Allergic rhinitis to dust treatment. Allergy to house dust

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Dust is not a specific substance, it contains:

In one house, the main spreaders of dust are soft toys, in another - home textiles, in the third - a huge library, the pride of several generations (paper dust). And road dust contains a large number of a wide variety of elements and chemicals from passing vehicles.

It is the substances that are part of various types of dust that can cause a severe allergic reaction.

Very unpleasant neighbors of people also live in house dust - dust mites. In total, about 150 varieties of ticks are known that can live in a human dwelling. Dust mites are usually divided into 3 subgroups:

• barn.
• predatory species that feed on their counterparts from the first subgroup.
• ticks that accidentally got into the house, which do not multiply in the conditions of the house.

The dust mite's favorite habitat is an apartment filled with various interior items. The tick starts in upholstered furniture, soft toys, blankets, mattresses, bed linen, and books. With an increase in temperature and humidity, the tick begins to multiply rapidly. Tick ​​food is the smallest dead particles of human epidermis, skin, feathers and pet hair.

An allergy to a house dust mite does not appear from the bites of this insect. Provoke the reaction of the waste products of the tick.

Dust can be not only household, but also "professional": the smallest particles of wood, cement, concrete dust, wool and small particles of the skin of farm animals. Often in this case, the reaction develops on chemicals, components of manufactured products, reagents, etc. In this case, it is appropriate to use the term.

It should be noted that in this case it is very easy to confuse the symptoms of an incipient occupational disease (asbestosis, silicosis, etc.) and signs of dust allergy.

House dust composition (mites, pollen, epidermal particles)

A few words about cross allergy when painful manifestations provoke not one, but several allergens, the amino acid structure of which is similar.

1. So, allergy to household dust is often combined with hypersensitivity to seafood (crabs, shrimps, lobsters, lobsters, etc.). In this case, hypersensitivity to fish is usually not observed.
2. In addition, "dust" hypersensitivity is often combined with an allergy to mold and.

Despite the fact that house dust, as well as the fungi and mites that live in it, are a year-round phenomenon, an allergy to house dust is more often exacerbated in spring and summer. In the warm season, especially favorable conditions are created for dust mites and mold fungi.

Dust allergy symptoms

Since this reaction is quite common, it is useful to know how an allergy to house dust manifests itself. Here are the most common dust allergy symptoms in adults.

• allergic rhinitis(sneezing, clear discharge from the nose, swelling of the mucous membrane, perspiration in the nasopharynx, itching);
• conjunctivitis(profuse lacrimation, redness of the whites of the eyes, itching and burning, swelling of the eyelids, temporary decrease in vision, photophobia);
• hives(rash, itching, blisters, hyperemia of the skin)
• asthma(bronchospasm, cough, wheezing)

Sometimes manifestations of allergic bronchial asthma resemble bronchitis. If a person is allergic to house dust, he notices that when he leaves the room, he feels much better.

With the most pronounced manifestation of signs of this hypersensitivity in the morning and at night, there is every reason to suspect an allergy to dust mites.

Allergy symptoms can be exacerbated by factors such as:

• sleep disorder,
• stressful situations
• exacerbation of chronic diseases.

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on how timely the disease was diagnosed and antiallergic therapy was started.

Allergy to dust in a child manifests itself similarly

Its peculiarity is that it passes into bronchial asthma much faster, the probability of severe bronchospasm and suffocation is higher.

An allergy to dust in a baby can even become fatal, because. small children, like no one else, are prone to stop breathing under the influence of even minor stimuli.

In addition, the symptoms of hypersensitivity in them are manifested not only by rhinitis, conjunctivitis and rash, but also:

• fever (up to convulsions),
• tearfulness
• refusal to eat,
• indigestion and sleep disorders.

Diagnostics

For a complete and correct diagnosis, you must consult a doctor. At a consultation with an allergist, you need to talk about the sources of dust at home and in the workplace. It is advisable to provide dust samples from these locations for analysis.

Brief instructions for sample collection

1. Collect dust from curtains, upholstered furniture and other surfaces, but not floor coverings (carpets, etc.).
2. Use a vacuum cleaner for this, with pre-cleaned filters and a container for collecting dust. The required amount of dust is about a quarter of a teaspoon.
3. The resulting amount must be sifted through a fine sieve and placed in a clean container.

To make a diagnosis, skin tests and a blood test for immunoglobulin E are performed.

In its manifestations, an allergic reaction to dust is in many ways similar to a cold, but there are differences.

How to distinguish between allergies and colds?

The symptoms of colds and allergies are very similar. Cough, runny nose, sneezing, headache are characteristic of both conditions. To distinguish one disease from another, it is necessary to notice, after which painful phenomena appeared.

For the treatment of colds, as a rule, one week is enough.

After the examination, the allergist will select the treatment.

Allergy Treatment Methods

It is important to understand:

if you do not start it on time, then the symptoms of an allergy to dust may well worsen. For example, rhinitis can develop into bronchial asthma.

Treatment is carried out in three directions:

• Exclusion or minimization of contact with the allergen;
• drug therapy;
• Measures to improve immunity;

The first direction is the fight against dust in the house and is more related to the prevention section, in which it will be covered.

First aid: how to deal with lung spasms

An asthma attack (bronchospasm) with allergies develops quite rapidly. The patient experiences difficulty in breathing. Shortness of breath is accompanied by wheezing with characteristic whistling sounds. The first aid algorithm for an allergic person is something like this.

• Immediately stop the patient's contact with the allergen.
• Reassure the patient. The success of the treatment depends on this.
• Sit the victim on a chair “on top” (facing the back of the chair), place a pillow under the chest. In this position of the body, the lungs make respiratory movements most easily.
• Provide fresh air.
• Use an inhaler with a bronchodilator (Brikanil, Salbutamol).
• Give the allergy sufferer an antihistamine tablet (Tavegil, Diazolin, Claritin).
• Good anti-asthma drugs are Ephedrine or Eufillin. It is advisable to give an injection, since the tablets begin to act after 40 minutes.
• Be sure to call an ambulance.

Medicinal methods

Photo: Rinsing the nose with saline

Medical therapy is quite diverse. The drug and the medication regimen are prescribed by the attending physician, since the uncontrolled use of medications can only aggravate well-being.

