Preventing allergic rhinitis

The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes it.

Butthis isn't always easy. Allergens, such as dust mites, aren't always easy to spot and can breed in even the cleanest house.

It can also be difficult to avoid coming into contact with pets, particularly if they belong to friends and family.

Below is some advice to help youavoid the most common allergens.

House dust mites

Dust mites are one of the biggest causes of allergies. They're microscopic insects that breed in household dust.

To help limit the numberof mites in your house, you should:

• consider buying an air-permeable occlusive mattress and bedding covers this type of bedding acts as a barrier to dust mites and their droppings
• choose wood or hard vinyl floor coverings instead ofcarpet
• fit roller blinds that can be easily wiped clean
• regularly clean cushions, soft toys, curtains and upholstered furniture, either by washing or vacuuming them
• use synthetic pillows and acrylic duvets instead of woollen blankets or feather bedding
• use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA)filterit can remove more dust than ordinary vacuum cleaners
• usea clean damp cloth to wipe surfaces dry dusting can spread allergens further

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

Pets

It isn't pet fur that causes an allergic reaction, but exposure to flakes of their dead skin, saliva and dried urine.

If you can't permanently remove a pet from the house, you may find the following tips useful:

• keep pets outside as much as possible or limit them to one room, preferably one without carpet
• don't allow pets in bedrooms
• wash pets at least once a fortnight
• groom dogs regularly outside
• regularly wash bedding and soft furnishingsyour pet has been on

If you're visiting a friend or relative with a pet, ask them not to dust or vacuum on the day you're visiting because it will disturb allergens into the air.

Taking anantihistamine medicine one hour before you enter a house with a pet can help reduce your symptoms.

Pollen

Different plants and trees pollinate at different times of the year, so when you get allergic rhinitis will depend on what sort of pollen(s) you're allergic to.

Mostpeople are affected during the spring and summer months because this is when most trees and plants pollinate.

To avoid exposure to pollen, you may find the following tips useful:

• check weather reports for the pollen count and stay indoors when it's high
• avoid line-drying clothes and bedding when the pollen count is high
• wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen
• keep doors and windows shut during mid-morning and early evening, when there's most pollen in the air
• shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after being outside
• avoid grassy areas, such as parks and fields, when possible
• if you have a lawn, consider asking someone else to cut the grass for you

Mould spores

Moulds can grow on any decaying matter, both in and outside the house. The moulds themselves aren't allergens, but the spores they release are.

Spores are released when there's a sudden rise in temperature in a moist environment, such as when central heating is turned on in a damp house or wet clothes are dried next to a fireplace.

To helpprevent mould spores, you should:

• keep your home dry and well ventilated
• when showering or cooking, open windows but keep internal doors closed to prevent damp air spreading through the house, and use extractor fans
• avoid drying clothes indoors, storing clothes in damp cupboards andpacking clothes too tightly in wardrobes
• deal with any damp and condensation in your home

and how to get rid of damp and mould.