How to Remove Allergen Triggers

How to Remove Allergen Triggers Overview

Allergens are tiny, airborne particles that can cause an adverse reaction in people who suffer from allergies. These reactions can range from a runny nose to a full-blown asthma attack. While there is no way to completely avoid all allergens, there are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure and reduce the severity of your allergic reactions. In this article, we will discuss how to identify and remove common allergy triggers from your home and workplace.

Identifying Allergen Triggers

To ease your allergies, it helps to know what triggers them. A doctor or allergist may use a skin prick test or a blood test for specific IgE antibodies to identify your allergens. Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can take steps to reduce your exposure.

Household Allergens

The air spreads allergens around. They settle onto furniture and floors, varying in size from tiny particles that can be inhaled all the way up to large rooms full of them. These pesky little allergen triggers for asthma are called indoor pollution because they don’t go away when you turn off your ventilation system at night time or during a storm.

Reducing indoor allergens matters especially for people with allergic asthma, because allergens can trigger asthma symptoms as well as allergy symptoms (FDA).

Many indoor allergens can be found in mattresses, pillows, rugs, furniture, bathrooms, basements, attics, air ducts, and more.

Some common allergens that might trigger allergies in the home include:

●     Dust mites

●     Cockroaches

●     Mold

●     Rodents

●     Pet dander

●     Pollen

Removing Household Allergens

The pollen season is just around the corner, and it seems like there’s always an allergen lurking in the air. From dust mites to mold spores – you may not be able to fight a runny nose or watery eyes every day of your life. But we’re here with some tips on how to make this difficult time more manageable for yourself while still keeping allergens at bay so they don’t take over completely during those long sticky days when allergies are prevalent.

Here are some allergy-friendly cleaning habits to help you breathe better this year.

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Be Careful While Dusting

Dusting is an important part of housekeeping, but it can also be a trigger for allergies. For people with dust allergies, even a small amount of dust can cause sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. To avoid these symptoms, it’s important to be careful while dusting. When dusting symbols and other hard surfaces, use a damp cloth to trap the dust. For carpeted surfaces, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove both the visible dust and the invisible allergens that can be suspended in the air. With a little care, you can dust your home without triggering your allergies.

Monitor Your Filter Performance

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that proper maintenance of furnace and air conditioning filters is essential to keeping your family healthy and safe from harmful allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. By regularly checking your filters and monitoring their performance, you can ensure that they are doing their job and prevent these allergens from circulating in your home. There are a few simple things you can do to keep track of your filters’ performance. First, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often the filter should be replaced. This will vary depending on the type of filter, but it is generally every three months or so. Second, take a look at the filter itself – if it is covered in dirt and dust, it is time for a new one. Finally, pay attention to your allergies – if you find that you are sneezing more or having difficulty breathing, it may be time to replace the filter. By following these simple tips, you can help to reduce allergens in your home and create a healthier environment for your family.

Look After Your Pets

For people with allergies, even the most lovable family pet can be a trigger for symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes. In fact, pets are one of the most common sources of indoor allergens. But there’s no need to give up your furry friend just to avoid fur allergies. There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to pet allergens and keep your symptoms under control. First, make sure your pet is well-groomed. Regular baths and brushings will help to reduce the amount of dander they shed. Secondly, keep them out of your bedroom or any other area where you spend a lot of time. And finally, vacuum often and use air filters to help remove allergens from the air in your home. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your pet without suffering from allergies.

Eliminate Mold Spores

According to EPA,mold spores are a common allergen trigger, causing problems for those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. In order to avoid mold spores, it is important to eliminate them from your home. The first step is to identify the source of the mold growth. This can be done by looking for signs of mold, such as musty odors, discolored walls or ceilings, and visible growth. Once the source has been identified, it is important to clean it thoroughly with a mold-killing cleaner. It is also important to remove any damp or wet items from the area, as these can provide a perfect environment for mold spores to thrive. By taking these steps, you can help to eliminate mold spores and reduce the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.

Reducing Pollen Risks

Allergies are very common: about one in four U.S. adults has a diagnosed seasonal allergy (CDC), and up to 40% of children have allergic rhinitis (FDA). During pollen season, keep windows closed, use air conditioning, check pollen counts, and shower and change clothes after being outdoors (ACAAI).

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (June 14, 2022)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

What actually helps

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HEPA air purifier & filters

A portable HEPA purifier sized to the room can lower airborne particles such as pollen and dust; it only works if you replace filters on schedule. (EPA: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home)

See the Levoit Core 300 on Amazon

Saline nasal rinse kit

Rinsing with saline can clear pollen from the nose; use distilled, sterile or boiled-then-cooled water, never plain tap water. (FDA: Is rinsing your sinuses with neti pots safe?)

See the NeilMed Sinus Rinse kit on Amazon

Dust-mite pillow & mattress covers

Allergists recommend zippered, allergen-proof encasings for pillows, mattresses and box springs, plus hot-water washing of bedding. (ACAAI: Dust Allergy)

See Hospitology zippered pillow encasements on Amazon

Allergen Trigger FAQs

What are the most common indoor allergens?

Dust mites, pet dander, mold, cockroaches, rodents and pollen carried in from outside.

What indoor humidity helps with allergies?

Keeping humidity between 30% and 50% helps limit dust mites and mold (ACAAI).

How do I find out what I’m allergic to?

An allergist can do skin or blood tests.

Do I have to give up my pet?

Not always. Keeping pets out of the bedroom, cleaning often and using HEPA filters can help.

Sources

Looking to learn more about allergy lifestyles? Find a full list of living with allergies resources here.