Humidity and Indoor Allergies

Check out this info from the AAAAI on indoor allergies and humidifiers! http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/humidifiers-and-indoor-allergies.aspx

"Why are my allergy symptoms worse than ever before?"

Many people are experiencing severe allergy symptoms right now and many of them are asking "why are my symptoms more severe than ever before?"

The answer may be due to the "priming effect".

The "priming effect" is an increased sensitivity of the lining of the nose that occurs with repeated exposure to allergens like pollen.

With the hot weather occurring earlier in the year this year and sticking around longer than usual, there has been more pollen in the air (plants produce more pollen in hotter weather).

This has meant a longer allergy season and a therefore a more vigorous "priming effect" that has become stronger and stronger as the different seasons have progressed.

 

So a person doesn't need to be exposed to as much pollen to have symptoms of hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis). These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, watery/itchy eyes and even fatigue. All of these can greatly affect quality of life and can lead to complications like sinus infections and asthma flares.

 

People who've never had seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms before may experience them for the first time. Others who could control these symptoms with over the counter medications like antihistamines now need additional medication to help symptoms.

We are currently in the fall allergy season where weeds and molds are the main culprits that cause symptoms. Elm tree pollen is also important here in So Cal this time of year. The "priming effect" can also cause patients to be more sensitive to other allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

The most important thing for patients to know is: don't ignore your symptoms! If allergen avoidance and over the counter medications are not enough, go see an allergist to discuss other options and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you!

For more information, please visit: www.southbayallergy.com

Unexpected Allergy Source: Stuffed Furniture

Upholstered furniture provides a cozy refuge for dust mites. Vacuum furniture fabric regularly. Leather, vinyl, or other smooth surfaces can lessen allergies.

Unexpected Allergy Source: Air Conditioner

Air conditioning helps keep your home cool and dry, helping to fight allergens. But sometimes it can be part of the problem. As dust collects on the cooling coils, mold may begin to grow.

Keep dust out by installing a heavy-duty filter and changing it regularly. Window A/C units should be professionally cleaned and disinfected every year.

Forced Air Heaters and Stuffy Noses

We are seeing lots of stuffy noses and nighttime asthma problems lately with the colder weather and use of forced air heaters in the home.  Air ducts that have not been cleaned in the past few years may have dust or mold in them, and when you turn that heater on for the first time, expect a big puff of whatever is in the ducts to be in your bedroom.


Solution?  If you cannot clean the ducts immediately, close off the vent in your bedroom and use a radiant space heater instead.  Or, you could use a vent filter in the register itself to trap some of the particulates.   Taking an antihistamine at night or running your bedroom HEPA filter may also be helpful.

I'm allergic to dust mites, what can I do?

1. Identify major sources of dust mites in the bedroom so that these can be removed or covered to reduce dust mite exposure. In general, the older the item, the more "organic" (plant or animal material) the contents, and the more humid it is kept (ie. by frequent use of humidifier in the room, storage of a mattress or pillow in plastic in the garage, or flooding or water damage to the walls or carpet), the more likely it will contain dust mites. The closer the item is to your face, the more likely you will develop allergic symptoms.

• Feather pillow (especially if older than 6 months)
• Old mattress (especially bad are 20-30 yr old mattresses)
• Old carpet (over about 5 years old)
• Old couch (over about 5 years old)
• Stuffed animals
  
• Large bookcase in the bedroom, especially with old books (10 years or older)
• Wall hangings that are made from fabric (nonwashable), feathers, leather, rope, dried flowers, etc.
• Difficulty cleaning behind the bed
• Moldy areas on walls or behind furniture.

2. Dust mites are best avoided in the following ways:

• Remove feather pillows: replace with a new synthetic washable pillow. Pillow may be washed weekly, but an easier solution is to get dust mite proof encasings.
• Encase mattress, pillows and box spring with dust mite proof covers.
• Get a new mattress if old one is older than 10 years.
• Remove carpet if possible (hardwood floor or tile, linoleum would be better for elimination of allergen exposure)
• Do not lie directly on the carpet; put a mat down first.
• Stuffed animals should be limited, the ones that will be used should be put in the drier for 20 minutes or in the freezer in a bag for 24 hours once a week.
• Wash bedding once a week in HOT water.
• Eliminate books, if they need to be kept in the bedroom, stash them in a lidded plastic container, or in a closed cabinet or closet. Consider an e-reader that limits the paper.
• Dust mite and Anti-Allergen sprays work for carpets, drapes and fabric furniture.

Websites are available to order encasings and sprays on our website.