Living With An Allergy

Allergen is the name given to anything that causes an
allergy in a human body. In the presence of an allergen our
bodies send out histamine, which is what causes local
swelling and bumps. The cream or other pharmaceuticals that
combat allergies therefore usually contain an Anti
Histamine. Allergic reactions include a rash, itchiness,
coughs and general breathing problems.

No one is safe from allergic reactions, though for many
they will only suffer from time to time. An unlucky few
will get adverse reactions year-round. Hay fever sufferers,
for example, are usually hit during summer or spring. There
are people who only get affected by the pollen that trees
give off – this only happens in Spring. Those who suffer
due to the pollen released by grasses will suffer through
summer.

Some people have allergic conditions such as dermatitis,
asthma and eczema whilst others are allergic to different
medications, foods, detergents, or their pets. The list is
almost endless.

It can sometimes be hard to figure out exactly what it that
is setting off an allergic reaction, but it is really worth
the effort. Say the reaction is worse sometimes than
others, then note down when you get it and try to discern a
pattern. Are you inside or outside when you suffer? Is it
mainly when you are at home or when you are at work?

A logbook or simple diary can be a useful aid. One of the
hardest things sort out is any allergic reactions to food -
you will need to keep a detailed food journal. Any symptoms
and their times should go in the journal – itchy around the
eyes only in the morning?

Pets are not the only potential allergen at home, but they
are one of the commonest. It helps to know that the thing
that causes the problem is the skin pieces that tend to
collect an animals fur. This means regular pet bathing
helps out a lot. Cats, famously, do not like bathing one
little bit, so a rub down with a wet cotton cloth might be
an easier option… Keep them from certain key rooms, most
importantly your bedroom.

Some of the allergens are harder to spot. Housemites are
miniscule and make their homes in our soft furnishings and
rugs. Washing and regularly airing all our bedding is a
good idea for this reason. And vacuuming several times a
week.

If you have hay fever and need to keep the bedroom windows
closed, take bedding to another room in the house and air
it there, but make sure that you shut the door so the
pollen doesn’t permeate the house. Stay away from quilts
and pillows stuffed with feathers such as goose-down as
people are often allergic to feathers – go for man-made.

If you’ve found that dust is the problem it might be worth
investing in a special vacuum cleaner as regular vacuum
cleaners can just stir up more dust. In the meantime you
can wipe soft furnishings with a damp cloth to remove dust
without stirring it up.

It is a good idea to avoid drying clothes indoors but if
you have no alternative try to keep the drying rooms well
ventilated. Houses that are steamy are unhealthy and can
also produce mildew on the window sills – this is also an
allergen. However, whilst it might seem a lot of work, all
these tips are good for a healthy home whether you have
allergies or not.