Avoid things that make your allergic rhinitis worse

People with allergic rhinitis should not smoke and should avoid other people’s cigarette smoke. Smoking makes asthma and rhinitis worse, and can prevent medications working properly. Bushfires and wood smoke may worsen allergic rhinitis and asthma. Often the same allergens will trigger both allergic rhinitis and asthma, so it is useful to identify triggers and avoid them if possible. Avoiding common allergens like pollens and house dust mite can be difficult and expensive. House dust mite The house dust mite is a very common cause of allergies in humid areas of Australia. In theory, it makes sense for people who are allergic to house dust mite to try to avoid contact with mites, but there is not good evidence that this will improve symptoms.   Many ways of avoiding house dust mite have been suggested. In scientific studies, the two things most often reported to reduce the number of mites in the home are: Washing all bedding in hot water (must be over 55 degrees Centigrade) Covering mattresses and pillows with mite-proof cases. These are specially labelled and sold for preventing contact with house dust mite.  Your doctor may suggest other things you can do around your home. Some of the ways to avoid house dust mite are expensive and take up a lot of time.

Important points There is no point attempting to avoid common allergens (e.g. pollens or house dust mite) unless a doctor has confirmed that you are allergic to these and that they are helping to cause your allergic rhinitis. Vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters may remove more allergen than other vacuum cleaners, but there is no evidence that doing this will help control allergic rhinitis or asthma. Sprays to kill mites, home dehumidifiers and air cleaning devices are not effective in controlling allergic symptoms and are not recommended.

Grass pollens

The times of year when pollens are most likely to worry you depend on where you live. Use your nasal spray or antihistamine tablets before going outdoors when pollens cannot be avoided, and keep your asthma reliever and allergic rhinitis medication with you at all times. Some people avoid going outdoors on days with high pollen counts. Avoid hanging washing outside on windy days during pollen seasons.

Some overseas experts recommend sealing doors and windows, and wearing face masks or goggles outside to avoid pollens. These are usually not practical in Australia, but a mask might be useful in special situations, e.g. when driving a tractor during harvest.

Pet allergens

If you are allergic to a pet and you must continue to live in the same household, keep it outside and never let it in the bedroom. You may not be able to control your symptoms properly if the pet remains in your house. Frequently washing pets does not make you less allergic to them and may harm them.

 After removal of a pet from your home, clean the walls, floors and carpet thoroughly, because the particles that cause allergy stick to clothes and surfaces, and remain there long after the pet has gone. Your allergic symptoms may not improve even after you remove the pet. If you know that you are allergic to certain pets, ask friends to keep them outside when you visit, and take your medication before you go.

 Need more information? There is detailed information about how to avoid allergens on the website of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (www.allergy.org.au).