Allergen Avoidance
Airborne allergens are protein particles that can cause asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. It is important to avoid the allergens that cause allergic symptoms. Avoidance may result in the complete disappearance of symptoms. People should keep their allergies in mind when choosing their environment. In this write up, we will suggest some measures to avoid common allergens.
Allergens
1.Animals: The ideal method for avoidance of animal allergens is to remove the pet from the home. Symptoms caused by pets can be so long-lasting that it is not apparent to the individual that the pet is responsible for the allergy symptoms until he or she has been away from the pet for a long period of time. It takes months to get the animal proteins to clear from the environment. If the pets cannot be removed, then the pets should be kept out of the bedroom, carpet should be removed from the bedroom, a HEPA filter should be present in the bedroom and the pet should be washed regularly. Please note that these measures are not as effective as removing the pet.
2.Dust Mites: Dust mite are microscopic creatures that live in the pillow, mattress, bedding and carpets in the bedroom. Dust mites eat skin flakes that fall off the body and get water from the ambient air. The allergens from dust mites are from the fecal particles. If you must do the house cleaning, dust-proof Respro™ masks are helpful. The following measures should be completed to avoid dust mites:
a.Hardwood or linoleum are superior to carpet.
b.Mattresses and box springs should be completely encased mite proof covers. Plastic covers can be used on the box spring. Special mattress covers can be purchased at Belgage Pharmacy (525 Belmont Ave. W. Kitchener, 576-2900), ProResp(604A Belmont Ave. W. Kitchener, 886-0202 or 800-363-8051), Vitalaire (4-1373 Victoria St. N., 744-4104), The Pharmacy on King (751 King St. W Kitchener, 578-9991), Medigas (334 Manitou Drive, Kitchener, 893-3250) or in Stratford at Horizon Prohealth (342 Erie Street Suite 114 in Jenny Trout Centre, 272-0202).
c.Pillows and comforters must be machine washable or encased in mite proof covers. All of the bedding should be washed monthly in hot (greater than 55°C ) water.*If there are children in the house caution must be used , as these temperatures can cause burns.
d.Relative humidity above 50% promotes dust mite growth. The ideal humidity is 30 - 40%.
3.Pollens: Pollens from plants that are fertilized by wind-borne pollen can cause allergies. The common pollens in southern Ontario are from trees, grasses and ragweed. Trees pollinate from about April 15 - June 10. Grasses from about May 1 – July 31. Ragweed from August 15 to frost. It is impossible to completely avoid pollens. The best way to avoid pollens is to live and work in an air-conditioned environment. Air-conditioning is effective if all windows in the home are kept closed all season.
4.Moulds: Moulds are outdoors from spring to fall. Keeping windows closed and air conditioning on will decrease exposure to outdoor moulds. Moulds grow frequently in the soil of house plants. It is best to remove any plants that are suspect. Clean humidifiers carefully, at least once monthly. A little bleach in the water helps inhibit mould growth. Mould can be found in bathrooms in the shower area and once again bleach is helpful in removing it. If the basement is humid or you suspect mould is present a dehumidifier may decrease mould.
Special Points
Air Cleaners: Indoor air can be improved by some air cleaners. One must be aware that manufacturers claims often exceed the real improvement. The most efficient filters are 1. Electronic air-cleaner 2. 3M Filtrete ™ filter 3. HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Absorption) type.
Humidifiers : The ideal humidity is 30 - 40%. Humidity is measured with a hygrometer. Humidifiers should be cleaned with diluted bleach to prevent mould growth.
Duct Cleaning: Dust mites do not live in ducts. Cleaning is recommended when you first move into a house. It is not necessary otherwise. Time and money are better spent on other avoidance measures.
Vacuums: In general vacuums are designed to pick up visible rather than invisible or allergic dust. Many vacuum manufacturers claims are not true. Removing carpet works better then any vacuum for dust mite allergic people. The best vacuum style is a central vacuum system venting to the garage or outdoors.
Smoke: Smoking can cause allergy like symptoms in smokers and people exposed to "second-hand smoke". No one should smoke in the house at all. Allergic people should not smoke!
GOOD LUCK!!!
