Small steps like purifying indoor air or keeping windows closed can help you reduce the impact of environmental allergies this spring. In this post, we’re going to explain what environmental allergies are and how to eliminate them using some simple, all-natural techniques.
What Are Environmental Allergies?
Environmental allergies involve allergens or elements in our environment to which we become allergic. It is an immune response to certain substances in your surroundings. If you feel symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itching, chances are your body is exposed to allergens.
While environmental allergies are different from food allergies, they can be similar to the common cold. Here are more symptoms of environmental allergies:
- Runny nose/stuffy nose/nasal congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Allergic rhinitis
- Hay fever
- Itchy eyes/watery eyes
- Fatigue
- Sinus infection
People with certain health conditions such as asthma are more likely to be affected by environmental allergies. If you're already suffering from some sort of allergy, your symptoms might get worse during certain times of the year. For example, trees release pollen in the spring and cause various allergies.
Common Environmental Allergens
An allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. If your body is going through an allergic reaction, the first thing you need to do is identify your allergens in order to get the right treatment. Let’s take a quick look at five common environmental allergens that make us sick.
Mold: Mold is a common household problem that causes allergic reactions, especially if you’re allergic to mold. Sneezing, coughing, and breathing problems are common symptoms of mold allergy. We understand that mold grows in a damp environment and it triggers health problems during the spring allergy season.
Dust mites: Dust mites are close relatives to ticks and spiders, but we can’t see them without a microscope. These tiny little mites usually live in your mattresses and furniture. They like to live in warm and humid environments. In the spring, your symptoms are likely to get worse if you have a dust mite allergy.
Pollen: People allergic to pollen only show symptoms when the pollen is in the air. Trees produce the most pollen from March through May, so you should take some extra measures if you’re allergic to pollen.
Animal dander: Proteins found in animals’ dead skin cells, saliva, and urine cause pet-related allergies. Hives, itching, and sneezing are some common symptoms of pet allergies. You’re more likely to show these symptoms when around an animal.
A chemical called Histamine causes many of the symptoms of allergies. In most cases, allergy symptoms aren’t life-threatening. Consult an allergist and find out if allergy testing to identify the environmental allergens affecting your health is right for you.
The right allergy treatment can help you better fight allergy-related health issues. In most cases, over-the-counter medicine or nasal spray can fix your allergy-related issues.
How To Eliminate Environmental Allergies
If you already have developed an allergy to a substance, you should consult a physician. People who enjoy a break from allergies in the winter months often fear the return of spring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found out that nearly 8% of American adults (20 million) and over 7% of children (6 million) experience seasonal allergy symptoms.
While you can’t completely remove common allergens such as tree pollens from your surroundings, you can take the following steps to reduce exposure to environmental allergies:
Install Air Filters
The use of HEPA filters can help you trap harmful particles such as pollens, dust mites, and pet dander. A fine mesh within the filter traps these particles and stops them from entering your home. Consider using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. People that suffer from dust mite allergies notice a considerable improvement in symptoms after installing an air filter in their home.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help you improve the indoor air quality in your home. HEPA filters are better at capturing allergens than old-fashioned air filters. Also, if you use a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets, rugs, and curtains, be sure to use a HEPA filter to reduce the number of allergens in your home.
Ensure an Allergy-Proof Bedroom
Your bedroom shouldn’t create an ideal environment for mold spores, dust mites, and other harmful particles that cause allergies. Here are some tips for keeping your bedroom free of environmental allergies in the spring:
- Use dust-mite-proof pillows, covers, and mattresses.
- Thoroughly wash your blankets, pillow covers, bedsheets, and other items at least once a week. Wash your bedding in hot water to get rid of allergens.
- Replace carpets with hardwood floors. If you want to keep the carpet in your bedroom, then consider choosing a carpet that holds fewer allergens.
- Keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free.
- Check carpeting and curtains for signs of mold and mildew.
Keep Your Windows Closed
If you’re allergic to pollen, keep your windows closed and use air conditioning instead of fans, especially on days with a high pollen count. It isn’t a bad idea to open up the windows and get some fresh air, but an open window invites lots of pollen into your home.
Even if you’re diligent about keeping windows closed, pollen can still enter your bedroom each time you open the door or window. While keeping your windows closed reduces the number of allergens entering your home, cleaning and vacuuming the interior will help you get rid of allergens in your bedroom.
Keep Pets Out of Your Bedrooms
Another amazing way to minimize allergens is to keep the pets outside your bedroom. Most people spend a major portion of their time in bedrooms. Having fewer allergens in your bedroom will reduce allergy symptoms and improve sleep quality. If you have pets and allow them to enter your bedroom, then bathe them regularly, especially if they go outside.
Use an Natural Air Purifier
It’s a wonderful idea to use a natural air purifier that neutralizes odors in the air caused by mold, mildew, and bacteria. While air filters help you reduce the number of environmental allergens in your home, air purifiers clean air.
Azuna offers an natural, Whole Home Odor Eliminator Kit that not only eliminates bad odors but also replaces many harsh chemical-laden products that you may be already usings (air freshener spray & plug-ins, candles and more). You can use this amazing product to freshen up the air in your home and car. The product works to continuously clear the air for ~60-90 days before needing to be replaced.
Create a Personal Hygiene Routine
Practicing good personal hygiene is another incredible way to fight environmental allergies. For example, taking a shower right after you walk in the door will wash off the pollen. Try to boost your immune system before opting for allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) or antihistamines to deal with irritants like grass pollen and ragweed.
Also, wash your clothes after working in the yard or raking leaves. Avoid drying clothes outdoors in the spring because pollen easily settles in the fibers.
Have an Allergy-Free Spring
These tips will surely make it easier for you to fight environmental allergies and help improve your odds of an allergy-free spring. Environmental allergies cause mild to severe symptoms. So, small things like leaving your shoes at the door or taking a shower before bedtime can create a huge impact.
Don’t forget to add Azuna to your home cleaning kit. When it comes to eliminating environmental allergies in the spring, Azuna will make your life easier. Browse through our online store to learn more about our products!
Sources:
FastStats - Allergies and Hay Fever | CDC
Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment | Forbes Health
Seasonal Allergies | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website
