In India, approximately 20 – 30% of the total population, suffer from at least one allergic disease and out of this, about 15% develop Asthma. Globally, having an allergy to pollen (also commonly known as hay fever) is one of the 10 most common allergies. But what is an allergy? It is a condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance that is not typically harmful to your body. Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens. While symptoms can be managed medically, understanding your allergy triggers enables you to better anticipate your allergy flare-ups and take precautions when necessary.
Anticipate allergy flare-ups
Different types of pollen trigger reactions for different people – some people are allergic to tree pollen which is common in spring; others have a problem with grass pollen which is more of a summertime issue, while others have trouble with weed pollen which is common in the fall.
Beyond the seasons, temperature, time of day, humidity, and rain affects pollen counts. Many plants release pollen early in the morning and when the weather is sunny and warm – these conditions are when pollen counts are likely to soar. Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are high goes a long way to reducing a flare-up of allergy symptoms. Staying indoors before, during, and immediately after thunderstorms and keeping your windows closed can also reduce your exposure to pollen allergens.
Understanding the type of pollen that triggers your allergy symptoms and when it peaks, enables you to anticipate your allergy flare-ups and take preventive measures to minimise allergy symptoms.
Look for potential triggers in your home
According to the Global Dust Study, just 10% people think that pollen constitutes household dust. With pollen spores being as small and lightweight as they are, and with the continuous air exchange between the indoor and outdoor environment, it is inevitable that outdoor dust particles such as pollen can be found in the house. Pollen particles can stick to one’s hair, clothes, and even pets and be brought into the home.
The Global Dust Study reveals that 19% people wear their outdoor shoes in and around their homes while 50% of people do not change their clothes upon entering their homes. Removing your shoes before entering your home and changing your clothes immediately reduces the likelihood of pollen particles that have stuck to them from spreading around the home.
Stick to a cleaning routine
While most people clean their homes regularly, it is important to vacuum beyond just the floors. Pollen particles are extremely small and lightweight, meaning they can become airborne. Open windows mean airborne pollen can enter the home and stick to surfaces including window ledges and curtains. Soft furnishings, fabric covers, pillows, mattresses, sofas, and carpets amongst others can harbour pollen for months and impact one’s health and well-being even outside the peak pollen season.
The best way to reduce pollen allergy symptoms is to minimise your exposure to pollen allergens. Vacuuming different surfaces in the home with a particular focus on upholstery and other neglected spots in the home regularly goes a long way in minimizing your exposure to pollen in the home. However, the act of vacuuming may cause dust particles to become airborne and potentially inhaled. Vacuum cleaners with advanced filtration are essential to ensure that all the nasties in your vacuum stay within your vacuum, rather than being expelled back into your home.
It is also recommended to vacuum in the absence of allergy sufferers and to use an air purifier to eliminate airborne pollen and allergens in the home. Air purifiers are designed to capture a wide range of pollutants and allergens, including the smallest particles that can cause pollen allergies. They can capture 99.95 per cent of particles as small as 0.1 microns and achieve fully-sealed HEPA 13 standard filtration – ensuring that no air bypasses the filter and blocking any potential leak points through which dirty air might enter the machines.
By: Joanne Kang, lead research scientist at Dyson
Anticipate allergy flare-ups
Different types of pollen trigger reactions for different people – some people are allergic to tree pollen which is common in spring; others have a problem with grass pollen which is more of a summertime issue, while others have trouble with weed pollen which is common in the fall.
Beyond the seasons, temperature, time of day, humidity, and rain affects pollen counts. Many plants release pollen early in the morning and when the weather is sunny and warm – these conditions are when pollen counts are likely to soar. Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are high goes a long way to reducing a flare-up of allergy symptoms. Staying indoors before, during, and immediately after thunderstorms and keeping your windows closed can also reduce your exposure to pollen allergens.
Understanding the type of pollen that triggers your allergy symptoms and when it peaks, enables you to anticipate your allergy flare-ups and take preventive measures to minimise allergy symptoms.
Look for potential triggers in your home
According to the Global Dust Study, just 10% people think that pollen constitutes household dust. With pollen spores being as small and lightweight as they are, and with the continuous air exchange between the indoor and outdoor environment, it is inevitable that outdoor dust particles such as pollen can be found in the house. Pollen particles can stick to one’s hair, clothes, and even pets and be brought into the home.
The Global Dust Study reveals that 19% people wear their outdoor shoes in and around their homes while 50% of people do not change their clothes upon entering their homes. Removing your shoes before entering your home and changing your clothes immediately reduces the likelihood of pollen particles that have stuck to them from spreading around the home.
Stick to a cleaning routine
While most people clean their homes regularly, it is important to vacuum beyond just the floors. Pollen particles are extremely small and lightweight, meaning they can become airborne. Open windows mean airborne pollen can enter the home and stick to surfaces including window ledges and curtains. Soft furnishings, fabric covers, pillows, mattresses, sofas, and carpets amongst others can harbour pollen for months and impact one’s health and well-being even outside the peak pollen season.
The best way to reduce pollen allergy symptoms is to minimise your exposure to pollen allergens. Vacuuming different surfaces in the home with a particular focus on upholstery and other neglected spots in the home regularly goes a long way in minimizing your exposure to pollen in the home. However, the act of vacuuming may cause dust particles to become airborne and potentially inhaled. Vacuum cleaners with advanced filtration are essential to ensure that all the nasties in your vacuum stay within your vacuum, rather than being expelled back into your home.
It is also recommended to vacuum in the absence of allergy sufferers and to use an air purifier to eliminate airborne pollen and allergens in the home. Air purifiers are designed to capture a wide range of pollutants and allergens, including the smallest particles that can cause pollen allergies. They can capture 99.95 per cent of particles as small as 0.1 microns and achieve fully-sealed HEPA 13 standard filtration – ensuring that no air bypasses the filter and blocking any potential leak points through which dirty air might enter the machines.
By: Joanne Kang, lead research scientist at Dyson
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