When prescribing medication, it is necessary to take into account factors such as concomitant diseases, pregnancy or lactation. Antihistamines can be prescribed as a last resort to a pregnant or lactating woman under the strict supervision of a specialist.

1. Dust allergy pills such as Cetrin, Claritin and others will quickly relieve allergy symptoms. antihistamines.
2. In addition to pills, your doctor will prescribe nasal drops or eye drops to help relieve conjunctivitis and/or allergic rhinitis. Of the nasal preparations, for example: Nasonex, Avamys. Nasal drops such as Salin, Aquamaris are safe even for pregnant women and babies.
3. As often as possible, it is recommended to wash the nose. This can be done with saline or special preparations - AquaLor, etc.

How long can I take Zyrtec for dust allergies?

With frequently recurring attacks of allergies, as well as with seasonal allergies, the duration of the course is from 20 to 25 days, followed by a break of 2 to 3 weeks

When describing the methods of treating allergic reactions, special attention should be paid to ASIT -. The main difference between this method and all the others is not in the elimination of the manifestations of the disease, but in the fight against the origins of its occurrence.

The technique consists in the gradual introduction of small doses of the allergen into the patient's body. Gradually, the sensitivity to the allergen decreases in the body. The result of this is a long-term remission and a decrease in the number and strength of manifestations of an allergic reaction. ASIT is carried out in relation to a certain allergen in the composition of house dust.

The possibility of carrying out is determined by the allergist. Children are treated from the age of 5 years.

What happens if you do not treat an allergy to household dust?

If you do not pay attention to the symptoms of an allergy, hoping that it will “go away” or, even worse, take medications uncontrollably, the symptoms can become chronic or develop into a more serious illness. For example, in bronchial asthma.

Folk remedies for dust allergies

Treatment with folk remedies takes place, but it is important to remember that this will only be symptomatic therapy, and it is not always effective. Before using these methods and means of treatment, it is necessary to coordinate them with the attending physician.

Consider several methods from the field of traditional medicine that will get rid of unpleasant symptoms:

• For irrigation of the nasal cavity with allergic rhinitis, it helps well tincture of calendula flowers. One teaspoon of flowers is poured with a glass of boiling water, cooled and filtered.
• Helps to get rid of allergic rhinitis and common saline solution(1/3 of a teaspoon of salt is dissolved in a glass of boiled water)
• Get rid of allergic conjunctivitis will help compress using a decoction of cornflower flowers. One teaspoon of flowers is poured into 0.5 cups of boiling water and infused for 20 minutes
• Eucalyptus oil will help to quickly destroy the dust mite. Before washing, soak things for half an hour in water, to which 2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil are added.

Alternative medicine

Hirudotherapy for allergy to dust takes place, but only in the absence of pathology of the blood coagulation system, hypotension and anemia, as well as pregnancy. In general, this method of treatment can increase the overall resistance and tone of the body, but will not affect the pathochemical processes of allergy in any way.

Speleotherapy will also be useful.

How to treat dust allergy with homeopathy?

Before starting treatment with this method, it is important to know that their clinical effectiveness is not supported by serious studies.

The basic principle of treatment, which is used by homeopathic doctors, is "a wedge knocks out a wedge." This is nothing more than the use of very small ("homeopathic") doses of the allergen for the treatment of the patient.

The peculiarity of homeopathic medicines is that they do not accumulate in the body and do not give side effects. The selection of drugs is purely individual. Homeopathy helps the body cope with allergies on its own.

Unlike herbal medicine, which uses medicinal plants, homeopaths use plants, minerals, and even poisonous substances to make remedies.

Examples of homeopathic remedies:

• Luffel. They are made on the basis of liana-like herbaceous plants. Good for allergic rhinitis.
• Rhinitol-edas. A drug for allergic rhinitis based on chamomile, onions and backache-grass.
• Karsat Edas. The medicine contains oats, bearberry, echinacea, charcoal and arsenic.
• Cinnabsin. Tableted antiallergic drug based on goldenseal, echinacea, as well as minerals (potassium dichromate and red mercury sulfide). Eliminates the phenomena of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

When prescribing a particular drug, the homeopathic doctor takes into account the individual characteristics of the body, as well as other existing diseases.

Prevention

The following set of measures will help reduce the concentration of dust in the air, as well as reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction:

• Regular wet cleaning of rooms. Cleanliness of furniture and floors is the best remedy against allergic reactions. During wet cleaning, do not be lazy to remove dust from hard-to-reach places (for example, from heating radiators);
• Use of devices for humidification and air purification;
• Use of quality ventilation devices with HEPA or even ULPA filters
• Replacing a traditional vacuum cleaner with a dust bag with a modern model with a wet cleaning function.
• Regular cleaning of air conditioner filters, replacement of cartridges.
• Elimination of all "dust collectors" - carpets, dried flowers, soft toys (they can be stored in plastic containers), even books;
• The use of special mattress covers and pillowcases;
• Change of bedding about 2 times a week, washing of bed linen at high temperature.
• Replacing duvets and pillows filled with down and feathers with synthetics (it is unattractive to dust mites).
• Keeping bedding in the cold or in the hot summer sun helps get rid of dust mites. The dust mite equally “does not favor” both too high and too low temperatures.
• Replacement of blankets every one and a half years, and mattresses - every three years. A good remedy against dust mites is the treatment of bedding, carpets, soft toys with a steam cleaner. The procedure itself is simple, but its effectiveness is beyond praise.
• To reduce the humidity in the house, a good tool is fans in the bathroom and in the kitchen.

If it turns out that it provokes an allergy, the best option would be: to give a feathered or fluffy pet into good hands. However, if this is not possible, it is necessary to bathe the pet more often or use anti-allergic wipes, keep him out of the master bedroom, and try to minimize contact with him.

The establishment of a hypoallergenic life throughout the house, and not just in the room of a person suffering from allergies, is the basis for successful treatment of the disease. Allergy is not a sentence, but it is necessary to accustom yourself to order. This is the only way to get rid of the painful manifestations of the disease.

About the benefits of swimming

Swimming is one of the sports beneficial for people with dust allergies. However, it is necessary that the loads are dosed. It is advisable to conduct classes under the guidance of an experienced trainer.

Which mattresses are best for dust allergies?

