You're constantly sneezing , your eyes are red and itchy, your skin is itchy... sometimes it's even hard to breathe. You may be familiar with this problem called allergies. For some, this is something that can make your life miserable. But don't worry, you don't have to suffer from this condition all the time. If we control our environment a little, we can reduce these allergy problems to a great extent. Let's see how to do it?
Simply put, we call allergens things that irritate our body and irritate our immune system. When these enter the body, our body thinks that a big enemy has arrived, so it starts to fight against it. All those itchy eyes, itchy skin, and hives are all a result of that fight. Among these, there are some main enemies. They are pollen in flowers, mold in houses, dust mites that are invisible to the eye, and animal dander . So to control these allergies, we first need to remove these enemies from our environment as much as possible.
How to control allergies at home?
Our home is the place where we spend the most time. Therefore, it is very important to keep the environment inside the home clean. Making small changes can make a big difference.
| What we need to do | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Close the windows and use the AC. | Pollen and dust from outside will stop coming inside the house. Don't forget to clean the AC filter regularly. |
| Reduce humidity in the home | Keep humidity below 50%. Moisture is the main cause of mold growth. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Pay special attention to areas with high humidity, such as basements and bathrooms. |
| Take care of pets. | Keep pets outside the house if possible. If you keep them indoors, don't bring them into the bedroom . Their fur and dander are a major cause of allergies. Bathe regularly. |
| Bedding and pillows | Use plastic covers for pillows and mattresses to protect them from dust mites. It's best to remove large items like pillows and down. Wash bedding in hot water at least once a week. |
| Floor and window cloths | It is much better to have a tile, cement, or wooden floor instead of carpet. Carpet is a paradise for dust mites. Use simple window shades instead of blinds and large curtains that collect dust. |
| Cleaning | Vacuum thoroughly at least twice a week. Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning your home to avoid inhaling dust. Wash bathroom tiles and shower curtains with something like diluted bleach to remove mold. |
Things to be careful about when going outdoors
Not only at home, but we are also exposed to allergens when we go outside. Pollen and mold are especially common outdoors. So think about these things when you go out.
Imagine you're walking through a beautiful flower garden in the morning. That's when the flowers release the most pollen. If you have a pollen allergy, this can make your allergies worse.
| What we need to do | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Check the weather. | Pollen levels in the air are higher on sunny, dry, and windy days. Stay indoors as much as possible on such days. Mold particles can increase on rainy and windy days. |
| Be careful about time. | Pollen levels are usually highest between 5 and 10 a.m. Try to minimize your time outdoors during this time. |
| Avoid garden work. | If possible, delegate tasks like mowing the lawn or raking leaves to someone else. Doing these things can add pollen and mold particles to the air and aggravate your allergies. If you absolutely have to do it, wear a good mask. |
| Take a shower when you come out. | Allergens may be on your clothes and hair after you've been out. So, when you get home, change your clothes, take a good shower, and wash your hair to remove all of those allergens. |
| Do not dry clothes outdoors. | When you dry clothes on a clothesline, pollen and mold particles in the air stick to your clothes. You may develop allergies when you wear those clothes. If possible, use a clothes dryer, or dry them indoors. |
| Think about the vehicle too. | Keep the windows closed and the AC on. Vacuum the inside of the vehicle, especially the seats, regularly, as allergens from your clothes can settle inside the vehicle. |
If you still have trouble controlling your allergies after doing these things, be sure to see your doctor . You may need special medications or other treatments. Only a doctor can make the right decision and tell you what's best for you.
Although allergies are annoying, the important thing is to learn to live with them. We can go a long way in getting rid of these problems by making small changes to our lifestyle and environment.
Take-Home Message
- First, try to identify what allergens are causing your allergies. Once you understand whether it's dust, pollen, animals, or mold, it's easier to control them.
- Keep your home as clean, dry, and allergen-free as possible, especially in the bedroom .
- Follow safety precautions when going outdoors, especially on days and times when pollen counts are high.
- If your allergy symptoms do not improve despite following these instructions, never hesitate to seek medical advice. Talk to your doctor and get the most appropriate treatment.
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