You may have been warned time and time again about how bad your allergies can get when you are outside, but did you know that there are a lot of triggers within your own home? If you want to learn about indoor allergy triggers then this is the guide for you.
Pets
Believe it or not, pets are the biggest trigger for allergies. If you or even one of your family members are allergic to pets then it is imperative that you avoid having one in your home. You also need to avoid having contact with pets outside too. If you do find that you come into contact with a pet then ensure that you both wash and dry your clothes and shower right away so you can remove any pet dander. When you wash your clothes, use a strong detergent and very hot water. If you find that you struggle with itchy skin as a result of your allergies then check out this guide on 4 tips for soothing itchy skin.
Dust
Dust and even dust mites can cause asthma flares. Cleaning surfaces on a regular basis should help you to completely eliminate the risk of symptoms such as this, but at the same time, you need to make sure that you don’t clean too often. Some chemicals could actually trigger your allergies and this is the last thing you need.
Chemicals
Household chemicals and even hair sprays can be a major trigger for your allergies. Particles in the air can linger, even after you use them. Symptoms that you have a chemical allergy can include eyes that itch or water, as well as an itchy nose. If you spot any symptoms like this after you have done your cleaning then it is imperative that you discontinue use right away.
Cloth
Your bedding, pillows, drapes and carpets can easily trap allergens. They can also trap pollen and pet hair which is the last thing you need. If you can, you need to wash your bedding and your carpets on regular basis. Clean your house quite well and purchase a vacuum that comes with a HEPA filter as this is the best way for you to eliminate issues later down the line.
Toys
Did you know that toys can attract allergens? Dust mites thrive in rooms that are 70 degrees or above. If your humidity level is above 40% then this is also a sign that you may have dust mites. Stuffed toys can become a breeding ground for them, and even though you may wash them, the eggs can remain after. If you want to effectively deal with the issue then one thing you can do is freeze them. When you freeze toys, this will eliminate dust mites as well as their eggs.
Cockroaches
This may sound disgusting, but cockroaches are a huge cause of indoor allergies. Roaches can be found in a lot of different places, but it’s not the cockroach itself that you may be allergic to. It’s what falls from the roach itself. There is a protein that can be found in cockroach droppings and this can cause a lot of allergies to flare up. If you want to combat this issue then you need to seal or block off any cracks within your home. You also need to keep your food in a container or in the fridge. A common source of food for cockroaches would be pet food, so again, make sure that you keep an eye on this and that you take steps to combat it.
Mould
Mould is a very common and well-known cause of allergies. It’s also very, very serious. Mould can be found in a number of places and it can be more dangerous than you might think. If you happen to leave a wet sponge out or if you put your clothes in the washer and leave them in there for too long without rotating them then this can easily lead to mould. This is the last thing you need, but a safe and easy way for you to rid your home of this would be for you to use detergent and water. You can then clean the affected areas of your home and eliminate mould in the process.
Humidity
Humidity can cause mould to grow in a huge number of places. It can also get way worse in the summer when it rains and then become humid. If you want to do something about this then make sure that you have an air conditioner and that you turn it on regularly. Having a HEPA air purifier will help you out a lot here too.
Smoke
Cigar or cigarette smoke is easily one of the biggest factors when it comes to household allergens. It can also impact asthma as well if this is something you struggle with. Even when someone is done with smoking, the particles will get trapped in the air and they will also stick to your household furniture. This can cause your allergens or your asthma to get worse, whenever you spend time indoors. If you want to do something about this then ask anyone who happens to smoke in your house, to smoke outside. You might also want to get an air purifier so you can then make sure that you are dealing with the trapped particles. Cigarette smoke isn’t the only thing you have to worry about though. Other types of smoke, such as smog or even outdoor air pollution can trigger allergies too. If you live somewhere that has high pollution then be sure to wash your hands on a regular basis, along with your bedding.
So as you can see, dealing with allergens doesn’t have to be a difficult task, and if you follow this guide then you should find that you can get to the root of the issue in no time at all. Why not see if you can eliminate the allergens in your home today, and make it safer for your family?
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