If you sniffle, have runny eyes, sore throats, lots of mucus buildup making you cough and a red, sore nose, you're not alone. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology notes that over 50 percent of American homes have at least six allergens present, and more than half the population of the United States suffers from one or more allergies. Along with taking medications that may create allergies of their own, there are some simple actions you can take to reduce symptoms, making yourself more comfortable.
Step 1
Reduce your exposure to airborne pathogens such as dust, dander and pollen. Keep windows closed during pollen season, use air conditioners at home, work and in the car, and clean the car frequently inside and out to remove allergens.
Step 2
Use unscented perfumes and unscented soaps, which help prevent allergic rhinitis and sinus problems for some people.
Step 3
Eliminate all foods from your diet that cause allergic reactions for at least one month. Reintroduce them one at a time to see how you respond. Keep a diary, suggests the Mayo Clinic, and write down every symptom you experience for each food.
Step 4
Vacuum carpets and furniture with a hypoallergenic vacuum or remove carpets, drapes and upholstered furniture to remove dust mites and pollen embedded in fibers.
Step 5
Keep your place spotless. Clean frequently by dusting furniture and all surfaces with a damp cloth. Use a steam cleaner on floors without chemicals, which in their own right may cause inhalant allergies.
Step 6
Wash all bedding including covers and bedspreads once a week to remove dust, pet dander and pollen. Keep the pets out of the bedroom and create an outdoor safe place for them. Cover pillows and mattress with special covers made to reduce exposure to allergens, recommends allergyescape.com.
Step 7
Search for and destroy any mold in the house. Use a dehumidifier in the basement to reduce moisture, on which molds thrive, recommends the Toxic Black Mold Information Center. Wear a mask if you are the one doing the inspecting. Install a dehumidifier in the house if you live in a damp climate.
Step 8
Attach air purifiers to the furnace and place one in each room. Purchase special allergy filters for the furnace and change them at least once a month.
Step 9
Hire a professional contractor who works with black mold to identify if you think you have any lurking in your house. Do not do this on your own. Have any black mold removed and a proper vapor barrier applied to prevent its return.
Step 10
Take allergy medications or other alternative remedies or supplements to help reduce symptoms.
Step 11
Consider having sinus surgery to relieve symptoms. Approximately 40,000 people receive surgery every year for serious sinus problems, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Tips and Warnings
- Alternative methods of treatment are herbs, homeopathy, acupuncture and various supplements. Some face masks come with respirators attached and are useful if you are working with strong chemicals to protect you from inhaling them. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet, suggests the Mayo Clinic, if you have severe allergy reactions to anything. This will help emergency personal identify what's going on with you and prevent them from giving you a medication to which you are allergic.
Things You'll Need
- Hypoallergenic vacuum
- Steam cleaner
- Dehumidifier
- Air purifiers
- Furnace filters
- Face mask
