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http://www.palmbayurgentcare.com/

Palm Bay Urgent Care, 1155 MALABAR Road NE #10, Palm Bay, FL (2025)

06/26/2025

Women: What to know about cholesterol

Learn the answers to these 5 important questions about cholesterol.

The No. 1 killer of American women isn't breast cancer. It's heart disease. And a major risk factor for heart disease is abnormal cholesterol levels.

But do you know what cholesterol is and what makes it so key to your heart health?

Here are the answers to five important questions about cholesterol and your heart.

1. What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty, waxlike substance. You get most of the cholesterol in your body from your liver. You also get a small amount from certain foods you eat, such as meat and dairy products.

There are two major types of cholesterol in your blood:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This is sometimes called bad cholesterol because excess amounts of LDL tend to gather in the walls of your blood vessels.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL). This type of cholesterol sweeps up excess LDL in the blood and takes it back to the liver, where it can be passed from the body. HDL is sometimes called good cholesterol.

Triglycerides are a third type of cholesterol. Having high levels of triglycerides is also unhealthy.

A common cholesterol problem is having too much LDL, too little HDL and excess amounts of triglycerides.

2. How does having too much LDL lead to heart disease?

LDL can collect inside the walls of blood vessels. Your blood vessels react by forming plaque, which can narrow and harden your arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. Plaque can break apart and form blood clots that block the flow of blood to the heart, causing a heart attack.

3. Why do women have to worry about cholesterol?

Both men and women tend to have higher triglyceride and LDL levels as they get older. One of the reasons this happens to women is because of a loss of the hormone estrogen as they near menopause. Estrogen generally raises levels of HDL cholesterol, which makes it protective against heart disease. When estrogen levels drop around menopause, so do levels of HDL, raising the risk of atherosclerosis.

This is why women nearing menopause should have their cholesterol levels checked, reports the American Heart Association. They can then talk about their risk factors for heart disease with their doctor and find out what lifestyle changes might help.

4. What are the symptoms of abnormal cholesterol levels?

There usually aren't any. Unless you get your cholesterol tested, chances are you won't know your levels are unhealthy until you have a heart attack or stroke. You should have your cholesterol levels checked with a blood test every five years beginning at age 45.

5. What can I do to change my cholesterol levels?

There's a lot you can do to manage your cholesterol levels. For example:

Eat a heart-healthy diet. Limit foods high in saturated fats. Choose foods naturally high in fiber and unsaturated fats.

Be physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of activity on five or more days of the week.

Don’t smoke. Smoking speeds up atherosclerosis and greatly increases your risk for heart disease.

Know your family history. If unhealthy cholesterol levels run in your family, talk to your doctor. You may need to have your cholesterol tested earlier or more often.

Work with your doctor. Your doctor may decide you need medications, such as statins, to help normalize your cholesterol levels.

06/10/2025

What to do when your child has a cold....

Colds can't be cured or cut short, but you can help make your child more comfortable.

As a parent, you want to protect your child from harm and illness whenever possible. But the common cold is one illness you often can't prevent. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American children get six or more colds every year.

Though you can't cure or shorten these infections, there are ways to soothe the symptoms and reduce your child's risk of catching the next cold.

Behind the sneeze

Colds are most often caused by a rhinovirus that infects the upper respiratory tract—the nose, throat, sinuses, ears and breathing tubes that lead into the lungs.

Your child may catch a cold by breathing in virus particles left in the air by someone else's sneeze or cough, or by touching a surface that has virus particles on it and then touching his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Children usually have more frequent colds than adults because of their close contact with lots of other children at school and day care. Their young immune systems are also less likely to have built up defenses against the most common cold viruses.

Easing the illness

Colds cannot be cured. Antibiotics aren't effective against the viruses that cause them, the AAP says. Fortunately, colds go away without treatment. Most children will recover in 7 to 10 days, according to the AAP.

In the meantime, you can make your child more comfortable with these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the AAP:

> Give your child lots of fluids.
> Make sure your child eats nutritious meals, even if the meals are small.
> Run a humidifier to increase the air moisture in your child's room if the air is dry.
> Put saline drops in your child's nostrils to ease a stuffy nose.
> Dab petroleum jelly under the nose to soothe raw skin.
> Consider giving acetaminophen for a fever. Never give aspirin, which has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a serious disease that can damage the liver and brain. Ask your child's healthcare provider if you have questions about whether to give acetaminophen.

