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Who ever heard of allergies in January? Try one in four allergy sufferers who must deal with perennial or year-round allergies. With the cooler weather fast upon us, Canadians find themselves bunkering down for the winter and spending more and more time indoors. Which spells trouble for year-round allergy sufferers, as many allergens Ð such as dust and mould Ð thrive in these indoor environments, making our homes "enemy territory". The truth is many Canadians don't even realize that they're year-round sufferers, especially during the winter. Many sufferers cannot tell the difference between allergy symptoms and a cold. Colds are the result of a virus infection. Perennial allergies Ð often caused by common triggers in the home such as dust mites, furry pets and mould Ð are the body's physical reactions to inhaled airborne particles called "allergens". Some symptoms between a cold and allergies are similar: sneezing, wheezing and a stuffy or runny nose. If symptoms are also accompanied with a fever, sore throat, coloured nasal discharge, and achiness, it's likely you have a cold. With allergies, there usually isn't a fever, nasal discharge is clear and eyes may become red and itchy. And, while a cold usually lasts about a week, allergies can last all year. Indoor Allergy Enemies So you suffer from year-round allergies. But the real question is: Do you know what your allergy triggers are? The causes of perennial allergies can be found in any home. Some of the most common examples include: House Dust - An airborne mixture containing fine particles of soil and plant material from indoors or outdoors, particles of human and animal skin (dander) and hair, fabric fibers, mould spores, food particles and other debris. Some dust is present in every home, regardless of how often or thoroughly the house is cleaned. House Dust Mites - Tiny animals (up to 0.3 mm) related to ticks and spiders that live in house dust. There is not a house without them, but some houses contain huge numbers and others contain almost none. This does not only depend on cleanliness, but also on the amount of moisture in the house. Moulds - A type of fungus that has no stems, leaves or roots. Moulds generally live outdoors but they easily pass through open doors and windows and settle indoors, where they are often diagnosed as mildew. Pet Dander - Unfortunately for some people, pets trigger allergic reactions. Contrary to what many people believe, an allergic reaction to an animal is not caused by the animal's hair Ð it is actually caused by substances in animal saliva, urine, and especially dander. Top 5 Tips for an Allergy-Friendly Home The first steps in treating perennial allergies are to remove or reduce the allergy trigger from your indoor environment, and then find the right treatment method for your symptoms. Here are some basic tips for wiping away the winter allergy blues this season: 1. Keep dust-collecting ornaments to a minimum in your bedroom and, if possible, remove carpets completely since they can trap dust and dirt. Keep linens clean and if extra sensitive, consider using organic mattress covers and pillows to keep dust mites from breeding. 2. Invest in a dehumidifier to help control humidity. The more moisture in your home, the more likely you are to suffer from the effects of dust mites and mould. And remember, indoor moulds and mildew are easily eliminated once you discover them Ð use a cleaning solution containing five per cent bleach and a small amount of detergent. 3. Talk to your family doctor or pharmacist about your specific symptoms and the medications you have already tried when looking for the most appropriate treatment. First-generation antihistamines are effective, but can cause drowsiness and impaired cognitive and motor functioning. If you need to remain alert, a second-generation antihistamine is preferable. When choosing a second-generation antihistamine, look for one that is a direct acting metabolite with the active ingredient of cetirize. Direct acting metabolites are not processed by the liver, which significantly lowers the risk of drug interactions. 4. The most effective way to combat symptoms of animal allergies is to remove the pet from the home and avoid any contact. If you decide to keep a pet despite an allergy, keep the pet out of the rooms where you spend most of your time, especially your bedroom. To learn more about managing your allergies and solutions, there are many sources available such as the Breathing Easy newsletter. Visit www.reactine.ca for a complimentary subscription.
