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In this month’s issue of Montana Parent magazine, I focus on preparing for indoor allergy season. Soon the more prominent outdoor allergen exposures like pollen will be waning. In fact, in the U.S. people spend about 90% of their time indoors. As children return to school, that indoor environment is very important. Likewise, allergens at home and especially in the bedroom can be problematic.

Allergens at school:

• Dust: it may not be “house dust” but a school classroom closed up over the summer will become dusty. Where still used, chalk dust can be an irritant to most individuals, but especially those with allergies and asthma.
• Animal Dander: Dander from our furry friends at home can be transported to school on clothing. There is enough dander in classrooms to trigger allergy symptoms on the sensitized student, even if a pet has not visited the school.
• Mold: Fungal spores can be both outdoors and indoors. This is especially common where water leaks have led to damaged particle or wallboard. Dampness and a musty smell is a sign suggestive of a mold problem.
• Pollen: Even those outdoor pollens can become indoor allergens when doors and windows are left open. This is most common in school classrooms that lack air conditioning in the early fall.
• Cockroaches: In areas where food is prepared or eaten, crumbs left out will attract bugs!

Allergens at home:

• Pets: 62% of all homes in the U.S. have a pet. Animal dander and feather plume allergens are light and easily airborne, thus making there way throughout the home, even if the pet is “not allowed” in the bedroom. Don’t fool yourself that pet fur vs. pet hair is different when it comes to allergies. It’s the DANDER-this is the skin scales or dandruff from the pet’s skin! After reading this, if you still believe in “hypo-allergenic” furry pets, I have some bad news for you….
• Mold: Just like at school, mold at home can occur indoors as well as be transfered from the outside.
• House dust mite is the major part of house dust. The highest concentrations are in the bedroom in pillows, mattresses, carpeting, and drapes. Don’t buy a new pillow or mattress, simply obtain allergy-proof encasements from Mission Allergy http://www.missionallergy.com/
• Feathers: these allergens in feather pillows, down comforters or duvets can make for an especially bad night’s sleep for the person with feather allergy. To keep your feather pillow and down comforter, obtain allergy-proof encasements from Mission Allergy. http://www.missionallergy.com/

To read the article in Montana Parent magazine, go to page 42 at this link: http://digital.turn-page.com/i/356897

At Family Allergy & Asthma Care of Montana, we want you to be informed on indoor allergens. Now people, grab your broom or vacuum cleaner and get to work!

This information is solely for informational purposes and not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional.