Lots of allergens are found in a typical home. They can cause various health problems like asthma and allergic rhinitis. As with all allergies, removing allergens from your home is the only way to reduce symptoms.
What causes
allergy?
Allergic reactions are causes by substances known as allergens. Particles that cause allergic reactions in one person need not necessarily cause the same reactions in another person. Some people are more susceptible than others to developing allergic reactions.
Common allergens found in homes are:
- moulds
- pollen from grasses and trees
- proteins secreted by dust mites
- foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts
- insects like bees and wasps
- pets like dogs and cats, and other furry animals like rabbits, horses and guinea pigs
- certain medicines (They cause allergy by binding themselves to blood proteins.)
What happens to your body when you come into contact with an allergen?
If you are allergic to a particular substance, you may develop an allergic reaction if you come into contact with it. When the allergen enters your body it triggers an antibody response. When the allergens come into contact with these antibodies, the cells in your bodies produce certain chemicals called histamines. These chemicals cause extremely uncomfortable and irritating symptoms like itching and swelling of the surrounding tissues.
Common symptoms of allergic reactions include wheezing, sneezing, sinus pain, coughing, runny nose, rashes, swelling, shortness of breath, itchy eyes, mouth, ears and lips, increase in nasal secretions and sickness and vomiting.
How to remove allergens from your home
By reducing allergens in your home, you can protect your loved ones from allergic asthma and other health problems. There are several ways to remove allergens from your home. Here are some tips.
- Use dust-mite proof covers to encase your mattresses and pillows. Bed sheets, blankets and pillowcases should be washed in hot water (at least 130 degree F) at least once a week. Use synthetic materials instead of wool bedding.
- Use washable area rugs. Carpeting should be vacuumed once a week with a vacuum cleaner that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. You should also have your carpets steam cleaned for the best results.
- Replace horizontal blinds with roller-type shades that can be washed. Also use washable curtains made of synthetic or plain cotton materials.
- During the pollen season keep your windows closed. Of course, this means that you will have to rely on you air conditioner.
- Remove mold and condensation from windows. If you live in cold climates, you should consider using double-paned windows.
- Choose chairs, tables and dressers made of wood, metal, leather or plastic. You can clean them easily. Have upholstered furniture cleaned frequently.
- Remove clutter. Do not let items collect dust. If you leave books, magazines, toys and ornaments on the table, they will collect dust over time. Children’s toys, stuffed animals and games should be stored in plastic bins.
- See if you can find another home for your pet animals. If that is not possible, you should at least keep them out of your bedroom. Bath pets once a week. This will reduce the amount of allergens in their dander.
- Use an air filter that has an HEPA filter. These filters are capable of removing small particles from indoor air.
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