World Allergy Week 2019: Focus on Controlling Environmental Allergens

In addition to other factors, our environment contributes a lot to allergies. We should be aware of what things can be controlled in our environment.

Pigeons:

There is a huge controversy regarding pigeons in metros. Pigeons are fed for religious purposes. this creates a lot of problems

Pigeons clustering create a nuisance. The metro railway strictly instructs pigeons should not be fed near metro lines
Their droppings and feathers can cause severe allergies, especially for asthmatic patients. The droppings on window ledges, etc can cause media for harboring fungi like aspergillus which themselves cause allergies. They are harmful for asthmatic patients
Pigeons roost in skyscrapers and old buildings. They build nests on top AC units, window ledges, etc. Their nests are messy and unhygienic
Pigeons harbour organisms which can cause chronic lung diseases

Tips to avoid pigeons:

Install pigeon netting on windows and in balconies to restrict their entry
Put barbed wire or glass shards to discourage pigeons from roosting in certain areas
And first and foremost, discourage feeding of pigeons in residential and community areas.

Cockroaches:

Cockroaches are a huge menace for allergies.

Cockroaches multiply quickly. They reside in crevices, in drains, in the kitchen, etc.
Cockroaches love to hide in tight places. If a few cockroaches are visible outside, large numbers of them are hidden in your home.
Cockroach dust, urine and feces are highly allergenic. Cockroaches spread a lot of diseases.

Tips to prevent cockroaches:

Keep your kitchen and surroundings clean. Store groceries in properly closed containers.Spilled food and food particles attract cockroaches.
Do a proper pest control.However cockroach allergens will be persistent for upto 6 months in the environment after that
Get drains, etc cleaned regularly

Petrol and diesel fumes:

In the modern age it is difficult to escape from petrol and diesel fumes. They are highly irritant and aggravate existing allergies.To minimize this

Industrial and occupational pollutants:

These vary from industry to industry. Cotton mills, textiles, etc cause chronic lung diseases due to fibres and fungus harboured on them

Cigarette Smoke:

This is one of the most dangerous pollutant in our environment
Smoking injures the delicate lining of the lungs and air passages
Carbon particles and toxic chemicals get lodged inside our lungs
Passive smoking is more harmful than active smoking. Your loved ones are suffering worse than you are !

Solution: Stop the habit!

Smoking is a major risk factor for early onset asthma and various lung diseases

Pollution inside your home:

Our homes are not spared from pollutants too:

Deo spray: Reduce the use of room sprays and aerosols. They can trigger allergic attacks
Insect repellant: Overnight plug ins and mosquito coils should be avoided, as the toxic fumes are released throughout the night. The insecticides are highly toxic and should be used with caution
agarbattis: The smoke from incense sticks can cause trouble
dust mites: They are discussed in detail in my previous blogs. Basic protective measures should be used to reduce them. https://nucareallergy.com/2018/07/19/dust-mites-tiny-but-troublesome
Pets: Handling of pets should be minimized if you are allergic to them. Don’t allow them into the bedroom.https://nucareallergy.com/2018/08/31/should-fluffy-be-given-a-new-home-how-to-deal-with-pet-allergies
Fungus or Molds: Proper measures should be taken place to minimize household fungi. https://nucareallergy.com/2018/08/26/latest-blog