Hypoallergenic mattress Erland (Perrino)

The best option for allergy sufferers are latex mattresses. Latex is a practical, durable material that is completely unattractive to pathogens and dust mites. If you can't afford a natural latex mattress, there are cheaper and also hypoallergenic artificial latex products.

A good option in terms of dealing with allergies are products with filler of synthetic winterizer and foam rubber. The only drawback of these products is that they wear out fairly quickly.

From synthetic materials suitable for allergy sufferers and holcon (material made of polyester fibers). This material is also recommended for newborns.

Mattresses are well suited for allergy sufferers with coir filling(coconut fibre). Remarkable ventilation properties of the material create unfavorable conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms and mites.

The category of hypoallergenic includes such fillers for mattresses as buckwheat husk, horsehair, algae. But there are some peculiarities here. When plant fibers are abraded, dusty particles are formed that penetrate the mattress pad.

As for the mattress cover itself, the best option is cotton material with special impregnation or synthetics.

How often to change the mattress?

Which vacuum cleaners to choose if you are allergic to dust?

Photo: Nera filter

The main requirements for vacuum cleaners for allergy sufferers are as follows.

• High suction power (350 - 400 W).
• Disposable dust bags. At the same time, it is necessary that they have protection against foil and be equipped with special hygienic valves. In this case, the design of the bag protects the allergic person well from contact with dust.
• The presence of an aquafilter. A good filter traps almost all dust.
• Wet cleaning function. After all, frequent wet cleaning is an important part of a hypoallergenic life.
• Pay attention to steam vacuum cleaners equipped with a water filter. In addition to traditional carpet cleaning, the steam vacuum cleaner is perfect for cleaning laminate flooring, cleaning upholstered furniture, and washing windows.

Which blanket to choose if you are allergic to dust?

For allergy sufferers, blankets with fillers such as silicone, artificial swan down or holofiber are best suited. These materials hold heat well, are resistant to wear, and are machine washable. It is advisable to choose a blanket cover from natural material.

What can replace the carpet with an allergy to dust?

If there is a person in the family suffering from this reaction, you need to get rid of carpets with a large pile. After all, they are the best “dust collectors”. You can replace the carpet on the floor with rugs or lint-free paths made of coarse material.

If carpeting was used, you can replace it with vinyl, wood or laminate.

Answers on questions

What is the difference between a dust allergy and a cat allergy?

In the case of allergy to dust, the reaction is caused by waste products and particles of the chitinous cover of dust mites, as well as microorganisms contained in dust (including fungal spores) and many other elements, including pieces of dead skin epithelium of cats.

An allergy to a cat is a reaction to wool and (or) animal waste products (saliva, urine), pieces of dead skin epithelium. As noted above, house dust can also be present. By the way, the statement about the hypoallergenicity of some cat breeds (Sphinxes, Ukrainian Levkoy, wire-haired breeds) is nothing more than a myth.

deferments from military service. However, if the allergy is complicated by bronchial asthma, then the conscript can be transferred to the reserve. With medical evidence.

My child is allergic to dust, can I box?

In principle, there is no direct ban. But a doctor's consultation before enrolling a child in the section is required.

How to treat an allergy to house dust in Orthodoxy?

Allergy prayers help only if a person sincerely believes in their healing power. Here is the text of one of these prayers.

“Morning angel, when you fly over my house, flap your wing, let the good air cleanse my child, let him not know troubles and illnesses, let him live, enjoy life and make me happy, amen, amen, amen.”

Prayer is offered to God in the morning. After praying, go to the Temple and put a candle to the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. This saint helps in curing a variety of diseases, including allergies.

How to study at school if you are allergic to library dust?

An allergy to library dust is nothing more than a reaction to the components that make up paper, as well as fungal spores that are present on old books (hence the specific smell).

To minimize the likelihood of an allergic reaction, use more electronic sources of information. They are convenient, affordable and completely safe in terms of allergies.

Keep home books in closed cabinets and vacuum them at least once a year. Place activated charcoal tablets on shelves to prevent mold.

Dust is truly ubiquitous. Every housewife knows that even thorough cleaning will not help to get rid of it forever and guarantee perfect cleanliness in the house, hour after hour, the accumulation of particles containing dandruff and wool scales, the smallest food debris, fragments of insect bodies and other components continues. Such a diverse composition has an extremely adverse effect on people suffering from different types of individual immune sensitivity (for example, rhinitis or bronchial asthma). Researchers and practitioners say that dust allergy is one of the most common pathologies. It is characterized by damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract, often observed in a chronic or recurrent (repeating) form, and helps to reduce the body's resistance to infections. Let's look at why it occurs and what are the most effective ways to help cope with the deterioration of the condition.

Causes

Many people complain about sensitivity to dust, but it is not always based on the triggering of immune mechanisms. Remember the last episode of general cleaning in the house: did you or someone around you start sneezing while wiping the bookcase? Most likely, an unpleasant symptom took place, but it is associated with mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract with dust particles. If you rinse your nose and go out into fresh air, tickling in the throat and sneezing will immediately disappear; the protective reflex, of which they became manifestations, loses its relevance.

At the same time, allergy to house dust is not always associated with cleaning. It can manifest itself as a result of contact with a minimal amount of a provoking environment, for example, when reading a book in a closet or staying in a room where the floor is covered with a fleecy carpet, there are heavy curtains made of thick fabric on the windows, and the air is dry, overheated and not cooled by an air conditioner. or ventilation. Dust contains many substances, often of a protein nature and capable of causing the formation of a specific immune sensitivity of sensitization. The reaction is caused by such components as:

1. Wool, animal dander.
2. Particles of skin, human hair.
3. Micro-remains of food, clothes.
4. Book, newspaper dust.
5. Elements of bird feathers.
6. Fragments of insect bodies and their excrement.
7. Spores of fungi (mold, yeast).
8. bacteria.

The most aggressive allergen is a special house dust mite that feeds on dead skin particles. It lives in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets and books.

This is a tiny insect that can only be seen under a microscope. It does not bite, but when inhaled, especially in large quantities, it enters the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and provokes the activation of immune responses. Allergic inflammation occurs, which explains all the unpleasant manifestations of sensitivity.

Symptoms

Characterized by damage to different parts of the respiratory tract:

• nose
• pharynx;
• trachea;
• bronchi.