According to the AAP, parents should not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children 4 and younger, and should only give these medicines to kids 5 or 6 years old if told to do so by a doctor.

Parents who are unsure about whether to give a cough or cold product to their child, or which product to choose, should talk to their child's healthcare provider. Cough and cold medicines do not cure the common cold; they only treat the symptoms. Children will get better with time.

When to call the doctor

Rest, fluids and time are usually enough to take care of a cold, but sometimes it can turn into a more serious infection.

According to the AAFP and the AAP, these are signs that you should bring to the attention of your child's doctor:

> A fever that lasts more than three days or goes above 103 degrees.
> Chest pain or shortness of breath.
> Ear pain or drainage from the ear.
> Blue lips, skin or fingernails.
> Skipping the next round

Though you can't protect your child from colds completely, you can take steps to make frequent infection less likely:

> Teach your child to wash his or her hands often, especially before eating.
> Make it a rule to not share eating utensils or drinking glasses.
> If possible, reduce your child's close, prolonged exposure to people with colds.
> Reduce your child's exposure to cigarette smoke, which increases the risk of respiratory infections of all kinds.
> Also keep in mind that healthy children are less prone to illness, period. Encourage your child to eat healthfully and get plenty of sleep and exercise. A healthy body and strong immune system help protect your child from all viruses, including the ones that cause colds.

05/19/2025

Do You Have a Cold or Flu?

Colds and the flu share some common symptoms. In general, cold symptoms tend to start slowly and are usually much milder than the flu, which can come on suddenly and be serious.

Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms.

ACHES AND PAINS: BOTH
Sometimes occur with a cold, but are mild. Common and often severe with the flu.

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA: FLU
Never occurs with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu and more common in kids than adults.

FATIGUE: BOTH
Sometimes occurs with a cold. Common with the flu and can last up to 3 weeks.

SNEEZING: BOTH
Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

EXTREME EXHAUSTION: FLU
Never occurs with a cold. Common at the start of the illness with the flu.

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE: BOTH
Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

FEVER: FLU
Rare with a cold. Common with the flu.

COUGH OR CHEST DISCOMFORT: BOTH
Common with a cold and can be mild to moderate in severity. Common with the flu and can be severe.

HEADACHE: FLU
Rare with a cold. Common with the flu.

SORE THROAT: BOTH
Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.
Flu in the family? Here’s how to help stop the spread.

LEARN MORE

Sources
American Lung Association. "Facts About the Common Cold." https://www.lung.org/.../lung.../facts-about-the-common-cold.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Cold Versus Flu." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Rhinoviruses." https://www.cdc.gov/rhinoviruses/about/.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Signs and Symptoms of Flu." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/.
FamilyDoctor.org. "Colds and the Flu." https://familydoctor.org/condition/colds-and-the-flu/.
News in Health. "Cold, Flu, or Allergy?" https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy.

04/15/2025

Women: 6 Ways to Boost Your Heart Health

Did you know that heart disease—not breast cancer—is the leading cause of death in women? It's true. Unfortunately, many women don't know that heart disease is their greatest health threat, according to the American Heart Association.

Anyone can get heart disease, but having one or more risk factors boosts your chances. And 9 out of 10 women have at least one heart disease risk factor, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports.

6 steps to better heart health for women
There are things you can do to help protect your heart—and it's never too late. Start with these six steps:

1. Know what puts your heart at risk. Ask your doctor about your heart disease risk and how to lower it. Some things, like being 55 or older or having a family history of early heart disease, are factors you can't control. Other factors, such as smoking ci******es, can be changed. Knowing the whole picture can help you take charge of your health.

2. Control your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. If you do have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, work with your doctor to manage them. These conditions may not cause symptoms, so ask your doctor if you're due to be screened.

3. If you smoke, put your heart into quitting. Ask your doctor about medicines that may make it easier to quit for good.

4. Eat well. A heart-healthy diet includes more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less artery-clogging saturated and trans fats. Try to reduce your intake of blood pressure-boosting sodium and added sugars too. If you eat meat, buy the leanest cuts you can afford.

