Tips on Reducing Allergy Symptoms this Spring
April 21 2005 Spring brings the beginning of allergy season for many people While it may not be possible to get rid of pollen and other allergens outdoors it is possible to limit your exposure to dust pollen mold and mites in
your home Most people who are allergic to dust are actually allergic to the waste products of dust mites
If you have a central heating and air conditioning system one of the most important things you can do is to place good filters on the air intake vents to the system Any allergens that are drawn into your air conditioning are blown throughout
your home with the cool air if the air is clean it can reduce allergic reactions dramatically Make sure to change filters frequently - at least every three months and more often if your allergies are severe
Those who do not have air conditioning but have extreme allergies should consider installing one it is key to controlling allergens since it allows you to filter the air that is in
your home Open windows let in fresh air but that air is filled with dust fur pollen mold and other contaminants
While many of the particles that cause allergies are invisible if there is visible dust in the environment they are definitely present Regularly dust all surfaces of
your home and vacuum at least a couple times a week Many vacuums can be equipped with bags that contain Hepa filters which will trap more allergens than those without Extreme allergy sufferers should consider removing carpeting altogether since hard flooring does not harbor nearly as many allergens
Immediately treat leaks to prevent dampness and mold from building up in
your home If there is mold or mildew for example in a damp area like the bathroom clean it with a bleach solution to ensure the mold is removed as completely as possible
Dehumidifiers can be used to take moisture out of the air Those with mold allergies will find that running a dehumidifier can be one of the best sources of relief in their home The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommends that those bothered by dust mites also try dehumidifiers since the mites need a humid environment in which to thrive Source httpwwwniaidnihgovfactsheetsdustfreehtm
Since you spend approximately a third of your time asleep removing allergens from the bedroom is vitally important Periodically it is a good idea to remove all items from the room and scrub everything thoroughly since dust often hides under furniture on baseboards and on soft surfaces Extreme sufferers should replace curtains with hard blinds at the very least have drapes or curtains laundered regularly
Avoid keeping extra pillows plush toys or upholstered items in the bedroom since these are all attractive homes for allergens Bedding should all be washed at least weekly and mattresses and box springs should be encased in plastic covers Synthetic mattress pads pillows and fuzzy blankets are easier on allergy sufferers than wool or down alternatives
To further remove airborne irritants many people recommend using air cleaners There are many types of air cleaners available on the market including the popular Ionic Air Filtering systems Ionic Air purification systems work by creating positively charged ions which purifies some and makes others easier to trap and filter out
The Environmental Protection Agency web site says that air cleaners are one of the three most commonly used proven air cleaning methods The American Lung Association httpwwwlungusaorg indicates that their research has shown high efficiency air cleaning systems do remove some indoor allergens They suggest that people with allergies or asthma consider effective air cleaners as part of their allergen reduction process
These helpful tips for avoiding or helping to reduce their symptoms has been brought to you by Online Discount Mart httpwwwonlinediscountmartcom TV Products 4 Less httpwwwtvproducts4lesscom which offer products on their websites to help reduce allergy symptoms
Tips on Reducing Allergy Symptoms this Spring