Tweed Coast residents with asthma are being warned to be extra vigilant this autumn, as the season delivers a trifecta of asthma triggers – mould, more dust mites and increased exposure to pet allergens.
Many areas of Australia are experiencing mould problems following an unseasonal wet start to the year; there is an annual autumn indoor dust mite population spike; and, some people face increased exposure to pet allergens as soft-hearted pet owners allow their four legged friends more household access as temperatures plunge. This can all add up to make autumn pretty miserable for many people.
Dust mites are the biggest problem. Around 45 per cent of the population have an allergy and of those people, almost 80 per cent react to dust mites.
In fact, dust mites are the number one trigger for asthma in Australia and research from Sydney’s Woolcock Institute of Medical Research has shown that dust mite levels can increase two to three fold during late autumn, compared with summer levels.
House dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed off human skin scales. They are mostly found in the home and live in soft furnishing such as beds, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture, soft toys and clothing.
The bedroom is the site of greatest exposure to the pesky mite. However, there are a number of avoidance measures and tips to reduce exposure to allergen triggers.
Typical control measures include:
• washing sheets and pillow cases weekly in water hotter than 55oC.
• covering mattress, pillow and quilt with dust mite resistant covers, which must be washed every two months.
• removing soft toys or hot washing them weekly or freezing them overnight.
• dusting hard floors and surfaces with a damp or electrostatic cloth.
• cleaning carpets weekly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
It’s important to remember that dust mite allergy is a perennial problem and dust mite control measures need to be adhered to year round – not just in autumn.
Comprehensive dust mite control advice can be found on the National Asthma Council Australia website: www.NationalAsthma.com.au
Kristine Whorlow
National Asthma Council Australia Chief Executive Officer
