Environmental Allergies

Avoiding allergens completely can be a challenge, but taking some simple measures can help reduce your exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens, ultimately improving your symptoms. Here are some avoidance measures for different types of allergens:

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.

Dust Mites:

• Focus on the bedroom as a primary area for avoiding dust mites.

• Use dust-proof covers on mattresses, pillows, and bedding.

• Wash bedding in hot water weekly and dry on high heat.

• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and stuffed animals with a HEPA filter.

• Use a dehumidifier in the bedroom to reduce humidity levels.

• Remove any unnecessary clutter from the bedroom.