Whether we start sneezing in a dusty room, or get itchy from wearing a wool sweater, allergies affect most of us sooner or later. Fortunately there are ways to control these symptoms. Seasonal or year-round allergies affect an estimated 86 million people in the U.S. If you are one of these individuals, you know the symptoms – nasal congestion, sneezing and itching of the eyes (in about half of cases), nose, throat or skin. For those with asthma, an allergic reaction can also trigger an asthma episode. Allergic symptoms range from mild to debilitating.
A general rule of thumb relating to eye problems is: “if it itches, it’s allergy; if it burns or stings, it’s probably dry eye; and if the eyelids stick together in the morning, with crusts on the eyelashes, it’s bacterial conjunctivitis.” Some of these conditions don’t call for a doctor’s visit but severe pain or loss of vision warrants an immediate call to the eye doctor.
Exposure to any number of different allergens can cause allergy symptoms. These allergens are everywhere, with a surprising number in your home. Knowing what causes your allergies will help you to focus your efforts in controlling them. Consult with your health care provider. He or she will begin by taking a detailed history of your symptoms and when they occur. Are they seasonal or year-round? Are they worse when you are indoors or outdoors? Are they more of a problem during the day or night? To confirm suspected allergies, allergy testing may be conducted by an allergist.
The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms by making changes to your indoor environment, and by choosing your outdoor environment more carefully. Reducing exposure to the offending allergens through indoor environmental controls is usually the least expensive and, in many cases, the most effective method for managing allergies. Even if your allergies require medications and/or immunotherapy, environmental controls should always be an integral part of your treatment plan. The most common of the indoor allergens are house dust mites, cockroaches, indoor molds and animal dander.
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in our homes. Their waste products and decaying bodies are a year-round problem. To reduce your exposure to dust mites, it is most important to focus on your bedroom. You spend more time in this room than any other in the house, so it is here that your efforts will have the greatest impact. Some of the likely sources of exposure are your pillow, mattress and bedding where they tend to live. The following steps are essential to reducing this exposure:
- Encase your mattress and box spring in an allergen-impermeable cover – or replace the mattress.
- Encase your pillow in an allergen-impermeable cover or wash it weekly in hot water (130 degrees F is necessary to kill mites.)
- Wash sheets, blankets and comforters weekly in hot water.
- In a child’s bedroom, stuffed animals can be a significant source of dust mite exposure. Sleeping with stuffed animals should be limited for a child who has a dust mite sensitivity. If one or two are necessary, they too should be washed regularly in hot water.
- Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50% (dust mites thrive in areas of high humidity.) Studies have shown air-conditioned homes have ten times fewer dust mite allergens than non-air-conditioned homes. You can also use a dehumidifier in the bedroom.
- When possible, remove carpets and use washable rugs, especially in the bedroom.
- Avoid sleeping or lying on stuffed furniture.
Regular vacuum cleaning is important. It should preferably be done by someone other than the allergic individual and while he or she is not out of the room. If this is not possible, the allergic individual should wear a dust mask while vacuuming. Essential is a vacuum cleaner with a good filtration system and/or special vacuum bags that have two layers to keep dust from escaping. These bags are available for most brands of vacuums from allergy supply companies.
Cockroaches have become increasingly recognized as a potent indoor allergen, especially in inner cities. If someone in your household is sensitive to cockroaches and roaches are present in your home, it is essential to eliminate them. After removing them, keep them away by cutting off their food supply. It is also important to do a thorough leaning of the areas they inhabited. The allergens from cockroaches are their waste product, decaying bodies and saliva. Once the roaches are gone, these will continue to cause allergic reactions if they are not removed by cleaning.
Pets produce dander (flakes of dead skin), saliva and urine, all of which can be allergenic. The most effective way to get rid of these allergens is to remove the pet from the home and many allergists would argue that this is essential. Although giving away a pet can be an upsetting experience, it is often the only solution that eliminates the allergic person’s discomfort and allows him or her to live a healthier life. This is particularly important for those whose allergy triggers asthma. If removing your pet is not an option then the next most effective solution is to keep the animal out of the allergic individual’s bedroom. If you have forced air heating or air-conditioning, cover the air ducts that lead into that person’s bedroom with a filter or, even more preferable, close off the duct with plastic and heat the room with an electric heater. Having a non-allergic person wash the pet weekly (washing in water works as well as expensive pet shampoos) also helps.
Indoor mold sources include damp basements, showers stalls and curtains, room humidifiers, refrigerator and dehumidifier pans, and houseplants. Mold grows best in places that are damp and dark. To reduce mold growth in these areas, provide lots of light and adequate ventilation and make sure bathrooms are properly vented. Dehumidifiers can be helpful, especially in damp basements. A simple method to remove mold is to clean surfaces with a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Allergies Indoor
Moderate sneezing or frequent sneezing / attacks
Itchy eyes
Discomfort caused by mold/mustiness
Conditions that suggest Allergies Indoor
Nasal congestion
Nasal Polyps
One study reported a connection nasal polyps and house dust mite and house dust allergies, particularly in patients under 40.[HNO, 1991; 39: pp.307-10]
Risk factors for Allergies Indoor
Allergies in family members
History of adult allergies
Counter Indicators
No history of adult allergies
Significant/severe/mild diesel exhaust exposure
Diesel exhaust fumes and ozone can enhance the effects of inhaled allergens or have an effect on immune function.
Moderate/low/high alcohol consumption
A new study finds that drinking alcohol may trigger stronger-than-normal reactions to everyday allergens like dust mites. About 30 percent of the population has a genetic tendency to be allergic to something. Alcohol can increase our natural sensitivities to allergens, says Arturo Gonzalez-Quintela, associate professor of internal medicine at the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago in Spain. His study focused on the possible influence of smaller amounts of alcohol and normal amounts. Alcohol seems to interfere with the immune system – and even moderate amounts have a subtle effect on immunity.
Allergies Indoor suggests the following may be present
Recommendations for Allergies Indoor
Probiotics / Fermented Foods
Supplementation with one pound (1/2kg) of yogurt, but not partially skimmed milk at the same dose, improved symptom scores and immune markers of allergic reactivity in a study of 13 people with allergic rhinopathy. [Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56(12): pp.1155-61]
Particulate Avoidance
Dust Mite Management:
Test for Manganese Levels
Low blood manganese levels may accentuate allergies.
Essential Fatty Acids
Replenishing a deficiency of Omega-3 type fatty acids in the diet has resulted in fewer allergic and inflammatory reactions.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Pantothenic acid supplementation may reduce allergic reactions, especially allergic rhinitis. 500mg per day often produces satisfactory results. Pantothenic acid is quite effective in treating nasal congestion caused by allergy. However, if the dosage is too high, it can cause nasal dryness and pruritus (Roger Williams, U. of Texas at Austin – personal communication to Wayne Martin, quoted in Martin W. Pantothenic acid for allergies. Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients June, 1997: p.108).
Szorady conducted allergy skin tests on 24 children injecting them with histamine to induce symptoms. Pantothenic acid reduced the intensity of skin reaction by 20-50% in all children. (Marz, p.209, 1997)
Bioflavonoids
May reduce IgE formation, inhibit the release of histamine, and reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms.
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Strongly counter-indicative |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Allergy
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Asthma
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress.
Allergen
A substance that is capable of producing an allergic response in the body.
Immunotherapy
Techniques used to stimulate or strengthen a patient's own immune system.
Polyp
A usually nonmalignant growth or tumor protruding from the mucous lining of an organ such as the nose, bladder or intestine, often causing obstruction.
Immune System
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation.