How to allergy-proof your home

21st December 2022

How to allergy-proof your home

If you’re a house-proud person, there’s probably no better feeling than having everything spick and span. The floor’s had a good mop or vacuum and everything’s in its rightful place. But what if we told you it might not be as clean as you think? To you, it’s perfect, but to people with allergies? There could be a stray hair or bit of dust that’s going to set them off.

Yes, something as simple as travelling to someone else’s home can be a chore for someone with an allergy. You go to your friend’s house only for the dog hair on the sofa to bring you out in a painful rash. 

With this being the festive season, you might be about to entertain some guests. So what can you do to allergy-proof your home and keep them feeling comfortable?

What to be aware of

Let’s start with the mystery allergens you should know about. There are some that are likely to be more common than others in a home, and while they might not bother you, they might be the bane of someone else’s existence.

First, there’s dust. It builds up in every crevice, and if you’re only cleaning where you can see it, you might have missed some. Then there’s mould, though this might be less prevalent. It’s still worth looking out for in rooms where it often appears, such as the bathroom.

If you have a pet, then pet dander could be an issue. This also has a habit of getting everywhere you don’t want it to be. Depending on the season, pollen might be lurking too, sticking to everything as it is wont to do. Lastly, food allergies. You may think someone has to eat something to have a reaction, but sometimes food particles are enough to set them off.

What will help with guests is knowing what their allergies are. This way, you can appropriately prepare. Now we’ve covered that, let’s look at our top 3 tips for allergy-proofing your home. 

Tip #1 – Clean, clean, and clean!

You might be the cleanest person in the world, but it still might not be enough. If you know you have guests coming over, up your cleaning routine. Do it more often to prevent a build-up of allergens.

You’ll also want to clean in places you might not usually. So make sure to get every shelf, every ornament, every skirting board – even your curtains! Allergens can stick to them like crazy.

Tip #2 – Dealing with your pets

If you have a pet, pay particular attention to areas where they spend time. If your dog is allowed on the sofa, that’s a prime candidate for a deep clean. Their dander will get everywhere, especially on the carpet. If you can afford the investment, a high-power vacuum designed for pet hair would be best.

Your cleaning routine also extends to your pet. Giving them regular baths ensures they don’t have allergens tangled in their fur. And regular brushing (done outside) gets rid of loose hair.

Tip #3 – Thinking about food

As we said earlier, a simple food particle is sometimes enough to trigger someone’s allergies. In these cases, their symptoms are likely to be respiratory. So they may suffer from breathing difficulties, and in worst-case scenarios, this can lead to potentially fatal outcomes.

Especially over this holiday period, think twice about the food you have. If you know you’re feeding your guests, ask about any allergens and take them seriously. But if you’re not, then keep food away from any guests and stay out of the kitchen just in case.

Being considerate about someone’s allergies doesn’t have to take a lot of effort. But the gesture will mean a lot if you allergy-proof your home. So whether it’s for the benefit of any guests over the holidays or you carry this advice into the new year, take our tips and become an even better allergy ally.

Having an allergy doesn’t mean you can’t live a normal life. If you ever have any concerns about your potential allergies, feel free to reach out to us. You can register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Is an end to dog allergies in sight?

26th January 2022

Is an end to dog allergies in sight?

For any animal lover, a dog allergy is as bad as it can get. Missing out on cuddling up to a furry friend isn’t a prospect many like the sound of. But for some people, it’s their reality. As many as 3 in 10 people could have an allergy to dogs (and cats). And it’s common in people who already have allergic asthma or hay fever.

But researchers in Japan might have laid the groundwork for an answer to people’s dog allergy woes. One preliminary study shows positive signs for creating a dog allergy vaccine. While we’ll stress it’s very early days, it could be promising. Let’s look at what they’ve been up to.

The research

Towards the end of 2021, researchers published their early findings in the Federation of European Biochemical Societies journal. Now, before we dive into it, it’s worth mentioning that there are actually seven types of dog allergens – the molecules that cause an allergic reaction. So finding one single “cure” isn’t simple.

