Many people develop allergies to the allergens present in home. Household allergens can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose etc. However, simple steps to prevent indoor allergens can help you to control indoor allergies.
Common Indoor allergens:
Here are the common allergens which cause indoor allergies:
- Pollen
- Mold
- Animal dander
- Dust
- Insects such as cockroaches
Tips to Control Indoor Allergies
Here are the following steps you can take to control indoor allergies:
- Flooring: Using hardwood, ceramic, or linoleum flooring instead of carpets is recommended. Such floors are easy to clean and they gather less dust. Carpets can gather dust, pollen and animal dander which can aggravate your allergies. If carpets are unavoidable, then using low-pile carpeting instead of high-pile carpeting is better
- Window curtains/blinds: Avoid using heavy drapes for windows as they can gather dust. Using cotton or synthetic curtains which are lightweight and washable is recommended. Vertical blinds for windows are preferable over horizontal blinds. This is because vertical blinds can be easily cleaned and they do not gather as much dust as horizontal blinds
- Bathroom: Molds can easily grow in bathroom because of the presence of moisture. Mold spores can cause allergies. To prevent mold growth, an exhaust fan can be used to remove moisture. Also make sure the leaks in faucets, plumbing fixtures in the bathrooms are fixed
- Bedding: Dust mites present in the bedding can cause allergies. Use hypoallergenic pillows, and keep the mattresses in dust-mite proof covers to prevent the dust mites from entering your bedding
- Washing: Washing bed sheets, stuffed toys, pillows, curtains regularly removes the dust and keeps you free from dust mite allergies. When washing is done in hot water of 130 degrees, the dust mites can be eliminated
- Vacuuming: Vacuuming daily will eliminate indoor allergens such as dust, pollen, and dander etc. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High Energy Particulate Absorption) enabled air filter will effectively remove the allergens
- Clutter: Books, stacks of newspapers, magazines, and stuffed toys can gather dust. Organizing the books, toys etc. by putting them in boxes, shelves will prevent dust-mites
- Pets: Pet dander can trigger allergies and the dander which is present in the house cannot be completely cleaned. Hence, keeping the pet away from the bedroom is a good idea. Bathing the pet twice a week using dander reducing shampoo will reduce the level of allergens
- Cockroaches, Pests: Cockroaches and pests can trigger allergies. Using baits, sprays to kill the pests can help you to prevent allergies. Also, using a garbage can with insect-proof lid can prevent the insects
Reducing the level of allergens in your home is an important part of asthma and allergy treatment. By creating an allergy-free atmosphere in your home, you can live comfortably and cope with allergies.
