville area, who have personally been affected by their kids with food allergies. Parents who manage their child’s food allergy understand that awareness is the key to keeping harmful foods out of their reach. The Food Allergy-Band offers an added layer of protection because they stay with the child when parents and guardians cannot.

Dairy and nut allergies are the two primary food allergies that can be life-threatening. The number of children affected by food allergies has doubled in the past 10 years and now affects over 12 million Americans. Each year more than 125,000 children visit emergency rooms because of food allergy reactions.

Our hope is that the bands will not only serve an awareness purpose but also be something that kids and parents alike will enjoy using. Each band is designed for a specific allergy, is 100% latex free and incorporates a “kid friendly” design.

The band follows your child when you cannot.

The bands come in three styles: dairy, peanut and food, and they come in blue and pink for dairy or nuts and green for food.

This is a great idea, especially for young children when parents can’t be around them, like birthday parties, school, activities. It not only serves as information and a reference, but also as a reminder to the adults and child that there is a sever allergy to be taken into consideration.

I know I’ve left my daughter in the past at birthday parties and after in depth explanation of her allergy to the host, leave while saying a few prayers that the host will actually remember during the hustle and bustle of the party. Remember, adults and in charge usually have a lot going on, and while your child’s teacher or your best friend may remember allergies, the party mom or camp counselor may not. These bands are a nice reminder.

The cost is $9.99 and you can find more information on the product and how to order at www.assureproducts.com.

Allernote: www.allernotes.com

“AllerNotes are repositionable notes designed to be handed to your server as you explain your particular food allergy. They are a great reminder to the server of the severity of the food allergy, designed to reinforce your communication with the waitstaff and, in turn the waitstaff’s communication of your allergy issue to the kitchen staff. AllerNotes are not a substitute for a verbal explanation, but are meant to augment and emphasize what you would normally tell your server. AllerNotes are available preprinted with certain allergies or blank for you to fill in as needed. The “blank” AllerNotes are not confined to food allergies… they have a line at the bottom for writing in the type of allergy being addressed. They work for all types of allergies beyond food issues, such as penicillin, latex and the like, and can be handed to a nurse, a child’s day care worker or anyone else.”

Not only can you purchase the notes, you can buy semi-permanent stickers to use on lunch boxes, notebooks, thermoses, wherever you need to either add a reminder or draw attention to the allergy.

My Precious Kid: www.mypreciouskid.com

“Allergy labels provide a clear bright YELLOW warning to others about your child’s allergy or allergies. Can be personalized with up to four allergies and the child’s name. Being waterproof, these food Allergy labels are especially designed for kids’ lunch boxes, drink bottles and clothing. Great to use on clothing during camp or field trips and good to keep on lunch boxes, thermoses and back packs.”

SAFE LABELS: These labels are PVC free, BPA free, Latex free, and Vinyl free. They are made in the USA.

Blue Bear Aware: www.bluebearaware.com – Great t-shirts to alert others of allergies.

“Choose from dozens of cute and cool allergy alert graphics! And for added awareness, the Allergy Alert Symbol is visibly located on the back right shoulder of all Blue Bear Aware allergy tees. It’s a great reminder for teachers, caregivers, coaches, flight attendants, camp counsellors and relatives!”

These shirts are so hip, I’d even where them and I don’t have a food allergy. I may be ordering the pink nut free fairy one for may daughter! The nice thing about these are they aren’t baby-ish. Very hip and cool with lots of fund designs for boys and girls!

Name Bubbles Allergy Labels: www.namebubbles.com – Designed by a mom with a son with serious allergies to nuts, peanuts and coconuts.

These are durable, waterproof allergy alert labels made of vinyl which can be adhered to almost anything, including lunch boxes, backpacks, food containers, clothing and more. Not only do they alert about the specific allergy, but they provide crucial information about what to do in case of an allergy attack and space for contact information. These allergy alert labels are $32.88 for 96 customized labels. Included in the set are 48 dishwasher safe Allergy Alert Bubbles labels great to put on thermoses, sippy cups, lunch boxes – anything that goes in the dishwasher – and any kind of sports equipment that has to be waterproof. You also get 48 water resistant Allergy Alert Stickies that work great on a variety of other items, like toys, clothes or Epipens, and can also be used on any document of form, like school or camp forms RSVP’s or permission slips. They stand out on the paper and are great reminders for teachers and other staff. They also come in sets of 48 either the waterproof or the water resistant for $14.88.
You can also find badges to sew or iron onto clothing or backpacks, stick on labels, wristbands and even auto-injector cases.

