Let’s talk about allergens in winter

As the weather turns cooler and winter approaches, the symptoms of hay fever patients who are allergic to weed and tree pollen will significantly improve or even disappear. However, if you still have persistent symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose in winter, you should be alert to indoor allergens.

Here are some common indoor allergens and preventive measures for winter:

Dust mites: Dust mites are the most common perennial indoor allergens, growing in mattresses, pillows, fabric furniture and carpets. Patients with dust mite allergies experience more severe symptoms at home, especially when cleaning the dusty environment. However, no matter how clean the room is, it is impossible to completely eliminate dust mites, but some measures can be taken to reduce contact, especially in the bedroom, and symptoms can be alleviated or avoided by removing items that attract dust mites.

1. Choose wooden flooring instead of carpet, and replace fabric sofas with wooden or leather sofas;

2. Avoid placing stuffed toys in the bedroom or put them in plastic bags;

3. Use dust mite-proof bedspreads and pillowcases. It is recommended to wash bedding regularly with hot water (＞55℃);

4. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter;

5. It is recommended to install an air conditioning system with a high-efficiency filter. The air filter MERV level should be 11-13, the higher the level, the better;

6. The use of dust mites and tannic acid can reduce the concentration of indoor dust mites.

Fungus: Fungi are found both indoors and outdoors, growing in moist environments such as bathrooms and kitchens, and are primarily found in refrigerators, houseplants, air conditioners, humidifiers, trash cans, mattresses, and old foam pillows. Most are invisible to the naked eye. When fungal spores float in the air, they can cause or worsen allergic reaction symptoms. Measures include:

1. Wear a mask when working in the garden, and take a shower or wash your nose with saline after entering the room;

2. Clean up spilled food in the kitchen promptly to prevent mold growth;

3. Do not use humidifiers. It is recommended to use dehumidifiers in bathrooms and basements to reduce humidity.

4. Clean the trash can and refrigerator in time.

Pets: For pet lovers, being allergic to their pets is heartbreaking. Symptoms of pet allergies can persist and occur anywhere, such as pet stores, restaurants that allow pets, stores, schools, etc. The best way to deal with pet allergies is to avoid them. If you don't have a pet, it's best not to keep one. If you already have a pet and can't bear to discard it, you can take the following measures:

1. Keep pets outdoors or confine them to specific areas in the house. At least, do not allow pets to enter the bedroom.

2. Wash your hands with soap after petting or playing with your pet;

3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and bathe your pet once a week.

Cockroaches: Cockroach excrement can not only induce allergic reactions but also induce and aggravate asthma. Cockroaches need food and humidity to survive. Reducing related exposure can reduce the growth and reproduction rate of cockroaches. The preventive measures are as follows:

1. Keep the kitchen clean and wash the dishes in time to avoid spilling food;

2. Store food in airtight containers;

3. Clean the trash can in time and replace it regularly;

4. Install cockroach traps;

5. Repair wall cracks in time.

References:

1. Singh, M. and A. Hays, Indoor and Outdoor Allergies. Prim Care, 2016. 43(3): p. 451-63.

2. Sublett, JL, Effectiveness of air filters and air cleaners in allergic respiratory diseases: a review of the recent literature. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 2011. 11(5): p. 395-402.

3. Moungthong, G., et al., Efficacy of the Precise Climate Controller on the reduction of indoor microorganisms. Asia Pac Allergy, 2014. 4(2): p. 113-8.