May 2010

Helpful tips to deal with common allergens

“Are you or someone in your family bothered with allergens?” asks Laurie Fritz, Director of Respiratory Therapy at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. “Here is some information that may be helpful to you and your family regarding several common allergens.”

House Dust Mites are very tiny bugs that live in your home. Tips to reduce them include:

• Cover your mattress, box spring, and pillows with allergy-proof casings.
• Use polyester, linen, or cotton bedding. Wash it in hot water (at least 130 o F) every week.
• Use roll-down shades or unlined washable curtains instead of blinds.
• Replace rugs and carpets with hardwood, tile, or linoleum. Wet mop at least twice a week.
• If you have rugs and carpets, ask or hire someone to vacuum for you. If you must vacuum, wear a dust mask over your face. You can also try a double-layered or micro fiber bag or a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter.
• Steam-clean rugs and carpets often at the hottest possible temperature. Don’t shampoo. Leftover soap makes dust.
• Dust with a damp cloth often. Keep things that collect dust in closed cabinets and drawers. Stuffed animals, wall hangings, and furniture with lots of crevices and carvings tend to collect dust.
• Use central or room air conditioning. Set it at “recycle” or “recirculate.” Change filters often.
• Dust mites like humidity. If you live in a humid area, consider running a dehumidifier to reduce their growth.

Pollen seasons vary depending on when trees, grasses or weeds are in bloom. Try these tips to reduce your exposure to pollen:

• Keep house and car windows shut during the spring and fall pollen seasons. Use the air conditioner instead.
• Don’t dry laundry outside as it will collect pollens.
• Try to stay indoors on dry, windy days or when the pollen counts are high. Pollen counts may be found through local news media or websites.
• Wear a dust mask when working in the yard during the spring and fall.
• At the height of the allergy season, consider taking a vacation to the beach or the mountains where pollen counts are generally lower.

Animal dander is dead skin flakes from animals with fur or feathers. If you are allergic to animal dander, keep your pet out of the house or at least out of your bedroom. Here are a few other tips:

• Have a person without allergies brush your pet outdoors and give it a bath with mild shampoo or plain water each week. Your vet may offer advice.
• If you have a litter box or caged pet, ask someone who doesn’t have allergies to clean the box or cage.
• Wash your hands after touching your pet.

Molds release tiny particles you can’t see. These particles are called mold spores and they float in the air like pollens. You can help reduce your contact with mold spores by following these tips:

• Keep your home dry by fixing leaks and checking for dry rot often. If your home is damp, use a dehumidifier.
• Install an exhaust fan in the bathroom. Clean shower curtain, walls, tub, toilet, and tiles with bleach at least once a month.
• Dry wet clothing and linens right away.
• Clean up spills right away.
• Check stored food for mold.
• Avoid cellars, basements, storage rooms, wood cabins, antique stores, and thrift shops.

Outdoor molds begin to appear after the spring thaw in the northern U.S. and usually peak between July and October. Outdoor molds are present year-round in the South. Outdoor molds may be reduced by keeping your home’s rain gutters and your yard free of leaves and other debris so that mold does not grow. Avoid raking leaves and mowing the lawn as these tasks tend to stir up mold spores. Composts should be kept away from your home.

Laurie Fritz adds, “If you need assistance to help treat your allergy symptoms, please contact your physician or an allergist. If you want to learn about the services available through Respiratory Therapy, please contact me at (608) 357-2000 between the hours of 8:00 a .m. and 4:30 p.m.