Living with allergies can be a difficult and frustrating experience. Not only can allergies cause physical discomforts such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, but they can also interfere with daily life and make everyday tasks more of a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few helpful household tips that allergy sufferers can use to find relief from their symptoms and make managing their allergies a little easier.
House dust mites are among the most common causes of indoor allergy symptoms. It is thought that up to 85% of asthma cases, as well as eczema and hay fever, are caused by the waste and shed skins of these critters.
These allergy triggers are so small that you can’t see them with your naked eye. They are common in almost all homes, especially bedrooms and bedding, where people shed dead skin cells daily. These microscopic critters devour dead skin cells we lose daily.
Protective steps can be taken to limit exposure to dust mite populations and reduce their effects in the home.
Here Are 10 Tips That Will Help You Keep Allergy Symptoms At Bay
1. Cover your mattress and pillows with a zippered, hypoallergenic allergen barrier that blocks any particles larger than 1 micron and completely covers the mattress and pillows. Doing this will stop new dust mites from moving into these areas and lock in the dust mites that are already there, keeping you safe from their allergens.
2. Wash your sheets in hot water at least once a week. The water should be at least 130oF. Every 2–4 weeks, you should also wash blankets and mattress pads. If your bedding is made of a fabric that can’t be washed in hot water, you can put it in the freezer for one to two days to kill dust mites.
3. People with severe allergies should cover their box springs and comforters or duvets with allergen barrier encasements since dust mites can also live in these two places.
4. Keep the temperature in your home, especially in your bedroom, below 70°F and the humidity below 50 percent because dust mites thrive in warm, humid places. Leaving your sheets unmade every morning lets them dry out (because you sweat at night) and keeps the bed cooler because less heat is trapped beneath the sheets. Also, dust mites are afraid of light, so they are less likely to settle in a bed that isn’t made and is in the sun.
5. Encasements keep dust mites from getting into your mattress and pillows, but allergens and dust may still build up on the surface. It’s important to wipe down encasements when you change your sheets or take them off to wash them. You should also wash your encasements with hot water every 8 weeks.
6. Always vacuum underneath your bed and mattress. Use a damp mop to clean hard floors and a wet rag to dust. You might just stir up dust and allergens when you sweep a dry floor.
7. If it’s within your budget, replace the carpeting, especially in the bedroom, and replace it with hardwood flooring. Replace drapes and fabric blinds with wood or vinyl blinds. If you want to have carpeting, make sure to vacuum it once a week.
8. If possible, wash soft-cloth toys for kids in water that is 130°F. If they can’t be washed, put them in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites if they aren’t washable.
9. Dust mites also eat the dead skin cells that Fido and FiFi shed, and pet dander is another common allergen that makes many people sick.
If you or your children have allergies or asthma, don’t let cats, dogs, or other pets in the bedroom.
10. Not only can cigarette and fireplace smoke cause cancer, but they can also worsen any respiratory condition. Don’t smoke in the house; if you have a fireplace in your bedroom, don’t use it.
How to Keep Your Family Free of Allergies
Allergies are a type of allergic response. They can be caused by any kind of food, but the most common allergen is peanuts. Allergies can also develop from other environmental exposures, like Dust mites or cockroaches.
There are many ways to keep your family free of allergies. Some people try to avoid allergenic foods altogether, while others use multiple strategies to control their allergies. Some benefits of being free of allergies include:
- Having a more healthy immune system.
- Not experiencing an allergic reaction every time you eat something.
- Not developing any sensitivities to general contaminants in the environment (like pollen or mold).
- Living a more normal life without fear or anxiety around allergies.
- Having a greater sense of control over your life.
- Reducing your risk of developing other types of allergies.
- Preventing food sensitivities from developing in your family.
- Improving your overall health and well-being.
- Being able to live a healthy life without developing allergies or sensitivity.
Practical Tips for Keeping Your Family Free of Allergies
It’s important to understand the allergies in your family so that you can reduce the risk of any future allergies. Here are some tips to help:
- Know the signs of an allergy and how to tell if your child has it.
- Be sure to keep allergy medication and other related supplies in a safe place.
- Talk to your doctor about possible allergy treatments.
- Watch out for food sensitivities and avoid sensitive foods altogether.
- Get immunized against common Allergies before traveling.
- Make sure to keep your family’s health records safe and accessible.
- Be aware of the signs of an allergy and be able to tell if your child has it.
- Keep up to date on all allergy treatments available.
- Stay away from sensitive foods and avoid them altogether.
- If you’re worried about your child’s health, ask your doctor about allergy treatments.
- Encourage your children to get vaccinated against common allergens before traveling.
Useful Tips For Reducing The Risk Of Allergies In Your Life
Every family has different allergies, and each member’s allergies can be different. To help reduce the risk of any allergies in your life, understand the causes and effects of your allergies and take steps to prevent them.
Some tips for understanding your allergies and preventing their symptoms include:
- Understanding the allergen(s) involved in your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with that allergen(s) or its derivatives.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely to see if they improve or worsen based on the allergen(s) you are experiencing.
- Taking steps to correct any symptoms caused by an allergen(s).
- Keeping an allergies journal to track your symptoms and progress.
Conclusion
Allergies can be a debilitating and frustrating experience, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. With these helpful household tips for allergy sufferers, anyone suffering from allergies can make their home more comfortable and inviting. Cleaning regularly, minimizing dust and pet dander, investing in an air purifier, and being mindful of humidity levels are great ways to reduce exposure to allergens in your home.
