Asthma and allergy health Triggers of asthma and allergies How to reduce exposure   Asthma allergy relief  The Triggers of Asthma and Allergies No one is sure what causes asthma and allergies, but we do know there are certain triggers. The world’s authorities, such as Asthma Australia, Asthma United Kingdom and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America agree that major triggers of asthma and allergies include airborne pollens and grass seeds, house dust, house dust mites and their faeces and pet dander. "The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are exposure to indoor allergens such as domestic dust mites in bedding, carpets, and stuffed furniture, cat dander and cockroach allergens." - (The USA National Institute of Health) "The air we breathe may include particles that some people are allergic to, such as house dust mite, animal dander, pollens and moulds. When people are "allergic" their immune system reacts in an abnormal way to these specific particles when they inhale or touch them." - (Asthma Victoria) "Particles from 2.5 to 10 microns in diameter tend to collect in the upper portion of the respiratory system affecting the bronchial tubes, nose and throat. Those below 2.5 microns in diameter can infiltrate into deeper portions of the lung and therefore remain in the body longer." - (F.J. Miller "Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association") "75% to 85% of asthmatics have positive reactions to skin tests of house dust. Common house dust is composed of many asthma and allergy triggers such as animal danders, moulds, spores, pollen, dust mites, cockroach allergens. This confirms the long held idea that most asthmatics have an allergic component to their asthma." - (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) How Can Exposure to These Triggers be Reduced?   "Allergy and asthma triggers should be avoided wherever possible. For example, if house dust brings on asthma, try to keep the house as dust-free as possible."- (USA Department of Health and Human Services) "Dust mites and their byproducts are a major allergic factor and their control is essential in the management of asthma." - (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) "Several studies have shown that if indoor allergen exposure can be reduced sufficiently, then asthma symptoms often improve. Also, reducing the allergen exposure in infancy reduces the risk of becoming allergic later and developing asthma." - (Asthma NSW, Australia) Asthma NSW, Australia, recommends that exposure can be minimized by using correct furniture fabrics, making housing too dry for mites to breed in, and using effective cleaning methods. "There is now considerable evidence in the medical literature that indoor airborne fungi exposure can cause numerous adverse health effects in multi-organ systems. "Many epidemiological studies have noted that residential exposure to moulds and or dampness can increase asthma and wheezing incidence or morbidity in both children and adults. "The most important part of treatment for mould-exposed patients is avoidance of fungal exposure and remediation of mould contamination in the home and workplace. (Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine - Vol. 23 No. 1 (April 2004) pages 3-6)  As part of a comprehensive allergy and asthma treatment strategy, prevent exposure to house dust mites while sleeping with allergy protective bedding, in the wash with total laundry care, decrease indoor humidity with dry home dehumidifier, prevent mould spores and cockroach allergens. Improve living with Mite-Y-Fresh service to carpets, mattresses and soft furnishings, plus dust mite controller. Reduce exposure to cigarette smoke and other air borne irritants with an air purifier. Enjoy good health and a sense of vitality, for a free home allergy assessment and consult   SOURCES: The quotations used in this site are public statements made by the organisations concerned, and the orginals are available for verification from Mite-Y-Fresh® on request.