11 common allergy triggers and how to avoid them (Part 1)

Allergies refer to hypersensitive immune reactions in some people against certain foreign bodies that are typically harmless.

These factors, known as allergens, can include dust, pollen, medication, food groups, pet dander, etc.

MOST COMMON ALLERGY TRIGGERS AND THEIR PREVENTION

Below are some common allergy triggers.

1. Pollen

Pollen is a very fine dust-like substance that is shed by trees, grass, and weeds and is released into the surrounding atmosphere.

In the United States, pollen figures among the top allergy triggers. This allergic reaction is usually characterized by cough, congestion in the nasal passages, red and watery eyes, and runny nose.

Moreover, certain chemical pollutants that are inhaled along with the pollen can exacerbate an allergic reaction by causing damage to the pollen’s cell wall and thereby enhancing the release of allergens.

Prevention

Follow these tips to prevent getting an allergic reaction:

• Try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high, especially if it is hot and windy outside.
• To limit the entry of pollen inside your home, keep the windows and doors shut.
• Use an air conditioner equipped with HEPA filters that keep the pollens from getting in.
• If being outdoors is unavoidable, wear protective gear such as sunglasses and a mask.
• Since pollen grains can get stuck on your clothing and end up in your home, change out of the clothes you wore outside as soon as you get back home.

2. Animal dander

Animal dander is tiny flakes of dead skin shed from the skin or hair of furry animals, such as cats, dogs, rodents, and birds, among others.

Therefore, domestic, farm, and laboratory animals are major sources of allergens that can cause sensitization and allergic diseases.

Prevention

If you are allergic to animal dander, adopt the following measures:

• Give your pet regular baths to wash off the dander and keep it from contaminating your living space.
• Don’t allow pets into your bedroom or on furniture.
• Regularly change and wash your bedding to get rid of any dander.
• Frequently vacuum the floor and furniture.

3. Mold

Since mold can grow anywhere where moisture is present and is often invisible to the naked eye, people allergic to this fungus can have a tough time avoiding it.

The incidence of mold allergy is largely under-reported because people allergic to mold are often sensitized to other allergens that they have been previously exposed to and may already have IgE antibodies against them.

The presence of these antibodies camouflages the symptoms of mold allergy.

Prevention

People who are allergic to mold should take the necessary precautions to keep their house mold-free.

• Properly ventilate and dry out the areas that tend to remain damp, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and basement. Also, clean them regularly to help eliminate any existing mold spores and keep new ones from developing.
• Switch on the exhaust fan while taking a shower to drive out the moisture from the bathroom.
• If an area in the house smells musty and feels humid, use a dehumidifier, making sure its filters and coils are regularly cleaned.
• Leaky pipes or roof shingles should be promptly fixed.
• The drainage area around the house should be cleared regularly.
• Remove damp firewood or moldy leaves from the backyard.
• If you suspect the presence of mold at your home or workplace, have space professionally inspected and cleaned.

4. House dust mites

Dust mites can survive in almost any climate or altitude, but they flourish, particularly in the warm, moist confines of your home where they have a regular supply of dead skin cells.

They can become deeply embedded into the fabric surfaces of your home, such as your bedding, carpeting, upholstery, curtains, and mattresses.

Nearly 40% of the global population is afflicted by dust mite allergies, with almost 20 million people in the United States alone.

Prevention

It is impossible to eliminate all the dust mites from your home or office, but you can minimize their presence by adopting the following precautionary measures:

• Avoid carpeting, especially in the bedroom, as it invites more dust mites.
• Regularly and thoroughly clean the house to clear out the mites, preferably using a central vacuum or a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
• Cover your nose and mouth with an N95 mask during house cleaning sessions.
• Cleaning can release dust into the air, which takes at least 2 hours to settle down. Thus, do not clean your bedroom too close to your bedtime.
• Change your bed linens regularly and wash the used ones in hot water to kill any dust mites present on it.
• Cover your mattress and pillows in mite-proof cases.
• Install a HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom and keep it running to filter out mites.

5. Food

You can have an allergic reaction to something you ate, which is known as a food allergy. This happens not because the dietary substance itself is questionable or harmful, but because your body confuses it to be so.

Food allergies differ from food intolerances but are far more severe and can even be life-threatening. Biologics is a safe and effective therapeutic intervention to build one’s immune tolerance for food antigens.

Prevention

Prevent food allergies from occurring by following these tips:

• The first step toward preventing food allergies is avoiding the food that causes the allergic reaction.
• Always check the ingredients when shopping for food or ordering food to make sure it does not contain anything that you might be allergic to.
• If you have a known food allergy, always carry epinephrine for emergencies.

(to be continued)

About STELLA

Stellapharm is one of leading generics pharmaceutical companies and strong producer of anti-viral drugs in Vietnam. The company established in Vietnam in 2000; and focuses on both prescription drugs and non-prescription especially in cardiovascular diseases, anti-viral drugs, anti-diabetics drugs, etc. and our products are now used by millions of patients in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The company is globally recognized for its quality through our facilities have been audited and approved by stringent authority like EMA, PMDA, Taiwan GMP, local WHO and others.

Additional information for this article: Stellapharm J.V. Co., Ltd. – Branch 1
A: 40 Tu Do Avenue, Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park, An Phu Ward, Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
T: +84 274 376 7470 | F: +84 274 376 7469 | E: info@stellapharm.com | W: www.stellapharm.com