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Autumn Bad News for UK’s 12 Million Dust Allergy Sufferers
Spending more time inside during cooler months means increased contact with dust. For the estimated 12 million people in the UK who suffer from dust allergy [1], this can cause symptoms to flare up and become difficult to manage. Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg has some useful tips to reduce the effects.
All homes in the UK have dust mites, but due to their tiny size (around 0.25mm) and translucent bodies, they are almost invisible to the naked eye (don’t worry – unless you have a dust mite allergy, they are harmless). A dust mite allergy is in fact a reaction to proteins in the excretion of the dust mites; yes, that’s right, you’re allergic to dust mite poo!
An allergic reaction is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to an otherwise harmless substance. The body reacts. When the allergenic proteins are breathed in or make contact with the skin of an allergic person, the body reacts by producing excess histamines which can cause typical hay fever and/or asthma symptoms – wheezing, sneezing, runny nose and soreness and redness of the in the skin and eyes.
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg offers some practical tips for reducing the effects of allergy danger zones around the home. “Allergen avoidance is the key. You can reduce the number of dust mites in your home by vacuuming floors and damp dusting surfaces regularly. And applying an allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax, around the rims of the nostrils and bones of the eyes reduces the amount of dust allergen getting into the body. If this is enough to keep the sufferer below their trigger level, an allergic reaction won’t occur.
Dust mites thrive in warm humid environments, so take steps to combat these. Our beds are one of their favourite spots, as we spend about a third of our day there, shedding skin cells and creating moisture with our breath and bodies which the microscopic mites need to live on. So use allergy friendly mattress covers and bedding – visit the Allergy UK products and services pages of their website to see approved products.
Dust isn’t the only problem in the home, there are a host of other allergens such as mould spores. Keep the humidity in your house between 40% and 20% to control allergens. Drying clothes indoors over a radiator increases the humidity in your home.
Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build up of allergens on them. It may also be beneficial to install ‘allergy friendly’ flooring. And be careful when using harsh chemicals for cleaning; the fumes can exacerbate breathing problems (a common trigger for asthma).”
HayMax organic drug-free allergen barrier balms have been proven in an independent study to trap dust allergens (as well as other allergens such as pet dander and pollens) in the air before they enter the body [2]. As long as this is enough to keep the sufferer below their sensitivity level, the symptoms won’t be triggered. Applying the balm two or three times a day provides a highly effective, invisible barrier to airborne allergens. It’s also highly cost effective, as one pot can last six months. HayMax has achieved the Allergy Friendly Product Award by Allergy UK.
HayMax drug-free allergen barrier balms retail at £6.99 per pot and are available from Holland & Barrett; selected Morrisons, Waitrose and Boots; independent chemists, pharmacists and health stores; on 01525 406600 and from haymax.biz.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Reference
[1] The Independent, Monday November 14 2011. The newspaper reported that a report by the charity Allergy UK revealed an epidemic of “home fever”, a range of symptoms caused by dust mites and other triggers around the home.
[2] Chief Investigator: Professor Roy Kennedy, Principal Investigator: Louise Robertson, Researcher: Dr Mary Lewis, National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, 1st February 2012.
Common symptoms of dust allergies
• Sore, itchy, watery, red eyes
• Sneezing and wheezing
• Cold like symptoms such as a runny nose and sinus pain (many people believe they have a ‘winter cold’ when their symptoms are a result of spending more time inside amongst dust or pet allergens than in the summer).
• 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. (Visit the Anaphylaxis Campaign website – a charity which supports people with severe allergies).
Max Wiseberg
Max Wiseberg is an expert in airborne allergies (including hayfever and dust and pet allergies). He regularly writes in the press, for publications including The Sunday Mirror, Running Fitness, Health Food Business, The Practicing Midwife, Pharmacy magazines and Your Healthy Living and has appeared on BBC radio, many local radio stations, as well as Fitness TV and the Holiday & Cruise channel. If you would like to arrange an interview with Max or require any further information, please call Ian or Jenny Liddle on 01450 219 246.
About HayMax™
HayMax™ is an organic allergen barrier balm that helps trap pollen, dust and pet allergens. When applied around the rim of the nostrils and/or the bones of the eyes, it forms an invisible barrier which studies show traps dust and pet allergens and over one third of pollen grains before they enter the body [2]. As long as this is enough to keep the sufferer below their sensitivity level, their symptoms won’t be triggered.
It’s 100% drug-free and natural, and its ingredients have been selected to be suitable for pregnant and breast-feeding women as well as children and teenagers. HayMax is Soil Association certified organic, vegetarian and has never been tested on animals. HayMax is the winner of no less than 43 awards and has been talked about by ITV’s Dr Chris Steele MBE on This Morning five times!
ENDS