Get Allergy Relief: Reduce Exposure to Common Triggers

Asthma and allergy sufferers can be miserable year-round, even during cold months when you’re inside most days. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the indoors is home to some of the peskiest triggers all year long. The key to reducing symptoms is to be aware of your triggers and to limit exposure to them. Some common indoor triggers include dust mites, pets, pollen, cockroaches, and mold. Cigarette smoke can also worsen symptoms.

Dust Mites

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) calls dust mites the most common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed off human skin cells; their feces often trigger reactions. They live best in environments above 40% humidity and with temperatures above 70 degrees F. They’re especially common in bedding, pillows, mattresses, and other soft furnishings. This gives them easy access to their food source – dead skin cells – but they can live almost anywhere in your house. It should be noted that dust mites don’t bite people. Their effect is mostly on the respiratory system.

To keep them at bay, allergists advise that you wash linens in water above 130 degrees F every 7 to 10 days. You should also buy allergen-proof bedding. If you’re triggered by mites, have someone else do the vacuuming or wear a mask. Vacuums with a HEPA filter or double-layered bag are best. A HEPA air purifier can help remove mite feces that become airborne. Parents concerned about children’s stuffed animals should freeze them for 3 to 5 hours each week. If your children are especially allergic, you may want to consider choosing toys that are washable.

Pets

Pet allergies vary by person. Certain dog breeds like poodles, Portuguese water dogs, or shih tzus don’t trigger even those who are usually allergic. Since this is so individual, it’s best to visit with a pet to see if you or your family is allergic before bringing it into your home. If you spend at least 30 minutes with a pet, you should see allergic symptoms within a day or so. Some people are triggered by all breeds of pets, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Pollen

Yes, pollen is also an indoor allergy and asthma trigger. It can be tracked in by pets or on shoes of family members. The issue of pets tracking in pollen is significant; if you think pets are triggering you, make sure it’s not really the pollen that they bring inside. You may want to wipe them down after they enter the home. To reduce pollen indoors, keep windows closed and change shoes and clothes after coming in from outside. A HEPA air purifier can be especially helpful. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of airborne particles up to .3 microns in size, including pollen.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are common in the inner city and in the South. According to the EPA, they’re a big part of asthma found in inner-city populations. Cockroaches’ saliva and feces contain allergens that trigger many people. Unfortunately, as soon as you see one cockroach, it’s usually an indication of a much larger problem. If you’re renting, call your landlord. They may need to exterminate the entire building. The AAAAI also suggests ensuring that cockroaches aren’t attracted to your home. Keep food tightly sealed. Clean up crumbs in hard-to-reach places. Wash dishes promptly. Put away your pets’ dishes. Fix leaky pipes and block off cracks in walls. Consider getting a HEPA air purifier to filter out any feces that may become airborne from vacuuming or other cleaning.

Mold

Mold lives in damp, dark places like bathtubs, showers, basements, or even the insides of walls. Basements are commonly affected by mold, so if this is one of your triggers, think twice before deciding to live in a basement. If you have a house with a basement, consider putting in tile instead of carpet. Damp carpet can easily grow mold, whereas tile is easier to dry. At the appearance of mold, remove it using a solution of water, detergent, and 5% bleach. According to the AAAAI, if the mold growth is larger than 10 square feet, you may need to contact a professional mold cleaning service to help get rid of the problem.

Cigarette Smoke

It’s not a traditional allergenic trigger, but cigarette smoke is very irritating for those with asthma or allergies. According to the EPA, secondhand smoke inflames bronchial passageways and can cause and even worsen asthma attacks. Exposure to smoke also increases children’s risk of developing asthma. Allergists recommend not smoking at home or in the car, especially around children. A HEPA filter can help remove smoke and improve indoor air quality, but the best thing is not to introduce smoke at all.

The Best Option: Use a HEPA Air Purifier

The key to getting asthma and allergy relief is to reduce your exposure to triggers. Since asthma and allergies are respiratory conditions, sufferers should consider getting a HEPA air purifier, which filters out many of the most common airborne triggers. HEPA filters are the best way to clean indoor air and breathing in clean air can only benefit those with respiratory issues.

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