|
Tips for Fighting Indoor
Allergies
MILWAUKEE, WI: Jan. 7 2004-- With the
decrease in temperature and arrival of winter weather, you may
be more than happy to stay indoors. However, for people who
suffer from indoor allergies, staying indoors may make them
just as miserable as the cold weather.
Allergies affect between 40 and 50 million people in the
United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). While seasonal allergies may
come and go, perennial, or year-round, allergy sufferers deal
with stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing
365 days a year.
Indoor allergies are the body's physical reactions to inhaled
airborne particles called allergens. These indoor allergens
usually include house dust mite droppings, animal dander,
cockroach droppings and indoor mold.
"It's impossible to completely eliminate all the things that
might trigger your allergies, but taking steps to delay your
exposure to certain allergens may help," said Jonathan
Bernstein, MD, a member of the Indoor Allergen Committee.
To help reduce the risk for developing perennial allergic
rhinitis, the following steps to reduce the levels of
allergens in your home:
Dust Mites:
- Use zippered, plastic covers on pillows and mattresses
to reduce the presence of dust mites
- Minimize the number of stuffed animals kept in bedrooms
- Remove carpet from the bedroom, if possible; if not,
vacuum once or twice a week
- Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water (130.F)
weekly
- Keep indoor relative humidity below 50% to decrease dust
mite growth
Indoor Mold:
- Avoid activities or locations where mold grows, for
example, damp basements, garages, jumping in fallen leaves
or hiking in deep woods
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes
- Avoid vaporizers
Cockroach
allergens:
- Remove all food sources and household food wastes. Food
should be stored in sealed containers
- Consider a professional exterminator
- Improve ventilation to eliminate damp areas
- Thorough and frequent cleaning to remove dust and
cockroach byproducts
Pets:
- Consider removing pet from the home
- Keep the pet out of the bedroom
- Frequently vacuum rooms where the pet lives
- Wash the pet weekly to decrease the amount of dander,
urine and dried saliva
See an
allergist/immunologist
"Since allergies can lead to other chronic
conditions such as asthma, they should not be taken lightly,"
Bernstein said. "When you learn what causes your indoor
allergies, you can take steps to make them easier to live
with."
Source:
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The American Academy of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology is the largest professional medical
specialty organization in the United States, representing
allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied
health professionals, and others with a special interest in
the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in
1943, the Academy has nearly 6,000 members in the United
States, Canada and 60 other countries. TOP
|
