Many of us don’t realize that we spend about one-third of each day at home (except less for workaholics) and during this time we are exposed to potential indoor allergens. 

The most common causes of indoor or year-round allergies include house dust, dust mites, pet dander, feather bedding, mold spores and cockroach allergens. During the wintertime, indoor air is rather dry and we may feel it with parched, chapped lips and dry skin.  Many people prefer to use an indoor humidifier to moisturize the air for greater comfort as well as to soothe dry nasal and sinus passages.

The number one indoor allergen for most people with allergies is the “house dust mite” (a potent indoor allergen within dust).  These spider-like critters (fortunately you cannot see them without a microscope) love to inhabit warm, cozy places like pillows, mattresses, box springs and duvet covers in the bedroom.  You may have as many as two million dust mites in your bedding!  So what do they need to survive? Moisture! As we moisturize the indoor air with a humidifier, we are actually mobilizing them for a real party as they absorb water from the nearby environment.

If you happen to use a humidifier, it is essential to monitor the level of indoor humidity with a hygrometer (costs about $10-15).  You want to avoid over doing it and keep the level of humidity indoors below 50 percent (shoot for range of 30-50percent).  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning a humidifier and refill with fresh water daily.

Get some more expert advice from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/1107/  and http://www.aaaai.org/winterallergy/2006/. 

Check out the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s website at: http://www.acaai.org/public/indoor/indoor.htm.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

The Yule log is burning in the fireplace and various holiday ornaments are back in use for the holiday season. This is a particularly tricky time for those affected by indoor allergies, sinus problems, asthma and other respiratory disorders. Each year my staff and I take the extra time to educate our allergy sufferers and better prepare them for the onslaught of holiday and winter-time allergies. 

First, do you notice that when the family Christmas tree, complete with holiday ornaments makes its appearance in your home, your nasal, eye, sinus and various respiratory symptoms begin to worsen?  Live Christmas trees can trigger mold allergies and the spores that thrive on their branches can trigger weeks of suffering. 

Many people consider pine tree pollen to be the primary cause of their allergy symptoms during the holidays. But, while it’s possible to have an allergy to pine tree pollen, you’re much less likely to have symptoms during the Christmas season because pine trees mostly pollinate in the spring.

Christmas trees are a source for mold spores which attach to the branches and needles. Because these trees may be cut up to two months before they arrive in your home, and are kept alive by daily watering, which over time, can lead to mold growth. 

Typically, spore counts in your house climb when evergreen trees are brought indoors. Connecticut allergist Philip Hemmers, who recently studied this holiday phenomenon, found that indoor mold counts in a home with a Christmas tree increased to five times the normal level within two weeks of bringing the tree indoors. So if you are allergic to mold, try running an air cleaner in the same room as the tree and shorten the length of time you have the tree in the house to limit mold exposure. And for those who are sensitive to odors, avoiding live Christmas trees may be a wise decision because the aroma could irritate their eyes and nose.

Terpene, which is found in the oil and sap of many evergreen trees and wreaths, is also a potential allergy culprit. Terpene can cause skin rashes when it comes in contact with the skin of allergic individuals. 

So, how can you reduce the risks of Christmas tree allergies interfering with your holidays? Here are some tips that may help:

• When handling a live tree, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves, to prevent sap and resins from irritating the skin. 
• The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology  suggests that you allow your tree to dry out on an enclosed porch or garage before bringing it indoors, while keeping the trunk in a bucket of water so it doesn’t die.
• You also may want to explore whether your tree retailer provides a shaking machine, which will physically remove some allergens from the tree.  
• Be sure to clean ornaments and lights before decorating your tree to rid them of dust and mold. 

Artificial trees remain an option for people with mold allergies, but even artificial trees can aggravate allergies. They tend to collect dust and mold since they’re in storage for most of the year. If you have an artificial tree, store it in a cool, dry place, and wipe it down or wash it before putting it up.

The risks associated with a real or artificial tree can be reduced significantly by following simple precautions:

• Use a cloth to wipe clean your artificial tree.
• Decorations stored for the past year in a damp basement may harbor molds or dust mites. Whenever possible, keep ornaments and decorations stored in dry areas, off the floor in plastic bags. It is also a good idea to wash your hands after unpacking them.
• The ever popular holiday plant, the poinsettia, belongs to the same plant family as the Brazilian rubber tree from which latex is obtained. Direct contact with a broken poinsettia leaf can trigger a rash or allergy symptoms if you are sensitive to latex rubber.  
• Candles and incense can trigger allergies, but by using soy and beeswax candles you can reduce your risk of suffering respiratory symptoms.

Generally, cooler months dictate we will spend a greater amount of each day indoors.  This fact translates into more exposure to indoor allergens, very relevant if you have indoor allergies and asthma.  Very good questions include: “shall I use an air filter, humidifier or do I try and avoid dusting or using a vacuum”, if I suspect I may have indoor allergies?

Each fall a change-over from the warmer and humid summer into the cooler and drier air found during the fall occurs each year.  Make it an opportunity to look at the ventilation in your home (i.e. forced air heating, central air-conditioning, air filtration, closed windows, etc).   Have you noticed more nasal congestion upon arising in the morning, sneezing, cough or red, irritated eyes?  If so, you may something in common with the 40 million Americans who suffer with indoor allergies.  Indoor allergies can also trigger asthma and be associated with sinus complaints as well.

What are the “most wanted culprits” that are responsible for indoor allergies? Here they come! First, the ubiquitous, indoor house dust mite, a microscopic spider mite that loves to inhabit your mattress and pillows (in fact there are about 2 million mites in bedding). They are probably the most likely indoor allergy allergen that causes allergy symptoms.

Second, molds also may float in the air, like pollens and are present throughout the year. They may be more likely to be present in indoor spaces such as attics, below ground basements and playrooms, bathrooms, from refrigerator drip pans and leaky faucets.  In many cases a mildew odor may be a tip off that you have a “mold problem”. 

Third, pets are found in over 100 million households in the US (a 50/50 spread between cats and dogs, again just an estimate). About 10-15 of individuals with allergies have “pet” allergies.  Does the color of cat hair or the gender of your pet dictate whether you may suffer more?  Stay tuned for an upcoming blog on pet allergies. 

Another additional indoor allergy is duck or goose feather found in bedding and pillows.  Remember, get tested as you may not be allergic or bothered at all by feather pillows, so find out for sure! Lastly, cockroach allergy can trigger indoor suffering as well as asthma, especially in apartment complexes in urban areas.  They are most likely to inhabit kitchens. 

For some terrific strategies to get your home ready if you or a family member has indoor allergies check out the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at http://aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/1005/ or the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at http://www.acaai.org/public/facts/indoor.htm to learn more about how to reduce exposure and allergic triggers.   

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.