Allergy Proof Your Home

At one time or another, allergies or irritants have caused most people to have watery and itching eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. True allergies occur from being highly sensitive to substances known as allergens.

Common allergens are pollen, mold, animal dander, house dust mites, chemicals, insect venom, latex, certain foods, or medicines. Irritants include tobacco smoke, strong odors, air pollutants, and change in weather conditions. We have no control over some irritants, like a change in the weather or pollution levels. However, many allergens can be lessened or controlled, such as the allergens in our homes.

Keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning when possible. Use an air cleaner with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) or electrostatic filter. Do not use window or attic fans that may bring outside air in the house. Stay in the house and avoid outdoor activities, especially during high pollen count times. Shower, or take a bath, and change clothes after outdoor activity. Dry clothes in a vented dryer, not outside.

Wipe down the bathroom walls, tub, and shower curtain daily to prevent mold growth. Scrub grout and tiles with a cleaning solution that kills molds. Replace moldy wallpaper with mold-proof paint. Clean the refrigerator regularly. Wash swamp coolers, and fix all water leaks. Use the air conditioner and dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity to less than 50 percent. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove excess moisture. Make sure basements are well ventilated.

Use zippered, airtight cases on pillows, mattresses, and box springs to keep dust mites from getting in them. Wash all bedding weekly, including pads, pillowcases, and covers, in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius) to kill dust mites. Avoid feather pillows, down comforters, mattress pads, bunk beds, and canopy beds. Carpeting should be removed where possible, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. Hardwood, tile, or vinyl floors are better, and should be damp mopped often. Washable non-skid rugs can be used, but need to be washed weekly. Upholstered furniture should be avoided when possible, as well as stuffed animals and curtains. Vacuum carpet, upholstered furniture, and curtains with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter.

When animal dander is the cause of allergies, it is best to remove the pet from the home. If this is not acceptable, keep the pet out of the bedroom, with the bedroom door closed. Keep the pet off furniture. The pet should be shampooed weekly to reduce allergens. There are also dry shampoos for pets, which make it easier to rid them of allergens than a wet shampoo.

Keep food or garbage in closed containers. Take garbage out regularly. Rinse all cans and bottles before throwing them in kitchen trash to discourage cockroaches. Do not store paper bags, newspapers, or cardboard boxes. Try not to breathe fumes from paint, insecticides, strong cleansers, or products containing irritants.

Anyone with allergies should not smoke and should avoid being around those who do smoke. If others want to smoke, they should smoke outside. No smoking should be allowed in the car or in the house. Avoid wood burning fireplaces and stoves.

For more information:

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network provides educational materials, allergy alerts, and research studies related to food allergies. Call 800-929-4040 or visit their Web site at www.foodallergy.org.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology offers a variety of services. They can provide educational materials, pollen count reports and maps, and a physician referral directory. Call 800-822-2762 or visit their Web site at www.aaaai.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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