What should I do?
If you have allergy symptoms, you should avoid things that cause it, so it is advisable in your home:
- There are no pets.
- Have the minimum number of furniture.
- The walls, wooden floors are as clean as possible. The floor should be polished. If necessary, clean the walls, woodwork and floors regularly.
- Only use rugs that can be cleaned weekly.
- Should only be used sheets that can be washed regularly, such as cotton, washable mattress (or completely covered by a sheath-allergic) and synthetic blankets and pillows. Do not use blankets of wool or cotton.- Should only be used in plastic chairs or wood. Do not have upholstered furniture.
- Place plastic curtains if possible. Remove dust daily.
- Use wet rags and a vacuum cleaner equipped with a filter allergy (those containing the acronym HEPA) at least twice a week.
- Avoid items that attract dust, like teddy bears, cushions, dried flowers, ornaments and toys.
What else I can do?
- Do not touch objects that are very dusty books and old clothes.
- If you are exposed to elements that cause allergies should wear a mask properly. The best: get someone without allergies do the cleaning.
- Do not allow smoking in your home.
But what if you still want to have pets?
- There are animals that produce fewer allergens, such as hairless cats, but is likely to continue to suffer from allergies caused by other epithelia such as saliva or urine. They should not use these animals.
- The layout and decor of the house should be as described above. If the animal has only temporarily, is not a good idea to try and see if you can live with him, can spend half a year or more before developing symptoms.
- Dogs and cats should be washed at least once a month in clean water. Remember to dry the animal after. It has been shown that a monthly washing decreases the level of cat allergen in the house (although there is still a large amount.)
- The fish and turtles can do well in some cases (there is usually no allergy to these animals), but can become allergic to food that feeds them.
- The rabbits and guinea pigs do not produce so much hair, but their urine can cause the problem. They should not live inside the house and should be cared for by a person without allergies.
- There are filters on the market against allergens and special filtration systems air (HEPA filters). Talk to your doctor or an association of patients with asthma or allergies before you buy one of these devices.
- Keep pets out of bedrooms and rooms in common use. The most useful recommendation is to keep animals out of the house (not touching).
- Each time you touch an animal, wash your hands.
- If you have a history of allergy should be aware that in the end, you may need to get rid of the pet. You may need to hold to go to a animal welfare organization.
credit to: Dr. Flemming Andersen, Dr. Paul Klenerman, Dr. Brian Lipworth