Even though lots of people are aware of allergies and all the symptoms of it, not everybody truly knows just how annoying allergies can be. Avoiding allergens is one solution, but it doesn’t work when the allergens are airborne. Keep reading for more tips.
Whenever possible, opt for any type of flooring other than carpet in your home. It is almost impossible to truly clean a carpet, and carpet fibers collect pet dander, pollen, mites, dust, and other allergens. Try to install floors that can be mopped and swept with ease.
Dust Mites
It is impossible to avoid dust mites. Dust mites thrive in the bedroom. They feed on dead skin cells found mostly on pillows and mattresses. Disgusting! To fight this, you can put your mattress and pillow in a cover that is designed for your bed. You can also replace cotton and other similar fabrics with synthetic fibers. Dust mites aren’t too big on synthetics.
Reactions to certain allergens can happen at different times in life. For instance, food allergies are prevalent in small children, who are just getting their first exposure to different foods. As children grow and develop, they may develop pollen allergies. You need to keep in mind that children are quite capable of developing genuine allergies to airborne spores or pollen, even if they have never had an allergic reaction to anything other than foods.
Keep your bathroom well-ventilated in order to keep mildew and mold at bay. These allergens love warm, damp environments. Air out towels well immediately after use. If you use a sponge or cloth in the shower, air them out well, and launder them often. If a fan is not available, you can crack a window instead for similar effect.
Though it may be unpleasant to do, keeping windows closed can prevent many allergens from entering the home. Open windows are an invitation for pollen and other airborne allergens to invade your home and cause allergies to flare up. In addition, be sure to periodically check any filters in your home, such as those in air conditioning units, so they can be cleaned and continue to work efficiently.
If your child suffers from allergies to foods, travel can be made easier by packing some of his “safe foods” for the trip – especially if you will be in a foreign country. You may have a hard time identifying ingredients in different foods while in foreign countries. Without this information, your child is at risk of coming into contact with common food allergens like soy, nuts or dairy.
Most people who suffer from allergies have been told to use humidifiers in their bedroom in order to moisten the airways during sleep. This could actually be counterproductive, as the water vapor humidifiers emit can land on the carpet, which increases the likelihood that mold or other allergens will proliferate. A better option for moisturizing your nasal passages is to use a nasal saline spray immediately before bedtime.
To avoid at least one source of allergy attacks, keep your car clean, and closed! Instead of driving with the top or windows down, use your air-conditioner and keep vents closed to prevent allergens from getting in. If you vacuum regularly, this will keep the interior seats and upholstery free from the things that accumulate. This can reduce your allergy outbursts.
Pollen and pet dander are two difficult allergies to fight because the air can always contain them! Do not allow allergens to control the way you live your life, this can make it much harder to live your life. Use the information you have just read to reduce or prevent allergy symptoms.