Oak Brook Allergists - Environmental Control

Environmental Control

One of the most important and useful aspects in the treatment of allergic disease is the separation of the patient from the substance(s) to which he or she is allergic. This is especially important in the case of inhaled allergens, for example: Ragweed, grass, tree pollens, molds, animal dander, house dust and dust mites. It is well known that even though a patient may not be able to completely avoid (throughout the course of the day) all inhalant allergens, the time spent in a well controlled environment, especially through the night, will help reduce the severity of the symptoms on subsequent exposure. It is difficult to strictly control the entire house, but a single room, the bedroom, can be controlled fairly easily. Instructions pertaining to the control of a bedroom can also be used within reason throughout the rest of the house.

To prepare an environmentally controlled room, the following points are necessary:

1.	The room itself should be simply furnished. No stuffed furniture, the floors should be tile or hardwood, large rugs or carpeting should not be present regardless of the type of fiber as any carpeting fiber will hold dust and other allergenic particles and be virtually impossible to clean thoroughly. Plain small washable curtains can be used on the windows; drapes or Venetian blinds should not be used.
2.	Avoid wall pennants, macrame hangings and other potential dust collectors. Large cracks which can hold dust or molds should be patched and painted.
3.	The mattress and pillows should be encased in an allergy proof cover. It should be carefully noted that if two beds are present in the bedroom both are treated in like manner even though only one person occupying the room is allergic. The blankets, bed sheets and mattress pad should be washed in hot water (130 F) at least once a week. Completely avoid the use of wool blankets, down feather comforters and feather pillows.
4.	Closets should contain only clothes used daily and must be kept clean. Other clothing not in use should be moved to another room or placed in zippered plastic bags.
5.	Forced air heat is a large source of dust and other allergenic material. Cover hot air vents with filters or 4-6 layers of cheese cloth which can be changed every 2 weeks or when dirty. Also remember to change the furnace filters monthly.
6.	All surfaces in the bedroom should be dusted with a damp cloth or with Endust. Remember to wear a face mask when doing household cleaning and vacuuming. (The comfort mask can be purchased at many drug stores).
7.	Substances with strong odors such as hair spray, paint, perfume, moth balls, lacquer and insect sprays should not be used in the bedroom.
8.	Toys, games, books, stuffed animals, dolls, etc., should not be stored in the patient’s room or bedroom closet.
9.	Furred and feathered household pets should not be allowed within the house especially in the bedroom area. This, of course, includes any dog, cat or bird. The presence of any household pet produces a large amount of allergenic substance which will act as a year–round source of irritation to the allergic patient.
10.	In the care of an allergic child, the room should be made pleasant and colorful so that the child will feel comfortable at all times.

Conditioning the air

A.	An electronic or “HEPA” (high energy particulate air cleaner) filter is helpful in further reducing the amount of dust and other allergens in the air. These units can be placed on central forced air heating systems or can be purchased as individual room models. Room models operate most efficiently when run 24 hours a day with the bedroom door closed. If this is not possible, it should run for at least 2 hours before using the bedroom at night. Central models: Fan has to run continuously and all the windows must be kept closed. Heat and/or air conditioning can be either on or off. Maintain the room(s) at a comfortable temperature, but always keep the fan on.
B.	An air conditioner either installed on a central forced air system or a window unit is also useful, particularly for those patients who suffer from allergies due to pollen and mold spores present during the warm months. The primary purpose of the air conditioner is to allow the windows to be kept closed and decrease humidity. Bedroom windows must be kept closed at all times during the allergic season. The air conditioner should have an adequate filter which is changed or washed every 1-2 weeks, and it is suggested that a model with a thermostat be purchased so the temperature may be regulated.
C.	Adequate humidification is important during the winter months when the air becomes quite dry. Humidification can be accomplished through a good centrally installed humidifier or through a large capacity portable unit (approximately 10 gallons per 24 hours). Portable humidifiers and vaporizers should be cleaned at least weekly and kept free of any mold which frequently grows on them. Humidity should be maintained between 25% and 45% depending on the outdoor temperature. Exceeding this can make your allergies worse, e.g. the dust mite population increases when humidity levels are greater than 50%.
D.	Less expensive aids for environmental control include special disposable or cleanable furnace filters and “mite proof” vacuum bags. There are specialty stores in the area as well as mail order houses that sell these items. Catalogs are available at the reception desk.