10 things that could be making you... Allergic to your own home
Beware of everyday products that may be the cause of sniffles & irritations
Tis the season for coughs and sneezes – but could your ailment be more complicated than the common cold? Earlier this month, experts warned of “feather duvet lung” after Martin Taylor, 43, from Aberdeenshire, experienced serious breathing problems caused by his feather bedding.
At his worst, he could only stand or walk for a few minutes without feeling as if he’d pass out.
Doctors have been warned to be on the lookout for this diagnosis if patients present with unexplained breathing difficulties.
But which other household items could be giving you the sniffles, making you itch or even causing year-round hayfever?
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Allergy services for Allergy UK, Dr Belinda Griffiths from the Fleet Street Clinic, and allergy expert Dr Adrian Morris give us tips on possible causes and how to deal with ailments. Different kinds of allergy
When looking at allergens inside the house, Amena says there are two main reactions. One is contact dermatitis – a skin inflammation – and the other is breathing problems. She says: “In duvets, cushions and pillows, they can almost double their weight with house dust mites, so the combined feather allergy and dust mite can be a problem. Some people are allergic to different types of feathers, so they might not realise a feather duvet is causing a problem.”
1. Xmas tree
You may think you’re doing the best thing by buying an organically grown tree – but it could cause you problems. Dr Morris says: “They pose a unique allergy threat, and bring a number of allergens into our homes at this joyous time of the year. These include allergenic moulds, tree pollen, insects and resins, all of which can cause skin allergies, nasal symptoms (rhinitis) and asthma. It may be more appropriate to have a synthetic tree, but make sure it hasn’t collected piles of dust up in the loft over the last year.”
2. Soft toys
Amena says that children’s soft toys could be a breeding ground for dust mites, which can cause a problem if they are regularly held near a child’s face. However, there are two easy solutions to get rid of the mites – washing the toys at 60 degrees or above with sensitive powder or, if they can’t be washed, putting them in the freezer overnight. Amena also warns that an allergy to house dust mites could cause conditions such as asthma and eczema. She says these allergies are fairly common.
3. Your sofa
One of the top tips for reducing a major cause of allergy problems in the household could be opting for a leather sofa, Amena says. This is because the environment is far less hospitable to dust mites than a fabric one. Along with a leather sofa, washing bedding at 60 degrees or above can reduce dust mites, as can steam cleaning mattresses and carpets at high temperatures.”
4. House plants
If you bring flowers or plants into your house, you could unwittingly be releasing allergens. Dr Morris says they can release pollen which might exacerbate allergies.
He adds: “Lilies are the most common offenders – they release copious amounts of pollen which cause allergic conjunctivitis, nasal sneeze, itchy eyes and wheezing.
“If allergic, then keep them out of the house.”
5. Fresh paint
Chemicals found in newly painted products can cause problems.
orris says: “Formaldehyde in MDF and recently painted ucts can cause contact atitis and respiratory allergies. a few months the problem ates with free flow of air.”
6 Airing cupboards
jor cause of health problems come from black mould ing in airing cupboards, nventilated kitchens athrooms. an cause symptoms ranging a runny nose to difficulty hing. Amena advises: roughly clean your kitchen,
7. Washing machine
Along with the products you put in your washing machine, the seal could be harbouring mould which could cause breathing difficulties. Amena says: “Dry the rubber seal around the washing machine drum, the detergent drawer and the door. Leave them ajar to air and help prevent moulds developing.” bathroom and utility room (these are favourite places for mould due to the steam), and then ventilate these areas, remembering that mould may build up behind units and so may not be immediately visible.”
8. Washing powder
Dr Griffiths says an easy way to avoid irritation from washing powder, shampoo or bathing products is to switch to the baby version. She says: “Baby products have absolutely nothing harmful in them.”
9. Pet hair in carpets
Amena says: “Pet hair can carry airborne allergens such as pollen, mould and house dust mite.
People with pet allergy may experience severe and constant symptoms.”
Dr Griffiths says: “Make sure the animal sleeps on tiled or wooden floors, and make sure the hairs are hoovered up regularly.”
10. Cleaning products
If you’re coughing and sneezing, it’s tempting to blitz your home with the strongest possible bleach and sprays to try to get rid of whatever is causing the problem.
But Amena says strong products could exacerbate breathing trouble and make the respiratory system hypersensitive. Opt for gentler cleaning products if you feel irritated by the ones you use.