Suffering From A Respiratory Problem? Try Reducing Home Allergens

People with allergies or respiratory issues might mistake their home as the one place where they can breathe easily. In truth, your home is a haven for dust mites, dander, house dust, spores, mold, fabric fibers, and other allergens.

People point to hay fever as the primary reason for their respiratory problems, but while hay fever is seasonal, home-borne allergens will affect you year-round. There’s no escape in the winter; in fact, being shut in with all that debris and recycled air may worsen your condition, especially for seniors and those suffering from COPD and asthma. While there’s no miracle cure, much of your suffering can be alleviated by decreasing exposure to home allergens. Bird Dog Pharma explains how below.

Reduce Dangerous Pet Dander

Next to mold, pet dander is the worst in-home allergen, which means the best way to reduce your exposure is to reduce exposure to your pet. That may sound harsh, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get rid of Fido or your favorite feline unless your condition gets out of hand or an allergist tells you to get a fish instead. Instead, limit the places in your home where your pet is allowed so that you have a space where you can breathe freely. Also, consider letting your furry friend enjoy exercising outside as long as you have a safe, fenced in area. Keeping your pet well-groomed will also help, though this is a task that another family member should take on. If possible, reduce carpeting, upholstered furniture, and drapes, which provide convenient homes for dander and other allergens. Pillows and mattresses are also trouble spots, though covering them with material that inhibits their release can help.

Decrease House Dust

If you’re thinking that getting rid of house dust will help, think again. It’s virtually impossible to eliminate dust, but there are ways to alleviate its impact on your condition. If you have carpeting, keep it clean by shampooing or have it removed altogether to reduce dust particles. Clean or get rid of upholstery, floors, walls, window shades, window sills, and countertops should be kept clean with an anti-allergenic cleaner. Dust particles can accumulate in clothing or drapes kept in storage, which should be laundered on a regular basis along with bedding material.

Ventilate Your Home

A properly ventilated house or apartment can do a lot to reduce your suffering and improve general indoor air quality. Natural ventilation is one of the best methods to improve the air in your home, so open those doors and windows for a half-hour or so each day, especially when you use cleaning fluids or other chemical solvents. According to dengarden.com, you should check your air filter every 30 days to make sure it is clean. You can also have a permanent filter installed and have an HVAC professional check your central air conditioning system and ducts regularly.

Also, don’t forget to vent the space around combustible appliances, and make sure the dryer is safely vented directly outside. If any of your appliances are in need of repair, have it fixed by a pro as soon as possible. A quick online search for “appliance repair near me” will yield top local companies based on ratings and certifications.

Consider An Electrostatic Air Filter

An electrostatic air filter can clean your indoor air of pollutants like dust mites, pollen, and mold using static electricity, a safe and natural process in which an electrostatic charge attracts airborne particles. The particles are then removed when the filter is cleaned.

Be aware that it can take time for your symptoms to be alleviated by taking extra steps to control dust. It may take up to six months before you’ll notice a difference. Avoid entering the homes of friends and family who have fur-bearing pets while you’re trying to mitigate the effects of dander.

Reducing home allergens not only improves indoor air quality, but it also improves your quality of life. It makes breathing easier and reduces some of the more unpleasant symptoms, like wheezing, inflamed nasal passage, and difficulty breathing. The sooner you make changes, the better you’ll feel.

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