Environmental Control for Indoor Allergens

House dust contains a variety of allergens such as insect parts, animal dander, and dust mites. Furthermore, mold may also be present in homes. It is important to eliminate as much allergen as possible from the home in order to derive maximum benefit from your treatment.

House Dust Mite is probably the most important allergen in most homes. Controlling house dust mite exposure will decrease symptoms in allergic patients and may decrease the risk of developing dust mite allergy in patients not yet sensitized. Dust mites are tiny microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, moist climates. Upholstery (particularly the bed) is the ideal habitat for dust mites because they need the protection of the padding and a food supply (shed human skin) to survive. They cannot thrive on non-porous surfaces or in cool dry climates.

There are simple things you can do to minimize dust mite exposure:

You should concentrate on the bedroom (particularly the bed) because this is where you spend most of your time. In fact, when you are sleeping, you are breathing with your mouth and nose inches from a whole army of dust mites. The bedroom should be clutter free.

Dusting should be done frequently with a damp cloth.

The humidity in the bedroom should be kept below 50%. In Central Oklahoma this generally requires only air condition, but may require a de-humidifier. Humidifiers encourage dust mite and mold growth and should be avoided.

The mattress, box spring and pillow should be encased in dust mite proof encasements. All items on the bed should be washed in hot water (140 degrees) every one to two weeks. Stuffed animals should be removed from the bed.

Upholstered furniture and wall to wall carpet contain dust mites and should be avoided if possible, but these are not nearly as important as the bed.

Air filters, expensive vacuum cleaners, and duct cleaning help only minimally. When vacuuming, a HEPA filter or double bag should be used to minimize dust mites being stirred up and released into the air.

Cockroaches are now recognized as important indoor allergens. Other insects such as lady bugs, spiders, and crickets have recently been implicated. Keep the home clean and dry and fix any leaks or drips. It may be necessary to have an exterminator treat the home periodically.

Animal dander, generally from cats and dogs (but sometimes from gerbils, hamster, guinea pigs, mice, etc.) is a very important source of allergen in dust. Contrary to popular belief, animal hair is not the problem. Rather, it is a protein in the urine, saliva and dander of animal that provokes allergy. There are no “nonallergenic” furred pets. Some individual animals produce more allergen than others but there are no “safe” breeds.

The best thing you can do if you are allergic is to eliminate the pet.

Keeping the animal outside is only a partial solution because people who handle the animals outside will bring the allergen in on their clothes.

If you cannot eliminate the pet, try to keep the pet in non-upholstered areas and never let the pet in the bedroom. A HEPA filter in the bedroom may provide some protection.

Bathing the animals weekly may decrease the amount of allergen they produce.

After the animal has been removed, it can take as long as a year for allergen levels in the home to drop significantly, so a good thorough cleaning of the home is necessary after eliminating the animal.

Recently some information has come to light which suggests that if you are not already allergic it may actually be helpful to have cats or dogs in the home. However, if you are already pet allergic having the pets around will only worsen your allergic symptoms.

Indoor Mold can also cause significant allergic respiratory symptoms. Homes with high humidity and/or leaks have a high likelihood of having significant indoor molds. Once these issues have been fixed, it is generally easy to eliminate molds, but if you continue to have problems with water leaks or high humidity, you will have a hard time cleaning up your mold. Use a cleaning solution containing 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent to clean up moldy areas. Performing house dust control measures will help as well.

Do you have the winter sniffles?

5 ways you can manage indoor winter allergies

Do you suffer from itchy eyes, a runny nose or a scratchy throat during winter? Do you often find yourself coughing, sneezing and having trouble breathing? Chances are you may have indoor allergies.

Allergens are not just found outside in trees or grass. The indoors can host many triggers like mold in pipes, pet allergens, and dust mite and cockroach allergens.

Indoor allergies are a year-round problem, but you’ll notice them more during the winter because you spend more time at home. Also, because of the colder weather, you’re likely keeping doors and windows shut to keep the cold out. By doing that, you’re also sealing allergens indoors with you, and your heating system will recirculate the indoor air and any allergy triggers.

You don’t have to accept indoor allergies as an inevitable fact of the winter season. Using these five tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), you can be proactive and manage your winter allergies.

1. Clean regularly
It may seem like a simple solution, but cleaning house is one of the easiest ways to deal with indoor winter allergies. Dust, mold, pet dander and dust mite and cockroach droppings can hide anywhere and cause sneezing, coughing and congestion.

To limit your exposure to these indoor allergens, keep a regular cleaning schedule. Dust and vacuum frequently, especially under and behind furniture, where allergens can easily build up. Wipe down counters and other surfaces that you use often. During the holidays, wipe off holiday decorations, especially if you’ve stored them in areas where dust and mold proliferate.

2. Reduce pet allergy triggers
It can be difficult to balance your love for your pets and indoor allergy management. Just like you, your pets are spending more time indoors, increasing your exposure to pet dander and saliva.

While you may enjoy snuggling with your pets before bed, keeping them out of the bedroom will help with any allergies you experience at night that can disrupt your sleep. During the day, keep the door to your bedroom closed, so your furry family members aren’t tempted to go in.

When petting your cat or dog, make sure to wash your hands afterward, so you don’t accidentally touch your face and provoke an allergic reaction. Finally, remember to groom your pets regularly to reduce indoor air allergens.

3. Protect your bedding from dust mites
According to the ACAAI, dust mites live and multiply in warm, humid places and are often found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Even if your home is visibly clean, dust mite allergen particles are too small to be seen.

Use mite-proof zippered cases for your mattress and pillows to limit your exposure to dust mites. Every week, wash and change your sheets, blankets and other bedding in hot water to eliminate any lingering dust mite droppings.

4. Find and prevent indoor mold
Did you know that there are roughly 1,000 species of mold in the U.S.? Many molds aren’t visible to the naked eye, and mold spores can cause allergic reactions when they become airborne. Because mold can grow in your basement, bathroom, under the sink and anywhere with running water, avoiding mold allergens can be difficult.

If you suspect you have indoor mold, it’s best to contact a professional who can find and clean up existing mold in your home. To prevent mold from growing inside your home, quickly stop and clean up any leaks. Also, make sure to reduce moisture and humidity in bathrooms and kitchens. If humidity control is a problem, consider a dehumidifier.

5. Find an allergist
Consulting an allergist is the best way to identify and treat your winter indoor allergies.

“Allergists are the best trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma,” said Kathleen May, MD, ACAAI president. “They can help you get tested, get treated and get better so you can enjoy the holiday season and beyond.”

After a consultation, your allergist may perform tests to diagnose your allergies and identify potential causes. An allergist can also prescribe antihistamines and other allergy treatments to give you relief from your allergic symptoms.

Using these five tips, you can better manage your indoor allergies this winter so you can enjoy the cozy colder months without suffering from allergies.

About ACAAI
ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, talk to your OAAC provider.

The post Do you have the winter sniffles? appeared first on Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

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Environmental Control for Indoor Allergens

Environmental Control for Indoor Allergens

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Do you have the winter sniffles?

5 ways you can manage indoor winter allergies

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