Allergen Avoidance is the Key to Allergy and Asthma Symptom Prevention

Allergen avoidance significantly reduces symptoms, decreases medication requirements, and dramatically improves an asthma sufferer’s quality of life. By encasing mattresses, pillows and box springs in zippered covers with a dust mite barrier, dust mites are removed from their food source and ultimately die. There are also products available which can kill dust mites in carpets or deactivate mite protein in the carpeting as well as the furniture.

Environmental control of house dust exposure is best done if you know what allergens present in your home's dust are causing the problem. Dust mites can be difficult to remove completely from your home. However, you can follow certain anti-mite procedures that will reduce mite populations and your exposure to them, thereby reducing your symptoms. Some of these procedures are difficult, and you may not need to do them all. Ask your allergist which ones will be most helpful for your situation.

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Reduce Surface Dust

Clean your home thoroughly on a regular basis. Vacuum frequently and dust with a damp or oiled cloth. Aerosols can add to indoor air pollution and therefore are not recommended for cleaning. Ideally, someone other than the dust-sensitive person should clean, but if this is impossible, wear a mask. Vacuuming can raise a cloud of dust. Special vacuum cleaner bags for trapping dust are available, and for some severe sufferers a central vacuum system may be advisable. Your physician may also suggest use of a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) air-filtered vacuum. These expensive units are not necessary for everyone.

You may need to remove carpeting, especially in the bedroom. Carpeting is a breeding ground for dust mites. If you must have carpeting, select a type with low pile. Scatter rugs that can be washed each week are a better alternative. Wood floors, seamless vinyl or linoleum floor coverings are best because they can be cleaned easily and thoroughly, and mites don't like to live on uncarpeted floors.

You may need to remove from your home any items that tend to collect or hold dust and replace them with easy-to-clean items. Use wooden, leather or plastic-covered sofas and chairs instead of upholstered furniture. Select closed bookcases and curio cabinets instead of open shelves. Books and knickknacks are dust collectors. Use washable curtains and window shades instead of Venetian blinds and heavy draperies. Choose furniture with simple, clean designs instead of ornately carved pieces. Select easily cleaned decorations instead of dried-flower arrangements, wall hangings or straw baskets.

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Pay Special Attention to Bedrooms

On average, people spend one-third of their lives in the bedroom. Studies have shown that, of all the rooms in the home, the bedroom often contains the most dust mites.

Select non-allergic, washable bedding materials. Rather than pillows stuffed with feathers, down, kapok or foam rubber, use pillows stuffed with synthetic materials. Get special casings (plastic or rubberized fabric) that zip around mattresses, box springs and pillows. These limit your exposure to dust mite particles. Avoid bulky comforters and chenille bedspreads. Use washable blankets and spreads, and wash all bedding (including pillows without cases) every week to 10 days, using hot water.

If possible, install a room air conditioner and dehumidifier in the bedroom if the home does not have central air-conditioning. Lowering humidity reduces the number of mites, molds and cockroaches. Avoid using vaporizers or humidifiers.

Place a filter made of cheesecloth under the faceplate of the bedroom-heating vent to help prevent circulation of dust into the bedroom air and change it frequently.

Hang clothes in a closet or put them into dresser drawers and keep closet doors and dresser drawers closed.

Get rid of stuffed animals or replace with washable ones.

Never allow pets in the bedroom.

Reduce Dust in the Air

Never use scented candles or other types of scented room fresheners or scented carpet powder. Besides relieving symptoms for perfume-sensitive persons, the smoke from candles, the mist from fresheners and the perfumed powder actually creates more dust. Scented candles and related scent-producing items which require flame, may also adversely react with electrostatic filters causing them to become much less efficient and possibly create black striping around intake, return and air vents.

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Getting Rid of Dust Mites

Certain chemicals kill dust mites or inactivate dust mite allergens. They are expensive and can be respiratory irritants themselves for some people. In general, their use is reserved for situations when the above measures have been tried and failed. Tannic acid destroys mite allergens but does not kill the mites themselves, so its effect is temporary. It can be sprayed on carpets or upholstery to break down allergen from mites or cat dander. When the allergen is inactivated, it no longer causes allergy symptoms. Tannic acid works fast and is easy to use, but its effects do not last long because mites remain and allergens continue to build up. This requires frequent application of the product. Also, tannic acid may stain some carpets and upholstery so it should be tested in a noncritical area prior to widespread application.

Benzyl benzoate actually kills mites and helps remove them and their waste products from carpet. It comes as a moist powder that needs to be brushed into carpets, allowed to dry for 8 to 12 hours, and vacuumed up. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved this product as safe for home use, and it will not usually stain carpets. Unlike tannic acid, benzyl benzoate's effect may be long lasting. After one or two initial applications, you might be able to keep mites and allergy symptoms under control by using it only once or twice a year.

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Mold Prevention

Avoid the use of vaporizers and humidifiers, which can accumulate mold. If you must use a vaporizer or humidfier for other health reasons, clean it often with bleach.

Use mold/mildew removers and inhibitors.

Install window ventilators to filter outdoor allergens and irritants.

Other Options

If you follow these procedures to reduce your exposure to house dust, but allergy symptoms persist, your allergist may recommend other treatment methods such as medications, allergy shots, or require more testing. Consult your allergist to determine the most effective treatment method for you. You can gain control of your indoor allergy and achieve relief from allergy symptoms.

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