3 Things You Can Change At Home To Keep Your Allergy Symptoms In Check

Allergy symptoms occur when our immune system goes into overdrive, producing too much histamine, attempting to protect us from something harmful. Allergy and asthma suffers try to avoid the seasonal triggers connected with pollution, high pollen counts or even weather conditions. However, the quality of our home environment is usually not considered when we begin to suffer from allergy symptoms. The most common triggers of our allergy symptoms found in the home are from dust mites, mold and mildew, as well as pet dander.

One of the most misunderstood triggers of allergy symptoms is dust mites because people see the dust alone as an irritant. The dust contains the dust mites which are microscopic in size, living creatures that feed on shedded skin. When we do our housecleaning, dust particles become airborne, which in turn carries the dust mite into the air we breathe, which irritate our lungs, and the allergy symptoms begin. Using zippered covers for pillows and mattresses, washing them along with pillows and linens in hot water at least 130 degrees will destroy the mites and larva. Having washable window treatments also aids in reducing our allergy symptoms.

Mold and mildew are growing fungi containing toxins we inhale. Because these growths thrive in moisture and humidity, the common areas in the home to find this growth are basements, bathrooms and where any water leaks may occur. Repairing leaks is one solution. Using a 5% bleach and water solution with a little detergent is one way of killing mold and mildew. Using a dehumidifier, keeping the indoor humidity below 40 percent, eliminates a way for molds and dust mites to thrive. Another way in controlling mites is to change AC/heating filters at least every three months, as well as using filters with a MERV rating of 8-12. Home temperatures of 75 degrees are a perfect environment for the dust mite.

Besides the shedding of human skin cells in our bedrooms, pet dander is another feeding for dust mites. Removing carpeting, and keeping our pets off of stuffed furniture will aid in decreasing pet dander on surfaces that makes us more susceptible in the inhalation of mites. Another remedy is to not allow our furry pets in our bedrooms which will eliminate pet dander affecting us while we sleep. Removing carpeting, which is loaded with pet dander and is also another breeding ground for mites, aids in the relief of allergy symptoms from not only pet dander, but dust mites as well.