I was happy to find two duplicate cards in my envelope instead of the single one I was expecting, and the company even gifted me another set regarding my daughter’s nut allergy (what a nice surprise!). The cards are the size of a credit card, heavily laminated and two sided. The one that I ordered states “I am allergic to nuts” and “Does this food contain nuts?” on one side, and on the other is a picture of tree nuts with a red “NO” circle and says “No Nuts!” translated from English to French with wording in both languages.

I like the idea of two cards, because I can keep one and my husband can have one as well in case I decide to go shoe shopping and he takes my daughter for ice cream, or any more probable scenario, and it’s one less thing we have to worry about handing back and forth.

I also received the list of nuts cards, which on one side has a picture of nuts with the red “NO” circle on one side and on the other, a list of nuts with NO in front of each one.

There is also a strongly worded card for those with more severe allergies and you can customize your card with language and/or allergy. I chose against the strongly worded card because my daughter’s allergy is not so severe, but it would be great for those who need it. It states the dangers of any contact with the allergen clearly and succinctly.

The customer service was excellent with quick email responses, a hand written note and helpful suggestions. I also received the cards within days after ordering.

I plan on learning the phrases so I can speak them as well as show them, but it’s nice to have a back up with the written word, even pictures to help with any miscommunication or lack of understanding on either side. It’s one less thing to worry about when traveling to another country, so thank you Select Wisely and I am looking forward to my trip!

According to achooallergy.com,

Most upper-respiratory problems, including sinus infections and allergies, are related to poor function of nasal cilia, the tiny hairs in the mucous membranes that act to remove pollutants. Most drugs treat symptoms. Some drugs kill bacteria temporarily, but they don’t improve the body’s long-term ability to fight infection. The SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Sinus Irrigation System bathes the nose and sinuses with a gentle and refreshing pulsating action. The device helps restore membranes to their natural level of moisture.

The SinuPulse was designed in Switzerland and has been used in Europe for some time. It has a dual pulsing motion to not only cleanse the nasal passages but to also irrigate the mucus and toxins inside. Through the pulsing action, the body’s natural defenses are stimulated as well, so the body can fight allergens better. If regularly used, it can help moisturize dry sinuses, relieve pain and pressure, and prevent sinus infections.

It’s easy to use and very safe, according to the above website, safer than blowing your nose. The psi is low and the flow of water is easily controlled. It also has a throat irrigator, good for sore throats, hoarseness, and tonsil irritation, and a tongue cleaner, both very safe as well. The thing I like is that there are no side effects unlike medicine. It should be used when symptoms are present until they are gone (about 10 days) and then you can stop using it when the nasal passages are functioning well again, though some people continue it as part of their daily routine.

Those who have switched form a neti pot to the SinuPulse seem very happy. They report that though they saw some relief from a neti pot, it’s nothing compared to this. The SinuPulse is easy to use and less messy than a neti pot, and results are far superior.
It’s not inexpensive, going for around $100. However, if you think about what you are spending on medication and doctor’s visits, you will probably end up saving some money in the long run.

The creators’ goal was to make fun t-shirts that their son would want to wear while at the same time getting the seriousness of the allergy across. Now the shirts and accessories are in world wide distribution and are a helpful tool in keeping your children safe.

Some of the shirts feature an alligator (girl or a boy, sometimes even a princess), with the words “I’m allergic to nuts” or “I have food allergies.” The character is cute, but if you choose to go sans character, there is a kind of road sign shirt and a more feminine and trendy style as well. Not only do they come in t-shirts, but also sweatshirts and dresses.

This is a good way to warn others of your child’s allergy. Think field trips or other outings, birthday parties or camp, anywhere your child may be and you’re not. Parents do a lot of reminding and note writing, but it’s hard to ignore a food allergy when it is right there on your shirt.

The company also makes wristbands, which can be personalized with emergency contact information, multiple allergies, or whatever else you want, as well as a standard wristband that states “Severe Food Allergy” or “Severe Allergy to Nuts.”

