How To Help Indoor Allergies

How Can I Control Indoor Allergens

Dust Mites. By eliminating dust, you can go a long way to reduce dust mites, which feed on the dust. If you suffer from severe allergies, bare floors and walls are optimal; avoid wall-to-wall carpet if possible. Avoid heavy drapes and overstuffed fabric furniture. Reduce fabric drapes and blinds with shades or washable curtains. To eliminate dust mites in your bed, use allergen-resistant covers on your pillows and mattress. Using a mattress cover actually does a better job of reducing allergy symptoms from dust mites than air cleaners. Wash bedding weekly to kill dust mites.

Vacuum Frequently. Of course, vacuuming helps reduce atmospheric allergens. However, a poor quality vacuum could just stir up dust and push smaller particles back out into the air. Look for vacuums that are certified allergy and asthma friendly; they have been specially built and tested to reduce airborne allergens.

Masks. If you do have allergies, you can wear a mask while performing household chores like dusting and cleaning, and doing lawn work.

Cleaning. When cleaning and dusting, use a cloth dampened with furniture polish or a product like Endust Free that actually collects and helps eliminate the dust.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed. This is especially true during the spring and fall when there is a high pollen count. Use air conditioning in warm weather to control dust mites and reduce humidity. Change your HVAC filters frequently.

Will Air Cleaning Devices Help

Air cleaning devices might help. But the best way to improve your air quality is to get rid of the sources of allergens and irritants from your home. Take measures to avoid and reduce your contact with allergens. Also increase the flow of outdoor air into your home and reduce humidity as much as possible.

Reducing humidity decreases dust mites and mold growth. Air conditioners help reduce humidity too. They can also prevent outdoor allergens. Keep your windows and doors closed. Turn your air conditioner on recirculate. These steps can help reduce outdoor allergens like pollen and mold.

Air cleaners with CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filters can filter almost 98% of allergen particles in the air. Look for CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® devices.

What Causes Indoor Allergies

When a sensitive individual comes in contact with an allergen, the body treats it like a foreign substance, causing your immune system to overreact. If youre sniffling and sneezing indoors , one of these four allergens might be the culprit. 

Dust: House dust contains elements from indoors and outdoors, including dander, hair, plant particles, dust mites, fabric, and insect debris. Some of these substances might trigger a reactionespecially dust mites, which are microscopic arachnids often found in upholstery, carpeting, and bedding. Dust mites arent harmful but theyre difficult to get rid of. Dust allergies usually hit the hardest in hot, humid weather. 

• RELATED: Allergy Symptoms and Treatment

Mold: Inside a home, mold and mildew can form in damp areas like bathrooms and basements. Airborne mold spores cause allergies in prone individuals. 

Pets: Pet danderor skin sheddings from dogs, cats, and rodentsis another common allergy trigger. Urine and saliva can also spur symptoms. 

Cockroaches: Dr. Parikh says that between 78% and 98% of homes in urban areas have cockroaches, and up to 60% of people with asthma who live in cities are allergic to cockroaches. The main culprit is the dead cockroach bodies and dried waste, which can get in the air when disturbed. 

Clear The Air And Other Surfaces

Inside your home, regularly change air filters to cut down on airborne allergens that enter through open doors and windows. Running an air conditioner or a dehumidifier will help remove moisture from interior air, making it harder for mold to grow in your home. Minimize the amount of time your dog spends in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as these places are more susceptible to mold growth. Vacuum at least once a week, and remember to clean curtains and rugs that may have picked up dust and pollen.

Protect your dog from backyard dangers. Many popular veggies like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chives are poisonous to dogs and should be fenced off in a way that prevents your furry friend from getting into them.

