If You Live With Allergies, Try These Things Today

If you walk through life experiencing the symptoms of someone who has allergies, then you know how frustrating it can be to live with them but not be able to do anything about it. A runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and irritated and itchy eyes are symptoms that no one should have to suffer through. Try the tips below to breathe easier.

Image Credit

Find an Allergy Doctor

One of the first things you must do if you have allergies is to contact a licensed team of allergists, such as the professionals at Becker ENT & Allergy doctors. Working with doctors specializing in this field of study means they know how to handle your unique allergic reactions.

When you go to your first appointment, the doctor will discuss your symptoms. Next, they will schedule the appropriate tests to determine the specific allergens that trigger your reactions. Once a diagnosis is in place, the allergist will discuss a treatment plan. This may include medication and prevention tactics. The plan will be tailored to your unique needs. Use your time with the allergist to discuss further options or ask any questions you may have to help you breathe easier.

Remove the Carpeting 

Carpeting tends to collect dust, dirt, and uncomfortable allergens. Consider removing it and adding easily moveable and washable rugs if you still want something soft on your floors. If you can rid your home of all carpeting and rugs, a better solution is to use gel pads. They provide a cushion below your feet in front of the kitchen and bathroom sinks or at other strategic locations throughout your home where you want a little more comfort underfoot.

Regardless of what type of flooring you select, the most important thing is to keep it clean. Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping are all essential tasks you need to complete routinely. Dust and other foreign substances accumulate quickly in homes causing you to sneeze and wheeze.

Rethink the Window Coverings

To reduce more allergens inside your home, swap out dust and pollen-collecting curtains for blinds. You can choose in-window blinds for the easiest solution. If that is not reasonable, wood, metal, or faux wood are all attractive options. 

The surface of your blinds will still collect dust, so be sure you dust them routinely. There are specific tools you can purchase to make the task easy. If you are attached to the curtain aesthetic, find a set that is easy to launder and rehang each week. If it is going to be a difficult or lengthy task to launder the curtains, you will set yourself up for failure and the addition of more allergens into your home.  

Groom the Pets

If you have a beloved furry friend in your family, you must find a way to live comfortably with them. Should your location be conducive, brush your dog or cat outdoors. This way, any hair or dander not collected in the brush will remain outside. If the great outdoors is not a realistic option due to space or the weather, designate one spot in your home to brush your pet. When you are finished grooming, vacuum the area, wash your hands, and change your clothing.

If you do not have a pet yet but are considering adopting one, look for those deemed hypoallergenic or tend to shed less than others. If you are too sensitive to certain pets, perhaps a lizard or goldfish will be the best addition to your family.  

Regardless of which creature you choose, ensure their areas and enclosures remain clean to prevent allergens from spreading throughout the house. Bathing your pets often will also help to keep allergies at bay.

Use the Air Conditioner

If you have an air conditioner, it is time to use it. Keep the windows closed to prevent more allergens from flowing into your home through the screens. Instead, allow the filter in the HVAC system to help trap those particulates and allow for fresher indoor air.

Maintaining your HVAC system is a good idea to preserve the functionality and reliability of the unit and save you money on repairs or replacements. When allergy season comes around, you will rely on it for fresh, cool air. Ensure you change the air filters often to keep the air clean and not overwork the system. 

Watch this video to learn about what HEPA air filters and HEPA air cleaners are and how they can help you.

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/OiaGm8cccJw” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen></iframe>

Mind the Details

Always take your shoes off before entering your home. Create a cozy space outside the front door and at the entrance from the garage into the home. Place a bench and shoe shelf in each area. This setup will make it easier to remove shoes and put them on again without frustration. Remind your guests that you have a shoe-free home with a cute sign. 

Wash your hands consistently upon entering the home. If you have been out for a run or playing with your family outside, be proactive in your allergen-reducing efforts by placing your clothing in a laundry hamper immediately, and then taking a quick shower to wash everything off. Remember your hair, too, as it tends to collect pollen. If you do not wash your hair before bed, any dust and pollen on your strands will transfer to your pillow, where you will breathe it in all night while sleeping – thus canceling any of the previous efforts you have made. 

Beyond keeping your home clean, it is crucial for your health and your allergen reduction efforts to keep up with routine maintenance. If you notice a leak find the source and fix the problem immediately and clean up any damaged or rotting wood and mold right away. 

Image Credit

Now that you have some helpful solutions to reduce allergen’s impact on your life, you can take control and get back to breathing better and feeling better. Contact an allergist today for professional help and guidance in your allergy-fighting efforts. After that, it will be time to clean up your home, or better yet get the whole family involved.