Allergen Avoidance
It is essential to try to avoid exposure to allergens if you suffer from allergic rhinitis, asthma or eczema. These are some tips you can take to decrease your exposure to allergens.
POLLENS
- When pollen counts are high, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning. If you need to go outside, make sure to check pollen counts. After returning home, take a shower, wash your hair, and change clothing.
- Avoid using window fans than can draw pollens and molds into the house.
- When outside, wear sunglasses to minimize amount of pollen that gets into the eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes.
DUST MITES
- Use dust mite covers for bedding, mattresses and box springs. Wash bedding once a week in hot water.
- Replace carpet with hardwood or tile.
- Keep indoor humidity low and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
PETS
- Wash your hands immediately after petting any animals.
- If you are allergic to household pet, try to keep pet outside as much as possible. If the pet must be indoor, keep it out of your bedroom.
- Bathe your pet at least once a week to reduce dander.
- Vacuum any pet hair and wash all bedding.
MOLDS
- Keep indoor humidity low.
- Use exhaust fan to remove humidity produced by showering or cooking.
- Use diluted bleach if needed to kill mildew.
OTHER IRRITANTS
- Replace Air conditioning filters every 45-90 days.
- Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner to remove airborne allergens.
- Avoid tobacco smoke and do not allow anyone to smoke in your home or car.
- Try to stay away from strong odors such as perfumes, hair sprays, paints, insecticides and cleaning products.
- When exposed to cold air, try to cover your nose and mouth with a scarf.