Manage Allergies Through Better Indoor Air Quality
Climate change and air pollution have been linked to the onset and aggravation of allergic rhinitis (hayfever). With modern lifestyles, we now spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. While this might seem like a lot, it includes time spent at home, work, school, restaurants, and other indoor environments.
You might assume that being indoors and away from outside pollutants means breathing cleaner air, but this isn’t always the case. Indoor air pollution—caused by mould spores, pet dander, dust mites, and emissions from cooking or cleaning—can significantly impact respiratory health. In fact, indoor air can contain up to ten times more pollutants than outdoor air, with bedrooms often having the poorest air quality.
Common Indoor Allergens
Dust mites are a major source of indoor allergens and pets the second largest source. Add to this mould spores, and the air quality in our homes could be brought into question. Sometimes people mistake their allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and a runny nose, for a common cold, leading them to overlook the real cause.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
- Washing bedding at 60°C regularly on a regular basis will destroy dust mites.
- Using a damp cloth, frequently dust surfaces to help reduce pet dander and dust.
- Use a vacuum cleaner that has efficient filtration and doesn’t release allergens back into the air.
- Dust mites love a humid environment; ventilate throughout the house, as moulds and dust mites thrive in humidity.
- Close doors and open windows when in the shower or cooking to prevent steam moving full steam ahead into other rooms.
- Hanging washing inside on radiators also generates a damp situation, so try to avoid this where possible.
- Condensation on windows, if not wiped away, can cause mould around the frames, which is a known cause of allergy. Wiping them and keeping them clean can help.
These steps can go a long way in creating a healthier indoor environment and assisting in reducing allergy symptoms caused by poor air quality.
GB-ZI-2400039
Zirtek Allergy film-coated Tablets (6+), Zirtek Allergy Relief film-coated Tablets (6+), Zirtek Allergy Relief for Children oral solution (6+) and Zirtek Allergy Solution oral solution (2+) contain cetirizine dihydrochloride. Always read the leaflet.
Zirtek is for the relief from itchy watery eyes, blocked or runny nose and sneezing caused by hayfever and winter allergens such as dust, pets and moulds as well as allergic itchy skin rashes (hives).
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency, or for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your condition.
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Adverse events should also be reported to UCB Pharma Ltd at ucbcares.uk@ucb.com or 0800 2793177
References are available upon request.
UCB Pharma Ltd
208 Bath Road
Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3WE
Email: ucbcares.uk@ucb.com
Tel: 01753 777 100
GB-ZI-2300011
By following these steps, pet owners with allergies can better manage their symptoms while still enjoying the companionship of their furry friends.