| ALLERGEN |
DESCRIPTION |
HELPFUL
HINTS |
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Dust
Mite
A
larger and uglier dust mite image may be found here
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Dust
mites are microscopic insects related to spiders and are the indoor
allergens to which most allergy and asthma patients are sensitized.
They require greater than 50% humidity to survive. Their diet
consists mostly of the dead skin cells shed by humans and animals.
Dust mites are commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture
and carpeting. The dust mite feces is the major allergen.
It is usually only airborne when dust is disturbed during cleaning.
Learn
more about dust mites
If
you're curious, you may purchase
a kit to rapidly analyze the dust of your home
|
To
be clinically effective, the exposure to dust mites must be reduced
by at least 90%. Aggressive measures will help asthmatics.
MOST
IMPORTANT
1.
Impermeable dust mite covers (for pillows and mattress)
2.
Wash bedding in hot water (130° F)
3.
Maintain Humidity below 45% by use of dehumidifier
Also
Helpful
Removing Carpeting (polished floors are best). Washing carpeting
with chemical treatments may temporarily work but inhalation of
the powders can make asthma worse.
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|
Cat
protein is a very "sticky" allergen. Like cat hairs,
it clings to clothing and can be carried to work and school.
As a result, cat protein levels can be measured in places where
a cat has never been. Some schoolchildren who have never touched
a cat have become sensitized through such exposure. Cat protein
is very light and can remain airborne for prolonged periods.
Also, because allergen levels will remain high for up to six months
after removal of the cat, improvement in symptoms is a gradual process. Contrary
to popular belief, there is no such thing as a "hypoallergenic
cat." Even hairless Sphynx cats still shed skin
and urine proteins that cause allergies. More information
can be found
here.
|
There
is no replacement for eliminating the cat from the home. However,
you may benefit from:
1.
Use a HEPA air filter
2.
Keep cat out of bedrooms
3.
DO NOT allow cat to sleep beside you
4.
Have someone else do your dusting and air out the room afterward
5.
Washing the cat at least weekly has been shown to reduce allergen
levels but it is unclear if this helps patients. It's not
easily done. 
If
you are visiting a home where cats reside:
1.
You may benefit from taking medication beforehand.
2.
Use a tape roller for removing pet hair from clothing so
you don't bring the cat dander home with you.
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|
Cockroach
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Cockroaches
are the #1 cause of allergy in the inner city. The cockroach
protein is fairly heavy and is usually airborne only during sweeping.
More information may be found here.
|
1.
Wear a mask while cleaning
2.
DO NOT use roach sprays as these may cause severe asthma attacks.
3.
Use roach control devices such as Combat or boric acid.
|
| Dog
|
Dog
allergy, can also cause severe symptoms. Perhaps because dogs are
easier to bathe and urinate outdoors, allergy may be somewhat easier
to control than cat allergy. Just because you're allergic doesn't
mean you can't have a dog. See
a discussion about this here. and
here.
|
Same
as for cats |
| Mold
Click
here for pictures demonstrating the evolution of house mold
|
|
Controlling
humidity and leaks helps reduce likelihood of mold growth.
Once established, molds must be attacked at the source. If
property is musty or stained it should be removed. Mold
growth on shower walls or other washable surfaces can be treated
with a dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 2 parts water)
or with any number of commercial cleaners.
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| Pollen
|
In
New York, there are 2 distinct pollen seasons occurring in the spring
and fall. With the first signs of spring, tree pollens cause
most allergy symptoms. Grass emerges in the late spring (May-June)
as tree pollen counts are diminishing. Ragweed
is the major fall pollen-- the season begins in late August and
continues for weeks typically until the first frost. For
general information about pollen counts, follow this
link.
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When
going outdoors, remember that pollen levels are highest in the morning,
and gradually subside as the day goes on. You can obtain pollen
counts and daily allergy alert email from pollen.com.
Our
home page has the local New
York City Pollen count as well as links to NY air quality reports.
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