Due to the global epidemic, we are all trying to stay home as much as possible. Stating that some allergic symptoms and an increase in the risk of developing allergies may occur during our stay at home, President of Allergy and Asthma Society Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay explained the measures that can be taken.
What Causes Allergy During Winter?
In the winter months, especially during the global epidemic, where everyone is careful to stay at home, more time is spent at home. This results in increased exposure to indoor allergens. Many indoor allergens, such as airborne dust particles, dust mites, pet dander, molds, cockroaches, can trigger allergies. While these triggers cause an increase in symptoms in people with allergies, they pose a risk for people who are not allergic.
What Are These Triggers and Where Are They Located?
Dust mites are the most common of the indoor allergens. Dust mites are microscopic small insects found in every home. Dust mites can live in bedding, carpets, sheets, plush toys and anywhere that contains fabric. Humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens are also suitable places for mold spores to reproduce, and these molds are unfortunately not visible to the naked eye. We all breathe mold spores, but for those with allergies, exposure to mold spores can trigger sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. Another indoor allergen is cockroach excrement. Cockroaches can live anywhere, regardless of the hygiene of the house, and they often appear at night, as they do not like light. Cockroaches contain a protein that is an allergen for many people. Body parts, saliva and waste of cockroaches are allergens. Even dead cockroaches can cause allergic reactions. Pet dander is also an indoor allergen. Dead skin, saliva, and some other substances found in pet fur can cause and worsen allergies. House dust mite allergens are an allergen that is more of a problem in cities near the sea or in homes near the seaside. House dust mite allergens generally cannot survive in dry climates such as Konya and Urfa, which are far from the seaside.
What Are the Symptoms of Indoor Allergies?
The symptoms and severity of indoor allergies can vary from person to person. In some people, these symptoms may be severe enough to affect the flow of daily life. The symptoms can be listed as follows:
-Sneeze,
– runny or stuffy nose
– Itching in the eyes, throat, ears,
-Difficulty in breathing due to nasal congestion,
-Dry cough can sometimes be sputum,
– Skin rash, itching.
People with asthma may experience these symptoms more severely. Asthma symptoms such as coughing and wheezing can be triggered.
What Can Be Done to Protect?
Avoiding exposure to winter allergens can be a bit of a challenge. Especially in this period when we all need to stay at home and not go out as much as possible. However, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk and severity of symptoms. These measures include:
Ventilate your home often.
For those with house dust mite allergies, use hypoallergenic covers for bedding, mattresses, and pillows, including your pillows and mattresses, to keep dust mites out.
Reduce fabric areas
If you are allergic to house dust mites, removing carpets or air conditioners in the bedroom and removing plush toys will be beneficial. It would be more appropriate for children with allergies to have a non-textile play mat in their bedroom.
Wash your clothes with hot water
Wash your clothes, bedding and removable upholstery covers regularly in hot water of at least 60 degrees Celsius to reduce dust mite formation. Avoid carpet use as much as possible.
Balance the humidity of the air
If the air is dry in cities far from the seaside, you can use a humidifier to reduce the dryness in the air, an ideal humidity level is about 30 to 50 percent. You should do a controlled humidification because the humidity is too high and it prepares the ground for the formation of mold and the increase of house dust mite mites. In cities near the sea such as Istanbul and Izmir, it would be more beneficial to ventilate the room by opening the window instead of using a humidifier.
Make sure there are no water leaks in your home
To prevent moisture from accumulating and creating an environment for dust mites, mold or cockroaches to thrive, constantly check your home’s wet floors and make sure there are no water leaks.
Vacuum your home
Vacuum your home regularly. Use a HEPA filter vacuum to remove most allergen particles from most surfaces.
Seal cracks or openings in your doors, windows or walls where roaches can get in or outside air can get in.
Reduce contact with your pet
Try to reduce contact with your pet as much as possible and try to keep your pet away from areas where you spend most of your time. Prevent pets from entering the bedroom.
Beware of cleaning products
It will be beneficial to use odorless and chlorine-free cleaning materials for cleaning the surfaces of the house, and to use odorless or odorless detergents and softeners for the laundry. Because the lungs and noses of those with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis are very sensitive to smell.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
