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NEWS & NOTES
Written By:
Sakina N. Bharani, M.D. HOUSE DUST ALLERGYAn allergy to house dust is probably the most common cause of “nasal allergies” (Allergic Rhinitis) occurring throughout the year. House dust can cause other forms of allergic diseases too, such as asthma. House dust, rather than a single substance, is a mixture of varied potentially allergic substances. It may contain fiber of different fabrics, cotton linters, feathers and other stuffing materials, like foam and kapok, bacteria, mold spores (especially in damp areas), food particles, human dander, parts of insects such as mosquitoes and roaches, house plant fibers and other allergens such as hair and dander from animals. The breakdown products of the stuffing material from old, used pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys and furniture seems to increase the ability to produce the allergy symptoms. One of the important contents of house dust is House Dust Mite, a microscopic, spider-like insect found in many house dust samples. Both live and dead mites appear to contribute to allergy reactions, although dead mites may be a bigger factor. Mites flourish during the summer but the symptoms of allergic nature are worse in the winter months. This may be due to the fact that after the summer, the mites die and disintegrate into smaller fragments and thus become part of the house dust. House dust and mite allergy symptoms are more apparent during the winter months due to the “closed up” environment. House dust allergy can be diagnosed by taking a careful medical history. An important clue is the presence of symptoms throughout the year and worsening during winter months. Allergy to house dust can be confirmed by appropriate skin testing. TREATMENTBy far the most effective treatment for dust allergy is to avoid exposure to the dust. Although a complete avoidance is not possible, a carefully maintained anti-dust program in the house can minimize the exposure and often reduce the patient’s symptoms. The longest period of time a person spends in one room is his or her bedroom. To prepare a dust-free bedroom, some basic changes have to be made. Simple metal or wood furniture should be used. Venetian blinds, open bookshelves filled with books, knick-knacks, open toy chests and wall hangings may collect a lot of dust. Washable cotton material curtains should be used. Scatter rugs that are washable are preferred to wall-to-wall carpeting. Walls should be painted rather than papered because some wallpaper glue may enhance mold growth. Beds can be a primary source of dust. Bunk beds and canopy beds should be avoided. Mattresses, box springs and pillows should be enclosed in plastic, zippered (allergen proof) encasings. Dacron/polyester pillows are recommended rather than ones made from kapok or feathers. Blankets and bedspreads should be cotton or synthetic. Avoid wool, feathers and chenille. The room should be cleaned often with a damp mop and should be aired after vacuuming. Humidifiers/vaporizers should be cleaned once a week with diluted chlorine bleach for mold prevention. The signs and symptoms of allergy patients become much worse because of irritation caused by dry and dusty air. The humidification of the environment can be improved either by using central or portable humidifiers. It is generally recommended to keep indoor humidity between levels of 35 to 50%. The air purifiers may be used to remove the dust, animal dander and other particles suspended in circulating air. Once again, symptoms of house dust allergy can be adequately controlled with immunotherapy (desensitization program) and medication such as antihistamine/decongestant, bronchodilator, topical steroids sprays and cromolyn sodium. COLD AIR INDUCED ASTHMAIndividuals with bronchial asthma may find themselves having more attacks during the winter months. This is due to the fact that cold air induces an asthma attack. At this point, environment outside does not have pollens or molds and therefore a person is taken by surprise when he or she gets an asthma attack outdoors when temperatures are low. The windy cold air as well as significant change in temperature between the indoor and the outdoor as well as change in barometric pressure seem to cause the irritation of the bronchial tree and may trigger a severe asthma attack. Exercise in cold weather, such as shoveling of the snow or jogging, will further aggravate the condition. These attacks can be prevented by avoiding cold drafts by wearing a scarf, or facemask. Also in most of the cases, premeditation (a bronchodilator or cromolyn sodium) is helpful. CHRISTMAS TREE The pine odor emitted by Christmas trees is responsible for difficulties arising during the holiday season. Also, the tree may have mold spores which can add on to the problem. It is also advisable not to use any kind of scented candles as this may cause irritation to the bronchial tubes.
PLEASE NOTE:
The information in this “News and Notes” represents general guidance in the
field of Allergy.
Nothing
herein stated shall be construed as a specific or implied treatment for an
ailment.
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