5. Get moving. Walking is good for the heart. Along with a sensible eating plan, it can help you maintain a healthy weight. Or choose your own favorite way to exercise. Your doctor can help you find the type and amount of exercise that's right for you.

6. Catch plenty of ZZZs. If you're not getting enough high-quality sleep, you may be at an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Go to bed early enough to get at least seven to nine hours of nightly shut-eye.

Learn more about heart disease and discover more heart-healthy tips in our Heart Health topic center.

Sources
American Heart Association. "Causes and Prevention of Heart Disease." https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/causes-and-prevention-of-heart-disease.
American Heart Association. "Get the Scoop on Sodium and Salt." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/sodium-and-salt.
American Heart Association. "Saturated Fat." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats.
American Heart Association. "Trans Fats." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/trans-fat.
American Heart Association. "What Is Atherosclerosis?" https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/atherosclerosis.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "Heart Disease: It's Not Just for Men." https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth/heart-disease-not-just-men.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "Listen to Your Heart: Women and Heart Disease." https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/heart-truth/listen-to-your-heart.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "Take Action Toward Better Heart Health: Get Quality Sleep and Reduce Stress." https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/heart-truth/get-quality-sleep-and-reduce-stress.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Heart Health for Women." https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/heart-health-women.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Tips for Women to Prevent Heart Disease." https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-women-prevent-heart-disease.

04/08/2025

When Pain is a Medical Emergency

Learn how to recognize the kind of pain that needs immediate treatment.

We all have aches and pains from time to time. Many are minor enough to be treated with over-the-counter medications or a doctor consultation.

But what if the pain is severe? It could be a sign of a medical emergency.

Knowing how to recognize the kinds of pain that require emergency care—and getting help right away—is extremely important. It could save a life.

Recognize the signs

Here are some pain symptoms that require emergency medical attention, according to the American Academy of Urgent Care Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians:

- Any sudden or severe pain.
- Any chest pain that lasts more than two minutes or goes away and comes back.
- Abdominal pain that lasts more than two minutes, is unusual or is accompanied by a fever.
- A new, severe headache.
- Back pain with loss of bowel or bladder control; trouble urinating; or signs of an infection, such as a fever or chills.
- Don't take chances

Symptoms like these are always a reason to call 911 or go the nearest emergency department if you or anyone else experiences them.

Don't try to diagnose the pain or downplay it. That's the job of trained medical professionals. Remember: Delaying care could be life threatening.

03/25/2025

Diet and Cholesterol - 5 food tips to help you control your cholesterol

Different factors can cause your cholesterol to reach unhealthy levels. Some you can't control. Others you can.

You can't change the fact that high cholesterol runs in your family. And you can't do anything about getting older—your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you age.

But you can control your lifestyle. For example, by following a healthy diet, you can improve your LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol, which will help reduce your risk for heart disease and other health problems.

Here are 5 diet tips that can help improve your cholesterol.

1. CUT BACK ON ANIMAL PRODUCTS

Animal products are high in saturated fat—which can raise your cholesterol levels. Animal products that are high in saturated fat include:

Whole-milk dairy products like butter, cream and cheese.
Beef fat or lard.
Sausage, bologna and other processed meats.
Fatty cuts of meat and poultry with the skin on.
2. ELIMINATE TRANS FATS

Like saturated fat, trans fats—or trans fatty acids—can raise your LDL levels. Trans fats are found mostly in foods made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as hard margarines; baked goods like crackers, cookies and breads; and foods fried in hydrogenated shortening, such as french fries.

3. FILL UP WITH FIBER

Soluble fiber can prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. Good sources of fiber include whole grains like oatmeal; fruits like bananas, pears, apples and berries; vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts; and beans.

It's a good idea to increase your fiber intake gradually and increase your water intake at the same time. A sudden increase can cause abdominal cramps and bloating.

4. STOCK UP ON STANOLS AND STEROLS

Stanols and sterols occur naturally in many plants.

