More than 50 million Americans experience issues with allergies every year. They are the sixth most common cause of chronic illness in the US.
People who suffer from allergies such as hayfever usually find that their symptoms are much worse when they are outdoors. But there are plenty of allergens in the home that can cause issues.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize the impact of these allergens.
If you’re looking for a home remedy for allergies then read on.
What Can Cause Allergies at Home?
There are a number of things in the home that can trigger allergies.
Dust mites feed on the skin flakes of humans, and so are often found in dusty areas of the home, such as bedding, mattresses, carpets, and furniture. Symptoms of dust mite allergies are similar to hayfever.
Pet dander in the home is also a common cause of allergies. Mold can also trigger allergic reactions in some people, and hayfever can still be a problem indoors if pollen enters your home.
Is There a Home Remedy for Allergies?
Since the causes of most allergies in the home are known, it is possible to minimize their impact.
By making lifestyle changes in your home, you can reduce your contact with the allergens. Depending on the type of allergy you suffer from, some of the following remedies may help.
Minimize Contact with Dust Mites
You can reduce your contact with dust mites in a number of ways.
First, keep surfaces clean from dust. The less clutter you have, the fewer places there will be for the dust to accumulate. Also, make sure you clean hard to reach surfaces such as the tops of tall items of furniture and picture frames.
The less carpet you have in your home the better. If you do use carpet, try to steer clear of deep pile carpets which can harbor more dust mites. You can also buy allergen-resistant covers for your bedding and mattresses which will reduce dust mite contact.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming in your home can help to keep the levels of allergens low. You need to vacuum at least once a week, if not more, for this to be effective.
It is important that you use a good quality vacuum cleaner that is in proper working order. Otherwise, you may find you are just blowing dust and allergens back into the air, making your symptoms even worse. Even with a good vacuum, we recommend wearing a mask whilst using it.
You can buy vacuums that are certified as being asthma and allergy friendly which are the ideal choice if you suffer from allergies.
Reduce Exposure to Pet Dander
If you have a pet, it is impossible to completely remove your contact with pet dander.
You can minimize the impact though. Try to keep pets out of your bedroom so that you know you have at least one dander free zone. Keep bedroom doors closed when you’re not at home, and use filters over your vents.
Replacing carpet with hard floors will also make it easier to remove any dander within your living areas with regular cleaning.
Keep Pollen from Getting Inside
When you’re outside it’s impossible to escape the pollen.
Try to ensure that you don’t let any pollen from outdoors enter your home. Keep doors and windows closed and instead let your AC do the job of keeping you cool. Make sure that you change your AC filters regularly.
Your pets can also bring pollen indoors with them in their fur. Regular bathing and brushing of your pet should reduce the impact of this, but be sure to wear a mask when you are doing so.
Avoid Mold
Mold in your home is usually a sign of excess moisture.
Some of the main sources of moisture are your bathroom and your kitchen. An extractor fan in your bathroom can help to vastly reduce your moisture levels. If you don’t have one, open a window when you shower and keep your bathroom door closed until the moisture levels are back to normal.
In the kitchen, use a hood extractor if you have one. If not, keep the lids on when you are cooking to stop too much moisture from escaping. If moisture levels are still too high, a dehumidifier can help to remove moisture from the air in your home.
Use an Air Purifier
If you’re looking for a solution that can deal with most of the allergens you can find in your home, then an air purifier is your best bet.
Air purifiers will draw in contaminated air and pass it through a HEPA filter. These filters trap pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores, and leave you with air that is free from allergens. According to this list, they can even remove cigarette smoke from the air.
You should find a noticeable improvement in your allergies when using an air purifier, but remember that they can only remove airborne allergens. You should still be vigilant in removing dust from any surfaces and furnishings.
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