Spring is here for allergy and asthma sufferers due to high pollen counts in many parts of the country. Take a few steps to control your environment to help reduce your exposure to allergy “triggers”. This will also help to reduce the severity of your symptoms. Here are 10 helpful tips:
- Stay indoors and keep your windows closed when you can if pollen counts are high.
- Wash your hair more frequently to remove pollen and dust that settled on your hair after being outside. This is also important on windy days.
- Vents/air conditioning in cars can hold a lot of pollen, dust and mold particles. If you have to turn it on, don’t allow it to blow directly at your face; direct/angle the vents away from you. Keep the windows open for a several minutes to let any airborne contaminants out of the car.
- Invest in HEPA filters; one for every room in your house is ideal. However, if you cannot afford that, purchase at least one for your bedroom. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding filter replacement and operation of the unit(s).
- If you work in an office that has carpeting, and, or unfiltered air, consider purchasing a HEPA filter to keep at your workstation.
- Encase your mattress and pillows in allergy prevention/proof “encasements”. Doing this reduces the number of dust mites that live in your pillows and mattress. Dust mites are unrelated to pollen counts, however, reducing your exposure to all possible allergy producing culprits (AKA triggers), will help you overall. Many people with allergies are allergic to dust mites too (in addition to pollens). Follow the package directions for your encasements regarding washing instructions and life expectancy. Replace them as per the manufacturers recommendation and, or, if they look torn and worn.
- Avoid perfumes, colognes, aftershave, nail polish and false nails. These can exacerbate symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers. Many people are allergic to these products and don't even know it. Use fragrance free facial and body products whenever possible.
- Try to live in a house or apartment that has hard wood floors. Carpeting harbors dust mites, molds, dirt and various irritants that spell trouble for people with allergies and asthma.
- If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom and off of the furniture to reduce your exposure to animal dander.
- Wash all your bedding once per week in hot water. Hot water helps to reduce the number of dust mites in your bedding. Use only fragrance free laundry detergent and static prevention tissues.
