Why House Dust Mite Avoidance is Hard

fleickly — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:04:00 +0000

Why House Dust Avoidance is Hard

Another way to title this is ‘Why allergists can be meanies’. How could we even think of shattering such a peaceful, tranquil, and sweet image? I wonder if this is the more commonplace reality of young children and stuffed animals.

A colleague of mine, Dr. Veda Ackerman once told me that an allergist can never give a talk without saying something about house dust mites and/or showing a picture of a house dust mite. She is probably correct on that.

The simple retort is that house dust mites are important allergens. Individuals can be sensitized and allergic to proteins in the fecal pellet of the house dust mites. Yes that is where the allergen is found in feces (also known by a number of other terms not allowed on this site). I recall the look of horror when a patient on oral drops from house dust mites realized the source of the allergen.

In the lore of allergy, it has been said that inch for inch that there are more house dust mites in stuffed animals than any other item manufactured by mankind. Given that fact, when there is sensitization to house dust mites and this is suspected as a reason for allergy symptoms, the most effective therapy is avoidance of the house dust mite. So the recommendation is the removal of the stuffed animals from the child’s environment. There are a few other options; placing the stuffed animal in the freezer over night once a week or dry cleaning the critter. I fear that in this situation, the freezer would be filled to capacity with these friends.

This picture of my granddaughter clearly shows why advising avoidance of stuffed animals can be a problem. It is often said that more than one stuffed animal in the bed with a house dust mite sensitive/allergic individual is too many. Fortunately Stella has no allergic conditions. This picture is precious. My daughter labels it as ‘Stella and her friends’.

Stella’s Papa

FEL

With Tremendous Pride- A son enters Dental School

fleickly — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:45:57 +0000

: The IU Dental School Class of 2013- White Coat Ceremony

The program for the Ceremony.

My eldest son Brandon was accepted at the Indiana University School of Denistry. Classes started for him in early July, however the school conducted their ‘White Coat’ ceremony in early August.

This ceremony is a somewhat new tradition for the school. The speakers explained the tradition of the white coat. The program warmly welcomed the class of 2013. I recalled what the white coat signifies for me in the practice of medicine and what it means to the families and patients we see. Interestingly, it is rare to see a health care profession wearing a white coat in practice. It was strongly suggested to these new dental students that they place this symbol of their dedication where they can see it every day to remind them of their oath, to remind them of the high esteem that the community places them, and to remind them of their responsibility to their patients.

What a proud moment to see that white coat be placed on him. His mother and I want all to know how proud we are of him.

A pair of students; one dental and one medical

Brandon and his fiance Amanda.

Allergies: A Leickly Story » Family

Why House Dust Mite Avoidance is Hard

With Tremendous Pride- A son enters Dental School