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It is well established that allergen identification and
avoidance or environmental control are key to the effective management of allergic
disease.1 Expert
guidelines from such organizations as the American Academy
of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the National Institutes
of Health stress the primary importance of allergen control
in diseases ranging from atopic dermatitis to allergic rhinitis
and asthma.2,3
The best allergen avoidance protocols should be allergen-specific.
Therefore, patients with chronic symptoms of diseases such
as perennial rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma should
be tested for allergen-specific IgE antibodies before an
avoidance strategy is designed.1
The following list of allergen avoidance strategies should
be shared with patients and caregivers.
Household Allergen/Dust Mite Avoidance
- Encase mattresses, pillows, and box springs in allergen-safe
covers
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130°F or above)
- Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50% if possible
- Remove stuffed toys from the bedroom
- Remove carpets from the bedroom, and do not lay carpets
on concrete
- Minimize upholstered furniture
Pollen Avoidance
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Avoid using window or attic fans that draw in outside
air
- Use an air conditioner
- Dry clothes in a vented dryer, not outdoors
- Check foods and cleaners for plant extracts
- After outdoor activity, shower or bathe, and change clothes
- If possible, refrain from outdoor activities during times
of high pollen count
- To cut back on your allergy symptoms while exercising,
try breathing through your nose to clear passages
- Try waiting until late in the day, when pollen counts
are generally lower, to enjoy the great outdoors
- Keep your car windows rolled up during hay fever season
- Keep your lawn 2 inches or shorter
- Monitor the pollen count on your local weather report
to know when it’s problematic to be outside
Mold/Fungus Avoidance
- Refrain from walking through uncut fields, working with
compost or dry soil, and raking leaves
- Have moldy surfaces cleaned
- Fix all water leaks
- Use an air conditioner and a dehumidifier to reduce indoor
humidity to 50% if possible
- Have air conditioner filters and other cooling devices
washed frequently
Animal Allergen Avoidance Tips
- Remove the pet from the home
- If removal is unacceptable, then:
- Keep the pet out of the allergic person’s bedroom,
and keep the bedroom door closed
- Keep the pet off carpets and all upholstered furniture
- Wash the pet weekly (twice a week is better), to
decrease the amount of dander and dried saliva
- Use a HEPA-type air cleaner in the bedroom and elevate
the cleaner off the floor
- Close air ducts in the bedroom
Food Allergen Avoidance
- Read ingredient labels on all processed food
Click here to
print avoidance information for your patients.
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