Health Care Blog

Allergies are very common problem worldwide. The problems is the result of an immune system run amok.They develop when your immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen, cat dander or dust. These medication-free remedies will help you get on the path to easier breathing and less itching and scratching. Here are some simple homely tips to avoid the problems. They are:

You have to minimize clutter. Dried flowers, books, stuffed animals, and other homey touches collect dust and allergens. Try to keep knickknacks in closets or drawers or rid your home of them entirely.Choose the hot cycle on laundry day. Linens should be washed in water that is at least 130°F to rid them of dust mites and their wastes. To test your water temperature, stop the washer once it’s filled and dip a meat thermometer into the water.

Encase your pillows, mattress, and box spring in allergen-proof covers. These covers, sold by allergy-supply companies such as American Allergy Supply, National Allergy Supply, and Allergy Control Products, provide a barrier between you and any allergens that may be housed inside them. Wear a face mask. Use one when doing anything that’s likely to expose you to an allergen that you know will cause you problems. A simple chore like vacuuming can throw huge quantities of dust and whatever else is in your home into the air, where it will hang for several minutes.

Air-condition your car. If walking outside makes you start wheezing and sneezing, imagine what tearing through all those pollen clouds at 55 miles per hour is going to do. Be sensible and remember to use the air conditioner in your car. Buy a dehumidifier. Keep the air in your home dry will help put a stop to dust mite problems. Dust mites don’t do very well in humidity below about 45 percent.

Remember to empty the unit’s water often and clean it regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, so that it doesn’t become a haven for mold.
Buy throw rugs. Replace your carpets with throw rugs, and you’ll achieve two major benefits. First, you’ll eliminate your home’s biggest collector of dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold. Second, you’ll make keeping your home allergen-free much easier. Rugs can be washed at temperatures hot enough to kill dust mites. Also, the floors underneath—courtesy of a rug’s loose weave—stay cooler and drier, conditions distinctly hostile to mold and mites.

Enforce a no-smoking policy. Tobacco smoke is a significant irritant for the smoker and anyone else breathing nearby. Smoke can make allergies worse.Make sure you leave your smoking habit forever.

Install an air filter. Keeping the air clean in your home can bring relief from pollen, mold, and pet dander. When you use an air filter in your room, remember to keep the door closed so that the machine won’t get overburdened with too much air to clean.

Isolate your pets. The furry friends that occupy America’s homes cause a staggering number of allergy exacerbations every year. Cat dander usually causes the most problems, but dogs, birds, rabbits, horses, and other pets with hair or fur also cause allergies in those who are susceptible.

Keep it clean. People with allergies fare better when dust and grime are kept to a minimum. Try not to use aerosol sprays or products containing harsh chemicals or odors that may irritate your airways. But your home will need more than a dusting with a dry cloth, which just propels allergens into the air. Instead, wipe down hard surfaces and floors with a slightly damp cloth. In humid areas, use a bleach solution.

Make at least one room a sanctuary. If you can’t afford central air and don’t want to rip the wall-to-wall carpeting out of every room in your house, there’s still hope. Make just one room a sanctuary.

Source: msn health and fitness

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