Winter Allergens - Fighting Dust

Winter months find an increase in allergic reactions to dust and dander.  Unfortunately, dust is everywhere. And house dust triggers allergy symptoms irritants to your eyes, nose, and/or lungs.  Dust can also be a carrier or host for  other  allergens which can be contained in house dust.Incredible as it sounds, the average six-room home in the United States collects 40 pounds of dust annually. This isn't a commentary on cleanliness -  dust is not dirt. House dust is the breakdown product of fibers found in your home and environments; pillows, drapes, clothes, linens, and other furnishings in your house, work, school, or even in your car.Allergy-proofing also implies dealing with dust mites.  These microscopic menaces produce the largest component of house dust that triggers allergies. Eighty percent of patients with allergies test positive for sensitivity to the dust mite allergen. The dust mite allergen is also the most significant allergic trigger of asthma attacks.  Dust mites are tiny spider relatives which live in house dust and feed on human skin scales.  The mites' waste, fecal matter is the most prevalent form of house dust allergens.Eradication of dust mites is a daunting task - females lay 20 to 50 eggs every three weeks, but you can take measures to minimize exposure to dust mite allergens. Taking the following measures properly implemented can result in a significant decrease in allergic symptoms and medication requirements for patients with allergies or asthma. Since we spend up to one-third of our lives in our bedrooms, your bedroom is the place to start a dust control campaign to reduce your allergic reactions.

• Beds: Use special allergen-impermeable casings on all pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Mount all beds on bed frames. Wash all bed linens in hot water (at least 130degrees) every week. Use pillows, blankets, quilts, and bedspreads made only of synthetic materials. Avoid feather or down- filled comforters and pillows.

• Climate control: Keep an eye on humidity. Don't locate your bedroom in a humid area such as the basement.  Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home below 50 percent.

• Housekeeping: Vacuum regularly with a HEPA or ULPA vacuum cleaner. Wear a mask if you have allergies.

• Ventilation: Cover any heating vents with special vent filters to clean the air before it enters your rooms. Use HEPA air cleaners to keep the indoor air circulating through your home pure and clean.

• Carpets and drapes: Avoid using carpeting and thick rugs. If you can't remove your carpeting and rugs, treat them with products that inactivate dust mite allergens. Bare surfaces such as hard wood, linoleum, or tile are inhospitable to dust mites and are easier to clean. Also use curtains and window shades that can be washed regularly as opposed to heavy draperies.

• Decorations and furnishings: Can it be easily cleaned? Avoid overstuffed upholstered furniture. Remove clutter. Keep closets and drawers closed tightly. If your child has allergies or asthma limit toys to those that can be cleaned and stuffed animals that can be machine washed. Keep your child's toys in a closed area like a chest, container, or drawer when not in use.

If you have any questions or require assistance in controlling allergic reactions to dust, call my office for a consultation, 866-632-5537.  Help is available.For more on Dust Mites read  M9EDBUCAUA8J