If you suffer from allergies to airborne substances, foods or animals you know how much suffering these allergens can cause and how they impact your life. There is no such thing as protecting yourself and your home 100 percent against allergens, short of living in a bubble, which some unfortunate people must do. But there are things you can do to learn about what it is you are allergic to and greatly reduce your exposure.
Step 1
Find out what you are allergic to. If you don't know what is causing the sneezing, running eyes and asthma attacks, visit the doctor or an alternative practitioner to have allergy tests performed to define the cause.
Step 2
Stop eating all foods you are allergic to or those that create symptoms. Removing them from your diet for about a month will give you a chance to completely clear out your body. Then, reintroduce them, one at time, and keep a log of how you react. Eliminate foods that cause a reaction.
Step 3
Reduce exposure to outdoor allergy sources, like pollen, by keeping the windows closed, cleaning the house frequently and using air conditioning. Bathe pets, keep grass cut short, remove weeds from the yard and stay inside as much as possible when exercising during allergy season.
Step 4
Add a HEPA filter to your furnace and buy a vacuum that has HEPA filtration to remove allergens and purify the air in your house suggests the ABC News Health website. Vacuum the house frequently.
Step 5
Remove carpets and drapes to protect yourself against dust mites, pet dander and other microscopic allergens. Replace curtains with blinds, suggests the ABC News Health website. Use special allergy-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, suggests Essortment.com and wash all bedding frequently, including blankets, in hot water.
Step 6
Check for mold. Control humidity in the house, which helps to reduce the incidence of molds, explains AllergyEscape.com. Use exhaust fans throughout the house and a dehumidifier in the basement.
Step 7
Consider getting rid of pets if you are allergic to them. If not, create a safe room for yourself where your pets are not allowed. Convert an outdoor room for them. Keep your pets out of the bedroom. If you can't do this, use mite covers on your bed and pillow, suggests Essortment.com. Bathe your pet frequently.
Step 8
Clean your house without chemicals suggests the ABC News Health website. Use a steam cleaner on everything, including floors.
Tips and Warnings
- Have your house checked for black mold by a reputable company and remove any black mold. It's best to vacate the house while this process is being performed to avoid undue contact with the allergen.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Steam cleaner
- HEPA filters
- HEPA vacuum
- Humidifier