Other products include tote bags (again good for camp, preschool or play dates), stickers to fill in (good for any age to put in backpack, lunchbox or on a notebook), buttons and lunchboxes. The lunchboxes are a great idea for school so any personnel, even substitute teachers and parents are aware of allergies. There is a poster available that would be great for a classroom to help share awareness and maintain safety.

Another nice thing about this company is that 10% of their profits goes to FAAN to help support research, awareness and advocacy of food allergies.

You may be glad to hear of a new clothing line specifically designed for those with sensitive skin and skin allergies. The brand is Cottinique and according to PRLeap, it offers

“a range of products manufactured with new, state-of-the-art technologies made from 100% natural cotton, suitable for use by even the most sensitive of skin and allergy sufferers.”

Many things influence the way clothes affect us, including material, processing, chemicals on the clothes, as well as how we process and wash the clothes and other chemicals that can get on our clothing throughout the day. Cottinique has developed dermatologist recommended, dye free clothes targeted to adults and children with mild to severe skin allergies. This line includes latex-free , spandex-free, lycra-free, nylon-free and polyester-free cotton apparel.

The line includes socks and underwear and is in the process of making available a full line of children’s and toddler’s clothing. All of the clothing is produced in an allergy free factory. According to the above site,

A unique fabric-knitting process allows Cottonique’s to retain the stretch and fit of commonly found apparel, without the danger of latex allergy, spandex allergy, or chemical sensitivity. All fabrics undergo a hydro-pressure purification process to produce pure cotton that is resin-free, formaldehyde-free, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free. Cottonique does not use any dye stuff in the manufacturing of their clothing and underwear; in the end, all products remain highly breathable, comfortable, functional, and safe for people with skin allergy and sensitive skin.

For more information on this company and in ordering the product, visit www.cottonique.com or email customer service at customerservice@cottonique.com.

“clears symptoms of allergies, hayfever, and allergic rhinitis without drowsiness.”

Many people take antihistamines to clear their symptoms of allergies such as itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose. Though antihistamines fight the symptoms, they often come with drowsiness which can not only be uncomfortable, but also impair daily activity. SOS HistaDrops are made of natural ingredients and do not induce any drowsiness. They also begin to fight symptoms within minutes of taking the tincture.

According to the NativeRemedies.com, SOS HistaDrops are said to:

“• Quickly treat the symptoms of airborne allergies, allergic rhinitis, and hayfever
• Clear runny nose and watering eyes
• Reduce sneezing and itchy eyes and nose
• Relief inflammation, redness, and swollen eyes
• Reduce dependence on OTC and prescription antihistamines with unwanted side effects”

The ingredients in the drops are Urtica urens (an herb known as an effective anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine, also rich in quercitin), Plantago lanceolata (a treatment used for coughs and inflammation, approved by the German Commission E, and known for its soothing and astringent properties), Allium cepa C30 (a homeopathic remedy used to relieve stinging, burning, runny noses and eyes and stopping sneezing attacks, while reducing inflammation in swollen itchy eyes) and Ars. iod. C30 (another homeopathic remedy used to assist with all the symptoms of hayfever and allergic rhinitis and to prevent sneezing wheezing). In combination, these herbs and remedies provide relief for many of the major symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

As a tincture, the product is mixed with water and then drank. Depending on age, anywhere from 5 to 15 drops are taken. Effects are noticed within minutes. It is safe for children over the age of 6, and on the website are many testimonials from parents stating the benefits their young children have gained from taking SOS HistaDrops. Safety for pregnant women has not been established so it is not recomended to take this product while pregnant.

NativeRemedies.com also has a product called AllergiClear

“which protects against airborne and seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis and hayfever.”

This product is often taken in conjunction with SOS HistaDrops.  Not only do these drops relieve symptoms due to hayfever, but also to animal dander, dust mites and other airborne allergens.

This product contains no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, and is not tested on animals. To me, this sounds like a product that may be worth a try. I am all for quick, natural relief without the added side effects. Check out the standards on the site for safety and manufacturing details. Even if your allergies are not in high gear now, this may be something to put on the shelf for spring.

- Heather Legg