House dust allergy: ventilate in winter

People who are allergic to house dust should make sure their bedrooms are well ventilated in winter, says a German professor.

Heating homes in the cold winter months provides an ideal climate for dust mites to breed, according to Professor Thomas Fuchs of Germany's Professional Association of Allergists.

Lower temperatures and lower humidity levels in a home can reduce the mites' survival rate. It's also a good idea to remove any items that attract dust.

People with dust allergies often treat the symptoms with antihistamines. According to Germany's Association of Pharmacists most antihistamines can be bought over the counter without a doctor's prescription.

"But despite that, you should not take them without getting the advice of a doctor first," warns Fuchs. It's also important to conduct an allergy test before beginning treatment.

Antihistamines help in the short term but become less effective over time. Patients should only take antihistamines as part of a transition phase to the beginning of hypo-sensitisation.

Hypo-sensitisation is a form of therapy whereby the patient is gradually exposed to higher doses of the substance that causes the allergy.

Fuchs says hypo-sensitisation is the best form of treatment in the long term.

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