Dr. Myron J. Zitt

MYRON J. ZITT, MDPast-President

MYRON J. ZITT, MDImmediate Past-President
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MYRON J. ZITT, MDImmediate Past-President

Spicy foods and alcohol are common culprits, says Myron Zitt, an allergist in Babylon and Plainview, N.Y. Cold air, cigarette smoke, pollution, perfume and other strong odors trigger symptoms in other people, he says. The exact mechanism behind these reactions is not known, but they do get more common with age. A doctor could prescribe a nose spray that contains an antihistamine or drying agent that you could use before meals, Zitt says.

MYRON J. ZITT, MDPresident
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MYRON J. ZITT, MDPresident

MYRON J. ZITT, MD President-Elect
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MYRON J. ZITT, MD President-Elect

Even if triphenyl phosphate is in the air around a video monitor, that means nothing without evidence that it will do something, says Dr. Myron Zitt, an allergist and a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

"Now what?"he asks."Where do we go from here?If your hypothesis is that a chemical can cause a problem, do a study to show that."

Zitt also suggests the Swedish researchers may not be clear about what an allergy is.

Allergens actually set off the body's immune system, while irritants simply annoy the body.If triphenyl phosphate is actually an allergen, scientists will need to show the body tries to attack it, he says.

"People throw the term allergy around.People say, 'Every time I wear a polyester suit my nose runs, so I'm allergic to the suit.' You may have some reaction, but it sure as heck isn't allergic," he says.

Myron Zitt, M.D., a Long Island-based allergist and a member of AAAAI, says that controlling these substances can help control your allergies.
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"Keeping the humidity at forty percent with the help of a dehumidifier or air conditioner is a way to kill dust mites," says Dr. Zitt.
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"They lower humidity, increase the air flow in rooms, and allow windows to remain closed-leaving allergy-causing pollen outside," explains Dr. Zitt.

The latest air conditioners, such as the Pinguino Portable Air Conditioners by DeLonghi, can follow you from room to room, cooling where needed. Click for more information on where to buy portable air conditioners.

(BARE) FLOOR ITReducing carpeting and home textiles can also help reduce allergens, says Dr. Zitt.
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When vacuuming, Dr. Zitt suggests using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter or double bags, given that a standard-filter vacuum doesn't absorb dust but rather recirculates particles in the air.

BEDROOM BEHAVIORBecause we spend the most time in the bedroom (all those hours sleeping), human dander is highest there."Just washing sheets weekly is not enough; dander and dust get embedded in the mattress, box spring, and other bedding," says Dr. Zitt.