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Allergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances (referred to as allergens) that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food.
Allergens are foreign substances, usually proteins that cause an inappropriate or exaggerated immune reaction in the body when an exposure occurs. Allergic people react to allergens that are breathed into the lungs and nasal passages, contact the skin, and/or that are swallowed. People who have allergies are often sensitive to more than one allergen. Common indoor allergens include mold, household dust, dust mite allergen, cockroach allergen, and pet dander. Respiratory disease and irritation are the primary concerns resulting from exposure to indoor allergens. While both airborne and settled allergens are found in the home, airborne exposure produces the most significant allergic response.
Outdoor or seasonal allergens are mainly found in the environment outside the home. These types of allergens can be found inside the home if windows and doors are left open. Outdoor allergens include airborne pollens, molds and dust particles. People sensitive to outdoor allergens typically exhibit symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) during the spore and pollen-producing seasons only.
Allergens cannot be completely eliminated from your home; however, the level of allergens in a home can be reduced and the home can be made healthier through the control of allergen sources. There are several means to control allergens in the home.
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Use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in every room where you spend a lot of time.
Keep humidity low by using an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier to dry the air in the home.
Keep windows and doors to the outside of the home closed on humid days.
Vent clothes dryer ventilation tubes to the outside.
Vent warm moist air generated by the bathroom shower/tub to the outside.
Install filters in your heating/cooling systems.
Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with washable rugs.
Use wet cleaning methods or electrostatic cloth mops instead of sweeping to clean up hard-surface floors.
Vacuum floors and cloth furniture thoroughly, and often with a HEPA filtered vacuum.
Replace heavy curtains and draperies with washable, lightweight curtains.
Change and launder bed linens at least once a week.
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Identify the triggers for asthmatic reaction. The most common asthma triggers are:
Viruses
Bacteria
Smoke
Dust
Mold
Pollen
Pet dander
Fumes
Chemical detergents and cleaners
Changes in temperature and humidity.
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Encase your bedding
Wash sheets and pillowcases often
Store clothing in drawers and closets
Clean and treat your carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture
Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
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Control where your pet sleeps
Bathe and groom your pet's coat
Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
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Install exhaust fans
Use a safe but strong cleaning solution
Limit houseplants inside your home
Store old books in closed bookcases or shelving
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Close windows and doors
Install window filters
Use a HEPA filter in the heating/air conditioning system
Don't hang laundry outside
Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and the late afternoon
Wear a dust mask when you mow the lawn or work in the garden
Wash your hands and face after being outside for extended period of time
Keep pollen out of your car
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Allergens are everywhere, and can be found both inside and outside of the home. Indoor allergies typically are related to allergens trapped in fabrics, furniture, bedding, mattresses, pillows, clothing, heating and cooling ducts, carpet and on unclean horizontal surfaces (such as floors, window ledges, etc.). Most other indoor allergens are simply components of items or things that come into or are brought into the home.
The following is a list of the most common allergens in the home and surrounding environment.
Grass pollen. Includes timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Johnson grass, Bermuda grass, redtop grass, orchard grass, and sweet vernal grass.
Tree pollen. Includes birch, oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder, and mountain cedar
Weed Pollen. Includes ragweed, sagebrush, redroot pigweed, lamb's quarters, Russian thistle (tumbleweed), and English plantain
Dust mites and droppings
Mold (Fungi)
Animal dander
Cockroaches and droppings
Adhesives
Latex. Gloves, latex bottles, pacifiers, paint
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While controlling allergens in your home will help protect you from home-based allergies, it may not be enough to keep you allergy-free. Your workplace, friends’ homes, schools and other locations where you spend time can potentially expose you to allergens. While homes and facilities that are not within your direct control may not be allergen free, the following steps can reduce the potential for exposure to allergens:
Plan ahead when traveling or visiting outside your home to make sure you consider allergens prior to being exposed to unknown environments.
Discuss your allergies with friends, family, employers, etc. Talk about the types of allergens, potential allergen sources, the time of year that you are most sensitive, and the physical signs and symptoms of allergic reaction. It is better that selected others know than not know about your sensitivities.
Pass along information from your doctor on allergies you may have.
Discuss with these selected others the procedures that should be followed if medication is necessary to control allergic reactions.
Carry contact information for your partner or a close relative. A family member will need to be contacted in the event of an allergic emergency such as anaphylaxis.
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