But one particular allergen – “Can f 1” – causes the majority of allergic reactions to dogs. Meaning figuring out an answer to this one could help a lot of people. The problem is that not much is known about its structure. Specifically, its ‘epitopes’ – the part that is recognised by our immune system and leads to an allergic reaction.

So the research so far has involved a process called “X-ray crystallography”. This has been used to shed some light on the structure of Can f 1 and, hopefully, narrow down where this epitope is on it.

The results

Through the X-ray crystallography, the researchers found some similarities to other dog allergens. But the key is in the differences they found in the electrical charges. This could lead them to some good candidates for the epitope.

What’s next? Further research is needed to narrow the candidates down, but it’s still a big step forward. The ultimate goal is to create a vaccine that introduces small amounts of the allergen into the system – no different from any other vaccine.

Talking about the work, Takashi Inui – a specialist in allergy research and lead author on the study – had this to say: “We want to be able to present small doses of these epitopes to the immune system to train it to deal with them, similar to the principle behind any vaccine. But we can’t do this without first identifying the Can f 1’s IgE epitope.”

In reality, what they find could mean a lot for many allergies, not just dog allergies. But that’s well in the future. For now, we’ll have to learn to live with our allergies and continue to look after our health. One day, though, we might be able to truly live in peace.

You can’t wait for an allergy vaccine, so don’t leave yours untreated. Our allergy specialists can help you cope with any sensitivities you may have and give you the best advice to stay safe. Register as a new patient here or call us on 02031 433 449.

Q&A: What to do when you find out you’re allergic to your dog

24th February 2021

Q&A: What to do when you find out you’re allergic to your dog

Plenty of people in the UK love their pets. It could be a cat that lazes around the house all day, a bird that sings to them, or a lizard bathing itself under a heat lamp. By far the most popular pet is man’s best friend – the dog. It’s estimated there are about 9 million dogs in the UK and with the lockdown, there’ll be plenty more.

But what happens when you realise you’re actually allergic to your new furry friend? We’re here to answer your questions about what to do if you’re allergic to your dog.

Can I keep my dog?

The first question on many people’s minds will be whether they can keep their loyal companion. The answer is, usually, yes – if you’re prepared to live with the consequences. The advice from doctors would probably be to bite the bullet and find a new home for them. It won’t be easy, but it will help you live easier.

I don’t want to give them away. What else can I do?

If you really don’t want to part ways (and we can easily understand why), there are precautions you can take to minimise allergic reactions. Keep windows open to stop a build-up of pet dander, the culprit that usually causes your reactions. Stay on top of your cleaning schedule, vacuuming daily around areas your dog spends time. Don’t let them on furniture such as beds and sofas.

Also, talk to your doctor. They may have more advice or be able to prescribe medication to ease your symptoms.

Could something else be causing my allergy?

There is a chance it might not be your dog. If they spend a lot of time outside, they might be bringing pollen in on their hair, aggravating your hay fever. They may even have some hitchhikers, and your allergy is to the mites instead. Regularly washing your dog and watching where they go can help with this.

What if I don’t have a dog yet? Can I still get one?

If you know you’re allergic to dogs and still want one, definitely give it some consideration. Ask yourself if potentially having symptoms every day is worth it. If you still want a dog, there are some that might be better for you. Those that shed less, thus leaving less pet dander, might help. Though keep in mind that no dog breed is truly ‘hypoallergenic’ – i.e. completely allergy-free.

How can I be sure I have a dog allergy?

The only way to be 100% sure is to have a doctor or allergy specialist test you for allergies. Through one of many methods, they can help uncover what allergies are holding you back. When you want medical advice, this should be your first port of call.

We know the choice between your health or your pet can be a tough one. But you should put yourself first and find a solution that works for both of you.

At Allergy Clinic London, we can test you for a range of allergies, helping you live a healthier life. To find out more, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.