How to Relieve Allergies
DAILY TIPS
Change Your Clothes
Allergens like those from pollen , pet dander, mold spores and dust mites can stick to your body, clothes and hair. Make it a habit to remove your shoes, change your clothes and wash your hands and face whenever you have been exposed to allergens.
Shower at Night
Showering at night before bed can help make sure that allergens don’t come into bed with you. Going to bed without showering can cause a buildup of allergens on your bedcovers that can trigger nighttime allergies.
Quick Clean
Devoting 10 minutes a day to dusting a surface or vacuuming a room can help reduce dust build-up. Use a damp sponge or mop (a dry cloth can stir up allergens) and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter or double bag.
Monitor Moisture Levels
Keeping your home below 50 percent relative humidity helps with multiple allergens. Both dust mites and mold thrive in warm, damp environments. You can get an inexpensive hygrometer (humidity monitor) at many hardware stores and use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity.
Check the Pollen Forecast
The pollen level changes daily depending on a variety of factors, including the weather. Make sure to check the pollen forecast wherever you spend the majority of the day. For example, if your workplace is in a neighboring city, use that ZIP code when you check.
WEEKLY TIPS
Wash Your Bedding
To help reduce allergens from building up in your bedding, wash it in hot water (at least 130°F) every week. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for safely cleaning your bedding and dry clean it if necessary.
Deep Clean
Pick a room in your house to deep clean for allergies. Dust every surface and move furniture for a thorough vacuuming. Scrub rooms where moisture builds up, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements, with a mold -killing cleaner. Don’t ignore appliances like refrigerators and washing machines — they can be hot spots for mold growth.
Mow the Yard
Keeping your grass short will prevent it from flowering and releasing much pollen . If you are the allergy sufferer, delegate the task to someone else or wear a protective face mask and gloves. Mow in the evening when pollen levels are low and keep your windows closed for a few hours after mowing.
Keep Allergy Medication on Hand
Claritin® products are effective over-the-counter antihistamines that come in a variety of forms and flavors for adults and children. If you’re running low, be sure to pick some up on your weekly shopping trip.
REFERENCES
- Coping with Grass Allergy: Allergic Living's Top 10 Tips. Accessed March 24, 2020.
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