Allergens are Lurking in Almost Every Bedroom (and What to Do About It)

Think it’s OK to skip cleaning the house? A recent study revealing that almost all U.S. homes contain at least one problematic allergen might just change your mind.

The report, which was the nation’s largest indoor allergen study to date, looked at dust samples from bedroom floors in nearly 70,000 homes.

“What they found was, close to 100 percent ― 99 percent of individuals ― had at least one of eight common allergens in their home. And up to 70 percent actually had three or more in their homes,” says allergist Sandra Hong, MD.

A dirty look inside

Researchers studied eight common allergens: cat, dog, cockroach, mouse, rat, mold and two types of dust mites.

They found that homes with animals and pests were most likely to have more than one allergen present, as were older homes, rental homes, mobile homes and homes in rural areas.

Why it matters

Dr. Hong did not take part in the research, but says the findings are important to people who have asthma and allergies, as exposure to these irritants can put them at higher risk for infections and asthma attacks.

To keep symptoms under control, she says it’s essential to cut down on the amount of allergens in the home ― particularly in the bedroom where you breathe them in all night long.

“One common way to do it is actually to get dust mite covers around your bed,” Dr. Hong says. “Do lots of vacuuming, especially on upholstered furniture and also in the bedrooms and carpeting. If you can go carpet-free, that definitely can help.”

Other ways to fight back

Dr. Hong also recommends frequently washing bed linens in hot water and drying them using the hot setting.

If your children have stuffed animals in their beds, wash them in hot water once a week. Or put them in the freezer in a plastic bag to kill off any potential allergens.

Complete results of the study can be found in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

SOURCE: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/allergens-are-lurking-in-almost-every-bedroom-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Back to Blog

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.