Airborne Allergens - Indoor and Outdoor Allergy Triggers

Airborne allergens are particles that travel on the wind. They can include obvious allergens such as pollen from plants and trees that are not insect pollinated, mould spores and pet dander and dust mites.

Not so obvious are the multitude of chemicals used for personal care and in our homes and offices used for cleaning and maintenance that give off a smell or scent and which can trigger allergic reactions.

An unfortunate fact with airborne allergens is that it is difficult to avoid them. With a food allergy you can avoid eating the food quite easily save in the cases of ingredients not listed on packaging. With airborne allergens lifestyle adjustments need to be made which can be difficult and or expensive.

Pollen allergies are the most familiar airborne allergen. Although these are regarded as seasonal a sensitive person may experience symptoms all the year round depending on where they live and which particular type of pollen they are allergic to. For these allergies filters in air conditioning units or standalone H.E.P.A. filters can help while they are indoors and finding out what mix of supplements and or O.T.C. and prescription medicines works best in terms of effectiveness and side effects.

Pet dander may be especially problematic. The obvious lifestyle measure is to get rid of the pet but from the point of view of a pet lover that is not an option. So the pet must be excluded from sleeping areas and optimise good routines of keeping surfaces and rugs dander free. Any pet with fur will produce dander although some pets will seem to shed more than others. Your local veterinarian may be able to give further suggestions on optimal pet care for an allergic pet owner.

Pests may be part of the problem too. Allergies to the droppings of Cockroaches are common in cities and particles from such faeces may be inhaled and cause allergy symptoms. Only a full scale allergy testing panel would be able to diagnose such allergy symptoms from a more obvious and socially acceptable allergy to a pet for example.

Dust Mites are a pest worth mentioning separately. They are almost invisible and live in great numbers in our homes, often in our bedding. Washing the bedding in hot water and drying on high heat is an effective way of controlling the problem. It is possible to get mattress encasements and other anti-mite bedding but washing and drying sheets and pillow cases at a high enough temperature seems to be the best and simplest remedy.

Mould, also spelled mold, is a common airborne allergen in humid conditions. Mould may be present in homes and offices - especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Some mould may be visible as a black line around a window frame or near plumbing. A thorough maintenance check can be done to find, kill and remove such colonies of mould.

In all these cases of airborne allergens we can use air filters to reduce the problem and then optimise our own allergy remedies.