Use Humidity Controllers And Air Purifiers

Finding the right level of humidity in your house is important. Allergen particles, such as animal dander, are more likely to fly around if there’s too little moisture. Too much moisture, and you could have a problem with mold and mildew, says Jerry Shier, MD, an allergist at the Asthma and Allergy Center in Rockville and Silver Spring, Md. Depending on the conditions inside your home, use either a humidifier or a dehumidifier as needed to keep the humidity at about 40 percent. During warmer months, run your air conditioner, which will also help control mold and dust mites by reducing humidity. Air purifiers may not be as effective in reducing allergens in the air as other management methods, but if you do use one, try an air purifier with a HEPA filter.

Open Up Windows And Doors While Cleaning

Try propping open windows or even leaving your exterior doors ajarwhen you dust and vacuum. This will create better airflow through a room, which can reduce exposure to indoor allergens, Dr. Parikh says. Then, youre less likely to feel like youre having an allergic reactionduring your cleaning routine.

One caveat/pro tip, per Dr. Parikh: Dont do this during pollen season, as it may exacerbate pollen allergies. 

Wash Stuffed Animals And Blankets

Children can become attached to a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, meaning that they may bring it along everywhere they goâexposing these items to both indoor and outdoor allergens. Include the regular washing of stuffed animals and blankets in your cleaning routine.

If the stuffed animal or blanket is old or delicate, use mild detergents, cold water, and place items in a garment bag to prevent any damage or tears.

Quick tip: For stuffed animals and blankets that are non-washable, you can place them in the freezer overnight to freeze away dust mites.

Dust Mite Allergy Management And Treatment

Make changes to your home and to your routine:

• Remove wall-to-wall carpets, curtains, and drapes particularly in the bedroom.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom, and preferably out of the house.
• Minimize household humidity.
• Use mite-proof cases on mattresses and pillows; wash bed linens frequently in hot water.
• Wear a mask when cleaning
• Keep the relative humidity in your home less than 50%

How To Help Your Dog Deal With Seasonal Allergies

For some people, seasonal allergies are a real pain. Whether youâre bothered by a runny nose, itchy eyes, or endless sneezing, it can be a tough time of year to endure.

Just like their human parents, some dogs suffer from the aggravating effects of seasonal allergies as well. Besides chemicals such as those found in household cleaning products, cigarette smoke and certain perfumes, dogs can also be allergic to natural, seasonal substances. This can include plant and tree pollens, mold spores, dust, feathers and fleas.

A dogâs allergy symptoms are generally similar to those experienced by humans: the immune system overreacts to one or more offending substances, leading to itchiness and irritation. Your dog may lick or scratch themselves, develop irritated eyes, or sneeze repeatedly. Some dogs experience itchy, swollen skin, while others suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. In certain cases, a secondary infection may develop.

Here are a few things you should to do to help control any discomfort your dog may be dealing with due to seasonal allergies, and reduce the risk of more serious problems.

What The Research Says

The Environmental Protection Agency refers to several studies that link the use of air purifiers to allergies and asthma symptom relief. The EPA cautions that these studies dont always point to significant improvements or a reduction in all allergy symptoms.

• A 2018 study found that using a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom improved peoples allergic rhinitis symptoms by reducing the concentration of particulate matter and house dust mites in the air.
• A

Question 3: What Is The Treatment For Allergic Reactions To Indoor Allergens

Avoidance of identified indoor allergens can be very effective in controlling allergy symptoms. If such avoidance is not possible or incomplete,  are a common treatment for reactions to indoor allergens. These are medications that fight the effects of the histamine released during an allergic reaction by blocking the action of the histamine on the tissue.

The so-called first-generation antihistamines include , chlorpheniramine , dimenhydrinate , brompheniramine ,  fumarate , and dexbrompheniramine . Dryness of the mouth and sleepiness are well-known side effects of first-generation antihistamines. Newer second-generation antihistamines sometimes referred to as non-sedating antihistamines, include , , , and . These second-generation antihistamines typically have a slower onset of action, are longer acting, and do not have the sedating effects of first-generation antihistamines.

Decongestants are  that reduce swelling in the nasal passages. These drugs can be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms, but they do not treat allergic reactions. Decongestants are available as pills or tablets or can be taken by nasal spray.  nasal sprays often cause a so-called “rebound effect” or worsening of symptoms if taken for too long, so they should not be used for more than five days without a doctor’s recommendation. They should be used with caution in people with heart disease.

