ELIMINATING COMMON AIRBORNE ALLERGENS: ANIMAL SKIN (DANDERS) AND FEATHERS AND POLLEN
Animal skin (danders) and feathers Don’t keep furry or feathered pets. If you already have pets which you cannot bear to get rid of, consider housing them outside or in part of the house that the affected person can easily avoid. Do not allow pets into the bedroom of the person affected. If they sleep on furniture or carpets, clean up after them with a vacuum cleaner.
For very sensitive individuals it may be necessary to avoid people and clothing that have been in contact with animals.
For those sensitive to feathers, eliminate all bedding stuffed with
feathers, also cushions, armchairs and sofas. If you are also sensitive to synthetics, then duvets filled with wool or silk are available (p335).
Pollen
This is the most difficult allergen to avoid. Keeping windows closed on warm, sunny days can be helpful. When driving or travelling by train, avoid opening the window.
Keep away from meadows, parks and other grassy areas when it is warm and dry. Alternatively, move to an area with less traffic and other sources of air pollution. It seems that air pollution – from factories, lorries and cars – sensitizes the membranes in the nose, making them more reactive to pollen. Diesel fumes have been shown to have this effect. So moving to a less polluted atmosphere and keeping away from traffic may be of more benefit – and a lot easier – than trying to avoid pollen.
For very sensitive individuals, a stay at the seaside during the height of the pollen season is recommended – the sea breeze brings in pollen-free air. Alternatively, air filters can be used (p335) and are usually effective -as long as the patient stays indoors.
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April 20, 2009 at 11:06 am Comments (0)