There are approximately 50 million people in the United States suffering from allergies reports the The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This is an astounding number. There is no known cure for allergies according to conventional medical sources. Although it is nearly impossible to be fully protected from airborne allergens, you can do certain things to help reduce exposure allowing a lessening of your symptoms.
Step 1
Clean the house regularly to keep surfaces dust, pollen and danger free. Use a damp cloth and wipe down furniture and places you may overlook twice weekly. Remember baseboards, moldings, heat vents and fan blades.
Step 2
Cover the mattress and pillows with impermeable covers available at bedding stores and online if you have dust mite allergies, recommends Environment, Health and Safety. Wash all bedding at least once a week to get rid of mites.
Step 3
Close windows during pollen season and use an air filter or purifier to remove pollen and dust from your rooms. Change the furnace filter monthly and remove accumulated dust and pollen deposits from around air vents in the house.
Step 4
Create a safe room for yourself where you will not be exposed to allergens. Your bedroom is the best place in which to do this as you spend at least 8 hours a day there. Remove carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture and other dust catchers. If allergies become intolerable you might want to consider doing this to the rest of your house.
Step 5
Buy a hypoallergenic vacuum or one with a HEPA filter and vacuum all carpets twice a week to keep allergens at bay.
Step 6
Buy a hypoallergenic vacuum or one with a HEPA filter and vacuum all carpets twice a week to keep allergens at bay.
Step 7
Move any large plants out of your house and garden to limit pollen and have the lawn mowed regularly to keep grasses down, suggests allergyescape.com. Pull the weeds before they propagate reducing spores that cause allergies.
Step 8
Keep some eucalyptus oil on hand to place in a steam inhaler or in a bowl of boiling water to use for steaming yourself, suggests the Peace Health website. It's astringent qualities help reduce swelling and inflammation of the sinuses. Do not use eucalyptus if you employ homeopathic remedies, as it will interfere with their action.
Step 9
Use homeopathic remedies for allergy relief suggests the "Materia Medica and Repertory", by eminent homeopath William Boericke. A qualified homeopath should be consulted to prescribe a remedy for you particular symptoms. There are many remedies that have been found to be helpful for allergic rhinitis such as Wyethia, Arum Tryfillum, Teucrium, Hydrastis and Allium Cepa to name just a few.
Tips and Warnings
- If you've had a severe allergic reaction to anything, wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace to alert emergency care practitioners. If the above suggestions are not helping you, ask your doctor for medicines or allergy shots for desensitization.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Mattress and pillow covers
- Air purifiers
- Furnace filters
- HEPA filters
- HEPA vacuum
- Eucalyptus oil
- Homeopathic remedies
