When you have indoor allergies, keeping your allergens manageable can be a daily struggle. Routine efforts can help reduce your allergy symptoms and limit the amount of antihistamines you take throughout the year.

Invest In Better Filtration

Standard fiberglass filters are not enough to keep household allergens down. They may help reduce larger dust particles, but dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores easily pass through. When you are looking for filters, choose filters that are able to trap the smallest particles. If possible, invest in ionized filtration devices that trap particles based on electrostatic charge, and not size. You may need to use a separate, portable filter for the bedrooms in your home. Bedrooms are notorious for dust mites that live inside the mattresses and pillows.

Use Hypoallergenic Bedding

Although there are many types of hypoallergenic bedding, at minimum, invest in pillow cases since this is the bedding closest to your head. Hypoallergenic bedding prevents dust mites from living within the material, thereby reducing allergens. You should also consider investing in a mattress cover to protect your mattress from dust mites. Other bedding, such as sheets and comforters, do not need to be hypoallergenic if you change and wash them frequently.

Dehumidify

Humidity problems indoors are a breeding ground for household allergens. Not only does high levels of humidity increase the chances for mold growth, but it makes other allergens, such as dust, stick throughout your home. Check the humidity levels inside to be sure they are at appropriate levels. You should check in each room of your home, including smaller spaces, such as closets. If you find a few areas of your home have higher humidity levels, this can be fixed with a personal dehumidifier or boxes of silica gel, depending on the size of the space.

Avoid Common Allergen Traps

Furniture and carpets are common traps for household allergens because they are difficult to clean regularly and dust mites are almost impossible to eliminate. Choose living room furniture with vinyl or leather, which are easier to clean and do not hold allergens. If you want decorative pillows, use pillow covers that you can wash frequently.

You should also avoid using carpet in your home. Although regular vacuuming and professional carpet and steam cleanings can reduce allergens imbedded in your carpet, you may find you need frequent cleanings to keep allergens at a manageable level. Choose hardwood or laminated floors and area rugs for your bedrooms or other places where you spend the most time.

Indoor allergens are a major problem because they make you miserable year-round. A few changes to your indoor environment can make you more comfortable indoors. For more information, talk to a professional like Ear Nose & Throat Specialties PC.