Like soluble fiber, stanols and sterols help block the absorption of cholesterol from your digestive tract, which can help lower your LDL levels without affecting your HDL. Some foods (like orange juice, milk, bread and margarine) have been fortified with stanols and sterols.

Research suggests that eating about 2 grams of either stanols or sterols a day may lower LDL levels by 5% to 15% within weeks.

5. EAT LOTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good way to avoid saturated and trans fats and keep your cholesterol in check. Many fruits and vegetables are also a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits and vegetables can make a handy snack. Dried fruits can even be carried with you to snack on while traveling.

There are several lifestyle changes you can make that might bring your cholesterol levels under control.

Sources

American Academy of Family Physicians. "Cholesterol | Plant Sterols and Stanols." https://familydoctor.org/cholesterol-plant-sterols-stanols/.
American Heart Association. "Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)." https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia.
American Heart Association. "Saturated Fat." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats.
Helpguide.org. "High-Fiber Foods." https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/high-fiber-foods.htm.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "What is Blood Cholesterol?" https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol.

03/17/2025

Do You Have a Cold or Flu?

Colds and the flu share some common symptoms. In general, cold symptoms tend to start slowly and are usually much milder than the flu, which can come on suddenly and be serious.

Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms.

ACHES AND PAINS: BOTH

Sometimes occur with a cold, but are mild. Common and often severe with the flu.

VOMITING OR DIARRHEA: FLU

Never occurs with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu and more common in kids than adults.

FATIGUE: BOTH

Sometimes occurs with a cold. Common with the flu and can last up to 3 weeks.

SNEEZING: BOTH

Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

EXTREME EXHAUSTION: FLU

Never occurs with a cold. Common at the start of the illness with the flu.

STUFFY OR RUNNY NOSE: BOTH

Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

FEVER: FLU

Rare with a cold. Common with the flu.

COUGH OR CHEST DISCOMFORT: BOTH

Common with a cold and can be mild to moderate in severity. Common with the flu and can be severe.

HEADACHE: FLU

Rare with a cold. Common with the flu.

SORE THROAT: BOTH

Common with a cold. Sometimes occurs with the flu.

Flu in the family? Here’s how to help stop the spread.

LEARN MORE

Sources

American Lung Association. "Facts About the Common Cold." https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/facts-about-the-common-cold.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Cold Versus Flu." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Rhinoviruses." https://www.cdc.gov/rhinoviruses/about/.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Signs and Symptoms of Flu." https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/.
FamilyDoctor.org. "Colds and the Flu." https://familydoctor.org/condition/colds-and-the-flu/.
News in Health. "Cold, Flu, or Allergy?" https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy.

03/14/2025

Colds 101

Questions

1. What causes colds?

2. How do I catch a cold?

3. How common is the common cold?

4. How can I protect myself from colds?

5. When am I most likely to catch a cold?

6. How often will I get a cold?

7. How long will my cold last?

8. What are the symptoms of a cold?

9. When should I see a doctor?

10. Will antibiotics help?

11. What medicine should I take?

12. Should I take extra vitamin C to prevent colds?

13. What about herbal medicines?

14. Should I starve a cold and feed a fever?

15. What can I do to get better?

16. Where can I go to learn more?

Answers

1. What causes colds?

More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. Rhinoviruses are estimated to cause 10% to 40% of all colds.

2. How do I catch a cold?

The viruses that cause colds travel easily through the air and quickly transfer from one object to another. They infect the lining in your nose. So you can catch a cold by breathing in air that includes the virus or by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your face.

3. How common is the common cold?

Americans catch millions of colds each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Colds are the most common reason people visit the doctor, says the American Lung Association (ALA).

4. How can I protect myself from colds?

Stay away from people who have colds. If you have to be around those folks, wash your hands whenever you touch someone or something that could have been in contact with the virus. And try to keep your hands away from your face.

5. When am I most likely to catch a cold?

Most colds strike in the winter and spring, but can occur at any time of the year, says CDC.

6. How often will I get a cold?

Young children catch between six and eight colds per year, while adults usually have two to four during that same time, according to the ALA.

7. How long will my cold last?

Colds can last up to 14 days, but most wind down after about one week.

