Tips for Controlling Allergy Triggers

Nasal allergies are most often triggered by one or more of four kinds of allergens; pollen, mold, house-dust mites, and animals. Pollen is a problem only during certain times of the year. lt’s the most common trigger of “hay fever” or seasonal nasal allergies. House-dust mites, mold, and animals are the most common triggers of perennial nasal allergies. Irritants and pollutants can make allergy symptoms worse. Avoiding exposure to allergy triggers helps control your symptoms.

Pollen

Pollen comes from plants. It’s found in the air whenever trees, grasses, and weeds are in bloom. The amount of pollen in the air varies with each season. To limit your exposure to pollen:

  • Check pollen counts and avoid spending too much time out-doors when pollen counts are often included in the news, online, or on the radios
  • After spending time outdoors, change your clothes. And bathe before going to bed.
  • Limit outdoors activities on windy days.
  • Use Hepa filters on furnace:-Vacuum cleaners

Mold

Mold is indoors and outdoors. It tends to grow in damp areas. Mold also spreads in the air by releasing tiny grains called spores. To avoid mold:

  • Clean the bathroom shower or tub with bleach regularly.
  • Clean up leaves and weeds before they begin to rot. Keep compost piles away from the house. Throw dead plants away.
  • Fix leaky faucets or roofs right away.
  • If your house is damp, try a dehumidifier. Empty and wash the collection bin often.
  • Use air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity
  • House-Dust Mites

House-dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see. They live in mattresses, blankets, stuffed toys, and carpets. The droppings of dust mites are a common indoor cause of allergies. Try some of these tips:

  • Enclose pillows and mattresses in allergy-proof casings
  • Wash sheets, blankets, and mattress pads every 1 to 2 weeks in hot water (at least 130°F).
  • Remove things that collect dust, such as stuffed animals and books, from the bedroom.
  • Take allergy medication before dusting or cleaning. Wearing a filter mask helps.
  • Change furnace-air conditioning filters regularly.
  • Replace carpets with hardwood or tile

Animals

The dander, saliva, and urine of many animals are allergens. Animal fur can also carry dust, mold, and pollen. The best way to avoid animal allergens is not to have a pet with fur or feathers. If you have a pet, these tips may help:

  • Whenever possible, keep pets outdoors. Never let pets into the bedroom.
  • wash hands after touching a pet.
  • Bathe pets regularly.
  • Use high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters:- vacuum cleaners
  • Encase Mattresses:- pillows with allergy proof encasing

Irritants and pollutants

Common irritants and pollutants include cigarette smoke, smoke from wood, stoves and fireplaces, exhaust, aerosol sprays, perfume and strong odors. These things don’t cause nasal allergies, but they can trigger or worsen symptoms. Avoid exposure to irritants and pollutants when you can. For instance don’t smoke. And, don’t let people smoke in your home and car. Use scent-free products to avoid strong odors. If you have questions, ask your doctor for more information.

Cockroach

  • Use insecticides or a professional exterminator to eliminate cockroaches
  • Place bait traps
  • Vacuum throughly
  • Wash dishes daily
  • Keep food or garbage in closed containers and take out garbage regularly
  • Don’t store bags, newspapers, or cardboard boxes
  • seal plumbing openings, cracks, and crevices
  • Store food in sealed containers