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 Avoidance
The first step in allergy treatment is always to try to
avoid the allergen. The degree of difficulty in achieving total avoidance will
clearly depend on the kind of allergy. Allergy skin
testing will help identify a person's allergens.
The following is a list of major allergens, their exposure
risks and what you must do in order to avoid them.
Pollen
 |
Exposure
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Absolute avoidance of pollen exposure is impossible |
|
Pollens are airborne and effect you whenever you
are outside or when the doors or windows are open |
|
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Avoidance
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Keep windows closed at night. Use air-conditioning instead which cools, cleans and dries
the air |
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Keep car windows closed when driving |
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Try to stay indoors when the pollen count or the
humidity is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen and molds
may be blown about |
|
Air your home in the evening after dewfall |
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Take a vacation during the height of pollen season
to an area with a lower pollen count, like the beach. |
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Do not use window fans which can draw outdoor pollens and molds
into the home |
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Do not mow lawns or be around fresh cut grass |
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Do not rake leaves |
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Do not hang sheets
or clothing out to dry |
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Do not over water indoor plants, if you are allergic to molds. |
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Dust
Mites and Molds
|
Exposure
|
House dust mites live in bedding and feed on dead
human skin. |
|
They require a humid, hot climate |
|
|
Avoidance
|
Wash sheets, comforters and pillows in hot water
(>130 degrees F) weekly |
|
Cover mattresses, box-springs and pillowcases of
allergy sufferers in impermeable encasings. |
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Replace old mattresses and pillows |
|
Avoid storing items under the bed, and dust
collecting items should be placed in enclosed bookcases away from
sleeping areas |
|
Washed stuffed animals in hot water or wrap them in
plastic bags and put them in the freezer for at least five hours once
each week or put them in a hot drier |
|
Whenever possible, carpeting, especially that is
laid over concrete or in basements should be replaced by hardwood ,
vinyl or tile flooring, and washable throw rugs |
|
Keep the air of the house relatively dry and cool,
with humidity less than 40% if possible and temperature below 70
degrees. |
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Use dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from
indoor air, especially basements. Empty
the water and clean frequently to prevent mildew from growing. |
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Central air conditioning is a good way to filter
and cool indoor air |
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Would You
Like to View the Video on Coping with Indoor Allergies? |
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Media
Player |
ƒ Furred
Animals
|
Exposure
|
If house pets have been
present or are currently present in the home, house dust will
contain large amounts of animal dander |
|
Furry animals outside of the home may cause
problems. Examples include
horses and laboratory animals such as mice, rats or guinea pigs. |
|
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Avoidance
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Keep pets out of the bedroom |
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Keep pets outdoors |
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Place pets in another room |
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Whenever possible, carpeting, especially that is
laid over concrete or in basements should be replaced by hardwood ,
vinyl or tile flooring, and washable throw rugs |
|
Cover mattresses, box-springs and pillow cases of
allergy sufferers in impermeable encasings |
|
Use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air)
cleaner in the bedroom of the allergy sufferers to keep the air dander
free. |
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Open the windows and ventilate the house; air
exchange can decrease airborne pet allergens. |
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