8. What are the symptoms of a cold?

A congested and runny nose, scratchy and sore throat, and coughing and sneezing join in announcing a cold's presence.

9. When should I see a doctor?

If your symptoms are unusually severe or if you have a high fever, you should see your doctor, says the ALA. You should also see a doctor if you have sinus pain, pain in your ears or a flare-up of a chronic lung problem, such as asthma, according to the ALA.

10. Will antibiotics help?

Antibiotics will not help. They only help with bacterial infections. If you take antibiotics for a cold, they may cause unwanted side effects.

11. What medicine should I take?

There are many over-the-counter medicines that may help ease your symptoms. Look for those that contain acetaminophen for fever and aches and pains, an antihistamine to calm sneezing and coughing, and decongestants to help unplug a stuffy nose.

Do not give cough or cold medicines to young children unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Also, don't give anyone under 18 any medicine that contains aspirin. It can put them at risk for a life-threatening illness called Reye's syndrome. For a cough in children at least 1 year old, a small amount of honey may help. Don't give honey to children under 1.

12. Should I take extra vitamin C to prevent colds?

There's no evidence that taking more than the recommended amount of vitamin C helps. Taking too much vitamin C can cause other health problems, such as diarrhea.

13. What about herbal medicines?

There is no significant clinical evidence that herbal medicines help treat colds, says the ALA.

14. Should I starve a cold and feed a fever?

No. Your body needs food and fluids to help it combat the illness, so don't starve anything.

15. What can I do to get better?

Treat your cold as early as possible. Drink plenty of liquids to give your body enough fluid to help fight the virus. If you smoke, try to quit or cut back when you have a cold, and don't drink alcohol.

16. Where can I go to learn more?

To learn more about colds, visit the Colds health topic center. You can also find out more at these websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
American Lung Association.

03/12/2025

Coping with Coughs

Learn why coughs happen—and what you can do.
You may think of a cough as an annoyance and a sign of poor health. And sometimes it is. But coughing can also serve a good purpose.

A cough is a protective reflex action that helps clear your airways. Most coughs go away without treatment, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

However, in some cases a cough can be a sign of a viral infection, such as influenza or the common cold. In severe cases coughing can also be a symptom of a serious lung disorder, such as asthma or lung cancer, that requires medical treatment.

Coughing causes

Many different conditions or problems can cause you to cough. Some of the more common ones include:

An irritated throat. Common irritants include mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat or particles (such as smoke or pollen) that you breathe in. A cold or allergies may be behind this irritation.

Blockage. You may cough if an object—such as a peanut or candy—becomes lodged in your airways. In such cases, a good, hard cough can help you clear the object from your airways.

Inflammation. Asthma or a cold can cause airways to become inflamed or narrowed, which can trigger coughing.

Lung damage. Conditions that can damage the lungs include pneumonia and bronchitis.

Smoking. Breathing cigarette or cigar smoke—even if it's someone else's smoke—can cause chronic coughing that is much worse in the morning. Smoking damages your lungs and interferes with the normal process that your lungs use to clear excess mucus. If you smoke, intense coughing may also signal the development of illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer.

Disease. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and congestive heart failure can both cause coughing.

Treating a cough

Some coughs go away after treatment at home, but others may require you to see a doctor.

For a mild cough, you may be able to get relief from over-the-counter medications, such as suppressants that block the coughing reflex. Other cough medications help you cough more effectively and clear mucus from your airways. Ask your doctor which medication you should take. And make sure to talk to a doctor before giving cough medicine to a child. Questions have been raised about the safety of these products in children.

If you smoke, the most effective way to stop coughing is to quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to kick the habit.

The American Academy of Family Physicians and other medical experts say you should see a doctor about a cough if you:

Wheeze or make a whistling sound when you breathe in.
Cough up discolored phlegm.
Run a temperature higher than 101 degrees.
Lose weight without trying.
Cough up blood.
Sweat profusely while you're sleeping at night.
Cough consistently for more than a few weeks.
What's causing you to cough may not be immediately apparent. Your doctor may have to conduct a chest exam and order lab tests to diagnose the cause of your cough and prescribe the right treatment.

