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Topic of the Month: October 2005: Preparing your home for battle: Fighting indoor allergies
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In this Topic of the Month, you will learn:
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Colder months are on their way, meaning more time will be spent indoors. This increases exposure to dust, pet dander, mold and other allergens. If you see an increase in sneezing, coughing, red eyes or other allergy symptoms, it is important to take steps to reduce allergens in your home and see an allergist/immunologist for proper diagnosis.
More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from indoor allergies year round. Their symptoms are caused by airborne particles called allergens. Indoor allergens include particles from dust mites, mold spores, pets and cockroaches.
Allergies can lead to other chronic conditions such as asthma, or perennial allergic rhinitis, therefore they should not be taken lightly. When you learn what provokes your indoor allergies, you can take steps to make them easier to live with.
Dust Mites
House dust is composed of small particles of plant and animal material. While this mix is not appealing to us, microscopic creatures called house dust mites thrive in it. The droppings of these mites are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms.
- Get rid of extra clutter in your home. Clutter is anything that will collect dust, such as piles of stuffed animals, stacks of books, knick-knacks and collectibles. Allow your children to keep a few items in their bedrooms, but pack the rest in a hall closet so they aren't collecting dust.
- Dust also settles in carpeting. Hardwood, tile or linoleum is better for people with allergies. Washable throw rugs may also be used if they are regularly washed in hot water or dry cleaned.
- Put mattresses, box springs and pillows in special plastic cases that are allergy-proof or "non-allergenic." Studies have shown these to be effective and are available in many nationwide stores.
- Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases in 130 degree water and dry in a hot drier once a week.
Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi - related to mushrooms - but without stems, roots or leaves. Their spores float in the air like pollen, and are present throughout the year in many states. Mold can also be found indoors in attics, basements, bathrooms, refrigerators and other food storage areas, garbage containers, carpets and upholstery.
- Clean moldy surfaces, such as the corners of showers or under the sink. Use a cleaning solution containing 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent.
- Avoid having carpeting in bathrooms or basements and remove any moldy carpeting. Use a dehumidifier and keep the humidity level in the home below 50%.
- Don't try to "air out" indoor allergens from the home, opening the windows can bring outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores into the house. Instead, use air conditioning to clean, recirculate and dehumidify the air in the home. Consider using in-home air filters, many of which can be used in conjunction with existing forced air cooling and heating systems.
Pets
People are not allergic to an animal's hair, but rather, to a protein found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur. These proteins are carried in the air on very small, invisible particles and can trigger allergy symptoms.
- Keep the pet out of the bedroom and other rooms where people with allergies spend a great deal of time to limit exposure to animal dander.
- Wash your hands after touching pets.
Cockroaches
Most cockroaches live in warm, tropical climates, but various species dwell in the offices and homes of humans. A protein found in their droppings is a primary trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor after meals, and take the garbage and recyclables out frequently. People with allergies should use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter or a double bag, since using a standard or water-filtered vacuum cleaner stirs dust up into the air. Allergic individuals should also wear dust masks.
- Keep food in containers with tight lids and wash dishes immediately after use in hot, soapy water.
- Clean under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where loose crumbs can accumulate. Wipe off the stove top and clean other kitchen surfaces and cupboards regularly.
- Fix leaks that may leave surfaces wet and allow mold to grow or attract cockroaches.
- Block areas where roaches could enter the home, including crevices, wall cracks, windows, woodwork or floor gaps, cellar and outside doors and drains.
Making changes to your indoor environment can take some time. To begin, you may want to create a priority list and consider a "fall cleaning," much like a "spring cleaning." Indoor environmental control measures should focus on sites where allergens accumulate. Progressive changes will produce an indoor environment that is less allergenic, easier to clean and healthier for the whole family.
Contact an allergist/immunologist for more on treatment options and tips on reducing your allergen exposure. An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma.
Environmental control measures differ for dust mites, animal allergens, cockroaches and molds. To relieve your symptoms, your allergist/immunologist may also prescribe appropriate medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants or asthma medications and allergy vaccine therapy. Allergen immunotherapy is successful in up to 90% of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and in 70%-80% of patients with year long allergies.
Additional Resources
 AAAAI Patient Gallery
Allergy and Asthma ADVOCATE - Patient Newsletter
AAAAI Tips to Remember brochure series: Indoor allergies
Allergic Conditions: Immunotherapy
AAAAI Tips to Remember brochure series: Allergy Shots
Indoor allergies vs. common cold
This topic was reviewed on 10/1/2005 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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