Allergies are a common problem in the United States. They can range from mild to life-threatening, affecting people of all ages. It can be problematic in their lives, especially if allergy season is just around the corner. Here’s what you need to know about allergies.
Allergies in the United States
It’s estimated that about 50 million people in the United States have an allergy. An allergy happens when your body reacts to something that doesn’t bother other people. People can be allergic to many things, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and certain foods. When you come into contact with an allergen, your body releases chemicals called histamines. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, itchiness, and swelling. However, for some people, allergies can be a minor annoyance.
Currently, there’s no cure for allergies. However, there are ways to manage them. You can avoid triggers, take medications to relieve symptoms or get allergy shots. If you have severe allergies, you might need to carry an EpiPen with you in case of a reaction. However, the best way is to prevent allergies from happening in the first place. Here’s how you can protect your home from allergic attacks.
Get a Door Mat
One of the most common allergies in the United States from dust and dirt. One of the easiest ways for you to prevent an allergy attack is by simply getting a doormat. There are various door mats out there with multiple materials. However, A coir door mat is the best for trapping dirt and dust. This kind of door mat is made of natural fibers from the coconuts’ husks. The thick pile of a coir door mat can effectively trap dust, dirt, and pollen. As a result, it can help reduce your allergy symptoms.
Coir door mats are also very durable, and they can last for years with proper care. And they’re also easy to clean – you can vacuum or shake them out.
Change Your Air Filters
Another way to reduce your allergies is by changing your air filters. This is especially important if your home has central air conditioning or heating. Over time, the air filters in your HVAC system can get clogged with dust, pollen, and other allergens. This can cause your allergies to flare up. To prevent this, you should change your air filters every three months. In addition, if you have pets, you might need to change them more often.
There are many different types of air filters available. However, HEPA filters are the most effective at trapping allergens. They can remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger from the air. These filters are available in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your HVAC system.
Vacuum Regularly
Another way to reduce allergens in your home is by vacuuming regularly. This will help remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from your floors and furniture. You should vacuum at least once a week – more often if you have pets. Vacuums also come with HEPA filters, so consider installing them.
When it comes to vacuuming, ensure to do it the right way. Start by vacuuming the most likely to be dusty areas, such as carpets and upholstered furniture. Then, move on to lower-traffic areas. Lastly, vacuum your floors using a back-and-forth motion.
Wash Your Bedding
One of the most common places for dust mites to live is in your bedding. Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, moist environments. They feed on dead skin cells, which people shed every day. As a result, dust mites can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, itchiness, and watery eyes. To reduce dust mites in your home, wash your bedding in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) at least once a week. You can also put your bedding in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites.
In addition to washing your bedding, you should vacuum your mattress and pillows regularly. This will help remove dust mites and their droppings from your bedding. You can also buy unique covers for your mattress and pillows that prevent dust mites from getting in.
Keep Your Pets Groomed
If you’re allergic to pet dander, keeping your pets clean and well-groomed is essential. Regularly brushing and bathing your pets will help reduce the dander they shed. You should also keep them out of your bedroom to prevent allergies while you sleep.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to vacuum and wash your pet’s bedding often. This will help remove pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens from their bedding.
If you’re allergic to dust, pollen, or pet dander, there are many things you can do to reduce your allergies. Following the tips above, you can create a cleaner and allergy-free home. In addition, it can help you save when it comes to medicine and healthcare expenses.
