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Allergic rhinitis - Management
How can different allergens be avoided?
- Advise all people requiring step-up treatment about allergen avoidance. For people with:
- Grass pollen allergen: advise avoiding walking in grassy open spaces, particularly during the early morning, evening, and night, when pollen counts are at their highest, and to keep windows shut in cars and buildings. Advise changing car pollen filters with each service, if these are fitted.
- Confirmed house dust mite allergy inadequately controlled by drug treatment:
- For people who want to try house dust mite avoidance measures, advise fitting mattresses and pillows with house dust mite impermeable covers; use synthetic pillows and acrylic duvets, and keep furry toys off the bed. Wash all bedding and furry toys at least once a week at high temperatures. If possible, choose wooden or hard floor surfaces instead of carpets. Blinds that can be wiped clean should be fitted instead of curtains. Surfaces should be wiped regularly with a clean, damp cloth.
- Confirmed animal allergy: advise that ideally the animal should not be allowed in the house. When this is not acceptable, advise restricting their presence to the kitchen.
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