Tips For Reducing Allergens In Every Room Of Your Home

Anyone with allergies knows how quickly a runny nose or sore throat can ruin a relaxing evening at home. Your house should be a place where you can find relief from allergy symptoms, but that is not always possible when you are sharing your home with a wide range of allergens. Fortunately, a little time and effort can help make each room in your house or apartment allergen-free.

How To Get Rid Of Allergens In Every Room Of Your Home

Your home is supposed to be a safe haven. Unfortunately, allergens can follow you into your house, and leave you sniffing and sneezing. If you or your loved ones have severe allergies, you may wonder whether you will ever find relief from your symptoms. But there is good news: A allergen-free home is possible. By knowing which allergens are present in your houseand where you can find themyou can take the steps necessary to reduce your allergen exposure and rest easy in your home.

If There’s A Giant Bottle Of Kirkland

.

Allergy sufferers know that runny noses, itchy eyes, and nagging coughs arent limited solely to socially distanced backyard hangs or the futile task of raking leaves. Indoor allergens in the form of pet dander, mold spores, and dust mites are just as nefarious as the outdoor variety and can plague even the cleanest homes.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America claims that indoor air quality can actually be worse than outdoor air. These often microscopic offenders linger on dusty surfaces, bedding, carpets, bathrooms…sigh, pretty much everywhere. So, while the world waits for someone to pitch a dust-destroying magic wand on Shark Tank, you can reduce indoor allergens with regular cleaning and simple swaps. These methods are designed to bust dust and pollen, demolish dander and mold, and generally help you breathe easier. If theres a giant bottle of in your Amazon cart right now, youll want to read on.

What Facts Should I Know About Indoor Allergens

Most people with or hay fever or other outdoor think of their home as a haven where they can escape their . Unfortunately, houses and apartment buildings harbor their own allergens . The inside of your home actually traps allergens, making them impossible to avoid.

What are the most common indoor allergens?

Although many allergens in your environment can trigger allergic symptoms, house dust is the main culprit in indoor allergies. What is house dust?

Who is at risk for indoor allergens?

• Sensitivity to indoor allergens is very common and occurs at every age. It is less common in children younger than 5 years. People most likely to experience allergic rhinitis are those in early school and early adult years.

Put Bed Protectors In Place To Keep Dust Mites At Bay

Those pesky dust mites are everywhere. In your bedroom, the best way to control or eliminate them is to put a dust-mite protective cover over your box spring, mattress, and pillow under your regular bedding of course. Wash sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters once a week in water heated to at least 130° F . Consider replacing any wool or feather bedding with synthetic materials.

Use A Dehumidifier To Reduce Indoor Allergies

A dehumidifier is a small machine that removes excess moisture from the air, making it difficult for mold and mildew to grow. It can also keep dust mites at bay since these creatures thrive in damp environments. Be sure to talk to your doctor if youve experienced sinus issues, as the dry air can actually exacerbate some sinus problems.

While its impossible to get rid of allergens entirely, you can control their impact at home. Once you identify your triggers and learned where the allergen hotspots are in your home, you can act accordingly to stop the spread of dust, dander, pollen, mites, and other unwelcome guests. By taking these steps, you will ultimately create a home environment that is healthier and more comfortable for you and your family. 

Animal Hair Fur And Feathers

Pets can cause problems for allergic patients in several ways. Their dander , saliva and urine can cause an allergic reaction, especially when combined with household dust. In households with birds, feathers and bird droppings can also become embedded in household dust and cause problems for people who are allergic to them.

Consider A Room Air Filter

Just be aware that they have limitations. “They’ll capture airborne allergens but can’t trap anything that’s settled in rugs or furniture, which is where most allergens end up,” says Ross. Still, they can be effective, particularly if you’re bothered by pollen. Make sure the one you buy doesn’t produce ozone, a gas that’s extremely irritating to people with allergiesthe last thing you need right now.

