Your home should be your sanctuary. But if you have allergies, health dangers might lurk around every corner of the house. Dust mites, mold, roach droppings, and pet dander can trigger reactions from your immune system, leaving you with itchy eyes, runny nose and more severe reactions like difficulty breathing.
To protect yourself and your family from possible allergies, it’s important to get rid of allergens by maintaining a clean home environment.
What are Allergens?
Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma symptoms in some people. The air spreads allergens around, they then settle on furniture and floors. Allergies can begin at any time in a person’s life, from childhood to adulthood and all the years in between.
Accurate allergy testing and treatment will help you to identify your allergen triggers, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and manage adverse reactions. First Care Medical Clinic offers comprehensive, on-site allergy testing. Our expert providers can determine if your persistently stuffy nose or itchy skin is caused by common environmental factors, foods, or medications and recommend a treatment plan.
With all of the tasks that come with taking care of your home and your health, we know it can be a challenge to fight allergens, so we have created easy guidelines to help you allergy-proof your home:
1. Humidity and Temperature
Dust mites and mold thrive in moisture. Keep humidity in your home lower than 50% with a dehumidifier, air conditioner, or heating system.
2. Curtains and Blinds
Allergens collect in places like carpet, curtains, blinds, and upholstered couches and chairs. If you can, choose furnishings that are washable or made from materials such as wood or leather.
3. Flooring
Choose hardwood floors, vinyl, or linoleum instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. If you can’t shake your shag carpet, clean it regularly with a vacuum using microfilter bags or a HEPA filter.
4. Weekly cleaning routine
Launder all your bedding—including blankets, sheets, and pillowcases; once a week. First soak them for four hours in warm water, detergent, and bleach. Then, wash with a detergent in water that’s at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Mold
Clean your home frequently. Vacuum, dust, and wipe down flat surfaces with a damp cloth or mop. If you have trouble breathing easily while cleaning, wear a dust mask.
6. Bedding
Mattresses harbor more dust mites than any other spot in your entire house. Choose a spring mattress instead of foam, which the critters seem to prefer. Cover the mattress, box spring and pillows in airtight, removable covers. For good measure, avoid bedding stuffed with feathers. Vacuum the mattress every time you change bed linens.
7. Window
You may think plug-in air fresheners or electronic air cleaners clear the air. But they actually may emit harmful pollutants known as volatile organic compounds. It’s better to use natural ventilation: Open windows or turn on exhaust fans that vent to the outdoors.
8. Pet
If you’re allergic to animal dander, try not to get a new pet. But if your pet is already a part of your life, keep him or her out of the bedroom. Bathe pets once a week, and always wash your hands after touching them.
9. Pest
Cockroaches can be frightening and they leave behind droppings that trigger allergy symptoms. To get rid of them, keep your kitchen clean and store food in closed containers. Empty garbage and recycling bins regularly. Set roach traps and when needed, call an exterminator.
Conclusion
For those who have an allergy, the important thing is to start feeling better. Thankfully, FCMC can help with that. Allergen immunotherapy treatment also called allergy shot is a treatment option that makes it possible for you to be around an allergen without reacting.
At First Care Medical Clinic, we have the right expertise for diagnosing and treating allergy symptoms. Whether you need allergy testing or immunotherapy services, we can help. schedule a consultation for allergy testing at FCMC.