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Dealing with Allergies and Asthma
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August 20, 2003
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Millions of people deal with irritating and sometimes miserable symptoms of asthma and allergies on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to decrease the threat of these annoyances. Many allergy sufferers notice significant problems with things like dust, pet dander, mold and house mites. Some of these common offenders can be lurking in your house and you don't even know it. Knowing how to destroy them or avoid them can save your nose and lungs a lot of discomfort.
Missing school or work to stay home and cough, blow your nose and rub your eyes really stinks! You can decrease your child's absenteeism from school or your days off from work by allergy proofing your home. A few steps in this process can eliminate certain allergy triggers and make a safer, more comfortable environment for those affected by asthma and allergies. You may also learn more about the triggers and treatments available for allergies by allergy proofing your home.
Start in your bedroom
Experts agree that your bedroom is the most common area for nasty allergens to hide. Dust mites are often found in bedding, carpets, draperies and even floating in the air. With busy schedules and many things to do around the house, you may not feel as if you spend much time in your bedroom but simply the few hours you spend sleeping is plenty of time for the allergens to affect you.
What can you do to allergy proof your bedroom? First, experts recommend putting casings on your pillows, mattress, boxspring and comforter. These casings are mite-proof, protecting you from dust mites while you sleep. Washing all bedding every two weeks in hot water can also cut down on the allergens you are exposed to. People often have decorative draperies in the bedroom. These are very popular hangouts for the pesky dust mites, so try replacing the drapes with blinds or shades. Placing filters over the vents in your bedroom can decrease the dust entering your room. You may also find an air cleaner or air filter beneficial in your bedroom, as well as other rooms within the house.
Around the house
The bedroom is not the only place where allergens are waiting for you. Just like any bug, they can migrate throughout your house in no time. There are some things you can do throughout the entire house to help eliminate or reduce those evil triggers.
Cleaning your house thoroughly on a regular basis can significantly reduce the allergens around you. Wearing a dust mask while dusting can help reduce your exposure to dust while cleaning. Experts recommend using HEPA air cleaners to filter chemicals and dust out of the air. These air cleaners can be strategically placed in a bedroom or any centrally located room in the house. Using a vacuum cleaner that is specifically designed to remove very small particles will also assist you in allergy proofing your home. Most common household vacuums will clean but may not pick up the smaller particles such as dust mites. Controlling the humidity around the house can also be very helpful. It is recommended that humidity levels remain at less than 50%. This may include using the air conditioner rather than opening the windows. (Unfortunately, dust and pollen are entering your windows along with the fresh air.) You may also consider wood, leather and vinyl furniture, as they tend to collect less dust and pollutants than the traditional upholstery.
What about pets?
Pet dander is a common complaint among allergy sufferers. Some people can not have pets at all due to allergies. Others may choose to have an outdoor pet only. Another option is to have a non-allergic family member responsible for washing the pet every two weeks and keeping all surroundings clean to reduce pet dander. Keeping the pet out of the bedroom also helps.
Staying healthy
Eating a balanced diet and participating in a regular exercise routine can be especially therapeutic for allergy sufferers. (Heavy exercise is NOT advisable for those with exercise-induced asthma.) Some people find they are less likely to suffer the consequences of a nasty allergy attack when they are taking care of themselves and getting plenty of rest.
Avoiding cigarette smoke is another must for allergy and asthma sufferers. Cigarettes can trigger attacks in many people. If a parent smokes and a child has asthma or allergies, the parent should consider a smoking cessation program or limiting smoking to outdoors only. Smoking is hazardous to anyone's health, but can be even more life threatening for someone with asthma.
Keeping track of your medications carefully and taking them as directed by your healthcare provider (even if you feel better) is essential. You may find that certain medications (over-the-counter or prescription) can trigger an attack. Your healthcare provider should be aware of any reactions you experience. Also, you may be more susceptible to attacks if you are not regularly taking your medications.
For more information on allergies and asthma, visit our Asthma and Allergy Communities. There you will also find message boards where you can communicate with other members of the community. To shop for allergy products from the convenience of your home, visit our Medical Mall.
If you have any questions about your health or your child's health, visit our medical library or click on Ask-the-Doc for a one-on-one, live chat with an America's Doctor. We're here 24 hours a day with free, confidential answers to all your health questions.
Copyright 1999 AmericasDoctor.com, Inc. All rights reserved. September 10, 1999
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