According to the figures by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over fifty million people in the country suffer from different allergies every year. Among the many types of allergies, one of the most common is an indoor allergy, affecting more than six million children and twenty million American adults.
Indoor allergy causes numerous discomforting symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, eye irritation, itchy nose, and scratchy throat. These allergic reactions are usually triggered by dust mites, pet hair, mould, pollen, and other allergens.
While it is unfortunate that there is no known cure for allergies yet, you can manage it by over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms and allergy-proofing your home. From using an air purifier for allergies to designating pet-free areas, below are some practical pointers to reduce the allergens in your home:
Cover Your Beddings and Pillows
Dust mites are common allergic triggers that usually live in your mattress and beddings. Protect yourself from them by covering your beddings and pillow with dust mite-proof covers when they are not in use.
Covering your mattress will ensure that you will not lie down in a dust mite-infested bed or snuggle a contaminated pillow when you sleep at night. Be sure to throw your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in the washer with heated water at least once a week for the utmost protection.
Clean Smart
Given that household dust is a common allergy trigger, you should be extremely careful when dusting. Instead of using a feather duster that can spread the dust in the air, it is best to use a damp cloth to clean exposed surfaces, including window sills and door frames. Make sure also to use a damp mop to clean linoleum or wooden floors.
To clean carpeted areas, invest in a vacuum cleaner with HEPA-filter since it will not only remove harmful allergens but will keep them from leaking back in the air. Moreover, remember to wear a mask while cleaning to prevent allergic reactions.
Use an Air Purifier
As the name suggests, air purifiers are devices designed to sanitise or purify the air. They work by getting rid of toxins, pollutants, and allergens present in the indoor air.
There are plenty of air purifiers in the market today. To ensure that you will experience the most effective air-purifying feature, choose an air purifier for allergies. Such a device is equipped with HEPA-filters that capture airborne allergens, such as smoke, mould, and dust.
Designate Pet-Free Areas
Multiple studies reveal how pet exposure could lead to numerous allergic reactions and medical conditions. But if you cannot give up your furry friend, you could at least minimise allergens by keeping your pet away from certain areas like your bedroom or living room where you usually stay to rest.
It is also advisable to keep pets in spaces with wooden floors since this flooring type does not trap pet allergens and is much easier to clean. Bathing your furry pet at least twice a week can also help keep allergen levels low, as supported by one study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Allergens are practically everywhere, and while you cannot control the outside environment, you have all the power to prevent allergic reactions right in your own home. Take note of the suggestions above to effectively minimise indoor allergens that can harm you and your family.
