Posted by Pam Bridges on October 02, 2005 at 13:08:11:
Allergy-and-Asthma-Proof Your Home
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, the key to relief is to control allergy triggers -- allergens. There's a lot you can do to make your home more comfortable.
Avoid Dust, Dander, and Pollen
Dust mites (really, their droppings) are the most common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms. These tiny insects live in the dust particles that naturally collect in our homes. Pet -- and human -- dander (skin cells) and pollen, of course, also are common culprits that trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. The key is to have as few places as possible for particles to collect on, and to keep these places clean.
To start with, remove all objects and furniture from the room and give it a good cleaning.
Replace wall-to-wall carpet, if possible. Carpeting traps dust. Flooring like hardwood, tile, and linoleum is better. Use small rugs that can be cleaned easily. If replacing carpet isn't feasible, vacuum it at least weekly.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter. The HEPA filter prevents the recirculation of dust and dirt back into the air.
Cover mattresses, box springs, and pillows with special allergen-proof fabric covers.
Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water. This will kill any live mites and wash out the accumulated dead mites and their feces.
Avoid down pillows or comforters.
Avoid upholstered furniture, which can trap allergens; try to use only wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl furniture that can be wiped clean.
Replace dust-collecting blinds and long drapes with window shades or washable curtains.
Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning and vacuuming.
If you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom, since we spend the majority of our time at home in the bedroom. Bathe your pets regularly as well. And keep them off of upholstered furniture.
Prevent Mold
Although there are thousands of kinds of molds, few are toxic. But household molds can trigger allergy symptoms in allergy sufferers. So avoiding mold can help you avoid asthma, congestion, and other allergy-related symptoms. And the best way to avoid mold is to avoid moisture.
Keep the house dry.
Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine where mold can quickly grow.
Don't have too many indoor plants -- especially in the bedroom; mold can grow in plant soil.
Fix any leaks or seepage in the house, indoors and out.
Put plastic over dirt in crawlspaces and keep them well-ventilated.
Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
Turn off humidifiers if you see condensation on windows.
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners in basements and other areas of the house where mold tends to grow, especially in hot humid climates.
Clean dehumidifiers and humidifiers every week.
On concrete floors, remove carpet and use area rugs that can be lifted and washed, or install a vapor barrier over the concrete.
Control Cockroaches
Cockroaches' droppings contain a protein that is a primary asthma trigger. Cockroaches need water to survive and they thrive on what you leave behind, so they'll be less likely to be a problem in a clean, dry house. Fix leaks, keep food in containers, don't leave out dirty dishes, clean the kitchen thoroughly after meals including under appliances, and take out the garbage regularly. Also block any openings through which cockroaches could enter from outside, including windows, wall cracks, and floor gaps.
Reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD.
Published January 2004.
SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise. WebMD Features. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.