As spring approaches, allergy sufferers are once again experiencing sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. By following a few simple rules you can make life a lot more pleasant and your allergies a little more bearable.
1. Spring Cleaning – Clearing your home of dust and cobwebs accumulated over the winter does more than just make the house look better. A good cleaning can help eliminate existing allergens and purify the air. It is especially important to rid the house of mold, which builds up in bathrooms and basements. Because your pets have spent a lot of time indoors during the winter, a lot of fur, saliva, and dander has likely accumulated. Vacuum regularly and wash your pet's upholstery and bed.
2. The Power of Pollen – Some allergy sufferers don't realize that symptoms they think are allergy related could actually be asthma. Studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of people with asthma also have allergies, which could make spring particularly difficult. If you continue to have a cough and can't breathe easily, you could have asthma related to allergies, and you should see your doctor who will refer you to an allergist. An allergist can identify the source of your asthma and help you treat your allergies to improve symptoms.
3. Time to clear the air – Despite what you may have heard, the best way to get clean air into your home is not with an ionic air filter. The ionization changes the charge on one particle of pollen or dust and the particles stick to the next it comes into contact with, often a wall or surface. The best way to clean the air is a HEPA room air filter.
4. Wait, no “fresh” air – Spring is coming and of course you just want to open your windows and let the fresh air in. Do not do it. Opening the windows can drive pollen in, which settle in carpet, furniture and upholstery, and keep making you unhappy. So keep the windows of your house and car closed during allergy season.
5. Don't Trust "Google" - You know not to believe everything you read on the internet, but it's so tempting to look for treatments for your symptoms. Instead, see an allergist. An allergist is trained to identify allergens and treat symptoms.
