Allergy Treatment Begins at Home
The good news is that you really don’t have to strip your house down to the bare bones to make it allergy proof.
Thorough and regular cleaning generally makes a huge difference in keeping your house as mold and dust free as possible.
Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis that are due to dust mites, molds, or other indoor allergens can feel better by taking these simple measures:
* Keep the home cool (between 68 and 72 degrees F);
* Maintain a low humidity (between 40 and 50%); and
* Make certain there is good ventilation.
Avoidance is always the best treatment for allergies regardless of which allergens are the triggers.
Interestingly enough, the most effective, least expensive, and simplest options are not always followed.
Many people choose medications or vaccinations instead, despite their drawbacks.
Fortunately, there are lots of simple methods, both old and new, to help with avoidance. Remember, putting into practice any of these measures can only be helpful in managing your allergies.
When patients get started with the process of “allergy- proofing” their homes, one of two things usually happens.
They either do nothing or “overdo it.” Some patients become so overwhelmed with all the
different methods of allergy- proofing that they simply do nothing.
That’s always a disappointing outcome, especially when the process is so straightforward and inexpensive.
Just focusing on the basics of a routine and thorough cleaning and temperature and humidity reduction can lead to fewer symptoms and a vastly improved quality of life.
Sometimes, the opposite occurs. The allergy-proofing process becomes all consuming and inordinately expensive.
Overpriced and often inefficient whole-house filtration devices are installed when simple
cleaning and reduction of humidity and temperature would have been adequate.
Clearly, there are situations in which extreme measures need to be undertaken. Before going down this path, however, it’s best to consult with your doctor. Start with the easy things first.
Cleaning Tips
* Avoid ornate furniture. Plain, simple designs accumulate less dust. No open bookshelves; they are
great dust-catchers.
* Keep all clothes in drawers or closets, never lying about the room. Enclose wool clothes in plastic zipper bags. Avoid mothballs, insect sprays, tar paper, or camphor. Keep drawers and closet doors closed.
* Remove as much clutter as possible to make cleaning easier. Place hard-to-clean items in closets, drawers, or display cabinets with glass doors.
* When choosing furnishings, it is best to go with wood, leather, vinyl, or rubberized canvas
furniture and avoid upholstered pieces. Upholstery easily traps allergens and is much harder to clean. You might try washable slipcovers on existing upholstered furniture.
* Install wood, tile, or linoleum flooring. Limit throw rugs to those that can be easily cleaned in the washer. They should be able to withstand washing weekly.
* Use allergen-proof encasings for pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Tape over zippers to help prevent leaks. Vacuum all casings frequently. Store nothing under the bed.
* Use washable cotton or synthetic blankets, not fuzzy surfaced ones. Use easily laundered cotton bedspreads or coverlets; avoid chenille.
* Install roll-up washable cotton or synthetic window shades. Avoid venetian blinds, mini-blinds, and pleated shades.
* Use washable cotton or fiberglass curtains. Avoid draperies and decorative fabric window
treatments!
* Install central air conditioning or window units. Keep windows closed, especially during periods of high pollen counts and windy conditions. Grasses, weeds, and trees tend to pollinate during the early morning hours. Sleep with the windows closed.
* Use Dacron or other synthetics for pillows. Avoid feathers or foam rubber, which traps moisture and promotes mold and dust mite growth.
* Space heaters are preferred over hot air ducts. In homes with forced air heat, use filters or damp cheesecloth over inlets to reduce dust circulation. Change every two weeks. Consult your physician about air purifiers. Keep beds away from air vents.
* Damp dusting using a dampened cloth or an oiled mop will minimize the distribution of dust through the air.
Baby’s Room - Special Tips
It’s a good idea to eliminate potential irritants and allergens from your baby’s environment. Here’s what you can do to help eliminate potential sources of allergens from your baby’s world.
* Wood or plastic chairs are best for baby’s room.
* Again, avoid all feather bedding.
* Use dust-proof casings for all bedding.
* Stuffed animals should never be placed in the crib and, if used, should be washable. Put most of the stuffed items in a closed chest or closet. Store them in a freezer bag when not in use.
* When it comes to gifts for children, ask for books rather than stuffed animals. Keep the books in a bookcase with doors to help reduce allergens.
* Humidifiers should be reserved for croup. They should not be used routinely since they increase the dust mite and mold counts. If a humidifier is required, the cool water variety is safer than a steam humidifier in terms of burns. Also, be sure to change the water daily if a humidifier is necessary.
* Animal fur is a potential allergen. It’s best to keep pets out of the baby’s room.
* Overhead mobiles and wall hangings collect dust!
* Baby bumpers should be simple and washable. No ruffles or pleats.
* Ruffled curtains and venetian blinds collect a lot of dust. Vertical blinds are preferable. If
levelers or shutters are used, be sure to clean them weekly with a damp cloth.
* The crib should be placed away from air vents.
* A HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air-filter) can be placed under the crib. The filter
will help to decrease airborne allergens such as pollens, mold spores, and animal danders.