The higher the concentration of dust and provocative substances in it (including mites), the more likely it is that with the air flow, unfavorable particles will move to the lower respiratory tract. Frequent contact is considered a risk factor for the development of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis; there is also an inverse relationship in which people who already suffer from these pathologies react to dust.

Runny nose

This is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to immune mechanisms. Specialists use the term "rhinitis"; often combined with the defeat of the pharynx pharyngitis. The following signs of dust allergy are observed:

1. Difficulty in nasal breathing.
2. Isolation of clear mucus in a large volume.
3. Itching, tickling, sneezing, paroxysmal.
4. Coughing, burning in throat.
5. Feeling of dryness in throat after sleep.

These manifestations may be accompanied by eye disorders (conjunctivitis), which is characterized by dust allergy symptoms such as:

• redness;
• edema;
• lacrimation;
• photophobia.

Swollen eyelids itch strongly, due to edema, the palpebral fissure may narrow, which is accompanied by a decrease in the ability for high-quality visual perception. In connection with nasal congestion, a person sleeps poorly, complains of drowsiness, fatigue, and often general weakness.

Bronchospasm

This is a narrowing of the lumen of the lower respiratory tract, creating an obstacle to the adequate passage of air flow, especially during exhalation. It is observed with different types of sensitivity reactions, including with a disease such as bronchial asthma. The patient is concerned about numerous symptoms of dust allergy:

1. Feeling of tightness in the chest, shortness of breath.
2. Paroxysmal cough with wheezing.
3. Significant difficulty breathing.

Sputum is practically not allocated, if it is, then viscous, "glassy", in a small amount. To facilitate breathing, the patient tries to find support using the hands.

The occurrence of an attack at night and in the morning is characteristic - this is due to the inhalation of dust in a dream.

However, when cleaning, visiting a book archive, an old library, signs of violations can develop at any time of the day.

In some patients, sensitivity is limited to an obsessive cough of an unproductive nature (without sputum production), it does not bring relief and greatly exhausts the patient.

It is recurrent in nature, aggravated by contact with dust, animal hair. Often combined with moderate nasal congestion. Although the symptoms cause discomfort, they do not appear acutely, which leads to late detection of sensitivity due to underestimation of the severity of pathological changes. In addition, it is worth knowing that dermatitis is a possible consequence of contact with dust mites. It is characterized by an episodically appearing itchy rash, which can occur against the background of edema and redness of the skin.

Diagnostics

When searching for the cause of the deterioration due to an allergic reaction, dust is always considered as a likely provocateur. Even if a person is not directly sensitized to its fragments, including mites, constant contact aggravates the symptoms due to irritation of the mucous membranes, an “antigenic attack” of the body (contact with foreign substances).

Collection of anamnesis

The patient needs to describe the living conditions to the doctor, assess how often cleaning is carried out in order to eliminate dust. The specialist will also clarify whether the house has:

• carpets;
• heavy curtains;
• bookcases;
• upholstered furniture, toys.

It is important to mention the fact of keeping pets. It is also important for diagnosis how long ago the symptoms occurred, whether the patient suffers from allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, bronchial asthma, whether there is a reaction to food products, household chemicals, plant pollen. Together with the collection of anamnesis, an examination is carried out: a visual assessment of changes in the mucous membranes, auscultation (listening) of the lungs using a phonendoscope.

Skin tests

These studies are needed to objectively assess the reaction to the alleged allergens:

• mold;
• animal hair;
• dust mites, etc.

Specially prepared preparations are applied to the skin of the shoulder, containing provocative substances, there may be several of them at the same time. To avoid confusion, notes are made. Then the surface of the contact area is gently scratched, after which the reaction is observed. The appearance of swelling, redness, itching, a blister indicates the presence of allergic sensitivity to a specific irritant. If necessary, test solutions can be injected intradermally with a syringe.

Laboratory research

Includes methods such as:

1. Complete blood count with leukocyte count.
2. Microscopy of secretions from the nasal cavity, sputum.
3. Assessment of the level of antibodies, that is, immunoglobulin E (both general and specific).

Used in conjunction with skin tests or instead of them if direct contact with the allergen is potentially harmful to the patient and may provoke an overreaction. They make it possible to test sensitivity to numerous provocateurs contained in house dust. To perform the test, capillary or venous blood is used, as well as mucus from the nasal cavity, bronchi.

Treatment

Many people, having learned about the presence of sensitivity, think about what to do with allergies to dust. With reactions that occur in a mild form, you can stay at home, severe symptoms require hospitalization in a hospital. However, in all cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor and carry out therapy only under his supervision.

Elimination

This is a set of techniques designed to minimize contact with provoking substances. If you are allergic to house dust mites, you should:

1. Make it a rule to regularly carry out wet cleaning (while wearing a mask, glasses). It is better if it is performed not by the patient, but by a healthy person.
2. Periodically ventilate the apartment, even in winter.
3. Get rid of the "accumulators" of dust particles of heavy curtains, carpets, numerous books (especially old ones).
4. Remove paintings, figurines, soft toys from walls, sofas and cabinets.
5. Frequently wash bedding, curtains, keep clothes in closed drawers that are constantly wiped.

For cleaning it is better to use a vacuum cleaner with a special filter. If you have a sensitivity to pet hair and dander, you should stop contact with them. To ensure a safe sleep for the patient, it is necessary to use a bedspread when making the bed, and to purchase special dust-proof covers for mattresses, pillows and blankets.

Medicines

Dust allergy treatment is based on the use of pharmacological agents:

• antihistamines (Cetrin, Erius, Zirtek);
• beta2-agonists (Salbutamol);
• topical glucocorticosteroids (Pulmicort, Mometasone), etc.

Homeopathy as a method of treating allergic reactions has no proven effectiveness.

The doctor may recommend the use of 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) or seawater sprays (Marimer) for nasal hygiene and mucosal moisturizing. Vasoconstrictor agents (Xylometazoline) should not be abused; dust mite allergy is not eliminated with their help, but drug-induced rhinitis, manifested by increased edema and runny nose, is quite likely when used for more than 7 days. Any drugs are taken once or as a course only as prescribed by a specialist.