Cleaning Your Home To Control Allergens

Sometimes fighting allergies can be as simple as house chores.

Indoor such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in millions of allergy sufferers. In fact, a survey published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that at least six allergens were detectable in more than more than 50 percent of homes. Carried in through the air, allergens can be found on furniture, floors, and other surfaces around the house. While no home can be completely allergen-free, thorough cleaning on a regular basis can help reduce the number of allergens to which you’re exposed. Try these 10 tips for minimizing indoor allergens, and breathe easier from now on.

Tips For Preventing Indoor Allergies

How to make your home a getaway from allergies.

Allergy season is in full-swing, and every week our bodies seem to be taken down with new symptoms coinciding with the emergence of more and more foliage and pollen. I love/hate you, spring! Thinking ahead, and treating the inside of your home like a sanctuary is where your allergy-prevention program should start. Refer here to see a more complete list of tips for combating seasonal allergies, indoors and out.

We’re Sorry The Page You’re Looking For Can’t Be Found

It is possible that you used an outdated or expired MedicineNet link or you may have typed the address incorrectly.

Please try searching using the search field above. If you’re not sure of the spelling, type the first few letters, followed by an asterisk.

To help you find what you are looking for, these links may help.

Browse our A-Z Lists:

Clean Curtains And Blinds

Curtains and blinds are also a common place for dust and other allergens to accumulate, so do your due diligence to make sure these are cleaned regularly. About twice a month, gently vacuum curtains and drapes using a brush attachment at the lowest suction setting.

A hairdryer on the cold setting can also be a great way to remove debris from delicate fabrics, but make sure you are vacuuming after so you are not just blowing dust onto other areas of your bedroom. If you have blinds, use a duster or dust rag to clear away dust that can build up between blind panels.

Quick tip: Place air purifiers in every bedroom to regularly filter out airborne allergens that may latch onto your curtains or blinds, in order to reduce your exposure to them as you sleep.

Control Indoor Allergens To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Allergy and asthma control begins at home. Many people with allergies stay indoors when pollen and mold is high. But dust mites, pet dander and even cockroaches can cause problems indoors.1

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends three ways you can improve indoor air quality2:

• Control your contact with indoor airborne allergens
• Ventilate your indoor areas well
• Use air cleaners to clean indoor air

Eight out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to dust mites. Six out of 10 are exposed to cat or dog dander. Cockroaches cause allergic reactions in people who live in the inner cities or southern parts of the United States. 3

Better air quality in your home, office, school and car can reduce allergy and asthma triggers.

Tis The Season For Indoor Allergies

Understanding the nature and location of common and indoor sources of allergy is fundamental. The key to managing allergies that are caused by indoor allergens involves reducing your level of exposure to them or avoiding them entirely, if possible.

This new January 2019 Q&A article describes some of the most common sources of allergens found inside the home environment and 3 other questions that are often asked.

What Are Dust Mites

Dust mites, which were discovered in 1964, are microscopic arachnids . They are about 1/3 mm in length and are not visible to the naked eye. They have eight legs, are blind, and naturally live indoors. Their presence does not indicate that the house is dirty. This is because usual cleaning procedures, such as vacuuming and dusting, do not eliminate them.

Dust mites have “sticky” pads at the ends of their legs that help them to firmly attach to fibers, which allow them to live deep within carpeting, upholstery, and mattresses. Most of the mites found in houses are from the Dermatophagoides family, with pteronyssinus and farinae being the most common species. Fortunately, dust mites do not bite, spread disease, or actually live on humans.

Winter Allergies Vs Colds

Cold and winter allergy symptoms can feel very similar, making it difficult to distinguish one from the other.

It is possible to develop allergies at any age or even to become allergic to the same substances in the same house after years of no reaction. The fact that a person has not previously had allergies does not necessarily mean their symptoms are from a cold.

