Allergy-Proof Your Environment

Medicines help treat allergy symptoms once they strike, but there are several steps you can take to prevent symptoms altogether. The following recommendations can help you avoid allergy triggers whether you're at home, outdoors, or out on the town.

At Home

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. Don't use fans since they can stir up dust.
• Filter the air. Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen and use high efficiency particulate air filters. Clean air filters frequently and air ducts at least once a year.
• Keep the humidity in your house below 50% to prevent mold growth.
• If you have pets, consider keeping them outside or perhaps ask someone else to take care of them. Animal dander and saliva are common allergens for many people. If you must keep your pets indoors, do not allow them in the bedroom and be sure to bathe them often.
• Avoid areas where molds may collect, including basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns and compost heaps. Have someone else clean these areas often.
• Install dehumidifiers in basements and other areas of the house where molds tend to collect. Clean these devices every week.
• Air out damp clothes and shoes (in the house) before storing.
• Remove laundry from the washing machine promptly. Don't leave wet clothes in the washer where mold can quickly grow.
• Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing solutions.
• Don't collect too many indoor plants as soil encourages mold growth.
• Store firewood outside.
• Use plastic covers for pillows, mattresses and box springs. Avoid overstuffed furniture and down-filled bedding or pillows.
• Wash your bedding every week in hot water.
• Don't allow smoking in your house.
• Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming or painting to limit dust and chemical exposure.
• Vacuum twice a week.
• Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. If you do have rugs, make sure they are washable.
• When possible, choose hardwood floors instead of carpeting. If you must have carpeting, choose low-pile material.
• Avoid dust-collecting Venetian blinds or long drapes. Replace old drapes with window shades instead.
• Make sure there is an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes.

In the Car

• Keep windows closed and set the air conditioner to use recirculated air if you are allergic to pollen.
• Don't permit smoking in the car.

Outdoors

• Minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens.
• Check the forecast. Stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, windy days when pollen counts are generally the highest.
• Try to avoid extreme temperature changes -- they are triggers for some people with asthma.
• If possible, stay indoors between 5 and 10 a.m. when outdoor pollen counts are usually highest.
• Wear a mask (such as an inexpensive painter's mask) when mowing the lawn if you are allergic to grass pollen or mold. Avoid mowing and being around freshly cut grass if possible.
• Wear a mask when gardening, as flowers and some weeds release pollen and can cause allergy symptoms.
• Avoid raking leaves or working with hay or mulch if you are allergic to mold.
• After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair.
• To protect yourself from insect stings, wear shoes, long pants and sleeves, and do not wear scented deodorants, perfumes, shampoos or hair products.
• Don't hang clothes or linens out to dry, as pollen and molds may collect in them and can make your allergies worse.

Traveling

• Pack your medicines with you in your carry-on bag.
• Bring an extra supply of medicines in case you need them.

Staying in a Hotel

• Ask for a nonsmoking room.
• Remove feather pillows and ask for synthetic, nonallergenic pillows -- or bring your own plastic pillow cover from home.
• If possible, keep the vent on the room air conditioner shut.

Dining

• Eat in smoke-free restaurants.
• For food allergies, avoid the foods that cause your allergy symptoms by carefully reading ingredient labels and asking about the food preparation methods when dining out. Choose fresh foods rather than prepared or processed foods. If you have severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, carry an epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.

For Children in School

• Discuss your child's allergies with school personnel.
• If your child suffers from food allergies, discuss them with school officials, teachers and lunchroom staff.
• Educate your child about his/her allergies early, so your child can learn to avoid situations where he or she may eat a food that will trigger an allergic reaction. Arrange for an epinephrine kit to be left at the school, and make sure school officials (and your child when they are old enough) are able to use it correctly.
• Inform school personnel about the medicines your child is taking and make arrangements to leave necessary medicines at school.
• Encourage sports participation, but inform coaches of medicines that may need to be taken before activities.

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