One of the most common allergies from indoor pathogens is due to dust mites, contributing to 50 to 80 percent of asthma-related problems, reports Environment, Health and Safety Online. A chronic disease of the immune system, allergies have no known cure. But you can control how you respond to the stimulant. Although it may be impossible to find 100 percent relief from dust allergies causing asthma and allergic rhinitis, there are a number of things you can do to lessen your reaction and make your life easier.
Step 1
Cover your mattress and pillows in plastic or special zippered allergy-proof, impermeable covers made to protect against dust mites, recommends Environment, Health and Safety Online. Wash sheets, mattress pads and blankets weekly to reduce the mite population. Mattress and pillow covers are available at most bedding stores and online.
Step 2
Remove dust from all household surfaces by regular cleaning with a damp cloth. Clean twice a week and remember to get those places you often overlook, like ceiling fan blades, heating vents, baseboards, moldings and picture frames.
Step 3
Install an air purifier on your furnace or place portable purifiers in each room. Change the filters in the purifiers monthly. Use furnace filters designed for allergy-prone individuals, and change them once a month or more often based on your personal needs.
Step 4
Control dust mites in the carpet. Vacuum twice weekly with a hypoallergenic vacuum that contains allergens in the filter container, keeping the carpet free of dust mites. If you have upholstered furniture, also vacuum it twice per week. Consider having your carpet and furniture cleaned professionally as needed if you find that vacuuming isn't managing the dust mites.
Step 5
Remove the carpet, drapes and all upholstered furniture from your bedroom. These areas are where dust mites breed. Because you spend so much time every day in your bedroom, make it a safe room where you can get away from allergens. If your allergy problems don't resolve, consider removing carpet, upholstered furniture and drapes from the entire house.
Step 6
Keep track in a journal of your allergy symptoms and your response to the variety of solutions you put in place, suggests the Mayo Clinic. This way you know what does and doesn't work for you.
Tips and Warnings
- If you've had a severe allergic reaction previously, wear a medic alert bracelet to alert emergency care providers. If you are not responding to the above suggestions and are still bothered by allergies, ask your doctor for medicines or allergy shots to desensitize you.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- HEPA filters
- HEPA vacuum
- Air purifiers
- Furnace filters