Protect others

Coughing can lead to the spread of germs that make others sick. When you cough, cover your mouth with a tissue and throw it into a wastebasket. And remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Reviewed 7/2/2024

Sources:

American Lung Association. “Warning Signs of Lung Disease.” https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease.
FamilyDoctor.org. “Chronic cough.” https://familydoctor.org/condition/chronic-cough/.
FamilyDoctor.org. “Cough Medicine: Understanding Your OTC Options.” https://familydoctor.org/cough-medicine-understanding-your-otc-options/.
MedlinePlus. “Cough.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003072.htm.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Bronchitis.” https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchitis.
NIH News in Health. “Cough Culprits.” https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/05/cough-culprits.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Use Caution When Giving Cough and Cold Products to Kids.” https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/use-caution-when-giving-cough-and-cold-products-kids.

03/10/2025

Living with an Animal and an Allergy

The best solution to a pet allergy is to avoid animals. But there are some other things you can try if you aren't ready to relinquish your furry friends.

There can be health advantages to having a pet. Some studies suggest that pet owners are less lonely, less stressed and may even be in better cardiac health than their non-pet-owning friends.

What's more, pets can make good companions and are just plain fun to have around.

But some pet owners pay a price: allergies.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, millions of people with pets have an allergy to them.

Dander and allergies

Pets that can cause allergies include dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits, mice, gerbils, rats and guinea pigs.

The problem, strictly speaking, isn't with an animals' hair, fur or feathers. It's caused by a protein present on pet dander—dead, sloughed-off skin—and in pet saliva and urine.

The protein is harmless for most people. Some, though, have hypersensitive immune systems that try to ward off the protein as if it were a dangerous virus or bacteria.

The resulting reaction can prompt a variety of allergy symptoms such as:

Sneezing or a stuffy or runny nose.
Itchy, inflamed or watery eyes.
Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Hives or a rash.
Controlling dander

The best way to control pet allergy symptoms is to avoid allergy-causing animals, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. But for people who are unwilling to part with their pets, the next best strategy is to avoid pet dander.

It's not easy. Dander is hard to remove and can cause symptoms for months even after a pet has gone. It clings to clothes, so it's easily brought inside even if pets are kept outdoors. Once inside, it sticks to walls, floors and furniture.

Dander is also lightweight, so it can float throughout the house, circulating on indoor air currents stirred up by heating, air conditioning and vacuuming.

Despite its persistence, there are several things you can do to help control and avoid pet dander.

Make bedrooms dander-free. People typically spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, so making these rooms as dander-free as possible can be beneficial.

Keep pets off the bed, out of the bedroom and the bedroom door closed. To help prevent dander from wafting in through heating and cooling vents, cover them with a dense filtering material like cheesecloth.

Overall, keep the room—particularly bedding—very clean.

Eliminate dander-friendly surfaces. Floors, upholstered furniture and curtains are among the places in your home that collect dander. Consider the following tips for controlling dander in these areas:

Think about removing carpets in favor of bare wood, tile or linoleum. If you do opt for carpet, use one with a low pile and steam clean it regularly.
Consider keeping pets out of the living room, den or other areas with upholstered furniture. Cover furniture with plastic or with fabric that can be removed and washed.
Remove curtains if possible. If not, clean them with a product that neutralizes dander.
Clean the air. Use a heating and air conditioning system that features a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and keep the litter box away from vents. Your vacuum cleaner should also be equipped with a HEPA filter.

Ask for help. Have someone who isn't allergic perform tasks such as brushing (this should be done outdoors) and cleaning litter boxes and cages.

Keep pets clean and healthy. Have your pet washed every week, preferably with an allergen-neutralizing shampoo. Wash your pet's bedding regularly as well. If your pet rides in the car, use removable, washable seat covers.

Also, ask your veterinarian about your pet's diet. A well-balanced diet may help reduce dander.

Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands after touching your pet.

Consider the alternatives. If you don't already have a pet but would like one that won't cause allergies, consider animals without fur or feathers—fish, turtles or snakes, for example.

If these steps don't help, talk to your doctor. There are medical treatments, including allergy shots, that may help control pet allergies.

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Palm Bay Urgent Care

Experience High Quality of Care.

Feel Safe with Certified Staff.

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 7pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm