Autumn is the season when people’s indoor allergies, such as pet and dust allergies, can start to flare up again or they find they have an allergy for the first time. “This is because as the weather starts to get cooler and the nights shorter, we start to spend more time indoors again,” explains airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, Max Wiseberg. “This means more exposure to dust allergens around the home, and pet allergens, especially if you have a dog or a cat. So it’s important to limit your exposure as much as possible.”
“An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to an otherwise harmless substance. The substance which triggers the reaction is called an ‘allergen’. The body reacts by producing excess histamines, which are part of an overreaction of the immune system.”
“Everyone can tolerate a certain amount of airborne allergens in their body, but once this level is exceeded, an allergic reaction occurs. This is why organic allergen barrier balms work so well. They reduce the amount of allergen entering the body, meaning less for the body to deal with.”
“Indoor allergy symptoms caused by dust or pets can be very similar to the more well-known hay fever symptoms. Common symptoms include sore, itchy, watery, red eyes; sneezing and wheezing; and cold like symptoms such as a runny nose and sinus pain. Asthma can be triggered by many of the allergens found in our homes. In some rare cases, sufferers can experience extreme symptoms such as shortness of breath or even anaphylaxis.”
“Prevention is key with allergies. No home is 100% allergen free, but there are some simple ways to minimise the allergens around you. Here are some simple, easy to implement tips:”
“Use an organic, drug free allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax (www.haymax.biz), applied to the nostrils and bones of the eyes in the morning and throughout the day, to trap airborne allergens before they enter the body where they can cause symptoms.”
“Dust mites thrive in warm humid environments, our beds being one of their favourite spots. We spend about a third of our day in bed, shedding skin cells and creating moisture with our breath and bodies which the microscopic mites need to live on. So change and wash your bedding regularly. Use allergy friendly mattress covers and bedding.”
“Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build-up of allergens on them. Don’t dry clothes inside over a radiator – this increases the humidity in your home and can result in mould, which releases tiny spores into the air that you breathe. Mould and dust mites thrive in moist environments. Keep the humidity in your house between 40% and 20% to control allergens.”
“Damp dust surfaces and vacuum regularly, including fabrics and upholstery. Keep pets off sofas and beds, and out of the bedroom altogether if possible. It may also be beneficial to install ‘Allergy Friendly’ flooring.”
“You can also take medication for your symptoms. Try a saline nasal rinse to flush out allergens from your nose. Use an antihistamine, which counteracts the effects of the body producing too many histamines. Try a steroid nasal spray, which helps with symptoms in the nose such as sneezing, runny nose and sinus pain, or eye drops for sore, itchy, red eyes.”
“And if your symptoms are particularly bad or you find nothing really works, create your own Allergy First Aid Kit. Use HayMax organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm to trap airborne allergens before they enter the body, one (and only one) antihistamine, one (and only one) nasal spray, eye drops, and one or more other natural products.”