What are Allergies?
“Allergy” is a broad term which covers adverse bodily
reactions to external stimuli such as pollen, dust, foods or chemicals.
Allergic symptoms vary from person to person and allergy to allergy
- ranging from slight discomfort (sneezing, skin rash) to severe
or even life threatening reactions (breathing difficulties, asphyxiation).
The causes of allergies are unknown but are thought to be genetic
– ie. if one of your parents had allergies, you are more likely
to develop them. Allergies and asthma are also very closely related.
While immunisations and other therapy can help certain allergies,
the avoidance of triggers is the most effective control.
What are House Dust Mites?
Dust mite allergy is one of the most common of all allergies. Dust
mites are microscopic creatures which live in their thousands in
warm, moist places and feed on debris and dead skin cells shed from
humans and animals.
Dust mites are found mainly in our beds and carpets, and in and around pet bedding. Their droppings are very tiny and become airborne easily which then causes an allergic reaction in some people.
When people are “allergic” their immune system reacts in an abnormal way to these specific particles when they inhale or touch them. In a person with asthma they cause the airways to narrow and make it harder to breathe. Other people may have sneezing, blocked nose, itchy eyes and throat (called rhinitis) or get a rash on their skin (called eczema).
Other allergens
While dust mite allergy is the most common form of allergy, other
triggers in and around the home can include:
- Pets
- Moulds
- Pollens
The Allergy-Free Home
While there is no such thing as a completely allergy-free
home, several steps can be done to minimise the risk of asthma attacks
and allergies due to common irritants.
Dust Mites
- Regular washing (at least monthly) of bed linen, blankets, quilts
and bedspreads in a eucalyptus solution will help control dust
mite colonies. Add Bosisto’s
Eucalyptus Dust Mite Wash to the washing machine and soak
before washing on a warm cycle. Read more about the Bosisto’s
Dust Mite Program
- If possible expose blankets, quilts, rugs and bedspreads to
direct sunlight for several hours each week. Note: A recent study
found special allergen bedding covers - DAC covers - were ineffective
as a single means of dust mite control.1
- Smaller items and fluffy toys can be put in a plastic bag and
frozen for four hours each fortnight. In between, spray non-machine
washable items (including mattresses) with Bosisto’s Eucalyptus
Spray.
- Dust all surfaces 2-3 times a week with a damp cloth moistened
with Bosisto’s
Eucalyptus Oil or Spray.
Avoid chemical cleaning solutions and sprays.
- Make sure rooms are light and well ventilated.
- Have hard floor surfaces and scatter rugs rather than wall to
wall carpet (eg. vinyl, cork or wood etc.). Mop floor weekly (hint:
a splash of Bosisto’s
Eucalyptus Oil in the water is useful and leaves rooms smelling
fresh). Vacuum carpets weekly using a cleaner with a good filter
system (triple internal, HEPA or replaceable electrostatic) or
one that is ducted outside.
- Once a month, use a can of Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Spray to thoroughly coat carpets, rugs and furnishings (including curtains), leave to settle for 1-2 hours then vacuum as normal.
Moulds
- Make sure your house has good ventilation (air flow)
- Clear out gutters and keep yards free of leaves
- Clean out drip tray of the fridge often
- Throw out old food from the fridge
- Vent airflow from laundry dryers to the outside
- Wash and/or air out clothing and shoes often
- Put indoor plants outside from time to time or change the top
soil
- Clean up food spills quickly
- Clean “evaporative” air conditioners yearly
- Clean car air-conditioner filters often
- Treat any mould growth with bleach solution (take care not to inhale fumes)
Pollens
- Keep an eye on the pollen count in Spring (either in the newspaper
or on TV). When pollen is high keep indoors as much as possible
and close all windows and doors
- Avoid bushwalking during Spring, and keep car windows closed
when driving
- Asthmatics should always carry their reliever medication
- Plant low pollinating grasses such as Buffalo or Kangaroo Grass around your home
References
Available on request.
This material is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, please contact your healthcare professional.
