Stop Seasonal Allergies Before They Stop You

May Is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

If you have sneezing spells, watery eyes or a runny or stuffy nose that lasts for weeks, you could have allergic rhinitis, commonly known as seasonal allergies, or hay fever.

Many of us don’t realize that our homes harbor many irritants that cause allergic reactions. Dust mites, mold and animal dander are the most common household irritants. They can be harmless for some, but for others, the immune system treats these substances as invaders.

Dust and Dust Mites
Dust can contain many allergy triggers including tiny fabric fibers, animal dander, bacteria, mold spores, bits of food and plants and dust mites.

Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in dust and fibers that aren't often washed, so you typically find them in mattresses, bed linens, carpeting and furniture.

Tips:

  • Cover mattresses and pillows — even hypoallergenic ones — with dust mite-proof covers
  • Dust regularly using a damp cloth
  • Opt for wood floors instead of carpeting and hang vertical blinds instead of curtains
  • Wash linens once a week in hot water and decrease bedroom clutter

Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi that release spores into the air. They can be found wherever it's damp: the bathroom, basement, windowsills and around plumbing.

Tips:

  • Discard or recycle old papers and fabrics
  • Fix leaky plumbing
  • Limit houseplants
  • Open windows or use exhaust fans when cooking and showering
  • Replace moldy tiles and carpet
  • Use a dehumidifier for high-humidity rooms
  • Use bleach (if it doesn't irritate you) to scour the bathroom
  • Wash and dry hard surfaces, such as tile and countertops

Pet Dander
Pet allergies are usually caused by sensitivities to the proteins found in the pet’s skin cells as well as in their saliva. Pet dander can result in an increase in dust mites, so even if you are not allergic to your pet you may still react if you are allergic to dust mites.

Tips:

  • Ask a family member who doesn't have allergies to brush your pet and clean the litter box
  • Bathe pets once a week and consider keeping them out of the bedroom
  • Consider using a HEPA filter, especially in the bedroom

For More Information
For assistance in selecting a Sharp Rees-Stealy family medicine doctor, please call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm, or search Sharp Rees-Stealy doctors.