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If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you know how miserable they can make you feel. So, how can you find relief? The good news is that apart from taking medicine, there are ways you can manipulate your environment and reduce the effects of spring allergies (or any season).
Allergy triggers can be found both indoors and outdoors, which is why it is important that you guard against both. Consider these tips for easing seasonal allergies in and out of your home.
1. Avoid going outside when it’s windy.
Wind carries allergens such as pollen, dust, dirt, etc. If the day is windy, your allergies are far more likely to flare up and bother you. Stay inside if you can.
2. Clean your sinuses.
Allergens get trapped in your sinuses and cycle through your airways, causing sneezing, itching, running, and general discomfort. You can use a nasal spray or warm water to rinse your sinuses and eliminate allergens.
3. Wash your clothes and shoes.
Much like pets carry allergens on their fur, you carry allergens on your clothes and shoes. Dust and pollen cling to the fabric and follow you everywhere, including your home. Wash your clothes and shoes as often as you can to keep pollutants from building up on the surface.
4. Take steps to improve indoor air quality.
Even with the windows closed, you may find that you need to filter your indoor air for better quality.
Indoor air quality is exactly what it sounds like. It refers to the quality of the air you breathe inside your home (or any other building). Since you can’t see air quality, many homeowners forget that it matters. Unsurprisingly, it plays a huge role in your lung and sinus health and should be carefully regulated to ensure maximum comfort.
You can improve your air quality by taking the following steps.
1. Clean and dust your home regularly.
Dust is made up of skin cells, dirt, and dust mite droppings. All of these are airborne lung irritants that cause allergic reactions. Wipe down your furniture regularly to prevent dust from building up.
2. Keep doors and windows closed.
It can be tempting to leave your windows or door open on a beautiful spring day, but if you suffer from allergies, stick with the air conditioner. Pollutants can enter your home and cause more havoc than the pretty day is worth.
3. Groom pets.
Like dust, pet fur and dander can cycle through the air in your home, irritating your eyes, sinuses, and throats. Groom your pets as often as you clean your furniture.
4. Keep ductwork clean.
The best way to eliminate a problem is to begin at the source. Clean your vents to rid them of dust, dirt, and other particles.
5. Change your air filter regularly.
It is also important to keep your air filter clean. Use a high-quality filter, like the Model 2210 Aprilaire filters that remove 98% of contaminants and change it regularly.
6. Schedule routine HVAC maintenance.
One of the most effective ways to regulate your indoor air quality is to hire professionals to inspect your HVAC system. This ensures everything is in working order and nothing is amiss.