5 Airborne Allergens and What to Do About Them

Allergies are common-place, but there is nothing easy or fun about the symptoms. Airborne allergens cause congestion, itchy eyes and skin, headaches, wheezing, and rash. Thankfully, you can minimize airborne allergens by making lifestyle changes.

Live in the Country

According to a study in the Thorax Journal, children born in rural areas are less prone to allergies. You may find this puzzling since rural places have more airborne allergens than the city. Scientists believe early exposure to dirt, dander, pollen, bacteria, and other airborne allergens may help build a child’s immune system.

If raising your children on a farm is one of your dreams, then this study may tempt you to make it happen.

Get a Poodle

Dogs are America’s favorite pets; they are therapeutic, loyal, and adorable. Unfortunately, Fido may be the reason you suffer from allergies. Your body may be reacting to their pet dander, saliva, and urine. You may have to get another type of pet, such as a turtle, fish, or snake. If you can’t imagine your life without a pooch, however, then go for one such as a poodle or another breed with similarly curly hair that allows them to keep their dander to themselves. The tightly curled hair allows these pups to hold on to their skin flakes and not add to airborne allergens.

It does mean, however, that they need frequent grooming. Try taking an antihistamine before bathing your pet or take your curly-haired friend to a groomer. 

Clean and Declutter Your Home

Allergens, such as dust mites, live in dusty places. It’s the dust mite’s skeletal remains and waist that trigger allergy attacks.  A cluttered or untidy home can lead to airborne allergens as well.  When your family comes home, they bring pollen and other pollutants with them. Develop a cleaning routine to minimize triggers. Follow the steps below to reduce the airborne allergens in your home.

• Declutter to keep dust from accumulating.
• Vacuum regularly.
• Wash your bedding weakly.
• Use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
• Have family members leave their jackets and shoes outside

Maintain Your HVAC

There is a greater number of indoor air pollutants than outdoor ones. In addition to maintaining a clean home, optimize your HVAC system with regular care.

• Use high-efficiency filters.
• Change your filters regularly.
• Service your system annually.

If your system is over ten years old, think about upgrading it. Talk to your HVAC professional about your options.

Feed Your Symptoms

Eat allergy-calming foods to reduce your symptoms. Enjoy a bowl of coconut milk yogurt. The probiotics in the yogurt keep the antibodies that trigger allergy symptoms in check. Foods such as apples, berries, and pumpkin seeds also contain anti-inflammatory properties which help prevent your body from releasing symptom-inducing histamines. Strawberries are not only delicious, but they also help suppress allergy symptoms. Lastly, turmeric spice can block your body from releasing histamines and acts as an anti-inflammatory; so spice it up!

Though you did not choose for you or any of your affected family members to suffer from allergies, you can do something about it. Luckily, there are multiple ways to alleviate allergy symptoms and most are easy to implement.