Alleviating Allergies

Allergies from dust, pollen and pet dander affect about 11% of all Americans. You or someone you know may suffer from allergies that affect the quality of their lives at different times of the year. An allergic reaction to dust, pollen or pet dander is extremely uncomfortable, causing itching, watery eyes, a runny nose, and uncontrollable sneezing. If you or someone you live with is an allergy sufferer, there are certain things you can do to help.

Keeping Your Environment Clean

It’s a constant battle against dust and other particles to keep allergies at bay. You’ll have to regularly and routinely clean your household. Here are some tips and things to keep in mind:

1. Dust, pollen and pet dander can easily build up in rugs and carpet, so remember to thoroughly vacuum them.
2. Furniture such as upholstered couches and chairs also need to be vacuumed, as dust can accumulate in them.
3. Bed spreads, quilts, pillow cases, and mattresses should be vacuumed as well. Mattresses should be flipped over and vacuumed on both sides.
4. Floors should be mopped or swept regularly to prevent the buildup of allergens.
5. Electronics such as televisions and computer screens are powerful dust magnets. Remember to wipe them down with a soft cloth regularly.
6. Drapes and blinds also attract dust, and can catch pollen. Vacuum any drapes in your house, and wipe down the blinds on your windows. You might be surprised at how much dust accumulates on your window blinds.
7. Air conditioning units, fans, and heaters also trap dust, and when turned on will blow it around the room. Remember to vacuum any unit that hasn’t been used in a while.
8. If you’ve worn clothing out in the summer, it has probably collected pollen. Separate items that you’ve worn outside and wash them as soon as possible. If the item cannot be easily washed, such as a suit jacket or an overcoat, vacuum it.
9. If you’re working often in a dusty environment, or outdoors where you’re exposed to pollen, wear a hat or bandana to keep particles out of your hair. Washing your hair when you’ve returned home is also a good idea.

Relieving an Allergic Reaction

If you’re experiencing a typical allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or dander, you can try taking an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine. The over-the-counter drug Benadryl is a popular example of diphenhydramine, but many generic and store brands also exist and are just as effective.

Keep in mind that this drug will likely make you drowsy, even in its smallest dose, so be cautious if you’re going to be doing an activity that requires you to be fully alert, such as driving.

Decongestants such as Sudafed may also help with symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion.

Most important of all, if you experience a severe allergic reaction and you start to have difficulty breathing, and/or you have hives begin to appear on your body, and/or you feel dizzy or lightheaded, visit an emergency room immediately. Severe allergic reactions can be fatal and should be taken seriously.