Earlier this month, experts warned of “feather duvet lung” after Martin Taylor, 43, from Aberdeenshire, experienced serious breathing problems caused by his feather bedding. She claims one of the problems is people not realising they are allergic to things like feather duvets - and the amount of dust mites these products can harbour. Dr Morris said: “ Organically grown Christmas trees pose a unique allergy threat, and bring a number of allergens into our homes at this joyous time of the year. “These include allergenic moulds, tree pollen, insects and resins, all of which can cause skin allergies, nasal symptoms (rhinitis) and asthma. “In this case it may be more appropriate to have a synthetic tree, but make sure it hasn’t collected piles of dust up in the loft over the last year.” If you’re a flower or plant lover and bring bunches into your house, you could be unwittingly releasing allergens. If allergic, then keep them out of the house.” Something we might miss when looking for the source or irritation could be chemicals found in newly painted products or even new furniture. Dr Morris said: “Formaldehyde in new MDF and recently painted products can cause contact dermatitis on the skin and respiratory allergies such as rhinitis and asthma. A major cause of breathing problems could come from black mould - growing in airing cupboards, unventilated kitchens or bathrooms or even where you dry your clothes. Amena also added: “Thoroughly clean your kitchen, bathroom and utility room (these are favourite places for mould due to the steam and humidity of cooking and bathing), and then ventilate these areas, remembering that mould may build up behind units and appliances and so may not be immediately visible.” Amena said one of the top tips in reducing a major cause of allergy problems in the household could be opting for a leather sofa. Along with a leather sofa, washing bedding at 60 degrees or above can reduce dust mites, as can steam cleaning mattresses and carpets at high temperatures.” Amena also added children’s soft toys could be a breeding ground for dust mites and they could build up - something which could cause a problem if regularly held near a child’s face. But an easy way to avoid irritation from washing powder or your shampoo and bathing products is to switch to the baby version - which is far gentler. Amena said: “Dry the rubber seal around the washing machine drum, the detergent drawer and the door, leave them ajar to air and help prevent moulds developing.” Allergies can develop any time in life - so what happens if you suddenly get a reaction and realise it’s because of your beloved cat or dog? “It’s animal dander that causes the reaction - so if everything is regularly hoovered up and washed you’d reduce it.” Amena also added: “Pet hair can also carry airborne allergens such as pollen, mould and house dust mite. However, Amena says strong cleaning products could exacerbate breathing problems and make the respiratory system hypersensitive.
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