ASIT

It is an allergen-specific immunotherapy designed to reduce sensitivity to dust components. It prevents the formation or development of complications of bronchial asthma, significantly improves the patient's condition, and allows to achieve long-term immunity to adverse agents. It is based on the introduction of provoking substances into the body in increasing dosages with the help of:

• drops;
• injections.

It is performed only with confidence in the nature of the allergen, has contraindications:

1. Immunodeficiency.
2. Pregnancy, lactation.
3. Age under 5 years old.
4. Treatment with beta-blockers, etc.

Sometimes the obstacles to the start of the course are temporary, for example, with an acute infection, routine vaccination. The possibility of ASIT, its effectiveness and associated risks are discussed with the doctor individually.

Dust is an allergen, characterized by a special deceit. The struggle requires vigilant attention on the part of a sensitive person. To avoid adverse reactions, you should:

• give preference to washable furniture;
• avoid "littering" the apartment with souvenirs, books, paintings, toys;
• use modern vacuum cleaners with a filter;
• always put clothes in the closet, not hanging them on the backs of chairs;
• change clothes and take off shoes after returning from the street;
• monitor the humidity and temperature in the room from 50 to 70% and from 19 to 22 ° C, respectively.

If a child is allergic to a dust mite, remove the carpets in his room, do not let him sleep with soft toys, it is better to offer a washable option to your son or daughter.

It is also worth replacing pillows made on the basis of feathers and down, animal wool with types with artificial fillers. To wash clothes, use special acaricidal (anti-mite) additives, hot water (at a temperature of about 55-60 ° C), repeat it at least 1-2 times a week.

We are accustomed to complaining about air pollution and unfavorable environmental conditions in cities, but few of us know that the air in our apartments or offices is much more dangerous to health than outdoor air. According to studies, it is 8 times more toxic and 4 times dirtier than outdoor air.

According to WHO, about 40% of the world's inhabitants suffer from dust allergies, and in most cases, it is mites that cause the development of an allergic reaction. They cause sneezing, coughing, inflammation of the eyes, skin rash or, and in the absence of adequate treatment, they can cause the development of such a dangerous disease as. In this article, we'll walk you through the causes, main symptoms, and treatments for dust allergies.

Causes

Carpets collect a large amount of dust containing various allergens.

The immune system of some people can react sharply to contact with some specific substances - allergens. Such a response is aimed at getting rid of them as soon as possible. Dust allergy is the most common of all allergic reactions, and according to statistics, about 7 million people suffer from it in Russia.

The composition of house dust is not constant and largely depends on the place of residence and the habits of the inhabitants of the house. As a rule, the following components are found in it:

• mineral particles;
• scales of the epidermis and hair (human and pets);
• paper and textile fibers;
• particles of smoke and soot;
• mold spores;
• pollen;
• house dust mites and their waste products.

Another frequent component of house dust in rooms located near highways is rubber dust, which is formed during the friction of car tires. Such dust is heavy and can only appear on the inhabitants of floors I-III.

All of the above components of household dust can become allergens, but dust mites are the most common cause of an allergic reaction. They are always invisibly adjacent to us, and their size is only 100-300 microns. Saprophyte mites feed on dead parts of the epidermis, and a person “provides” them with about 2 kg of such food annually.

Each tick produces a huge amount of excrement - 200 times more than its own weight - and all this waste of their vital activity and the dead ticks themselves are in the air of the apartment along with ordinary dust. It is the waste of their vital activity that is the strongest allergen for many people.

Most of all, dust mites are concentrated in bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture. For example, in a mattress that has been used for more than 3 years, more than 2 million saprophyte mites can live. In addition to particles of our skin, they feed on feather fillers in old pillows or blankets. But mites are not limited to our bedrooms. Dust spreads to all corners of our house, and if you examine 1 g of dust from any corner of it under a microscope, you can find from 10 to 100 thousand dust mites in it.

Another bright allergen can be considered construction dust. Contact with her is especially dangerous for infants and young children. It consists of various chemicals, concrete or cement, and you can stop their impact only by leaving the room in which the repair is being carried out. Contact with it can cause acute allergic reactions in the form of a runny nose, cough, lacrimation or rash. After the completion of the repair work, these symptoms disappear, but may reappear when contact with the allergen is resumed.

Allergy to dust does not develop instantly at the first contact with the allergen. First, the process of sensitization to the provocative agent occurs - the body identifies the allergen, generates antibodies to it (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM), prepares to be sensitive to this particular provoking component. Only after this, a specific immune response to contact with the allergen occurs - the release of substances such as serotonin, histamine and heparin in response to its introduction. All these processes are accompanied by the appearance of allergy symptoms: runny nose, cough or skin rash.

Symptoms

Conventionally, the symptoms of dust allergy can be divided into mild and acute.

Mild symptoms

Sneezing and runny nose

When dust is inhaled, the body reacts to the introduction of allergens, and the person begins to sneeze. The patient may suffer from heavy, prolonged or continuous sneezing. The act of sneezing is a defensive reaction: in this way the body tries to get rid of the invading allergen.

Substances released in response to the introduction of an aggressive agent provoke inflammation of the membranes of the nasal cavity. They swell, and the person has nasal congestion. A runny nose is one of the early symptoms of a dust allergy, and other signs of an allergic reaction develop a little later.

Drainage of mucus along the back wall of the nasal cavity

With a copious discharge of mucus, it can accumulate in the back of the nasal cavity and drain into the throat. This post-nasal runoff can cause a sore throat and cough.

Cough

Breathing air that contains dust can cause a cough almost instantly. As a rule, it proceeds for a long time (several weeks or months), is accompanied by a runny nose or irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes and is expressed in prolonged attacks (2-3 minutes). With an allergy to dust, the cough is not accompanied by sputum and fever. It is annoying and does not bring relief after its completion.

Sore throat

If you are allergic to dust, accompanied by frequent sneezing, runny nose and cough, such a secondary symptom as a sore throat may appear. During sneezing and coughing, there is an increase in pressure on the tissues of the throat. In response to such an impact, they swell, and the patient has pain during deep breathing or swallowing.

Eye irritation

In response to such an allergen as dust, the mucous membrane of the eye and the conjunctiva can become inflamed. As a rule, signs of allergic conjunctivitis appear within 12-24 hours after exposure to dust:

• the skin of the eyelids and conjunctiva become swollen and redden;
• there are unpleasant sensations in the eye area in the form of itching, pain or burning;
• redness of the whites of the eyes;
• lacrimation;
• photophobia (in severe cases).

