Spring
isn't the only rough time for allergy-sufferers. Here's how you can avoid allergy symptoms
in the fall season as well.
1. Mold spores surge during
early fall and it is prudent to check areas of your home that may contribute to
mold or mildew growth. Always try and replace water damaged carpets and make
sure faucets don't leak.
2. Don't turn your home into a
"greenhouse." Make sure you keep the indoor humidity (how much
moisture is in the air) level at 50 percent or less, to avoid growth of molds
and activation of house dust mites,
if you have allergies. In below ground rooms, such as basements, mildew can
pose a problem, and in that case, a dehumidifier can often help.
3. Know the pros and cons of a
home humidifier. You can purchase a room hygrometer for less than $10 to keep
indoor humidity levels at the right amount (50 percent or less), and help
reduce allergy symptoms. Also watch for moisture raising effects that a large
number of plants may have in your home, particularly in the bedroom.
4. Cover your pillows and
bedding with allergen-proof encasings if you are sensitive to these indoor
allergens. Although I would not advocate an untidy home, a recent study from UK
reported that "not making your bed during the daytime" was actually
associated with a reduced amount of living dust mites,
within the bed and bedding (there are on average 2 million dust mites in a
mattress).
5. Continue to keep an eye on
the pollen and mold counts and plan outdoor activities wisely. Pollens surge on
dry, windy days and drop quickly on wet, rainy and windless days. Monitor your
local pollen count
at www.aaaai.org/nab.
6. Keep your air conditioner
working properly - even during the fall season, and don't forget to change or
clean washable A/C filters. If you have a central A/C or furnace, install a
high efficiency protective filter (HEPA type) and change every season.
7. Your love life may actually
suffer as a result of allergies that not well-controlled. A recent study found
more than 80 percent of those surveyed admitted to a negative impact on sex
life as well as sleep and daytime alertness.
8. Pre-treat your allergy
symptoms with anti-allergy medications even before you feel the familiar
sneezing, stuffiness and itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat. Plan ahead,
get simple allergy skin tests, to know when to expect those pesky allergy
symptoms, for more relief tips go to www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.
9. Avoid indoor air irritants
such as scented cleaning products, air-fresheners, incense, potpourri as well
as wood burning stoves if you have indoor allergies and/or asthma. Make sure
you have adequate ventilation in your home.
10.
The
best type of flooring for allergy sufferers are wood floors, linoleum and tile.
If you have carpeted floors, use a HEPA type vacuum cleaner.
