Remember, if you are unsure about your diagnosis, or which treatment to use, consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Advice and Treatment
Action on the home front
Suffer from a dust allergy? Then you may be sensitive to mould spores in the air too.
Dust and fluff are not "dirt" - they're just part of everyday life. We're making it all the time. But there's only so much housework you can do in a day!
A new broom
Have a 'clean sweep' and kit your house out with new stuff. For example get anti-allergenic bedding, mattress & pillows, remove carpeting, hang washable curtains and replace upholstered furniture. A female dust mite lays up to 50 eggs every 3 weeks so get a head start to try and hold them at bay.
Rally the troops and make life better
- Vacuum often, with a filter and change vacuum bags outside
- Always dust with a damp cloth
- De-clutter so dust can't hide. Get rid of cushions and fussy light shades. Keep clothes in wardrobes. Ditch potted plants (mould spore heaven). Put books and ornaments in glass fronted cases
- Don't let rubbish bins bulge (another mould haven)
- Bath furry pets regularly (yes, even cats!) and preferably keep them outside.
Stand by your beds!
You spend a third of your time asleep so it makes sense to allergy-proof your bedroom and escape there as often as possible, to give your symptoms a rest.
- Invest in a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, as indoor environments create more concentrated exposure
- Hot wash all bedding to kill dust mites and get rid of their droppings
- Dust mites are attracted to damp and even the coolest person sweats when sleeping. Dry your bed before sleeping with a hot water bottle and air it well the next day, only making it up early evening
- Vacuum your mattress once a week
- Never let pets in your bed!