How do Antihistamines work?
Two types of antihistamines are used for allergies. They are known as first-generation and second-generation antihistamines.
How to Minimise Allergens Inside Your Home
There’s no place like home … for allergies! Just stepping indoors — at home, work, or school — exposes you to numerous allergens. An allergen is any substance which produces an allergic reaction. Millions of people suffer year-round because of indoor allergens.1
Signs and Symptoms of Allergies in Your Home
An allergic reaction is the result of your immune system going on the defensive. When it detects an allergen, it produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). In response, your cells release chemicals to fight the allergens, which result in your allergy symptoms.1
Most Common Symptoms of Indoor Allergies1, 2
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- General congestion or stuffiness
Where Allergens Hide in Your Home3
- Damp and humid areas
- Indoor plants
- Pets
- Pillows and bedding
- Plush furniture
- Plush toys
- Unsealed mattresses
- Wall-to-wall carpet
Top 4 Allergy Triggers In Your Home
The most common sources of indoor allergies are dust mites, fungi (mould), mammals (both your pets and rodents), and cockroaches.2
Dust mites
House dust mites are a major source of allergies worldwide. Mite-related allergens are more commonly airborne, and inhalation of these allergens is the most common way of exposure. Not as common, but mite-contaminated food can also be a source of allergic reactions.2
How to control dust mites3
House dust mites are a major source of allergies worldwide. Mite-related allergens are more commonly airborne, and inhalation of these allergens is the most common way of exposure. Not as common, but mite-contaminated food can also be a source of allergic reactions.2
- Keep surfaces clean and uncluttered
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpet — use low-pile carpets, washable rugs, hardwood, or tiled flooring
- Avoid heavy curtains
- Avoid overstuffed furniture
- Use sealed, allergen-resistant covers on your pillows and mattress
- Wash bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in water that’s at least 55°C; dry them in a hot dryer
Indoor mould
The common indoor mould and mildew that cause allergies thrive in dampness. You’ll find them in moist garages, basements, sheds, bathrooms, or anywhere with leaks.
How to reduce mould1, 3
- Reduce moisture in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement
- Don’t run showers too long before hopping in
- Use dehumidifiers
- Limit the number of house plants, and ensure proper drainage
- Fix leaks quickly
- Remove mould from hard surfaces with water and detergent or, if necessary, 5% bleach; let them dry completely
Pet dander
There are no breeds of dogs or cats that are 100% allergen-free — not even the hairless ones. That’s because you don’t react to fur, but to allergens in saliva, dander (skin flakes), or urine.1
How to manage pet dander1,3
- Avoid direct contact with pets
- Keep pets out of your bedroom
- Wash and change pet beds and toys often
- Wash and brush your pets often — and wear a mask when you groom them
- Wash your hands after handling pets
- Frequently wipe and vacuum spaces where your pets spend time
- Before getting a pet, ask your allergist to determine if you are allergic to animals
Cockroaches
The World Health Organization identifies 12 distinct allergens carried by cockroaches.2
How to control cockroaches1,3
- Cover food, garbage, and recyclables; take the bins out quickly
- Use poison baits, boric acid, and traps instead of chemicals, which may irritate your sinuses and/or asthma
- Block crevices, wall cracks, and windows where they enter
- Fix and seal leaks
- Keep food in lidded containers
- Put away used pet bowls and uneaten food
- Vacuum and sweep after meals
- Wash dishes immediately after use
- Clean under stoves, refrigerators, or toasters where crumbs can accumulate
- Wipe off the stove, cupboards, and other kitchen surfaces regularly
Allergy-Proof Your Home
It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid allergens in your home. But there are ways to reduce them. Mostly, these strategies aim to keep the air as clean as possible3 You can do this by:
- Increasing the flow of outdoor air
- Reducing humidity
- Using air cleaners with certified allergy and asthma filters
- Vacuuming the home frequently using a certified asthma and allergy friendly vaccum.3
Managing the Symptoms of Allergens at Home
If you’re looking for short term relief from allergy symptoms, find out which Telfast product may be right for you.
Allergies Giving You Runny Nose?
When a cold virus or an allergen, such as pollen or dust, first enters the body, it irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses.
Related articles
- Andrew Moore, MD, reviewed. Indoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [aaaai.com], February 28, 2020. Reviewed on May 20, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Conditions-Library/Allergies/Indoor-allergens-TTR
- Anna Pomés, Martin D. Chapman, Sabrina Wünschmann. Indoor Allergens and Allergic Respiratory Disease, PMC/US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, June 2016. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Ed. Control Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality, Reviewed by Medical Scientific Council, 2015. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021. Retrieved from https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens/
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