If you have already had an allergy evaluation, your allergist has likely already discussed steps you can take to reduce your exposure to the allergens that cause your symptoms.
Some are difficult and not practical, such as pollens ‐ the most effective is staying indoors, but the goal of allergy treatment is to control your allergies, not to let the allergies control your life.
Indoor allergens are easier to control, but this is also sometimes difficult ‐ reducing exposure to dust mites or cockroach and can be expensive and only partial; due to family interests, removing a pet from the home is usually out of the question, and other steps only work part way.
Try these tips for controlling indoor allergies:
- Choose wood flooring over wall-to-wall carpets when possible, especially in bedrooms
- Clean your house regularly, using a central vacuum or a vacuum with a HEPA filter. If you are allergic, wear an N95 filter mask while dusting, sweeping or vacuuming
- Use “mite-proof” cases on your mattresses and pillows. Wash all bed linens regularly, using hot water
- Keep a HEPA air cleaner running in the allergic person’s bedroom
- Keep pets out of the allergic person’s bedroom at all times