allergens
A third of your life is spent in bed, so think about what you leave behind—sweat, hair, and plenty of dead skin.
Many people around you suffer from mild to severe allergic rhinitis, asthma, or eczema, conditions commonly triggered by urban allergens. These allergies are a result of exposure to environmental irritants, which is why we continuously seek ways to minimize exposure and reduce the risk of triggering allergic reactions.
Common allergens include dust mites, animal dander, fungi, mold spores, and pollen. In Hong Kong, for instance, dust mites are the primary allergens affecting most patients.
A humid environment with abundant food sources creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. Dead skin provides the sustenance dust mites need to survive and reproduce. Unfortunately, such an ideal breeding environment is often found in our beds!
The worst part is that dust mites live and breathe in our beds, yet we can’t see them with the naked eye. Unfortunately, their presence is a known factor that can negatively impact our health.
Mite secretion is a potent allergen, capable of causing serious health issues, including coughing, inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, nasal allergies, shortness of breath, asthma, itchy skin, and eczema.
Of particular concern is the long-term exposure of children to conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, itchy skin, and eczema. These can significantly affect their physical and mental development. The treatment process is often lengthy, costly, and can be a traumatic experience for the child.
Notably, children are most at risk.
Long-term conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, itchy skin, and eczema can severely impact a child’s physical and mental development as they grow. The treatment process is often lengthy and costly, and can be a painful and distressing experience for the child.
Animals are the second most common source of allergens and are highly likely to cause sensitization. This includes cats, dogs, rats (hamsters), birds, and more, with cat allergens being the leading cause of allergic reactions.
Cat allergens are produced in the sebum of the skin. After secretion, these allergens remain on the epidermis and fur. An allergic reaction can occur when a person comes into contact with cat dander.
Over the past few years, numerous studies have shown that asthmatics with animal sensitivities experience more severe symptoms when animals are present in their homes. However, when they are removed from the environment that triggers these sensitivities, their condition tends to improve naturally.
If you have a dog or cat in your home, one thing is certain: their fur is everywhere! You may try to keep your house clean and tidy, but pet fur can still be a constant nuisance, especially during the changing seasons.
