Environmental Allergies

Avoiding allergens entirely may pose a formidable challenge, yet implementing straightforward measures can significantly diminish exposure to both indoor and outdoor allergens, thereby alleviating symptoms.

Avoiding allergens entirely may pose a formidable challenge, yet implementing straightforward measures can significantly diminish exposure to both indoor and outdoor allergens, thereby alleviating symptoms. For indoor allergens, maintaining a clean and dust-free living space, using air purifiers, and regularly washing bedding and curtains can be effective. Outdoor allergen avoidance involves staying indoors during high pollen seasons, wearing sunglasses to shield the eyes, and keeping windows closed.

Additionally, individuals with food allergies should diligently read ingredient labels, communicate dietary restrictions to restaurants, and consider carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies. These practical measures empower individuals to proactively manage their environment and foster a healthier, allergen-reduced lifestyle.

Pollen and Outdoor Allergens:

  • Avoid outdoor activities during dry, windy days, when pollen counts are highest.
  • Keep windows and doors closed during pollen seasons and use an air conditioner to reduce exposure.
  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons if symptoms are severe.
  • Do not hang clothing outside to dry as it can trap airborne pollens.
  • Pets can collect pollen in their fur while outdoors, so make sure to clean them regularly.

Pet Allergy:

  • Keep pets out of the home, if possible, as dander, hair, and saliva are all sources of pet allergens.
  • If you cannot remove pets, keep them out of the bedroom and isolate them in rooms that have hard surfaces that can be washed regularly.
  • Wash cats once a week and dogs twice a week to decrease the buildup of allergens in the dust reservoirs within your home.
  • Wash all area rugs that your pets use to rest on every 7 to 14 days.
  • Carpets can accumulate allergens faster than hard surfaces or smooth flooring, so vacuum with a HEPA filter and mop or wash hard surfaces regularly.
  • Clothing that has been contaminated with pet allergens should be washed regularly.
  • Use air cleaners in any areas of the home that pets have access to.

Molds:

  • Use a good dehumidifier in damp areas of the home.
  • Thoroughly clean bathroom tiles and grout on a regular basis using a mold-specific disinfectant.
  • Cover all mattresses and pillows in airtight covers so that they do not become damp or humid.
  • Remove carpets in basements and bathrooms, and replace them with a hard surface such as tile.
  • Have your air conditioner system cleaned and inspected regularly for mold.
  • Check all foods for mold growth and clean trash cans regularly.
  • Store firewood outdoors and seal windows tightly to prevent condensation.
  • You should store firewood outdoors as mold can grow on the bark of the wood. Burning moldy woods can aggravate asthma and allergies. Christmas trees may also introduce mold spores into the home.
  • Seal windows tightly and wipe away condensation.
  • Properly Outdoor molds can grow in fallen leaves, soil, moist debris, and wooded areas. They peak in summer and fall and taper off after the first frost. Mold can thrive year-round in tropical climates. Alternaria and Cladosporium are the most prevalent outdoor molds.
  • vent the clothes dryer to the outside of your utility room.

Dust Mite

  • Dust mites are microscopic eight-legged creatures that are closely related to ticks and spiders. They can thrive in warm, humid areas and live primarily off the scales of human skin.
  • Newer energy efficient homes tend to have higher indoor temperature and humidity levels due to reduced ventilation. Dust mites will breed in areas like mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpet, upholstered furniture and stuffed animals. Thus, your bedroom should be the first area to focus on.
  • Bed: Mattress, box spring, and pillows should be covered with allergy resistant protective covers. Vinyl and plastic are sufficient but are not as durable and comfortable as airtight cloth covers.
  • Bedding: Wash all bed linens in hot water at a minimum temperature of 130 degrees at least once every 2 weeks.
  • Dust collectors: If possible, avoid unnecessary items that are made from fabric like stuffed animals. Stuffed animals can be placed in a freezer for 12 hours every 2 weeks to kill dust mites. Extra pillows, comforters with down or feather, and heavy drapes should be removed from the bedroom. Avoid wall pennants and other fabric in the room.
  • Dust: Carefully dust with a damp rag once or twice a week.
  • Humidification: Avoid the use of humidifiers and vaporizers in bedrooms. Use dehumidifiers in a basement and in the rest of the house during the summer. Try to keep the humidity levels below 45%. Low humidity levels will kill most of the dust mites.
  • Floors: Hard surface floors that can be damp dusted are preferable. If carpet cannot be avoided, the following options are available.
  • Vacuum with an effective HEPA filter twice a week.
  • A vacuum cleaner with an electrostatic filter if a HEPA filter is not available.
  • Use a dust mite pesticide such as Acarosan. A tannic acid solution will also help break down dust mite allergens.
  • Closets should be used for clothing only.
  • Because dust mite allergens are carried on large particles that settle rapidly out of the air, air cleaners provide little or no benefit.
  • Remove pets from the bedrooms where they can shed dander which dust mites thrive on.

Cockroach

  • Allergy to cockroaches is extremely common. Cockroaches can be found in schools, office buildings, and can go undetected in the home.
  • Cockroach allergens can be found in cockroach body parts, feces, and other secretions. They are common triggers for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
  • Use the following measures to eradicate cockroaches from your home:
  • Have your home professionally exterminated.
  • Use roach bait and traps.
  • Clean thoroughly after extermination.
  • Remove water sources.
  • Seal cracks and other entry points in your home.
  • Clean your kitchen after cooking.
  • Store all food in sealed containers, including pet foods.
  • Wash dirty dishes immediately after eating.
  • Restrict meals and snacks to one or two areas in your home.
  • Keep household trash in a tightly covered container and empty daily.
  • Clean your kitchen cupboards and cabinets on a regular basis