Usually, both eyes are inflamed with allergic conjunctivitis.

With secondary infection of the eyes, an opaque and viscous purulent discharge of a gray or yellowish color appears, which accumulates in the corner of the eye and can cause gluing of the eyelashes (especially after sleep). In the absence of adequate treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the eye, causing iridocyclitis, keratitis, abscess formation, phlegmon, and decreased visual acuity.

Rash

Sometimes, in rare cases, dust allergy is accompanied by the appearance of reddened, sharply defined itchy areas on the skin. After a few hours, bubbles or blisters form on them, filled with liquid and having red edges. Outwardly, the areas with resemble traces of a nettle burn. Sometimes they can merge into giant foci. As a rule, urticaria passes quickly and does not leave marks on the skin.

Feeling tired

In some cases, feeling tired may be the first sign of an incipient allergic reaction to dust. A person may feel severe weakness, weakness and. A feeling of fatigue may accompany the patient throughout the entire period of the dust allergy episode.

Acute symptoms

Inhalation of dust can cause an asthma attack in an allergic person.

Hard breath

With an allergy to dust and prolonged contact with it, a person may experience blockage of the respiratory tract with mucus produced in response to the constant invasion of the allergen. At the same time, breathing becomes difficult, the patient has a feeling of lack of air (he seems to be unable to breathe and gasps for air).

Significant chest pain

An allergic reaction to dust can cause tightness and pain in the chest, because contact with the allergen provokes inflammation of the tissues of the chest, and a hacking and unrelieved cough causes additional stress on the muscles of the upper body. Such a manifestation of an allergy to dust requires mandatory and urgent medical supervision.

Dyspnea

An allergic reaction can cause spasm of the airways and lead to development. With each breath movement, a whistling sound or wheezing may occur. If such symptoms occur, the patient should definitely consult a doctor.

Eczema

In severe cases, dust allergies can cause eczema to develop. Rashes, peeling, abrasions and areas of inflammation or coarsening of the epidermis appear on the surface of the skin.

Asthma attacks

An allergic reaction to household dust is observed in 80% of patients with bronchial asthma. In some cases, it is dust allergy that becomes a provocative moment for the development of asthma in children or adults. A patient with asthma develops attacks during which he experiences severe shortness of breath, a painful cough and asthma attacks.

How to get rid of allergies to dust?

Unfortunately, medicine is not yet able to help a person completely get rid of allergies once and for all, but the use of certain pharmacological preparations and preventive measures can minimize the manifestations of this unpleasant and dangerous disease with its complications. The tactics of its treatment is determined individually and depends on the degree of manifestation of an allergic reaction.

If you find yourself even one of the above symptoms and its appearance is always associated with contact with dust, then you need to consult an allergist. Remember that allergy self-treatment will not give an effective result, and the progression of the disease can lead to the development of such complications of dust allergy as or bronchial asthma.

To identify and clarify the allergen, the patient will need to undergo a series of diagnostic examinations:

• skin tests;
• study of specific IgE antibodies;
• provocative tests;
• elimination tests;
• computer diagnostics by Voll's method.

Treatment and prevention

Elimination of contact with the allergen and prevention of exacerbations of an allergic reaction to dust

Thorough and regular wet cleaning in the house will help reduce the manifestations of allergies.

For the treatment of dust allergy, it is first recommended to limit exposure to dust as much as possible. This requires not only a thorough and regular cleaning of the premises, but also the “destruction of dust collectors”.

How can you limit exposure to dust as much as possible? For this you need:

1. Reduce the number of places where dust accumulates. It is necessary to completely reconsider the interior of your home and try to reduce the number of textiles that easily accumulate dust: remove carpets, replace curtains with easy-to-clean blinds, replace fabric-upholstered furniture with leather, reduce the number of decorative items that accumulate dust, remove books, souvenirs, soft toys in glazed cabinets, coverlets made of heavy fabrics should be replaced with easily washable ones. When choosing soft toys, give preference to those products that are easy to wash and dry.
2. Replace bedding (mattresses, blankets, pillows, blankets, etc.) with products that are easy to clean or wash and are made of smooth fabric. It is not recommended to use products made of fleece, flannel, wool or down. It is better to replace feather pillows with products with synthetic fillers and change them 2-3 times a year. All new bedding should be laundered, vacuumed, or shaken regularly. The mattress should be thoroughly vacuumed daily and put on a special dust cover made of dense fabric and covering it from all sides. The mattress should be replaced with a new one every 8-10 years - it is better to choose products with coconut filler or fillers that can be processed by non-chemical methods. Blankets, pillows and sheets should be shaken out and aired at least twice a week. Bed linen should be washed at least 2 times a week, using hot water (above 65 ° C) and detergents with special additives that can destroy dust mites.
3. If it is impossible to completely get rid of upholstered furniture or carpets, they must be cleaned using special products based on plant components, tannins, borates and benzyl benzoates (for example, Acarosan). These furniture cleaners denature epidermal or mite allergens and minimize their effect on the human body.
4. Thorough and regular cleaning of the premises. It is better to clean the premises at a time when the allergy sufferer is not in the house. If this condition cannot be met, the allergy sufferer should wear a mask that will protect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes from dust. For cleaning, you should use special vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, which allow you to avoid increasing the concentration of allergens in the air. It is necessary to vacuum all surfaces thoroughly - every 0.5 m 2 for 1.5-2 minutes. As an alternative to such devices, vacuum cleaners with water filters (they must also contain a HEPA filter) or filters with thick walls and a valve system can be used. When using washing vacuum cleaners, special acaricidal (acting on dust mites) and anti-allergenic additives should be used. The floor should be washed regularly, and dust from various surfaces should be wiped with a damp cloth.
5. Use for cleaning rooms and laundry special household chemicals to deactivate allergens. For example: X-MIT, AllerDust, ODRX, AllerMold, All-Up, All-Rug, Allergen Wash, ADMS, ADS, Allergoff, Easy Air, etc.
6. Use air purifiers, air conditioners with an additional humidification system and ionizers to additionally purify the air from dust allergens. The optimum level of humidity in the room should be at least 40-60%. Filters in devices must be systematically replaced with new ones.

