The sneezing, sniffling, sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes of allergies are often just too much to deal with. But if you don't want the drowsy, medicine-head side effects of allergy medications, you don't have to suffer from the symptoms of allergies. There are a number of other ways to manage and control allergy triggers without depending on a daily medication.
Step 1
Manage mold in your home. Mold grows in places that are damp, warm and dark---often in bathrooms, houseplants, windows and walls. Clean your home regularly with a bleach and water mixture to help kill mold, says the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). You can also keep air circulating with fans to help prevent mold growth. Avoiding carpet in damp areas and using a dehumidifier can also help inhibit mold growth.
Step 2
Prevent pollen in the home. Pollen is a major source of allergies, and you can carry it in your home on the clothes you wear. AAFP suggests taking a shower or bath and changing your clothes before heading to bed to help get rid of aggravating pollen. You should also run the air conditioning in favor of open windows, both in your car and your home. When possible, AAFP suggests staying indoors when pollen levels are high to spare yourself allergy symptoms.
Step 3
Dust away dust mites. Dust mites, which are major allergens, settle in anything upholstered in your home---carpets, rugs, furniture, curtains and drapes and even toys and linens. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filter, and use it frequently. AAFP also suggests using an air cleaner, a dehumidifier and plastic covers on mattresses and pillows to help deal with dust allergies.
Step 4
Deal with pet dander with frequent cleanings of your home. Give pets regular baths to cut down on dander in your home, suggests the AAFP, and use an air filter in your furnace to keep air cleaner. Talk to your veterinarian about other ways to cut down on pet hair and dander. If pet allergies can't be managed and your symptoms are really severe, you may need to consider finding a new home for your pet.
Step 5
Strip carpets from your home. Carpets can harbor a number of symptom-causing allergens, like dust, mold and pet dander. The Mayo Clinic suggests ripping out carpets in favor of hardwood floors that don't soak up allergens. Frequently wash items, such as linens and soft items, in hot water, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 6
Avoid allergy triggers. Smoke (from both fireplaces and tobacco products), wind, polluted air and aerosol spray products can all irritate allergy sufferers, says the AAFP. Windy or very cold weather, as well as high levels of humidity, will also exacerbate symptoms. To try to manage allergy symptoms without medication, be sure to avoid those allergy triggers as much as possible.
Tips and Warnings
- Understand what triggers your allergy symptoms, and do your best to avoid those specific allergens. Keeping a clean house will help keep your home free of many symptom-triggering allergens.
- If you can't get relief from allergy symptoms using these steps alone, talk to your doctor about medications that may be safe for you to take to get allergy symptoms under control.
Things You'll Need
- Bleach
- Cleaning supplies
- Dehumidifier
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
- Air cleaner
