Surviving spring allergies starts at home

A good part of a successful treatment for allergies is controlling your surroundings: at home, in the car or any medium of transportation, you use to go to work or school, dining out or practicing a sport. For patients suffering from environmental allergies and asthma, the reduction of allergen exposure is an ideal practice that combined with medical treatment and immunotherapy, or allergy shots will provide better standards of living and normal breathing.

Dust, pollen, and dust mites.

• Stay away from carpets and rugs, wallpaper and curtains as they tend to accumulate environmental allergens.
• Avoid using ceiling fan and bedrooms overpopulated or decorated with stuffed animals
• Use polyester-filled pillows and comforters, not feathers or down fillers, hypoallergenic mattress and pillowcases prevent the growth of dust mites; Wash bedlinens with very hot water (130 degrees) once a week
• Keep windows, doors and car windows closed during the peak hours of airborne pollen
• Prefer HEPA filters for AC units and heaters and keep vents free of dust
• Keep pollen, molds and grasses counts under control.

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Animal dander. 

• Contrary to popular belief, one is not allergic to pet’s fur but to the protein contained in their dander, urine and saliva.
• General rules are limited access to bedroom and beds, inform schools and work to avoid contact and wash pets regularly.
• Allergy symptoms are mitigated by allergy shots if taken consistently because having a pet allergy doesn’t mean that you will have to give the pet away,

Molds. 

• Avoid moisture and humidity; air and ventilate bathrooms, attics, and basements.
• Use de-humidifier when needed to avoid that moisture deposits on the surface.
• Limit the presence of fresh plants indoor, as mulch and soil retain humidity and potentially accelerate mold growth.

Irritants. 

Be conscious when purchasing grocery room fresheners, seasonal candles, and potpourri, disinfectants, house cleaners, paint, burning woods and incense, and avoid smoking cigarettes.