Allergist warns of allergen buildup in bedroom pillows

Dr. David Corry, a professor of immunology, allergy, and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine, advises that controlling one's environment is as vital as medical treatment for managing allergies. He notes that reducing allergen exposure at home can decrease the necessity for medication.

Specifically, Corry warns that pillows in the bedroom are significant collectors of allergens. Because they are used nightly, they accumulate moisture, skin oils, and dead skin cells. These elements serve as food for fungi and dust mites. Regular exposure to fungal spores and dust mite excrement through pillows can trigger or worsen allergic sensitivities. To mitigate this, Corry recommends replacing pillows regularly rather than using them for many years.