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Avoiding Hay fever and Asthma Triggers

grass pollen grass pollen wattle

Grass, weed and tree pollen are the most common trigger of seasonal hay fever. Wattle (far right photograph) and flowering plants (which are usually insect pollinated) rarely do so.

Why take medication when you can avoid the causes of allergy, asthma or hay fever?

Here are a few practical tips.

Revised 1 February 2003

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IMPORTANT The information provided is of a general nature and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. If you think you may suffer from an allergic or other disease that requires attention, you should discuss it with your family doctor.

Mold spores
Molds reproduce spores that blow around like pollens. They break down organic matter (like leaf mulch) into compost. To reduce exposure:

Grass, weed and tree pollens
Grass pollens blow long distances and are difficult to avoid. To reduce exposure:

Animal allergens
The allergens in animals (animal danders) are derived from the oily secretions of the skin and sometimes saliva. That means that even if they do not shed hair, the allergen becomes attached to dust particles, walls, carpets, and soft furnishings. The amount of allergen shed will vary from animal to animal, but the actual allergen is the same. Furthermore, allergen persists in the environment for many months, even after the animal is removed. There are no hypoallergenic animals!

Pets should never be in the bedroom, and are best banned from the house completely. Washing animals frequently will only partially reduce the amount of allergen that is shed into the environment. It is important to note that around 50 % of allergic patients will eventually become allergic to any indoor animal that they live with. The implication is that allergic patients are best to never buy animals in the first place, because of the risk of increasing symptoms and need for medication. To remove allergen from the environment requires you to hot wash bedding, clean curtains, wash down walls and hard surfaces with hot soapy water, steam clean carpets and clean out air-conditioning and heating ducts.

Some animal allergies are dangerous
When animal allergy is severe, serious allergic reactions (such as acute asthma attacks or even anaphylaxis) can occur. The most common triggers are cats and horses.. Even minor exposure can sometimes trigger symptoms. Affected people need to be very cautious about visiting houses where animals are kept or riding in cars where animals have travelled. Taking an antihistamine before anticipated exposure may reduce the severity of mild allergic reactions, but is unlikely to prevent serious allergic reactions.

House dust mite
Dust mite lives off dead human and animal skin. The allergen is contained in its droppings or "poo". It likes warmth and humidity, and particularly the bed. Simple measures will reduce exposure.

Dust Mite Covers
There are 3 major brands of dust mite covers on the market in Australia.

References