Medical treatment

To help manage the symptoms of an allergic reaction to dust, your doctor may recommend taking

Allergy to dust is observed in almost half of the inhabitants of the planet. Microscopic particles that are outdoors and indoors, penetrating into the body, cause a specific reaction of the immune system. This problem causes a lot of problems, since contact with dust cannot be avoided.

Why there is a problem

Unpleasant symptoms occur when:

1. Genetic predisposition, which is the main cause of dust intolerance.
2. Poor house cleaning. Dust particles settle on carpets, curtains, books, furniture and other items, contributing to the development of an allergic reaction.
3. Violations of the functions of the immune system after the use of antibacterial drugs in infancy. With anomalies in the development of immunity.
4. Violations of the functions of the endocrine system.
5. Pathological processes in the liver and kidneys.

A person may suffer from hypersensitivity to house and street dust. Homemade contains many components such as dandruff and wool, dust mites, dead skin flakes, hair, cellulose, mold spores and other components.

The penetration of street dust is less of a hazard. It contains much less pathogenic microorganisms and under the influence of ultraviolet rays their harmfulness decreases.

Characteristic symptoms

Allergy to dust is manifested by signs that immediately suggest hypersensitivity:

1. The patient begins to sneeze.
2. There is severe itching in the airways.
3. Increased tearing.
4. Breathing becomes difficult.
5. Throat is very itchy. Disturbs cough, which is characterized by a long course.
6. Runny nose is observed throughout the year and is not eliminated by nasal sprays.
7. Working capacity decreases, concentration of attention is disturbed, the head often hurts.

Gradually, manifestations are added to the allergic reaction:

1. Allergic conjunctivitis. The eyes turn red, the eyelids swell, itching constantly worries. For a while, sensitivity to light appears and vision is disturbed.
2. Urticaria and dermatitis. The skin is covered with rashes, blisters, itches a lot, the body and face turn red.
3. Bronchial asthma. The patient coughs violently, suffers from attacks of suffocation. This is the most serious problem that develops under the influence of house dust. Attacks occur under the influence of saprophytes or dust mites. For food, they need flakes of dead human skin, after processing which, they secrete balls. These substances are very light, so they quickly end up in the air and penetrate the respiratory tract, contributing to inflammatory reactions.

Often, hypersensitivity to dust is perceived as a cold. Since with these problems a person suffers from coughing, runny nose and sneezing. You can distinguish an allergic reaction by the fact that:

• with a cold, the condition returns to normal within a week, and with allergies, a runny nose and cough bother much longer;
• if manifestations arose during house cleaning, then this indicates that a person is allergic to house dust;
• Feeling better after going out.

In these situations, you need to visit an allergist and be examined.

The problem may appear in a child before the age of one. Parents can learn about sensitization by rhinitis, conjunctivitis and a rash on the surface of the skin. Young children with allergies suffer from:

1. Frequent runny nose, which occurs several times a month.
2. Disturbed by bouts of dry cough, which are not relieved by expectorants. Especially strong cough appears at night.
3. Unreasonable crying and sleep disturbances are observed.
4. Appetite worsens. The functions of the digestive system are upset.

If the child feels better when visiting the street, then this indicates intolerance to house dust.

Allergy to dust has very unpleasant symptoms in childhood and adulthood. The danger of the problem is that the development of bronchial asthma gradually occurs.

Expert opinion

Especially dust harms the body of infants. There is a possibility of bronchospasm, which will lead to respiratory arrest.

Diagnostics

To determine the problem, they turn to an allergist. The doctor collects information about the patient's living conditions, disturbing symptoms and existing diseases in a person and his family members.

You can identify the allergic nature of the disease using:

1. Skin tests. During the procedure, a probable allergen is applied to a scratch on the surface of the skin. If after a while the skin turns red, an inflammatory process develops, then this indicates an increased sensitivity to this substance.
2. Provocative tests. Perform irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasal or oral cavity.
3. Immunological blood test to determine the level of immunoglobulin E in the body.

After studying the results of the examination, a suitable treatment option is selected.

Treatment

Treatment of dust allergy in children and adults is carried out using complex methods. To eliminate the manifestations of the problem, you must:

• avoid contact with a substance that is an irritant to the body;
• use medications;
• receive immunosuppressive therapy.

Only thanks to an integrated approach can the factors of manifestation of an allergic reaction be eliminated and the body strengthened.

To alleviate the state of health, you need to use antihistamines. With their help, conjunctivitis, runny nose and skin manifestations are eliminated, due to the property to reduce the production of histamine. After taking the drugs, the patient gets rid of itching, sneezing, redness of the eyes and tearing.

Means for improving the patient's condition during sensitization are presented as:

1. Eye drops to relieve itching, swelling, inflammation of the conjunctiva.
2. Sprays and drops in the nose to eliminate the common cold.
3. Creams and ointments that alleviate the manifestations of allergic dermatitis.
4. Tablets for hypersensitivity to dust.
5. Hormonal drugs to stop the development of allergic reactions. Medications with steroid hormones are used only in severe cases of the disease.

The drug is selected individually. Only a doctor should do this, as they have a number of contraindications and can cause adverse reactions.

Allergy to house dust mites in the absence of the effect of medicines is eliminated by immunotherapy. During the procedure, the patient is injected with a certain amount of the allergen. The session can be performed twice a week. Gradually, the body gets used to the substance and the production of immunoglobulin E stops.

The course of treatment is quite long and can stretch for several years. But the technique will allow you to get rid of the manifestations of allergies for a long time.

Forecast and prevention

It is important to know how an allergy to different dust manifests itself in order to avoid a deterioration in health. So that the manifestations of sensitization do not bother, you should:

1. Every day, clean the room and wipe the dust with a damp cloth.
2. Conduct room ventilation.
3. Avoid smoking.
4. In case of intolerance to construction dust, the scope of activity is changed.
5. Eat right, take a contrast shower, lead an active lifestyle and walk regularly in the fresh air. This increases the functioning of the immune system and makes the body more resilient and resistant to irritants.

