|
|
|
|
Lacamas Life Magazine
|
|
|
Winter Allergies What causes them and how to treat them Presented By Sanjeev Jain, MD, PhD
Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic
Allergy is caused by a specific type of immune reaction to a biological substance called an allergen. Allergies are more prevalent from spring to fall because pollens present during this period are potent allergens. However, most allergy sufferers are also allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold which are present year-round. Allergy symptoms may be even worse in winter because we are stuck indoors where we are more exposed to these allergens. Winter allergies are particularly worse in the Pacific Northwest because the increased rain and humidity causes growth of mold and dust mites. Further, winter is the peak time for colds and flu which can exacerbate asthma, chronic sinusitis, and other allergy-related conditions.
Indoor Allergens Important in Winter
Dust Mites. Perhaps the most important indoor allergen in the Northwest is dust mite. This is a microscopic insect which lives in all mattresses, pillows, padded furniture, carpet, and stuffed animals. Dust mites feed on dander or dead skin that we all shed continually, and extract water from the humidity in the air. A typical mattress has millions of these insects where they complete their life cycle in approximately three weeks. The most effective ways of controlling dust exposure are to use dust mite proof encasement of mattresses and pillow, keep the humidity in the house below 50%, and wash sheets and pillow cases in hot water above 130 degrees at least once every two weeks. At Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, we can diagnose patients with dust mite allergy, and provide them with various products for control of dust mite exposure. We can also prescribe medications to treat symptoms, and administer specialized therapy to desensitize patients to dust mites.
Pet Dander. All mammals or furry animals such as cats and dogs shed dead skin or dander which is highly allergenic. All cats and dogs shed dander regardless of their breed and the amount of hair they have. Having a smaller mammal such as a hamster, rabbit, or mouse for a pet does not mean less risk of allergies; they are just as allergenic. If an individual is allergic to a pet, the best treatment is removal of that pet from the house. However, often we are not able to part from our beloved pet. In such cases, the best option is to at least keep one’s bedroom and especially the bed free of pet dander. Keeping a cat or a dog out of the bedroom does not mean that the bedroom will have no pet dander. The dander is microscopic and is carried throughout the house in the air. For this reason one needs to have a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) air filter running continuously in the bedroom, and have the bedroom door closed at all times. Bathing a cat twice a week has also been shown to reduce cat dander in the air. Cat dander in particular is very sticky; it sticks to clothes and bedding, and stays behind for up to six months after removal of a cat. At Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, we can diagnose individuals with pet allergy, treat their symptoms, and provide allergy control products such as HEPA air filtration devices. We can also desensitize patients with pet allergies.
Molds. Mold allergies are also very prevalent, and commonly associated with winter allergy symptoms. The root cause of mold growth in a house is high humidity or a history of water damage. High humidity in the house comes primarily from a shower in the bathroom or steam from the kitchen. For this reason it is essential to have exhaust fans at both locations, which are run for a long time even after stopping the shower or cooking. If the exhaust fans are not sufficient, then one may need to place dehumidifiers at key locations. Any visible mold must be removed using appropriate cleansers. Water damage in the house must be repaired promptly and thoroughly by an expert contractor. Air-borne molds which are primarily responsible for the allergy symptoms can be cleared effectively by HEPA air filters. At Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, we can diagnose mold allergy, and provide hygrometers for humidity measurement, dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, and HEPA filtration units to remove air-borne mold. Desensitization to mold allergy is another service we offer, which is very effective in long-term treatment of mold allergies.
In summary, winter allergies can be even more troublesome than spring allergies, but are very treatable using proper medications, environmental control measures, and allergy desensitization therapy. At Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, we perform a detailed evaluation to make an accurate diagnosis, and provide a comprehensive array of treatment options.
Sanjeev MD, PhD is an allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist who practices at Columbia Asthma & Allergy Clinic, located in Camas at the border of Southeast Vancouver, near QFC on SE 192nd Avenue. The clinic address is 3400 SE 196th Ave, Suite 101, and its phone number is (360)834-6700. Dr. Jain is dedicated to providing world class care for allergy and asthma sufferers in a warm and comfortable community-based clinic. He has won numerous awards, and has been ranked as one of America’s Top Physicians.
|
|
|
|
|
