Your home should be a place of refuge. But for people who are prone to indoor substances which can trigger an allergy ,it can cause them to suffer allergy symptoms which include sneezing, a runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes, more frequently. Indoor allergies can happen all-year round. However, indoor allergies can be especially troublesome during the rainy season, when people tend to spend more time indoors.
Select an allergy to learn more:
INDOOR ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
ITCHY, WATERY EYES
SNEEZING
ITCHY SKIN RASH
Pet Allergies
Overview
Keeping a furry friend indoors can cause you to suffer an allergic reaction, such as a runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. However, it is not their fur, but rather the proteins found in the animal’s dander (dead skin cells), saliva, or urine that triggers your allergy . These allergy-triggering particles stick mostly onto pet fur, which we tend to touch frequently. On top of that, these particles are so lightweight that they can be transported in the air, and onto your clothes and hair.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most people tend to associate pet-related allergies with pet dander from a cat or dog. However, dander can also come from other pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, gerbils and guinea pigs, amongst others.1
Tips for Pet Allergy Sufferers
- HAVE A PLAN
If you are prone to pet-related allergies, it is advisable for you to ask a family member or friend in advance if they have a furry pet at home , so as to allow you to be prepared with allergy medicine should your symptoms start to flare up during your next visit.
- ESTABLISH PET-FREE AREAS
Keep pets out of your bedroom and out of certain rooms in your house.
- RINSE AND REPEAT
Giving your pet regular baths can help to minimise the number of allergens on its fur.
- WASH YOUR HANDS
After touching a pet, avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose until you've had a chance to wash your hands thoroughly.
- CHOOSE PETS WISELY
Cats tend to trigger more allergies than dogs. This is because they are prone to a constant licking of their fur or skin, thus spreading allergens from their saliva onto their bodies. However, it is important to note that animals who don't shed, too, can cause you to suffer an allergic reaction. As an alternative, people who suffer frequent allergies should consider keeping fishes, hermit crabs, iguanas or turtles as pets instead.
Dust Allergies
Overview
A common trigger of indoor allergies , dust mites can be found in the house dust which accumulates all around your home. These microscopic creatures live off our dead skin cells, hiding in household fabrics, such as pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture, blankets and carpets.
Dust mites absorb water from the humidity in the air. This is why dust mites are especially prevalent in the more humid areas of your house, or during the summer months. If you currently live in an area that has a warm and humid climate, dust mites can be found all-year round.
DID YOU KNOW?
An average-sized house may accumulate approximately 40 pounds of dust each year.2
Tips for Dust Allergy Sufferers
- REDUCE DUST CLUMPS
Wash all bedding and blankets at least once a week in hot water (at least 54°C).3 Use a vacuum that is equipped with a HEPA filter or double-vacuum bag.4 Dust surfaces with a damp sponge and mop the floors regularly. Be sure to wear a protective mask and gloves when cleaning to minimize your exposure to dust allergens.
- CHECK THE LABEL
Sweat can cause pillows, mattresses and furniture with rubber foam to develop mold . Therefore, it is important for you to check the label of your bedding and bedding covers for more information on how to care for these products effectively before use.
- COVER UP
Use anti- allergen mattress and box spring covers, and anti-allergen pillowcases.
- TAKE IT OUT
If possible, remove wall-to-wall carpeting from all the rooms in your house.
- DEHUMIDFY
The recommended humidity level of your home should be below 50%. A hygrometer is an instrument that is used to measure the humidity of the air, and can be easily purchased from most hardware stores. When it’s humid, place a dehumidifier in a damp area of your home to keep the humidity level in check.
Mold Allergies
Overview
A mold allergy is triggered by microscopic mold spores which float in the air like pollen . Indoor mold tends to shed spores throughout the year, and can be found lurking in damp spots, such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, lofts, refrigerators and windowsills. Given the fact that mold thrives in damp spaces, mold allergies may occur frequently, as Singapore is a country that is humid and experiences regular rainfall throughout the year, especially during the monsoon season.
Tips for Mold Allergy Sufferers
- CLEAN HOUSE
You can prevent mold growth by cleaning your bathroom, laundry room and basement regularly. Avoid leaving damp laundry in the washing machine for a prolonged period of time. Wash shower curtains, and bathroom tiles, grouting and fixtures with anti-mold cleaning solutions. Use only machine-washable bath mats in the bathroom.
- KEEP HUMIDITY IN CHECK
Keep the humidity level in your home below 50% to prevent mold growth. Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to keep the humidity level in check. Alternatively, you can also opt to use an exhaust fan in the kitchen or the bathroom to do away with steam or moisture as a result of cooking and showering respectively.
- DON’T FORGET THE FRIDGE
Keep the refrigerator clean and empty its water pan on a regular basis. Get rid of rotting or expired foods promptly to help minimize mold growth.
- LET THERE BE LIGHT
Sunlight kills mold, which is why you should keep the curtains, shades or blinds in your home open throughout the day.
- CHECK THE LABEL
Sweat can cause pillows, mattresses and furniture with rubber foam to develop mold. Therefore, it is important for you to check the label of your bedding and bedding covers for more information on how to care for these products effectively before use.
REFERENCES
- Pet Allergy. Mayo Clinic. Accessed September 10, 2017.
- Dust in your home can make you sick: Here's how to fight it, Accessed 12 August, 2020
- Allergy Dust Mites. ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri. University Physicians. University of Missouri Health Center.
- Hot Water Removes Allergens Best, Accessed 12 August 2020
