Allergies: Why They Make Us So Miserable And Allergy Symptoms

Jul 8, 2021

My mother-in-law once had a total of nine television sets sprinkled throughout her house. I'm like her in a way…I have boxes of tissues littering my home too. There's a box in each bathroom, the kitchen, and bedrooms, and don't' forget the living room. Why, you may ask? I've got allergies.

So just what is an allergy?

Allergies are an unnatural reaction by a person's immune system against a commonly non-irritating substance; when someone who is allergic encounters this matter or allergen, their body manufactures chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include watery or itchy eyes, stuffy or runny nose, coughing, sneezing, wheezing (sounds like some of the Seven Dwarfs!), and hives. This malady is called allergic rhinitis. You could have all these symptoms or just a couple.

Couple rough seasons

Spring and fall are the most prevalent allergy season in the US. Tree and plant pollens are abundant and flying around at this time. Why do you always hear about grasses and tree pollens and not flower pollen? Because they are the lighter weight pollens and are easily carried by the wind, of course. Flower pollen is heavier and does not take flight with the air (ragweed is the exception). That's why we don't typically hear about allergies connected with flowers. Bees and birds are the carriers of this type of pollen.

What's being carried around?

Mold spores, dust mites, grass, tree, and weed pollens are the main offenders. Besides airborne allergies, some folks are allergic to certain foods like peanuts and wheat (both on the rise), insects like bees, animals such as cats or birds, and even latex (think rubber gloves).

What type of allergies do you have?

Hay fever or rose fever is the most prevalent. Four million workdays are lost each year because of ragweed, the main "ingredient' causing the sniffles to those allergic. An interesting note: four weeks have also been added to the normal 6-week period of ragweed season.

Certain cities to avoid

Lexington, KY, is an allergy sufferer's worst nightmare, especially in the spring. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says its daily average pollen count is 300 grains per cubic meter of pollen.

Greensboro, NC, is another city on the AAFA list as the most miserable city in autumn. Grass, tree, and weed pollen are the offenders here.

It's not just in the south, frankly. Grand Rapids, MI, and Madison, WI are places to avoid, especially in the fall, if you have seasonal allergies.

If you are susceptible

Be sure to scan your local advertising flyers for sales at your grocery. It's surely one way to stock your home with an abundance of tissues!

Allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be triggered by a variety of things, including dust, pollen, and pet dander. When someone with allergic asthma comes into contact with one of these triggers, their airways start to swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and lead to a number of other symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Common Questions

Are there allergy-friendly toys available to prevent dust mite infestation?

Yes, there are indeed allergy-friendly toys available specifically designed to prevent dust mite infestation. Parents have found a clever solution by placing their children's toys in the freezer for 24 hours, effectively killing the dust mites. However, if this seems impractical, there are alternative options. Today, you can find a wide range of allergy-friendly children's toys and even toys suitable for pets that are specifically made to withstand frequent washing. These toys are designed to be easily cleaned, minimizing the chances of dust mites accumulating and causing allergies or respiratory issues. With the availability of these allergy-friendly toys, parents can provide a safer and healthier play environment for their children.

Can dust mites be killed by sunlight or freezing?

Dust mites can indeed be effectively killed by both sunlight and freezing temperatures. Exposing items that may be infested with dust mites, such as rugs, to direct sunlight for a duration of three hours can result in their elimination. Similarly, freezing can also be a useful method to eradicate dust mites. By placing items like children's toys in a freezer for 24 hours, dust mites can be killed off. These methods have been widely practiced by parents in order to rid their homes of dust mite infestations.

How do HEPA air purifiers and dehumidifiers help reduce dust mites in the air?

HEPA air purifiers are highly effective in reducing the presence of dust mites in the air. These purifiers work by filtering out airborne particles like dust, mold, pollen, animal dander, and other allergens. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in environments with high levels of moisture. By capturing these particles, HEPA air purifiers significantly reduce the number of dust mites in the air you breathe.

