Get to grips with your invisible tormentor

Source: MiteFree media

A common misperception about allergies is that they only become active at certain times of the year with many believing that Spring is exclusively the season for allergies, but there are in fact two categories of allergies. One is termed seasonal, which is unquestionably triggered by pollen and the onset of Spring, whilst the other is termed perennial and refers to a more chronic, ongoing condition. Those who suffer from perennial allergies are those who display allergic reactions to the likes of pet hair and dust, or at least that’s what they think is the main cause. The reality however, is that many of these people are in fact exhibiting classical allergic reactions to the common dust mite.

For many allergy sufferers, everyday life can be made extremely miserable by their symptoms. Allergies can often lead suffers to become socially impaired because they can’t bear to even visit friends with pets because of their reactions to animal dander.

Conventional treatment of allergies is most commonly directed at blocking the immune response, or in more severe cases, at suppressing the entire immune function with steroids, both systemic and topical. While this approach can provide symptomatic relief, it does nothing to address the underlying cause of the problem.

Patients often become dependant on their medication, they suffer from numerous side effects, and more importantly, they worsen their overall health by constantly suppressing their immune system. Allergies are not something to take lightly. Dr Leon Strauss, a Homeopathic Doctor and leading expert in Allergic rhinitis, says “Allergic rhinitis can lead to low energy levels, asthma, sinus infections, ear problems and mouth-breathing. It can also change the way soft facial bones develop, and cause swelling and dark circles under the eyes.”

Treating your allergies

As previously stated, many South Africans are unaware of their allergy to the common dust mite. “In fact, one in ten South Africans are sensitised to the house dust mite and show symptoms of allergies. This makes it the single most common and significant allergen causing allergies in South Africa today,” according to Avin Levy, developer of MiteFree, a product designed to eliminate allergic reactions related to dust mites.

House mite allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to proteins in the excretion of dust mites, as opposed to the mites themselves. The protein attacks the respiratory passages causing hay fever and asthma. The excretion of the mites contains a number of protein substances. When these are inhaled or touch the skin, the body produces antibodies. These antibodies cause the release of a chemical called histamine that leads to swelling and irritation of the upper respiratory passages. The predisposition for allergy is often hereditary. Unlike pollen, dust mites are present all year round causing constant allergy or 'perennial' allergic rhinitis. The excretion from the mites dries out and can be launched into the air when someone walks over a rug, sits down in a chair, or shakes the bed clothes, launching the tiny particles into the air and leading to allergic reactions. “A dust mite infestation does not mean that your house or pet isn’t clean, as dust mites have a very important role to play in the general environment and are prevalent in all homes to some or other degree”, added Levy.

As opposed to treating the problem systematically, Levy recommends a direct approach. Scientifically formulated to neutralize Dust Mite allergens, MiteFree is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fully biodegradable and approved by the SABS as safe to use in adult and children’s beds, and even babies’ cots and cribs.

Dust mite allergy symptoms may grow more severe with each successive dust mite allergen exposure or exposure to other allergens. Like stacking blocks, one too many blocks causes the whole stack to topple-resulting in an allergy flare-up. It is important to reduce your exposure to airborne allergens, food allergens, mold allergens and animal allergens.

Cumulative dust mite allergen exposures can lead to asthma, especially in children, causing permanent lung damage. Fortunately allergy control products help people with dust mite allergies live normal lives and with the regular use of MiteFree dust mite allergens becomes a thing of the past.

Available at Dischem and other leading pharmacies, chemists and related stores nationwide MiteFree guarantees you protection from those cruel allergen invaders.

For more information visit www.MiteFree.co.za or contact Avin Levy on 011-487-2016