Symptoms that last longer than a few weeks are usually the result of allergies. Symptoms that appear suddenly, after weeks or months in the same home, may be from a cold, especially if a person does not have a history of allergies.

There are some symptoms that can help distinguish allergies from a cold:

• Colds can cause a , but airborne allergens will not change a persons body temperature.
• A cold may cause and pains, while allergies typically do not.
• Sore throat is common with colds, but it occurs less frequently with allergies.
• A person with a cold may feel chest pressure. By contrast, only people with who have allergies typically report chest pain.
• are more common with colds, although they can also occur with allergies.
• Colds go away on their own. Allergies may only self-resolve when the weather changes, and a person spends more time outside.
• Colds typically do not cause itchy rashes or eyes, whereas allergies often do.

Adapt Your Daily Walk Routine

If possible, avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon, when pollen levels are typically highest. Steer clear of fields and parks where offending plants are common, and consider an indoor, open-play setting like Dogtopia during the offending months.

When you return home, wipe your dogâs body and paws with a moist cloth or a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe from your local pet store. This will remove excess pollen and other allergens from your dogâs fur and skin without the hassle of a full bath. Pay special attention to the paws, as the sensitive skin here is often affected by allergens. Some pet parents soak their dogâs paws in apple cider vinegar to remove pollen and other substances. If using this method, mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar.  Another solution is to put boots on your dogâs paws to prevent them from stepping in irritants and then tracking them into your house.

Supplement Your Dogs Diet

Try giving your dog a natural dietary supplement such as fish oil or a fatty acid such as omega-3 or omega-6 oil to reduce itchiness and improve overall skin health. Coconut oil has also been shown to suppress allergic reactions while contributing to healthier skin. Finally, make sure your dogâs drinking water are kept clean and are free of any contaminants.

You Dont Have To Live With Indoor Allergies

 If youâre struggling with allergy symptoms, help is available. Discover all of the modern, convenient treatment options available to allergy sufferers at Texan Allergy & Sinus Center.

Our team of allergy care specialists provide the latest, modern,sophisticated, clinically-proven allergy treatment options. We are dedicated to improving your health and your overall quality of life.

â

What Are Pet Allergies

Pet allergies are caused by pet dander, which contains proteins that can aggravate asthma symptoms and allergies in young children. Children who are allergic to house pets may experience a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes during and after contact with a dog, cat or other animal. If your family has a pet at home, these symptoms can sometimes become chronic.

What are the symptoms of pet allergies?

• Sneezing
• People with asthma may experience wheezing and difficulty breathing

Treatments for pet allergies:

• Antihistamines are typically used after you or your child has experienced an allergic reaction as they provide short-term relief for symptoms. Common examples of antihistamines include Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, and Loratadine.
• Allergy shots have been proven most effective as a long-term treatment.
• Acupuncture

Other ways you can reduce pet dander allergy symptoms:

• Keep pets out of bedrooms or other areas where your child spends most of their time
• Get rid of carpeting and rugs if possible
• Vacuum regularly using a double or micro-filter bag
• Try not to let your child hug and kiss your pets
• Wash hands after touching a house pet

Talk to your childs primary care provider if you suspect they are suffering from indoor allergies. They may recommend a visit with a pediatric allergist to determine the cause of your childs symptoms.

Use Unscented Cleaning Products

Strong scents are a common irritant, so be sure to choose only unscented cleaning products.  Avoid using artificial air fresheners that may trigger indoor allergies and breathing problems among people who suffer from asthma. Natural fabric sprays can also help remove allergens from the couch and furniture.

The Best Natural Remedy For Allergies

The best natural remedy for allergies is, when possible, avoidance. Both doctors and natural healers will suggest that you limit or avoid allergens, which are what causes your allergic reaction.

You should avoid exposure to your allergens. For example, if youve had an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug, let your doctor know about your allergy. Theyll most likely prescribe an alternate if youll ever need one.

That being said, some allergens are hard to avoid. In that case, after discussing your symptoms with your doctor, you might consider a home remedy for allergies to deal with the results of exposure to an allergen.