Read more
Winter Allergies 411: How to Prevent and Treat Allergies to Pets and Dust
by Dr Antony J. Ham Pong, MBBS
2011-11-07
Allergies in the fall and winter are often due to house dust mites and pets, and sometimes indoor moulds and cockroaches. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in carpets, mattresses and bed sheets and eat shed human skin. Dust mite allergens come from the feces and dead bodies of mites. They thrive in high humidity, over 50%, so in the cold, dry conditions of winter, they die off and allergen levels increase. This factor, together with the closing up of houses and spending more time indoors, cause dust mite allergic people to have increased allergy symptoms in winter. Similarly, pets in the home can cause more allergy symptoms in winter.
Reducing dust mite levels in the home is difficult but can improve allergy symptoms significantly. The most important area to focus on is the bedroom, since it is where we spend the most time in one place. Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers weekly in hot water (over 55oC) to kill dust mites, as cool water and detergent does not kill them. Pillows and stuffed toys can be washed as above or simply put in the dryer every two weeks to kill the dust mites. Replacing pillows and mattresses is not practical, as dust mite repopulate these within a few months. Zippered, dust-proof mattress and box spring covers are important because they trap mites and their allergens inside, allowing the outer cover to be easily wiped down and cleaned. Vacuuming the mattress and carpets may remove large dust particles but not fine allergenic dust particles. Standard portable vacuums often stir up dust mite particles and temporarily increase allergen levels, so use a face mask. A central vacuum or one with a high-efficiency air filter is preferred. As dust mite particles are somewhat heavy, they don’t circulate in the air unless disturbed by walking or vacuuming, so even a high-efficiency air filter is not as efficient at removing dust mite allergens as it is for removing the lighter animal dander particles. Fewer carpets means fewer areas for dust mites to live in and animal dander to get trapped in, so this is preferred.
Reducing the number of dust-collecting articles in the bedroom will also help; for example by limiting the number of bookshelves or enclosing them, and avoiding upholstered furniture and fabric blinds, or cleaning them regularly.
Since children often play with only a few favourite stuffed toys, the rest can be cleaned as above and placed in a see-through zippered bag in the child’s room so that he or she can still see them but they do not collect dust.
If there are animals in the home causing allergy symptoms and it is not possible to find a new home for them, then reducing pet exposure may help. The main allergens in cats and dogs are from shed skin (dander), saliva and skin secretions. Keep the pet out of the bedroom even when you are not there. Keep it groomed and, if possible, shampooed regularly to reduce the amount of allergens it can shed. Certain sprays are available to reduce allergen shedding from the hair and skin. Restrict the pet to non-carpeted areas if possible, and do not sit in the pet’s favourite chair. Wash your hands after handling the pet, as touching your eyes and nose afterward can cause allergic reactions.
Lastly, regular use of allergy medication can help allergy sufferers through the winter allergy season.
The views expressed here are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.
If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.
Categories:
Living with Allergies
Share 
by 2011-11-07
Allergies in the fall and winter are often due to house dust mites and pets, and sometimes indoor moulds and cockroaches. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in carpets, mattresses and bed sheets and eat shed human skin. Dust mite allergens come from the feces and dead bodies of mites. They thrive in high humidity, over 50%, so in the cold, dry conditions of winter, they die off and allergen levels increase. This factor, together with the closing up of houses and spending more time indoors, cause dust mite allergic people to have increased allergy symptoms in winter. Similarly, pets in the home can cause more allergy symptoms in winter.
Reducing dust mite levels in the home is difficult but can improve allergy symptoms significantly. The most important area to focus on is the bedroom, since it is where we spend the most time in one place. Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers weekly in hot water (over 55oC) to kill dust mites, as cool water and detergent does not kill them. Pillows and stuffed toys can be washed as above or simply put in the dryer every two weeks to kill the dust mites. Replacing pillows and mattresses is not practical, as dust mite repopulate these within a few months. Zippered, dust-proof mattress and box spring covers are important because they trap mites and their allergens inside, allowing the outer cover to be easily wiped down and cleaned. Vacuuming the mattress and carpets may remove large dust particles but not fine allergenic dust particles. Standard portable vacuums often stir up dust mite particles and temporarily increase allergen levels, so use a face mask. A central vacuum or one with a high-efficiency air filter is preferred. As dust mite particles are somewhat heavy, they don’t circulate in the air unless disturbed by walking or vacuuming, so even a high-efficiency air filter is not as efficient at removing dust mite allergens as it is for removing the lighter animal dander particles. Fewer carpets means fewer areas for dust mites to live in and animal dander to get trapped in, so this is preferred.
Reducing the number of dust-collecting articles in the bedroom will also help; for example by limiting the number of bookshelves or enclosing them, and avoiding upholstered furniture and fabric blinds, or cleaning them regularly.
Since children often play with only a few favourite stuffed toys, the rest can be cleaned as above and placed in a see-through zippered bag in the child’s room so that he or she can still see them but they do not collect dust.
If there are animals in the home causing allergy symptoms and it is not possible to find a new home for them, then reducing pet exposure may help. The main allergens in cats and dogs are from shed skin (dander), saliva and skin secretions. Keep the pet out of the bedroom even when you are not there. Keep it groomed and, if possible, shampooed regularly to reduce the amount of allergens it can shed. Certain sprays are available to reduce allergen shedding from the hair and skin. Restrict the pet to non-carpeted areas if possible, and do not sit in the pet’s favourite chair. Wash your hands after handling the pet, as touching your eyes and nose afterward can cause allergic reactions.
Lastly, regular use of allergy medication can help allergy sufferers through the winter allergy season.
The views expressed here are solely those of the author based on his/her knowledge and expertise and do not necessarily represent the views of the manufacturer.
If you think you are experiencing allergy symptoms, please consult your healthcare professional for a definitive diagnosis.