Around 50 million people in the U.S. have allergies, estimates the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Allergies or hay fever ranks as the fifth leading chronic disease for adults and accounts for almost 4 million days of work lost or missed each year. According to the AAFA, hay fever and other seasonal allergies are the leading primary allergies in the U.S.
Allergens in the Air
Allergens exist everywhere and many float in the air we breathe, making them airborne. The most common include pollen, dust, mold and animal dander. Any or all of these will trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Many allergy sufferers are sensitive to more than one type of allergen.
Seasonal and Year-Round Allergies
Depending on the part of the country where you live and time of year, allergens vary. Seasonal allergies, triggered by trees, native plants and grasses, generally occur between spring and fall. Year-round allergies caused by molds or pet dander become more noticeable in winter when houses are closed up.
Limiting Allergen Exposure
If you're affected by airborne allergens your goal should be to limit exposure. Vacuum frequently to prevent household dust collecting, especially in the bedroom. Banish cigarette and cigar smoke by asking visitors to not smoke and avoiding smoke-filled rooms. Use synthetic pillows instead of down and wash them frequently. Keep windows and doors closed and use an air conditioner to keep allergens outside. Keep damp areas, like the shower or basement, clean to prevent mold growth. Rid your home of dust collectors like dried flowers, rugs and drapes. Avoid the outdoors during peak pollen times, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Mold Allergies
Molds grow indoors and outside. Attics, bathrooms and pillows are possible places for mold growth. Molds thrive outdoors in wet piles of leaves or in compost heaps. Molds grow anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. While it is possible to be allergic to molds alone, people who have existing allergies to pollen or pet dander are more likely to develop additional sensitivities to mold, according to the AAFA.
Humidity and HEPA
Water molecules make dust and pollen heavy and non-breathable, so maintaining humidity between 35 to 50 percent decreases the number of airborne allergens. Too much humidity can promote mold growth. According to the AAFA a high0efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) will eliminate allergens from the air. You can buy these as stand-alone room units and filters for furnaces. HEPA filters are sometimes integrated into vacuum cleaners to minimize airborne particles when you vacuum.
Treating Allergies
Avoiding allergens completely is not always possible. Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines, such as decongestants and antihistamines, help treat the symptoms of sneezing, congestion and coughing. These medications come in a variety of forms including pills, eye drops and nose sprays. Allergy shots and drops, forms of immunotherapy, help you gradually become less sensitive to an allergen, according to The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. The shots, usually given once a week for up to three to five years, build your immune system's tolerance to allergens. Drops are taken three times a day for the same length of time. An allergy specialist will prepare a serum to treat specific allergies--consistency with the shots or drops is key to their long-term benefit.
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Allergy Facts and Figures
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Allergy Prevention
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Allergy Treatment
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Mold Allergy
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Allergy Shots
