World Allergy Week is a global campaign which aims to raise awareness on the impact of allergic diseases in our communities. This year’s World Allergy Week is commemorated from June 5th-11th 2022 with the theme, BREATHE BETTER: THE ASTHMA AND ALLERGY CONNECTION.
Asthma and respiratory allergic diseases are a major public health problem affecting 300 million people worldwide. With this increasing prevalence, prevention is mandatory and rapid action needs to be taken.
Symptoms of respiratory allergic diseases include itchy nose, mouth, throat and eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, tearing eyes, coughing, wheezing and difficulty with breathing. The connection between asthma and allergic airway diseases is important, and it is known that asthma and allergies in the upper airways frequently co-exist. This can aggravate breathing difficulty, wheezing, cough, and other respiratory problems.
Treating asthma and upper airway allergies together helps improve both problems. Integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches become even more important with severe and difficult-to-control disease. Fortunately, there are treatment options and patient education tools that can help to address such challenges. Prevention is key in order to avoid triggers that can worsen allergic diseases. These triggers include smoke from tobacco or firewood, air pollution from car exhausts, cold air, strong chemical odors or fumes, perfumes, air fresheners, or other scented products and dusty rooms. Avoiding these triggers is key in the prevention of allergic respiratory diseases.
This can be done in the following ways;
1. Place zippered coverings on your pillows and mattresses.
2. Wash bedding frequently in warm water.
3. Limit stuffed animals or pets in the bedroom.
4. Dust furniture’s regularly with a damp rag.
5. Shower and change clothes after being outside.
6. Keep pets out of the bedroom.
7. Wash your hands after touching your pet.8. Bathe your pet frequently to reduce exposure to dander.9. Avoid smoke, fragrances, and cold air.
STAY AWARE AND KEEP ALLERGIES AT BAY.
