Allergies - How to Avoid Allergy Triggers
Allergies are a common source of problems for both children and adults.
Many people who suffer from allergies think they must use expensive medications, shots or strip their homes in order to treat allergies.
Doctors now say the best treatment for allergies is to avoid triggers.
A few common sense measures can go a long way toward alleviating symptoms and making life easier.
The first place to start is giving your home a thorough cleaning.
Dust mites and mold are the most common allergens.
Keep the house temperature between 68 and 72 degrees, keep the humidity inside your home below 50 percent and make sure your home is well ventilated.
These measures will inhibit the growth of mold and produce an environment that prevents dust mites from multiplying.
Soap and water is another weapon in your battle to reduce allergens.
Buy bedding that can be safely washed and will stand up to repeat washing.
Washing bedding in a temperature of at least 130 degrees kills dust mist.
Don't forget to wash the pillows.
Pillows come in direct contact with your face for about 7-8 hours a day so it is important to keep them free from dust mites.
Encase pillows in allergen-proof cases and cover both the mattress and box spring as well.
Apply tape over zippers to prevent allergens from escaping.
Vacuuming is an important tool especially if carpets cannot be replaced with solid flooring.
Vacuuming should not be done by the person with the allergies if possible.
Dust and mold become airborne during vacuuming making vacuuming hazardous for the person suffering from allergies.
If that person must vacuum themselves, use a good mask over the nose and mouth to prevent inhaling the released allergens.
Ornate furniture provides more surfaces for dust and mold to hide.
Buy furniture with flat surfaces that can be easily cleaned.
Avoid buying upholstered furniture as the fabric is the perfect environment for dust mists to breed.
If you must use upholstered furniture, consider buying slipcover that can be washed.
Buy rugs that can easily be washed.
Avoid draperies instead opting for window shades that can be washed.
Special precautions should be taken for babies.
Do not put stuffed animals in the crib but instead opt for toys that can be washed.
Avoid using feather bedding that can trigger allergies.
Avoid the use of ruffles on bedding and curtains.
Do not place cribs near air vents which can stir up dust and mold.
Only use humidifiers when advised by your pediatrician as higher humidity levels promote the growth of mold.
Buying a good HEPA filter and placing it under the crib will decrease mold, pollen and dust mite levels.
Keep pets out of the baby's room to prevent the spread of dander which can be another cause of allergies.
Since avoidance is the best measure to prevent allergy attacks, following these few simple suggestions can go a long way toward promoting better health.
Many people who suffer from allergies think they must use expensive medications, shots or strip their homes in order to treat allergies.
Doctors now say the best treatment for allergies is to avoid triggers.
A few common sense measures can go a long way toward alleviating symptoms and making life easier.
The first place to start is giving your home a thorough cleaning.
Dust mites and mold are the most common allergens.
Keep the house temperature between 68 and 72 degrees, keep the humidity inside your home below 50 percent and make sure your home is well ventilated.
These measures will inhibit the growth of mold and produce an environment that prevents dust mites from multiplying.
Soap and water is another weapon in your battle to reduce allergens.
Buy bedding that can be safely washed and will stand up to repeat washing.
Washing bedding in a temperature of at least 130 degrees kills dust mist.
Don't forget to wash the pillows.
Pillows come in direct contact with your face for about 7-8 hours a day so it is important to keep them free from dust mites.
Encase pillows in allergen-proof cases and cover both the mattress and box spring as well.
Apply tape over zippers to prevent allergens from escaping.
Vacuuming is an important tool especially if carpets cannot be replaced with solid flooring.
Vacuuming should not be done by the person with the allergies if possible.
Dust and mold become airborne during vacuuming making vacuuming hazardous for the person suffering from allergies.
If that person must vacuum themselves, use a good mask over the nose and mouth to prevent inhaling the released allergens.
Ornate furniture provides more surfaces for dust and mold to hide.
Buy furniture with flat surfaces that can be easily cleaned.
Avoid buying upholstered furniture as the fabric is the perfect environment for dust mists to breed.
If you must use upholstered furniture, consider buying slipcover that can be washed.
Buy rugs that can easily be washed.
Avoid draperies instead opting for window shades that can be washed.
Special precautions should be taken for babies.
Do not put stuffed animals in the crib but instead opt for toys that can be washed.
Avoid using feather bedding that can trigger allergies.
Avoid the use of ruffles on bedding and curtains.
Do not place cribs near air vents which can stir up dust and mold.
Only use humidifiers when advised by your pediatrician as higher humidity levels promote the growth of mold.
Buying a good HEPA filter and placing it under the crib will decrease mold, pollen and dust mite levels.
Keep pets out of the baby's room to prevent the spread of dander which can be another cause of allergies.
Since avoidance is the best measure to prevent allergy attacks, following these few simple suggestions can go a long way toward promoting better health.
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