According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more Americans are suffering from allergies than ever before, with 1 in 5 reporting allergy symptoms. The sneezing, sniffling and watery eyes that characterize most allergies result from the immune system overreacting to a foreign substance, known as an allergen. There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to allergens.
Allergy-Proof Your Home
Step 1
Cover mattresses and pillows with dust mite covers to seal out dust. Dust is one of the most common causes of allergies.
Step 2
Replace carpeting with hard flooring. Hard flooring includes wood, tile or linoleum, which are easier to clean of dust and mold than carpeting.
Step 3
Get rid of heavy drapes and other unnecessary fabric. These can act as a reservoir for dust.
Step 4
Reduce exposure to mold. Limit plants, throw out any objects containing mold, keep the kitchen and bathrooms as dry as possible and fix any leaks to prevent mold from growing.
Clean Regularly
Step 1
Clean your home and work environment often. Do this in order to limit your exposure to indoor environmental allergens, such as dust and mold. Use a damp cloth to regularly clean mold from hard surfaces.
Step 2
Vacuum at least weekly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Wear a mask while vacuuming to prevent an allergic reaction from the dust that gets stirred into the air.
Step 3
Launder bedding and stuffed animals weekly. This will reduce dust exposure.
Be Conscious of Your Pets
Step 1
Bathe and groom pets frequently to limit shedding. Ideally, someone who isn't allergic should do the bathing and grooming.
Step 2
Keep pets out of bedrooms and off soft surfaces if possible. Especially keep them out of your bedding.
Step 3
Keep pets outside as much as possible. Do this especially in warm weather, in order to limit animal dander in the home.
Improve Your Air Quality
Step 1
Install a central heating and/or air conditioning system with HEPA filters. This will help capture dust and animal dander from the air.
Step 2
Install a room air purification system in just the bedrooms. This will help capture dust and animal dander if a central system heating and cooling system with HEPA filters is cost-prohibitive.
Step 3
Keep indoor air dry. Put the humidity level below 50 percent in order to prevent the formation of mold spores.
Use Medications and Immunotherapy
Step 1
Take antihistamines. They are available over the counter or by prescription and can decrease the sneezing, itching and runny nose caused by allergies.
Step 2
Take decongestants to decrease nasal congestion. They shrink the swollen membranes in the nose.
Step 3
Take allergy shots under the supervision of your physician. These will help you gain immunity through the administration of allergen in very small doses over time.
Things You'll Need
- Dust mite covers
- Hard flooring
- Household cleaning supplies
- Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
- Pet grooming supplies
- Air purifier
- Medication or allergy shots
