With summer in full swing and the outdoors beckoning us with its warm weather and bright sunshine, it can be easy to forget that many people suffer from allergies. Allergies can range from mild to severe and no matter what type of allergy you experience, proper prevention and management techniques are crucial for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, the following steps can help to reduce the presence of allergy causing agents in your home and outdoor environment and ultimately, prevent allergies from developing.
First and foremost, it’s important to keep your home clean and orderly. Dust, mold, and other particles may not always be seen to the naked eye but can still trigger allergic reactions. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can significantly reduce the amount of these particles in your home. Additionally, don’t forget to clean or replace furnace filters which will help avoid blowing dust around your home.
When outside, try to avoid activities which could expose you or those around you to pollen or other allergens. If possible, stay indoors when pollen is at its highest levels by tracking counts through websites like AAAAI or by downloading an app like Pollen.com onto your smartphone. Not only should people with allergies pay attention to the pollen forecast but they should also wear masks when gardening or performing outdoor activities if they’re highly susceptible to allergic reactions such as hay fever.
If all else fails, there are medications available that can treat allergies such as Antihistamines and nasal sprays which help strenuously reduce allergic symptoms when taken regularly. Speak with a health care provider to ensure that you’re prescribed the correct medication for your specific allergy type.
In conclusion, proper steps can be taken for both removing allergy causing agents as well as preventing them from developing. These steps include regular cleaning in the home and avoiding outdoor activities when possible during peak pollen season as well as taking medications as prescribed by a healthcare provider if necessary in addition to wearing masks while engaging in outdoor activities when needed. By making these small changes, everyone- including those with allergies- can enjoy summer activities with little worry of suffering from a reaction!
If you’re someone who suffers from allergies, you know first-hand the discomfort, pain and suffering they can cause. Allergies are the body’s reaction to a foreign material –such as pollen, mold, or dust mites – that it perceives as a threat. While there are a variety of treatments available to reduce the severity and duration of allergy symptoms, the best protection comes from prevention. With that in mind, here are some useful steps you can take to remove allergy-causing agents and reduce your exposure to them.
1. Reduce Dust in the Home: Vacuum carpets and upholstery weekly; dust furniture and other surfaces regularly; regularly wash bedding and curtains in hot water; close windows on high pollen days; use air conditioning when pollen levels are high; use filters for air conditioning systems and air purifiers where possible.
2. Eliminate Mold: Keep humidity levels low; clean regularly with an all-purpose cleaner or white vinegar; use dehumidifers and exhaust fans that vent to the outside; fix any existing water leaks or plumbing problems promptly.
3. Control Pest Infestations: Get rid of food sources for pests like cockroaches, rodents, ants, and spiders; keep food items in closed containers; seal cracks or other openings in walls, floors, or ceilings to prevent invasions from insects or other pests.
4. Avoid Pollen Sources: Pay attention to forecasts for high pollen counts or grass cutting days; check pollen levels online before going out when pollen counts are rising; stay indoors as much as possible on days when pollen counts are high; stay away from parks or other outdoor areas where airborne pollens could be a problem.
5. Investigate Allergens in Your Home: Request a professional inspection to find out what type of indoor allergens are present in your home; conduct air quality tests if necessary; eliminate sources of indoor allergens identified during inspections such as mold, dander (from pets), smoke, carpeting, or stuffed toys; install an effective filtration system that can capture particles too small for the human eye to see.
By taking these steps to reduce exposure to airborne allergens both inside and outside your home, you can protect yourself against allergies and minimize their effects if they do occur. Prevention is certainly the key when it comes to allergies – so arm yourself with the knowledge of how to guard against them effectively!