Achieve Allergy Relief through Allergen Avoidance
You can diminish your allergy symptoms by avoiding those things
you are allergic to. Allergists refer to this method as
"allergen avoidance". Of course, you have to identity those
things to which you are allergic. For our family, we have
allergies to dust mites, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and mold.
Therefore, we implemented a comprehensive strategy to reduce and
remove those allergens from our home.
To help you get started, you can use the following checklist as
a guide to removing allergens from your home:
Enclose all mattresses, box springs, and pillows in the house in
zippered dust mite covers. Why do you ask? Because these covers
"seal in" the dust mites where they grow and thrive and prevent
the dust mite particulate from becoming airborne.
You'll want to wash all bedding at least once per week in very
hot water 130F. It is this hot water that kills the dust mites
that may be present in the bedding. Be sure to check that your
bedding is washable first.
If possible, you'll want to remove most, if not all, carpeting
in the house. Focus especially on all the bedrooms. Carpet is a
magnet for dust collection. It is important to get your bedroom
as allergen free as possible, so that your body has a respite
from allergens during sleep time. Alternate flooring options
would be hard surfaces such as vinyl, tile, or wood floors.
Consider utilizing air purifiers in most rooms, but especially
in each of the bedrooms. Measure room sizes and purchase a
correctly-sized air purifier. Purifiers come with a variety of
features and prices so you are sure to find one within your
budget. It is important to check and clean the filters of the
air purifiers regularly. A dirty filter will not help anyone!
Along with the air purifiers, consider installing a HEPA or
electrostatic air filter in your home's main A/C unit. This
filter will also need to be cleaned periodically.
Do not allow pets inside the house. I know this is very hard for
the pet lover. At the very least, do not allow them in any
bedroom areas. Pet dander is very long lasting on carpeting,
bedding, and wall surfaces and can be very difficult to remove
entirely.
When it comes to allergen avoidance, it is important to note
that for optimal allergy relief, you must do all these things
simultaneously. It is in their combination that you will see the
greatest reduction in allergy symptoms.