Is Your Home Making Your Allergies Worse?

Red, itchy eyes and stuffy noses. Allergies are no fun. Outdoor allergens like pollen and dirt are common causes of allergy symptoms, but they might not be your only problem. Your home could be the cause of many of your allergy symptoms.

Watch Out for These Common Allergy Sources in Your Home

• Pets- Even brief exposure to a pet can cause allergy symptoms in someone with allergies. Pet dander, or dead skin, is a common culprit. Many allergies do not appear or become active until an exposure threshold is reached. If you have allergies or asthma, skip the pets. All pet owners should keep their homes clean to limit exposure to potential allergens. Clean your carpets and upholstery often and vacuum regularly.
• Dust- Dust is filled with allergens including dust mites, tiny pieces of food, mold, pollen, animal dander and insect pieces. Any of these substances can cause an allergic reaction on their own, but when combined become a particularly allergy inducing combination. Dust can be especially bothersome during cleaning when dust is disturbed and able to easily enter the nasal passages. If you are allergy prone you may want to wear a dust mask when vacuuming and cleaning.
• Mold- Mold thrives in warm, moist environments like in your bathroom or kitchen. Mold spores are a major allergen and can cause serious allergic reactions. If you have a mold problem make sure that you get professional help as soon as possible to clean up the mold and fix the problems that are causing mold growth in the first place.
• Indoor Plants- Indoor plants might make your home more beautiful, but they can also make your allergies a lot worse. Many people think that pollen from the plants is the culprit behind the allergy problem, but most of the time it is actually the mold that can grow around the plant and in the soil.

Tips for Allergy Proofing Your Home

If you have allergies it is a good idea to work on allergy proofing your home. A few simple changes can make a big difference in how you feel. Here are a few tips:

• Take Care of Mold and Mildew- Mold and mildew not only cause allergies, they can also permanently damage your home. If you have mold, hire a mold removal specialist and get the problem fixed.
• Clean Regularly- Keeping your home clean will help keep allergens at bay. Vacuum daily and get your carpets cleaned at least once or twice a year, more often if you have kids or pets.
• Find Out What Bothers You- If you have allergies you will want to limit your exposure to potential allergens in your home. If you know you are allergic to pets, keep them out of the house. If you struggle with a pollen allergy limit your exposure to plants and pollen. Limiting your exposure to allergens can help alleviate the problem.
• Control Humidity- Humidity helps foster mold and dust mite growth, both of which are potential allergens. Consider using a dehumidifier to control the humidity level in your home.

Your home might be aggravating your allergies, but you don't have to just endure. Learn to control the allergens in your home and start feeling better. Talk with your doctor or an allergy specialist if you suffer from allergies for personalized advice. To learn more about Mold removal San Diego, click here.