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How to best deal with allergens in the home
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An allergic reaction can last all year long, triggered by indoor allergens such as bed mites, dust, fungus, cleaning products and pets. (Shutterstock/File)
A
n allergy is a form of natural defense mechanism when the body’s immune system detects a potentially hostile foreign particle entering the body. Ironically, many of particles considered by the immune system as hostile are unharmful common particles found in the home and the environment.
Most asthma sufferers who are allergic to pollen or other types of outdoor allergens consider home the safest place where they can hide from the hassle of allergic reactions. Unfortunately, the home and other indoor areas also contain some allergens (allergy triggering agents). The home is actually a big trap for allergens, making allergy reactions more difficult to avoid. An allergic reaction can last all year long, triggered by indoor allergens such as bed mites, dust, fungus, cleaning products and pets.
Symptoms of home-caused allergens include:
- Respiratory problems, such as nasal congestion, flu-like symptoms, sneezing, runny nose and asthma symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath).
- Conjunctivitis, inflammation of the lining of the eye membranes; reddish eye, itchy and watery eyes.
- Dermatitis allergy; eczema, rash and itchiness.
What are the most common allergens in our home?
Mites
Mites are the primary cause of allergies, and accumulated dust in the corners of the home provides a comfortable living space for this microscopic creature. Mites live off dead skin cells shredded during sleep, and one of their favorite areas is therefore your bed, where they hide in the sheets, in the seams of a mattress, pillows, even a child’s stuffed animals.
Dust
Dust is residual particles of various of things, from dry leaf particles, dead skin cells, dirt, bug particles, food crumbs, fibers and other things.
(Read also: Children who suck their thumbs less prone to allergies: Study)
Roaches
Cockroaches are distributors of bacteria and disease. The worst part is that the cockroach is one the toughest, resilient creatures that can easily adapt to any surrounding environment, especially if the environment has a lot of food and water. What causes roaches to be allergens? Allergens can come from their digestive enzymes, saliva, feces and bodies. For some people, an allergy caused by roaches can be a primary trigger of serious asthma and other respiratory problems. Insecticide that is used to kill roaches can also cause an allergic reaction if used carelessly due to the toxins it contains.
Moss
Moss and fungus develop even better in dark, damp and humid places like the bathroom, sheds or places where leakage occurs. In its harvesting period, fungus and moss release a microspore triggering allergy. The same applies with pollen allergic symptom;, asthma can occur due to inhaling spores in massive amounts.
Pets
Certain dogs and cats shed fur as their natural adaptation mechanism. It is the shed fur and skin cells that trigger an allergic reaction, not the fur and skin still attached to the body. An allergic reaction can also occur due to the proteins contained in the saliva and/or urine of dogs, cats and rodents (hamsters, rabbits, mice). Residual particles of these animals are light and float around in the air, stick to furniture and can be present for months, thus creating breeding grounds for allergens to mutate and spread through the air.
How to cope with home allergens?
The best way to fight allergens is to frequently clean your home. Wash and dry your carpets once a week. Vacuum twice a week. Wash your bedding with hot water once a week. The usage of an anti-allergen bed cover can also help reduce the risk of an allergy relapse. Dust mites also create breed in the folds of curtains or drapes, so don’t forget to clean these often.
Moreover, there are some things you should pay attention to:
- Don't forget to wash your favorite stuffed animals. If they are unwashable, place them in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for 24 hours.
- When sweeping, it’s a good idea to cover the broom bristles with a damp cloth to stop the dust from flying away and being inhaled.
- Keep pets away from your bedroom. Even if though you don't have a medical record of being allergic to animals, your pet can serve as a medium for allergens to pass through their fur. Don’t forget to always clean their cage or bedding.
- Get rid of fungus and moss by scrubbing the places where they are prone to appear using soap and water, or you can make a solution of 5 percent bleach and 95 percent water (but don't mix it with other cleaning agents) then dry the surface well.
- If stubborn fungus and moss remains, get rid of them.
- Fix all leaks, such as in kitchen faucets, house ceilings and plumbing pipes. All rooms in the house, including the shed, should have a good ventilation system. (kes)
