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House Dust Many people suffer from
allergies to house dust. This allergy can cause miserable nasal symptoms, but it can also cause asthma and eczema to
be more severe.
The
severe nasal stuffiness can also precipitate sinus infections. In 1964, two Dutch scientists discovered that a microscopic
pest is the main component that causes allergies in house dust.
The scientific
names of the two most common varieties and dermatophagoides farinae and dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The
dust mite is not an insect, but is more closely related to spiders.
Unfortunately,
these creatures tend to concentrate in the very places in which we spend most of our time, because their source of food is
the tiny flakes of skin that we each produce every day. They are found in our own beds, blankets, pillows, carpeting
and wherever house dust is found.
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce the impact of this invisible menace. The most important
measures apply to places that you spend the most time.
Below are some steps you can take to reduce exposure :
1.
Mite-proof casings around the pillow and mattress. A waterbed is a great substitute for the mattress casings.
2. Regular laundering of the blankets,
preferably in hot water.
3. Remove carpet
or use a HEPA vacuum.
4. HEPA
or electrostatic filters often make a difference.
5. Room HEPA filters often makes a difference.
6. Minimize
objects in the bedroom that can accumulate dust, such as stuffed toys, bookshelves, wall hangings, Venetian blinds, etc.
7.
Dust mites thrive in moist, warm environments. In fact, their
only source of water is the humidity in the air. A dehumidifier can help by keeping the relative humidity in your home
at 40% - 50%.
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Animal Allergen We are a nation of pet lovers. Our
dogs and cats have successfully become an important part of society and many families.
Unfortunately, the development of an allergy to our fur-bearing friends is a common event. They
are, at times, major offenders in causing severe asthma.
It appears the most allergic pet owners would rather suffer from their allergies and asthma than find new homes for
their pets. Most are very fond of the family pet and others feel an obligation to the animal or to those who gave them
the animal.
Below are a number
of ways to reduce the impact of such allergies:
1. Keeping them outside.
2.
Frequent bathing. Yes, most cats can be bathed, although some are more willing that others. For cats that won't
tolerate bathing, stroking them with a moistened cloth can make a difference.
3. Keeping pets outside the bedroom.
4. Filtering the air in the home, just as
you would do for dust mite allergies. Placing one strategically in the bedroom can compensate for pet proteins, which
may drift into the room.
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Mold Allergies Molds can be a problem both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor
molds are actually more plentiful on warmer, dry days. Rain is necessary for their growth, but will also keep them from
dissemination.
Mold sensitive persons often
have more difficulty while doing yard work. Turning the soil, raking leaves, and even mowing the lawn will typically
increase exposure to outdoor molds.
Use of
a good filtration mask while doing such yard work often helps. An effort should be made to avoid large accumulations
of lawn clippings and other vegetation such as leaves.
Indoor molds can also be an enormous problem. They often become a problem when faulty
roofing or other building materials allow moisture to enter our homes. Leaky plumbing can also be a source of problems.
Crawl spaces and basements are particularly vulnerable to mold growth. A survey of the
home should focus on areas of excessive moisture.
Besides repairing any leaks, one should assure proper ventilation of bathrooms, use dehumidifiers in chronically
moist rooms, spray mold retardant materials onto surfaces that exhibit chronic mold growth, and use mold retardant paints
such as Kilz. Household bleach or X-14 (available commercially) are especially able to kill mold and mold spores.
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Pollen Allergies When outside, stay away from tall grass, weeds, and trees. While the pollen can travel
many miles away, it will still be more concentrated in close proximity to the source.
Some have gone to the trouble of removing weeds and trees to which they are allergic from their
property. This may reduce the overall exposure, but it is generally not enough in the most sensitive person.
Keeping windows and doors closed will reduce the interior pollen count. One practical
compromise is to get a small portable air conditioner that can be rolled from room to room for cooling on the hottest days.
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