There are more ways to fight and treat allergy problems than you can shake a tissue at. But why spend so much time treating when it’s far more productive to engage in allergy prevention?
While there are umpteen ways to do so, here’s a random sampling to help get you started where you spend the most time – in your bedroom.
Preventing Allergies in the Bedroom
- Bed and bedding. Cover pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-proof covers. Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week in water heated to at least 130 F. Do you have feather bedding? Pack it away – better still, donate it – and purchase replacement items made from synthetic materials.
- Flooring. Carpeting and area rugs are dust traps. They also trap pesticides and other pollutants stuck to the bottom of shoes, chemical cleaner residue, food particles that produce bacteria – pretty disgusting when you really think about it. So, toss the rugs in favor of tile or wood. Or, if that’s not doable entirely, get yourself a vacuum cleaner with a small-particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Shampoo rugs frequently.
- Windows. Close windows and rely on air conditioning during pollen season. Clean mold and condensation from window frames and sills. Use double-paned windows if you live in a cold climate.
- Furnishings. Choose easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made of leather, wood, metal or plastic. Avoid upholstered furniture.
- Pets. If you have pet allergies but can’t bear to part with the cute little guys, at least keep them out of your bedroom. Plus, regular bathing can reduce the allergen count in the dander they shed.
- Air filtration. Choose an air filter that has a small-particle or HEPA filter. Try adjusting the filter so that it directs clean air toward your head when you sleep. Even better, invest in a whole-house air filtration system, one capable of trapping more than 95% of air pollutants passing through your ducts. Ask your heating and cooling service company for details.
- Dust mites and mold. Maintain indoor temperatures between 68 and 72 F and maintain relative humidity at a maximum of 50%. Clean or replace small-particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in room air conditioners at least once a month.
It’s no picnic trying to outwit whatever might be causing your allergy problems, but it never hurts to try. Still, when preventive measures aren’t enough, come visit the MedCare Express Urgent Walk-in Center. We’re the only facility of our kind open 7 days a week until 8 PM. We also are a primary care provider that can manage your allergies for you on an ongoing basis. Why not call to make an appointment today.