The arrival of autumn means we start spending more time indoors over the autumn and winter months – more time in the company of dust, pet and mould allergens. For many people this results in the unpleasant and even debilitating symptoms caused by allergies to these airborne particles.

Airborne allergies expert and creator of HayMax, Max Wiseberg, offers some useful tips:

• Vacuum the house regularly, especially beds and fabrics to reduce the number of dust and pet allergen particles.

• Damp dust surfaces regularly, to reduce allergens on surfaces whilst avoiding dispersing them into the air.

• Apply an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm around the nostrils and the bones of the eyes in the morning, throughout the day and at night to trap dust, pet and mould allergens before they enter the body; less allergen, less reaction.

• Wash bedding very regularly to remove allergens. Anti-allergy bedding made from ‘intelligent fibres’ can be very helpful for people who suffer from dust mite allergies. They limit the growth of dust mite allergens and also keep them away from the skin.

• Keep cuddly toys and blankets in a cupboard to prevent the build-up of allergens on them.

• Avoid drying clothes indoors over a radiator, as this increases the humidity in your home and can result in mould, which releases tiny spores into the air that you breathe.

• Mould and dust mites thrive in moist environments. Try to keep the humidity in your house between 40% and 20% to control these allergens. Make sure your house is well ventilated and/or use a dehumidifier.

• Be careful when using harsh chemicals for cleaning. The fumes can exacerbate breathing problems (a common trigger for asthma) and cause skin irritation.

• Shower at night before going to bed, to remove dust and pet allergens from your hair and body.

• If you own a pet, ensure that it is well groomed and shampooed as much as possible to remove pet allergens and dust particles.

• Try using an air conditioner preferably with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the dust particles, cool and circulate the air.