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Nothing to Sneeze At: Healthy-Home Tips for Reducing Nasal Allergy Triggers
Nothing to Sneeze At: Healthy-Home Tips for Reducing Nasal Allergy Triggers
Seasonal allergies can make being outdoors in the spring and summer less fun for many people across the United States, and indoor allergy triggers can be a problem, too. But don't worry! With the help of some simple tips and small changes at home, you can effectively avoid or reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.
This guide will show you easy ways to develop good habits to limit your contact with indoor and outdoor allergy triggers. By following these tips, you can enjoy the seasons more comfortably.
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Nothing to Sneeze At: Healthy-Home Tips for Reducing Nasal Allergy Triggers
Nothing to Sneeze At: Healthy-Home Tips for Reducing Nasal Allergy Triggers
Nothing to Sneeze At: Healthy-Home Tips for Reducing Nasal Allergy Triggers
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Seasonal allergies can make being outdoors in the spring and summer less fun for many people across the United States, and indoor allergy triggers can be a problem, too. But don't worry! With the help of some simple tips and small changes at home, you can effectively avoid or reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.
This guide will show you easy ways to develop good habits to limit your contact with indoor and outdoor allergy triggers. By following these tips, you can enjoy the seasons more comfortably.
Managing Indoor and Outdoor Allergy Triggers
Avoiding indoor and outdoor allergy triggers is important for managing allergy symptoms. Here are some strategies that can help:
Reducing Outdoor Allergy Triggers
- Stay Informed: Check online pollen data tools for the latest pollen counts and forecasts. Plan outdoor activities on low pollen days.
- Protect Your Eyes & Mouth: On high pollen days, wear a mask and sunglasses when going outside to limit exposure.
- Protect Your Hair & Skin: Wear a hat when spending extended time outdoors to protect your hair, and shower before bed to wash off pollen.
- Laundry Tips: Avoid hanging up clothes outside to dry; instead, use your indoor clothes dryer to prevent pollen from sticking to it.
Reducing Indoor Allergy Triggers and Improving AirQuality
- Limit Pollen Indoors: Close windows during peak pollen times and remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking pollen inside. Change and wash your clothes after outdoor activities.
- Pet Care: Wipe down or bathe pets after they have been outside to remove pollen from their fur.
- Home Cleaning: Clean blinds, curtains, rugs, and bedding regularly. Vacuum carpets and furniture weekly using a HEPA*-certified filter.
- Dust Mite Control: Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Replace carpets with hard floors where possible.
- Pet Dander Reduction: Bathe pets regularly, use HEPA*-certified air purifiers, and consider keeping pets out of the bedroom if you have pet allergies.
- Mold Prevention: Fix plumbing leaks, use dehumidifiers to keep your home between 30 to 50% humidity, limit indoor plants, and promptly clean visible mold with proper protective gear.
- Air Purification: Invest in high-quality air purifiers with HEPA*-certified filters to remove dust, pollen, animal dander, and mold from your home.
- Look for asthma & allergy friendly® certified products at aafa.org/certified.
*HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. These special air filters can remove at least 99.97% of tiny particles from the air, including dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. HEPA filters are used in air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and some heating and cooling systems to help clean the air in your home.
For a more interactive look at managing indoor and outdoor allergy triggers, be sure to check out AAFA's Healthier Home Checklist.
Even with limiting indoor and outdoor allergy triggers, you still may be experiencing allergy symptoms. A healthcare professional can help you find the best way to treat your allergies and feel better. They might also suggest allergy tests to uncover what's causing your symptoms.
Talk with a healthcare professional if:
- Your allergy symptoms don't get better or get worse.
- You have trouble breathing, start wheezing, or cough a lot.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines don't help or cause bad side effects.
- You think you might have allergies but aren't sure.
