As I begin my new journey into Healthy Homes here in the Low
Country I have been fortunate enough to meet Dr. Andrew Davidson of Allergy and
Asthma Consultants.
We all know, along with the beauty of living in the Low
Country come allergies for a lot of us, both in the house and outside. The
following conversation I was able to have with Dr. Andy is a start in the
attempt to understand some of the causes and what to do about them.
Can you tell me about
yourself and what you do?
I am a physician board certified in asthma and clinical
immunology. I treat people with all different kinds of allergy problems
including asthma, hayfever, sinusitis, eczema, hives, and allergic reactions to
various substances including airborne allergens, foods, and medications. In my
office I can perform or order tests to determine which substances are triggers
for a given individual person's symptoms. I then recommend and prescribe
treatments including measures to reduce exposure to allergy triggers,
medications, and sometimes specific allergen immunotherapy which is commonly
referred to as allergy shots.
What are the most
common household allergies?
Dust, in particular particles produced by microscopic dust
mites, is #1. Mold and mildew is a particularly common problem in warm moist
environments or when water damage has occurred. The humid climate and flooding
that are common in the lowcountry make mold a major trigger for allergy and
asthma problems. Animal danders from indoor pets are a problem for individuals
who are sensitive. Pet danders have been found in the dust of homes years after
pets were gone. Cockroach is also a common indoor allergen. Tobacco smoke will
aggravate respiratory problems but is
not considered an allergen, it is an environmental irritant.
Who is affected?
In general, less than half of the population have allergies.
People who do have allergies are affected by indoor allergy triggers but
individual sensitivities vary. For example, if a given person is not allergic
to cats, cat dander will not bother them. Another individual with asthma and
cat allergy may have a life threatening asthma attack when exposed to an indoor
environment were cats have lived. People with asthma, hayfever, sinusitis, eye
allergies, eczema, and hives often have allergies and may be affected by
household allergies.
Can allergies be
triggered by the home environment?
Definitely, I see it every day.
So, how can you
allergy proof your home?
It really depends on which allergy triggers are important
for a given individual or family. For dust mites, mattress and pillow covers
specifically designed for people with dust mite allergy are often helpful.
Frequent vacuuming is recommended. Wood or tile floors are better than carpets
which harbor dust mites. Keeping the relative humidity in the home less than
50% will reduce growth of dust mites and mold. Repairing any areas where water
damage has occurred will reduce mold and mildew. This includes window frames
and flooring, mildew may be present under carpets. Removal of pets from the
household or at least from the bedroom is recommended for those who are
allergic to their pets. Regular exterminator visits should effectively reduce
cockroaches. Air cleaners are not as helpful as most people think but may help
in certain circumstances. It is best not to allow smoking of any kind in a home
where people with respiratory problems reside.
Can you allergy proof
your flooring?
Wood or tile floors are much better than any kind of carpet.
What is the airspeed
velocity of an unladen swallow?
African or European?
Well Dr. Davidson,
this has been most informative, but I am sure some others may have more
personal questions, so if somebody needed an allergist, how would they contact
you?
I work at Allergy and Asthma Consultants with offices in
West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, and
Summerville. You can call 843 881 2030 or 843 832 9588 to schedule an
appointment.