Additionally, it is important to avoid ionic air cleaners when choosing an air purifier aimed at reducing dust mites. Ionic air cleaners can emit ozone, which is a lung irritant and can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory issues. Unfortunately, some popular air cleaners actually contribute to air pollution by releasing ozone. To make an informed decision, you can refer to our Air Purifier Buying Guide for more information on selecting the right air purifier to effectively combat dust mites and other airborne allergens.

In addition to HEPA air purifiers, dehumidifiers also play a crucial role in reducing dust mites in the air. Dust mites are unable to survive without adequate moisture levels in the environment, and excess moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for these microscopic pests. By removing excess moisture from the air, dehumidifiers help to create an inhospitable environment for dust mites to thrive in.

To effectively control dust mite populations, it is recommended to maintain a relative humidity level between 40% and 50%. You can use a Digital Humidity Gauge to monitor the humidity levels in your home and ensure they stay within this range. For a more detailed understanding of how dehumidifiers work and the different options available, refer to our comprehensive Dehumidifier Buying Guide.

By using HEPA air purifiers to filter out dust mites and other allergens, and utilizing dehumidifiers to control moisture levels, you can significantly reduce the presence of dust mites in the air and create a healthier indoor environment.

Besides dust mite covers, what other methods can be used to control dust mites in the environment?

To effectively control dust mites in your environment besides using dust mite covers, there are several strategies you can employ:

1. Regular Vacuuming: Vacuuming frequently with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter can help reduce dust mites. HEPA filters are designed to trap at least 99.97% of allergenic particles, effectively removing dust mites and their allergens from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces.

2. Anti-Allergen Cleaning Products: Use specially formulated anti-allergen cleaning products to clean and dust surfaces in your home. These products are designed to minimize allergens, including dust mite allergens, and help reduce their presence.

3. Anti-Allergen Laundry Care: Washing bedding, curtains, and other fabrics in anti-allergen laundry detergents or adding anti-allergen laundry additives can effectively remove dust mites and their allergens. This step is particularly crucial for items that come into contact with your skin.

4. HEPA Air Purifiers: Consider using HEPA air purifiers to filter the air in your home. These purifiers are effective in capturing particles such as dust, mold spores, pollen, and animal dander, including dust mite allergens. However, avoid ionic air cleaners that can emit ozone, a lung irritant that may trigger asthma attacks and breathing difficulties.

5. Regulate Indoor Humidity: Dust mites thrive in environments with high moisture levels. By using dehumidifiers, you can reduce excess moisture in the air, making it less suitable for dust mites and mold spores to survive. Aim for a relative humidity of 40% to 50% to discourage dust mite growth. Monitoring the humidity using a digital humidity gauge can help you maintain the optimal levels.

By implementing these additional methods, you can create an inhospitable environment for dust mites, effectively reducing their population and minimizing the presence of allergens that can trigger allergies and asthma.

What are dust mites and how were they discovered?

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that belong to the arachnid family, making them relatives of spiders. These tiny organisms were unknown to humans until the invention of the microscope by Anton van Leeuwenhoek in 1694. When Leeuwenhoek first observed these creatures in magnified photographs, he was astonished and disturbed by their presence. Considering their minuscule size, they were unnoticeable to the naked eye. In fact, it was only through the use of a microscope that their existence was revealed.

Dust mites obtained their scientific name, Dermatophagoides, which means "skin eater," due to their feeding habits. The primary source of food for these creatures is dead human skin, which constitutes a significant portion of the dust found in homes. Consequently, even a small cluster of dust can act as an abundant buffet for dust mites. It is worth noting that astonishingly high numbers of dust mites can be found in just half a teaspoon of dust, potentially reaching up to 1,000 individuals.

What are dust mites and how were they discovered?

The number of dust mites present in a mattress can range from about 100,000 to as high as 10,000,000, depending on the age of the mattress. It is important to note that dust mite populations have the potential to grow rapidly. A single female dust mite can lay around 25 to 30 eggs per week, contributing to the exponential increase in their population.