These are minute portions of saliva, skin or hair of cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters or even mice! They are harmless in themselves but, unfortunately, they are potent allergens and can provoke allergic sensitisation

Once sensitised, any contact with an allergen will result in an allergic reaction, asthma or hayfever. If you can avoid contact you will get better. If you are allergic to animals, you should not own them

Cat fur, in particular, is very potent, possibly because cats lick their fur making double trouble. Their hair is covered with saliva which also causes allergies, but pets may already be part of your family, so you must try and keep them out doors. In particular, keep them out of your bedroom and carpeted, upholstered living rooms where their hair and fur may collect in large amounts. See that they are bathed and brushed regularly, even the cat! Be careful when you visit friends who own pets – always take your medication.

These cause allergies, even if contained in a pillow. You can easily avoid feathers in the home. Some special feather proof pillow and duvet covers are available.

These flourish in dark, damp places. They reproduce by forming tiny spores, which like animal danders, are also potent allergens. You will often see mould growing in showers and dank basements, but look carefully and you may find them in pot plant soil, in mattresses, behind cupboards and under carpets laid on concrete floors. Mould should be removed as far as possible and clothes and cupboards must be aired. Ventilation and light should be increased and humidity decreased when possible. Our South African sunshine helps us do just this.

These are tiny, busy innocuous creatures which live mainly in our mattresses, bedding and in carpet dust. They love warm, humid settings. Hundreds can be found in just a pinch of house dust. They harmlessly feed off the scales of our skin which we shed continuously. However, not only are their body parts strong allergens. Their minute droppings can also cause allergic sensitisation., large amounts can cause serious allergic attacks. Mites grow more readily where humidity is high, so larger amounts are found in coastal regions and houses situated in humid areas. House dust mite sensitivity is very high in these areas, but even in apparently less favourable conditions, mites are now surviving and growing.

We cannot see them at all for they are microscopic, but we can now estimate mite infestation by measuring mite allergens. If you are allergic to house dust mites you can ask your doctors about these tests. We know that we can decrease numbers by regular vacuuming, cleaning with damp cloths and covering mattresses with mite-proof lining. Airing linen is beneficial as drying and heating kills the mites. Washing sheets and bedding in very hot water also kills them. Fluffy dogs and deep carpets are dust havens for mites that can be avoided. Special mite sprays are available and may complement the measures outlined above. They should not be used as a first line approach.

Did you know that cockroach eggs, droppings and bodies are all common allergens? If you live in a house where cockroaches are found , they must be exterminated but this can be very difficult when an allergic person lives in an infested building.