The Importance of Allergy Management
For both children and adults, allergies and asthma can be a serious detriment
to quality fo life. Whether the allergy is triggered by various kinds of
pollen, by something in shell fish, or by the down comforter, an effort to
manage the allergy must be made to control it and ensure that it doesn't lead
to long term complications. For example, physicians will often tell you to manage an allergy lest it turns into asthma. In the case of down, the primary cause of allergic responses is thought to be dust mites.
The Mighty Dust Mite
A dust mite is a relative of the spider (characterized by 8 limbs). It's much
too small to be seen by the naked eye, meaning that it doesn't have the
same properties to induce fear in people wracked with arachnophobia. The dust
mite is a ubiquitous creature, feasting largely on dead skin cells, and
in doing so, secretes a protein called Der p 1. The function of the protein
is not clear, but at least its presence is correlated with allergic responses.
Symptoms
Inhalation of these allergens irritates the nasal lining, causing sneezing,
running nose, and inflammation of the passageways. Over time, the allergies
are thought to lead to asthma, which is characterized by wheezing, shortness-of-breath,
and other respiratory-related symptoms.
Dust mites are everywhere, so why are they always associated with down or
other types of bedding? The reason is because down and other bedding, linens, mattresses
etc, are repositories for shedded skin cells, and attract dust mites. Even in
down alternatives one will likely find a few mites.
Three Ways to Minimize Allergies
There are roughly three ways to manage symptoms of dust mite allergies. The first is the natural way
known as allergen avoidance. The second is through use of relieving medication.
The third is a long-term medical strategy called immunotherapy. We will not go into
the medication here, as it's a long topic most suited for conversation with your doctor.
You can likely find some more information online. What we will focus on is the natural
way of managing allergies.
Eliminating Allergen
The natural way, allergen avoidance, indicates that the Der p 1 protein should
be eliminated or avoided as much as possible. There are several ways to do that.
Patients can purchase tight-woven fabric known as allergen-proof covers for pillows,
sheets, and comforters. Consider purchasing down alternatives that have been
shown to reduce allergies in people. These steps prevent the accumulation
of allergens and the settling of dust mites in the bedding.
An effort should be made to wash sheets weekly in water that is at or a bit over
130 F. These temperatures should kill or stunt dust mite proliferation. Not only
that, but hot water will help destroy and flush out the offending allergen.
Regular Cleaning
Allergy sufferers can take additional steps not related to bedding. For example,
regular vacuuming and dusting with wet clothes will help remove as many dust mites
as possible. Furthermore, rugs and carpets that can become repositories for both
shedded skin and mites should be removed from the premises.
