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Environmental Allergens Are All Around You

There are many substances in the air that are considered to be, "environmental allergens". When these substances are inhaled in the air we breathe in our homes, at work, at school, and in public buildings we can experience allergic reactions to them. Common environmental allergens that we can breathe in are: dust, mold, pollens, mildew, feathers and animal dander.

Environmental allergies will show up as symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy noses, itchy watery eyes, coughing or wheezing.

To control your symptoms, it is best to try to avoid the allergens that cause your symptoms. This is not always an easy task to do, as allergens that are breathed in, are everywhere!

To control dust mites, it is important to get rid of them in your pillows, and bed linens. If you have pets and have an allergic reaction when you sit on the couch or chair where you know your pet likes to be, your symptoms that start as you sit on these pieces of furniture are most likely a reaction to pet dander.

If you sneeze as you clean the house, you are likely allergic to house dust.

If you can discover what items are causing your allergic reaction, you can then do your best to eliminate these items. This is easier to do at home than at work, school or in public buildings where you have little control over items in these places.

At home you can try to control environmental allergens by using a Dacron or polyester pillow instead of one made from foam that could be the trigger for mold allergies. You can use synthetic blankets. You can hire a maid to do your housecleaning chores for you. To avoid pet dander you can vacuum on a more consistent basis, carpets, furniture and places where you pet lies or sits. Keep your pets out of your bedroom during the day and night. Cover pillows and your mattress and also your box spring with a zippered, soft plastic cover that is labeled, as "allergy proof".

If you must have carpeting in your home or office and can choose the type of carpeting - choose a synthetic or cotton carpeting that has tight weave or a very short pile.

Bare floors that can be swept with a vacuum, and wet-mopped are best for people with indoor allergies.

Change your central heating filter every month to cut down on the dust and other allergens circulating in your air.

Your health care provider or allergist can do an evaluation that will help determine what your allergens are and can also prescribe antihistamines or other prescription medication that can help to bring you relief from your allergy symptoms.

Have a talk with school personnel about allergies your child has so that if anything can be done to control the allergens at school they will be able to be aware of your child's needs.

At work, you can discuss how controlling allergens in the air can help to decrease sick time and increase employee productivity. This information may help to motivate administration to take a stand regarding ridding the office environment of allergens and make an improvement in the air quality in which you work.

Environmental allergens are everywhere and your best defense is to recognize what they are and where they are so that you can avoid them if possible or take medications that can help relieve your symptoms.