The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes it.
The most common allergens are:
- house dust mites
- pet saliva and skin flakes
- pollen
- mould spores
It is not always easy to completely avoid common allergens. But there are things you can do to reduce your exposure to them.
House dust mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects that breed in household dust. You cannot see dust mites and they can breed in very clean places.
Concentrate your efforts on the areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living room.
To help limit the number of mites in your house, you could try to:
Do
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use allergy-proof covers for mattresses, duvets and pillows
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choose wood or hard vinyl flooring instead of carpet
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choose roller blinds that are easy to wipe clean
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clean cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture often - you can wash or vacuum them
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use synthetic pillows and acrylic duvets instead of wool blankets or feather bedding
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use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
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use a clean damp cloth to wipe surfaces - dry dusting can spread allergens further
Pets
Exposure to animal's saliva and skin flakes can cause an allergic reaction. But their fur does not cause a reaction.
It can be difficult to avoid contact with pets, particularly if they belong to friends and family.
If you have a pet, you can try to:
Do
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keep pets outside as much as possible or limit them to 1 room, preferably a room without carpet
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keep pets out of your bedroom
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wash pets at least once every 2 weeks
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groom dogs outside and often
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wash bedding and soft furnishings your pet has been on often
If you visit a friend or relative that has a pet, ask them not to dust or vacuum on the day you visit. Dusting and vacuuming moves the allergens into the air.
It can help to take an antihistamine medicine 1 hour before you enter a house that has a pet.
Pollen
Different plants and trees pollinate at different times of the year. Allergic rhinitis happens at different times, depending on the type of pollen you’re allergic to.
Most people are affected from March to September. This is when most trees and plants pollinate.
To avoid exposure to pollen:
Do
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check weather reports for the pollen count
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stay indoors when the pollen count is high
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avoid drying clothes and bedding outside when the pollen count is high
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wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen
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keep doors and windows shut during the mid-morning and early evening - this is when there is most pollen in the air
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shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after being outside
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avoid grassy areas when possible
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consider asking someone else to cut the grass for you if you have a lawn
Mould spores
Mould can grow on any decaying matter. The spores that mould releases can cause an allergic reaction.
Mould releases spores when the temperature rises suddenly in a moist environment. For example, when the heating starts in a damp house or wet clothes are dried near a fireplace.
To help prevent mould spores:
Do
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keep your home dry and well ventilated
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use an extractor fan or open a window when you shower or cook - keep internal doors closed to stop damp air spreading through the house
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avoid drying clothes indoors
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avoid storing clothes in damp cupboards and packing clothes too tightly in wardrobes
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deal with any damp and condensation in your home
