Asthma
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An allergy is the immune system's (body's defense system) abnormal reaction to substances (allergens) to which it is sensitive (allergic).
Someone who is allergic produces inappropriate antibodies to fight these substances (allergens). When an allergen comes into contact with antibodies, the cells of the bronchi (airways), nose and eyes release chemicals called mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, etc.), setting off an allergic reaction.
Not all asthmatics have allergies. Generally, the later the age of onset, the greater the likelihood that asthma is not allergy-related. Research shows that asthma is allergy-related in about 80% of children and young adults, and in 60% of people over age 30. Allergies usually do not become a factor in the progression of asthma until age 3.
People with allergies have one or more of the following conditions : eczema (skin), rhinitis (nose), sinusitis (sinus), conjunctivitis (eyes), allergic asthma (bronchi).
Animals
Animal allergies affect about 15% of the general population and 40 to 70% of asthmatics.
If you are allergic to animals, you should avoid contact with them and definitely not keep them as pets. A particular breed or the amount of exposure should not influence your decision. All animals with hair or feathers are potentially allergenic; so are "woolly" animals. The allergen comes primarily from animal secretions that coat hair and skin and from animal saliva. If, despite these warnings, you still decide to adopt a pet, your asthma will deteriorate sooner or later. Allergies cause inflammation that can interfere with control of asthma and often aggravate it. If you are not allergic to animals, you may become allergic with time if exposed to them.
Even if you do not notice symptoms immediately, prolonged contact with the animal may cause inflammation of the bronchi. If allergy tests show that you are allergic to your pet, you'll have to find it another home.
You cannot control the problem by keeping your pet in the basement or out of the bedroom. Animal allergens get into house dust and spread throughout the house. You cannot avoid inhaling them.
Having someone else bathe your animal regularly may be a temporary solution, but is not the best one. Studies show that people often forget to give their pet the recommended weekly bath. Of course, the allergic person should not be the one bathing the animal.
Some medications, such as Intal® or Tilade®, offer short term protection from occasional exposure to allergens. But they only partially reduce the allergic reaction, especially with prolonged exposure. Unfortunately, there is no middle ground: the best solution is to eliminate exposure.
House Dust Mites
House dust mites are microscopic insects that feed mainly on dead skin cells and thrive in warm, humid places. They live mostly in mattresses and pillows, as well as carpets.
Even dead dust mites can cause allergic reactions. Reducing the concentration of house dust mites in the surrounding air can improve asthma in an individual who is allergic to them. It also decreases the risk of a newborn developing asthma during the first year of life.
The best methods of avoiding exposure to dust mites include:
- Totally encasing mattresses, box spring and pillows in mite-resistant covers.
- Keeping the humidity level of the bedroom around 40%. You might want to buy a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level in your house.
- Washing all bedding in very hot water (50° C or 55° C) at least twice a month.
- Keeping dust sources in the bedroom to a minimum. (i.e. no stuffed animals, old books or clutter that prevent frequent and thorough dusting).
- Use the dryer on the hot cycle for 30 minutes every 2 weeks as an alternative to encasing pillows (second choice) or washing comforters, stuffed animals or dolls in hot water.
- Avoid using a humidifier in the bedroom. If necessary, place it in another room.
Acaricides (products to kill dust mites) are not recommended as the long-term health effects of these substances is unknown.
Pollens
Pollens are carried in the air, especially during certain times of the year: spring (trees), early summer (grasses) and late summer (weeds).
Pollens cause hayfever (rhinitis) more often than they trigger or exacerbate asthma. Hayfever that is not treated, however, may make asthma harder to control.
Pollen counts tend to be higher before noon on sunny days, so for very allergic people it is a good idea to limit exposure at these times - for example, avoid walking in fields or on freshly cut grass. Keep bedroom windows closed in pollen season.
For people who are extremely allergic to pollens, an air conditioner that recycles air can reduce the movement of pollens within the house providing windows and doors are kept closed.
Molds
Most mold-related problems in asthmatic people are caused by outdoor molds that can enter homes through doors and windows or through heating or ventilation systems in office buildings.
Other types of molds are found in homes that are well sealed or in damp areas like the basement, bathroom, laundry room or kitchen (refrigerator, sink, garbage pail). Molds can also grow in the soil of houseplants or on firewood.
To minimize exposure to molds:
- Try to keep rooms exposed to moisture clean.
- Do not live or sleep in a basement, if possible.
- Store firewood outside.
- Try to limit the number of houseplants, since molds can grow in soil.
- Ensure that your house is well-ventilated. Install an exhaust fan in the bathroom ceiling and an exhaust hood over the stove.
- Purchase a hygrometer to check your home's humidity. Keep humidity around 40 %. If the humidity is too high, consider installing a dehumidifier, air exchanger or air conditioner.
- Use a humidifier only if your home is very dry and uncomfortable.
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