August 3, 2007

Mouse Allergy

Children are more susceptible to developing allergies and asthma—which is why it is important that parents maintain a clean and relatively allergen-free environment. Typically, when an individual is consistently exposed to a particular protein known as an allergen, their chances of becoming sensitized to the substance are greatly increased. Simple house cleaning will remove many of the allergens lurking in dusty corners and bedding—but there are some varieties of allergy instigators that come and go on their own terms.

Mice are responsible for causing quite a few allergy and asthma attacks, but have only recently been fingered as a culprit in the soaring numbers of children affected by allergic diseases. The number of children who are hospitalized for asthma in inner-city settings is phenomenal—and the link between the illness and children in urban homes often corresponds with the presence of household pests. As it stands, cockroaches are responsible for the lion’s share of urban allergy and asthma occurrences.

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Because pests actively seek warmth and food inside homes, infestations can be found in private homes and apartment buildings alike, regardless of their location in reference to city limits.

The attacks caused by cockroach allergy are characterized as being severe as well as long lasting reactions. Research now shows that mice are also responsible for the sensitization of inner-city children as well as those in rural and suburban settings.

In standard allergy testing, mouse allergen is often not included with the other elements like dog and cat dander, pollens and dust mites. Apparently, many laboratory workers who are performing tests on the rodents often find that they sensitized to mouse proteins, but children constitute another group of individuals who are more likely to be exposed to mice as well.

Babies, toddlers and children who spend the majority of their time at home may be exposed to high levels of mouse dander and urine. Over time, a child’s immune system will react to the rodent allergen—and if exposure is continued, there is the possibility of developing asthma.

Eliminated mouse allergens from a home or apartment is more difficult than some other allergy triggers, simply because is the first tip to decrease allergic reactions is to avoid the source of allergen. When a family of mice moves in, it isn’t likely that their spreading throughout the house can be controlled or avoided. Mice are notorious for finding their way into the smallest cracks to permeate an entire living area.

Some precautionary steps to avoiding mouse allergen:

Routinely exterminate pests—if you are finding large amounts mouse droppings or have regular mouse sightings it may be best to call a reputable exterminator.
Clean your house thoroughly to remove existing allergens as well as crumbs that may attract more mice. Be careful when sweeping, because this will cause allergens to become airborne. Wear a dust mask for a little extra protection, open windows and leave the room for 20 minutes are running the vacuum. After 20 or so minutes, the majority of dust and allergen particles have settled again.
Patch any cracks and holes found in flooring, walls or pipes to prevent rodents from entering your home again.
Limit food to only two rooms of your home. Eating snacks in bedrooms and living rooms as well as having food in the kitchen and dining area just increases the chance that mice will be attracted to these areas.
Keep all food in airtight containers—remember that mice can chew through most materials if they smell food inside. Air tight containers may prevent mice from finding your food in the first place.
See an allergist if you or your child has allergic reactions or asthma attacks from mysterious causes. Asked to be tested for mouse allergen if you think you are allergic to them.
Use an air purifier in bedrooms of individuals with mouse allergy. A safe free standing unit for allergies and asthma is made by Dynamic Air Cleaner.