The causative agents of rhinoconjunctivis and seasonal asthma are elements present in the air, causing discomfort and disease in a high percentage of the population. The main cause of rhinoconjunctivities and seasonal asthma are pollens and dust mites.
Recommendations for patients allergic to pollens:
- Keep the home, and especially the bedroom, closed during most of the day. Ventilate daily for 15-20 minutes in the late afternoon. Keep windows closed at night.
- Reduce outdoor activities from 5:00-10:00 am and from 7:00-10:00 pm and from 7:00-10:00 pm.
- Avoid outdoor activities (sports, walking, cycling, etc.) during dry and hot days, as there is a higher concentration of pollens.
- Avoid visits to areas with a higher concentration of plants and trees (parks, gardens, rose gardens, etc.).
- Wear sunglasses when going outdoors, especially on windy days, so you can protect your eyes from direct contact with the air and the pollens it carries.
- When returning home, it is recommended to shower as soon as possible to remove pollen grains that may have stuck to clothes or hair.
- Do not leave clothes worn during the day in the bedroom, air them outside and if possible, wash them before wearing them again.
- Do not air dry clothes on days with high counts.
- Keep the windows closed when traveling by car and make sure that the filters are properly maintained. When traveling by motorcycle, it is advisable to use full-face helmets, which should always be kept completely closed.
Recommendations for the patient allergic to dust mites:
- Avoid the use of carpets, rugs and curtains in the home. Especially in the bedroom of the allergic person.
- Avoid air heating, since it tends to suspend dust in the environment.
- Keep the bedroom and the house well ventilated, avoiding humidity (15-20 minutes a day is enough). If possible, use dehumidifiers.
- Ventilate the pillow daily. It is advisable to use anti-dust mite protective covers.
- Use synthetic fiber bed linen and wash at least once a week at 65ºC or higher.
- If a stuffed animal or similar is kept in the room, this should also be washed weekly at a temperature above 65ºC and then put in the freezer for several hours.
- Avoid storing damp clothes in the closet.
- During dusting it is recommended:
- Use a mask.
- Clean the dust using a damp cloth.
- Avoid sweeping. Use a damp mop or HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
- Perform frequent vacuum cleanings in the vehicle.
Bibliography:
Capítulo 1. El libro de las enfermedades alérgicas. Editores: Dr. José Manuel Zubeldia, Dra. M.ª Luisa Baeza, Dr. Tomás Chivato, Dr. Ignacio Jáuregui y Dr. Carlos J.Senent. https://www.fbbva.es/alergia/los-responsables-de-la-rinoconjuntivitis-y-el-asma-alergicas/alergia-por-polenes-que-son-y-como-evitarlos/
