Allergies can come in all types of forms. Some can be extremely harmful to your health, while others only cause you to have a stuffed up nose. A lot of people who have food allergies may also be allergic to medication or dander. The more you understand about allergies, the better your odds are of avoiding them and treating them.
When it’s nice outside, you may want to air your home out. But, doing so could exacerbate your allergies. Make sure you use HEPA filters in your air conditioner because they help get rid of indoor allergens. Although air conditioned air may not create as nice of a breeze, you will breathe easier.
If you can choose, do not put any carpeting or big rugs in your home. Allergens like pollen, dust, dander, and mites tend to stick in carpet fibers, and people who are sensitive to them will find it is practically impossible to get rid of them entirely. Instead, use flooring such as tile or hardwood that can be easily mopped.
Make sure you wash yourself before you head to bed. Accumulated pollen scattered over your body and hair can trigger an allergic reaction during the night. A bath or shower will ensure that you have a restful night.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are very difficult to avoid. They live in pillows and mattresses. Talk about a nightmare! However, you can fight back with the use of specially designed covers for your pillows and mattresses. Once you’ve done that, start washing your linens no less than once per week in hot water, as hot water is lethal to dust mites.
Make sure your bathroom is ventilated well so that mildew and mold can’t thrive. Allergens are most commonly found in warm, moist areas. Hang wet washcloths and towels on bars and turn on the fan after you’ve showered. Open a window if you don’t have a fan.
Keep your windows closed, and use your air conditioner with HEPA filter to keep the air in your home clean. Anytime windows are open, pollen can start wreaking havoc on your health because of the allergens you let in. Prevent allergy symptoms by cleaning filters that are in your air conditioner and vents.
Make sure you are taking your allergy medication as directed by the label (for OTC medication) or your doctor (for prescription medication). Many allergy medications require many days of consecutive use before you start seeing relief. Do not expect to use a pill when you initially start sneezing. Discuss the right dosage with your doctor.
Avoid using any products that have latex if you’re allergic to it. Make sure you avoid latex bandages, clothing, gloves, and condoms. Most of these items have alternatives, so try talking to a pharmacist to see where you can find them. Furthermore, make certain you read the labeling in order to spot latex warnings.
Pollen Count
When the pollen count is high, keep windows closed. It’s nice to coax fresh air in the house, but you don’t want to open windows when a lot of pollen is flying about. Pollen count is usually highest between 10:00 in the morning and 3:00 in the afternoon. After this time has passed, open up your windows so that your home can air out.
If you have a school-aged child who suffers from allergies, he or she may have medication in case of a severe reaction. Your pediatrician can supply adequate notes about any allergy conditions. Make sure that the school has a few doses of your child’s medication to use in an emergency. Be sure to provide the school with a list of your child’s allergens, and keep an additional copy in his or her backpack.
Take the time to learn about allergies. Not having a good grasp on what causes them is what keeps many people suffering from them. There is a wide variety of medicines available to address allergic symptoms and even suppress allergies entirely. By reading this article and any others you can find, you can learn all there is to know about allergies and allergens.