If dust mites provoke unpleasant symptoms, then they resort to:

1. The use of ionizers and air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps.
2. Humidity control in the room within the range of 50-70%.
3. Daily change of bed linen. To wash it, you need to use hot water and dry it on the balcony. After drying, the laundry should be ironed with steam.
4. Replacement of textile furniture upholstery with leather.
5. Eliminate all items that have the ability to accumulate dust.
6. Regular washing of curtains. It is better to use synthetic curtains and tulle instead of heavy curtains.
7. Refusal of pets.

Hypersensitivity to dust can occur at any age. This problem often overtakes people with a hereditary predisposition.

If the treatment is carried out correctly, then the development of various complications in the form of asthma, Quincke's edema, corneal damage can be avoided. An important part of therapy is maintaining cleanliness in the room.

Start cleaning with tears in your eyes? It's not laziness, it's dust. Allergy to house dust is a common problem. According to the World Health Organization, almost 40% of the world's population suffers from dust. It causes allergies, asthma and various respiratory diseases.

We have long been accustomed to complaining about city pollution, but few people know that the air in our apartments is 4 times dirtier and 8 times more toxic than street air. Why is dust so dangerous?

What is house dust?

Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as dust. What we call dust is a mixture of various microscopic particles. It can contain the smallest flakes of human epithelium, pet hair, pieces of food, pollen, textile fibers from linen and clothes, excrement of rodents and insects, spores of molds and yeasts, bacteria and even living beings - microscopic dust mites saprophytes.

Their size is only 100 to 300 microns. Saprophytes feed on dead skin flakes. And since a person “drops” about 2 kg of such particles in a year, ticks live just fine in our apartments. Ticks thrive best in mattresses, pillows, and linens.

About 300 million of these insects feed on an ordinary double bed. A mattress that has been used for more than three years consists of 10% dead and live ticks, as well as their waste products. However, they live not only in the bedroom. Dust is their home, and in 1 gram of dust from any corner of the apartment there are at least 300 of them. Waste products of saprophytes are the main cause of dust allergy and bronchial asthma.

About 80% of asthmatics are susceptible to ticks. The worst thing is that ordinary vacuum cleaners are practically powerless against them. Primitive mechanical filters trap large dust particles, but microscopic mites easily pass through them and scatter throughout the apartment. That is why after cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, people who are allergic to dust become even worse.

However, the 20% that are insensitive to mites still suffer from dust. Dust particles damage the walls of the alveoli, disrupting the immune barrier. This opens the way for infections and allergens.

Dust allergy symptoms

Allergy to dust manifests itself in different ways, however, all of its symptoms are clearly visible and extremely unpleasant.

Rhinitis

Probably, the symptoms of dust allergy are known to almost everyone. The most common symptom is allergic rhinitis, which used to be called "hay fever". This is not a particularly serious disease, but it can pretty much ruin your life. Sneezing, clear discharge from the nose, itching and burning sensation in the nasopharynx, headache, tearing are all signs of allergic rhinitis.

It starts with a slight tickling in the nose and develops into a continuous, painful sneeze. Over time, allergic rhinitis can develop into asthma. It can be caused by almost any allergen - animal hair, mold, even certain foods. But the main culprit is still the same - dust.

Upon contact with an allergen, the reaction can be instantaneous. But it also happens to be slow. Such a reaction usually manifests itself with constant contact with the allergen. You can climb into a dusty pantry and not feel any discomfort. And after a few hours already suffer from rhinitis, not understanding what caused it.

Conjunctivitis

Another common symptom of dust allergy is conjunctivitis. 15% of the total population at least once faced with this problem. This condition is characterized by reddening of the proteins, a burning sensation and itching in the eyes. The eyelids swell and redden, and the eyes are continuously watery.

In some cases, vision itself suffers - objects look "blurred". Conjunctivitis is especially hard on those who wear contact lenses. In the worst case, conjunctivitis can result in severe damage to the cornea.

Asthma

Rhinitis and conjunctivitis are extremely unpleasant diseases that significantly worsen well-being and quality of life. However, bronchial asthma is the most dangerous. Allergic asthma is its most common form. Every 12th inhabitant of Russia suffers from it. And, as the doctors say, the number of patients is increasing.

As soon as the allergen enters the respiratory tract, the immune system starts a war with the alien. The muscles of the airways contract sharply. And the airways themselves become inflamed and filled with thick mucus. An attack of allergic asthma begins with a painful dry cough. Breathing becomes rapid, labored and whistling. There is shortness of breath and a feeling of heaviness in the chest. Often the attack is accompanied by panic.

Asthma is very dangerous, especially for young children. In the most severe cases, even death is possible. Alas, very often asthma is mistaken for bronchitis and ineffective treatment is prescribed.

What to do if you are allergic to dust?

If all these symptoms are most pronounced at night or in the morning, and practically disappear outside the house, then the cause of the ailment lies precisely in house dust. An allergist can prescribe treatment. But it will not work if you do not fight the root cause of the disease - house dust.

And it is very difficult to deal with it. Ordinary vacuum cleaners, as already mentioned, do not bring noticeable benefits - they only visually make the house cleaner, removing visible dust. But their filters are not able to trap allergens.

Moreover - the dust bag itself becomes a hotbed of allergens - the number of saprophytes and spores of harmful fungi in it just rolls over. To combat dust allergies, daily wet cleaning is essential, ideally with a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter designed specifically for dealing with allergens. To premium vacuum cleaners, as described in this video often develop additional accessories for humidification and air freshening.

This is especially important if the house has a lot of textiles - curtains, carpets, furniture with fabric upholstery, soft toys. If possible, it is better to replace fabric curtains with blinds, textile upholstery with leather, and feather pillows and blankets with synthetic ones.

It would also be useful to get special hypoallergenic covers for all bedding. Pillows and mattresses should be changed every few years. Bed linen should be washed every 3-4 days, and curtains - once a week.

Air purifiers with HEPA filters will make life easier. Remember that in dry air, dust can hang for hours without settling. Due to air conditioning and central heating, the climate in our apartments is not much different from the climate of the Sahara. Therefore, you will also need a humidifier.

Allergies are very tricky. This is not a congenital disease, it can manifest itself at any age. Lifestyle changes, stress, illness - all this weakens the immune system and can cause a person who has never suffered from "hay fever" to turn into an allergic person. If an allergy is already ruining your life, you need to see a doctor, only he can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment. All you can do on your own is to try to make your house really clean and keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.