Avoiding allergies

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you're allergic to, although this isn't always easy or practical.

Below is some practical advice that should help you avoid the most common allergens.

House dust mites

One of the biggest causes of allergies are dust mites, which are tiny insects found in household dust. You can limit the number of mites in your home by:

• choosing wood or hard vinyl floor coverings instead of a carpet
• fitting roller blinds that can be easily wiped clean
• choosingleather, plastic or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture
• cleaning cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture regularly, either by washing (at a high temperature) or vacuuming
• using tested allergy-proof covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows
• using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, because it can trap more dust mites than ordinary vacuum cleaners
• regularly wiping surfaces with a damp, clean cloth avoid dry dusting, as this can spread dust into the air

Concentrate your efforts of controlling dust mites in the areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and living room.

You can find more information on allergies in the home on the Allergy UK website.

Pets

It's not the pet fur that causes an allergic reaction. Instead, it's flakes of their dead skin, saliva and dried urine.

If you can't permanently remove a pet from the house, you could try:

• keeping pets outside as much as possible, or limiting them to a particular area of the house, preferablyan areawithout carpet
• not allowing pets in bedrooms
• washing pets at least once aweek
• regularly groomingpets outside
• regularly washing all bedding and soft furnishings on which a pet has lain
• using an air filter in rooms where you spend most of your time
• increase ventilation with fans, air-conditioning or by opening windows

If you're visiting a friend or relative with a pet, ask them not to dust or vacuum on the day you're visiting, as this will stir up the allergens into the air. Taking an antihistamine medicine about an hour before entering a pet-inhabited house can also help reduce your symptoms.

The Allergy UK website has more information about domestic pet allergies .

Mould spores

Tiny particles released by moulds can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

You can help prevent this by:

• keeping your home dry and well-ventilated
• removing any indoor pot plants from your home
• not drying clothes indoors, store clothes in damp cupboards or packing clothes too tightly in wardrobes
• dealing with any damp and condensation in your home
• avoiding damp buildings, damp woods and rotten leaves, cut grass and compost heaps

Food allergies

By law, food manufacturers must clearly label any foods that contain something that's known to cause allergic reactions in some people. By carefully checking the label for the list of ingredients, you should be able to avoid an allergic reaction.

People with food allergiesmost often experience an allergic reaction while eating out at a restaurant. You can avoid this by:

• not relying on the menu description alone (remember, many sauces or dressings could contain allergens)
• communicating clearly with the waiting staff and asking for their advice
• avoiding places where there's a chance that different types of food could come into contact with each other, such as buffets or bakeries
• let restaurant staff you know your dietary requirements, including how severe your food allergy or intolerance is
• always check what allergens are in the dish even if you have eaten it before, as recipes and ingredients can change

Remember, simple dishes are less likely to contain "hidden" ingredients. If you're not sure about a dish, dont risk it

Doctors often call hay fever allergic rhinitis.

Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, so the months that you get hay fever will depend on what sort of pollen(s) you are allergic to. Typically, people are affected during spring (trees) and summer (grasses).

Tohelpkeep your hay fever under control,you can:

• check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when it's high, if possible
• avoid drying clothesand bedding outside when the pollen count is high
• wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
• keep doors and windows shut when possible
• shower and change your clothes after being outside
• avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fieldsparticularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest
• if you have a lawn,try asking someone else to cut the grass for you

Insect bites and stings

If you've ever suffered a bad reaction to an insect bite or sting, it's important to take precautions to minimise your risk.

When you're outdoors, particularly in the summer, you could:

• cover exposed skin
• wear shoes
• apply insect repellent
• avoid wearing strong perfumes or fragrances, as these can attract insects

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Preventing severe allergies (anaphylaxis)

If you'reat risk of experiencing asevere allergic reaction ( Anaphylaxis ), make sure you carry two adrenaline auto-injectorswith youeverywhere.

Wearing a MedicAlert or Medi-Tag medallion or bracelet can make others aware of your allergy in an emergency.

Consider telling your teachers, work colleagues and friends, so they can give you your adrenaline injection in an emergency, while waiting for an ambulance.

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