Allergy avoidance is changing or adjusting your environment to reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens can be very helpful in improving symptoms. Although it is not possible to completely avoid environmental allergens, you can reduce allergy symptoms by decreasing your exposure. It helps to know exactly what you’re allergic to so that you can take steps to avoid your specific triggers.
Also understanding the nature of your allergen can help you determine the best way to maximize allergy avoidance and avoid your triggers with the easiest and most cost effective intervention. For instance, dust mite is a very heavy allergens and settles where you sleep. Dust protectors for the mattress and pillows are more cost effective than HEPA filters to help treat dust mite allergy.
Cat dander is a very light allergen and travels through the house. Allergy avoidance HEPA filter in your bedroom and allergy shots may help control your symptoms. A Board Certified Allergist can help customize an avoidance plan that helps treat your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.
Dust Mites
Dust mites feed off of skin cells and tend to live on mattresses, pillows, cushions and carpets. They live comfortably in beds since we provide them with everything they like: warmth (from our body heat), humidity (from our perspiration), and food (from the skin flakes we shed). Dust mites are prevalent throughout the year but exposure increases when we spend more time indoors during the winter months. Since dust mites are very heavy allergens, the greatest exposure occurs in beds, couches, and floors.
- Avoidance Steps:
- Encase the mattress and pillows in dust mite proof covers
- Wash sheets at least once a week to remove dust mite allergy substance
- Keep humidity levels at 45% or lower
- Vacuum every other day and dust daily
Indoor Mold Avoidance
Indoor mold can be on surfaces such as bathroom faucets, tubs, toilets, showers, walls and floors. It grows easily and rapidly in any porous material that has been exposed to moisture.
- Avoidance Steps:
- Use a dehumidifier during the spring and summer months
- Fix any leaky water sources
- Clean all visible mold off any mildewed areas
- Keep window and doors closed
- Use your A/C
- Don’t hang your clothes outside to dry
- Use a mask and gloves when gardening
- Shower after doing yard work (especially after raking the leaves)
Cat Allergen
A majority of U.S. households have pets, and many of these pets are cats and dogs. Unfortunately, millions of pet owners also have an allergy to their animals. The proteins found in pet dander, skin flakes, saliva and urine can cause an allergic reaction and aggravate asthma symptoms. Cat allergen is very light and sheds wherever the cat has been.
- Avoidance Steps:
- Keep the cat out of your bedroom
- Wash all bedding in 140-degree hot water at least twice a month
- Wash your hands immediately after petting your cat (do not rub your eyes)
- Clean your cat at least once a month up to twice a week to control exposure
Pollen Allergen
Pollen can travel several miles. You would have to stay indoors with the windows closed to completely avoid it.
- Avoidance Steps:
- Keep window and doors closed
- Use your A/C
- Do not hang your clothes outside to dry
- Minimize early morning activity (pollen levels tend to be highest in the early morning)
- Take a shower after outdoor activities and before going to bed
- Limit outdoor activity when pollen counts are high
