Top 10 Things to Do If You Suffer from a Dust Allergy
Follow these simple tips to minimise dust allergies in your home.
Top 10 Things to Do If You Suffer from a Dust Allergy
The main cause of dust allergies in most households is dust mites. These microscopic insects can cause a lot of discomfort to those who are prone to allergies, but they are not the only trigger to allergies. There are multiple allergens like spores, pet dander, dead skin, mould particles, cockroach wastes and other debris in a single speck of dust. These too can cause various allergic reactions. The symptoms can range from runny nose and sneezing to more serious complications like wheezing and breathlessness.
The following are the top ten things to do if you suffer from a dust allergy:
1. Treatment
If you notice any allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, or asthma, get immediate medical attention before it gets any worse. A licensed doctor can analyze your symptoms and prescribe a treatment plan to control the symptoms.
2. Maintain your Furniture
If you are living in an area prone to dust and pollen, it is recommended that you avoid upholstered furniture wherever possible, because dust mites and other parasites grow in the recesses of such furniture. If you have upholstered furniture in your home, clean it regularly. Also, get dust mite proof plastic covers for your pillows and cushions to prevent the dust mite infestation.
3. Keep bedding and pillows clean
Dust your mattresses and pillows regularly, and cover them with dust-mite resistant fabric. Wash the sheets and covers in hot water and dry them in a hot tumble dryer to get rid of the allergens. It is recommended to use pillows made of synthetic material rather than feathers or cotton, in order to avoid creating a safe haven for dust mites and bacteria.
4. Control the Humidity
Keep your house well-ventilated and try to maintain low levels of humidity, because the dust-mites are known to thrive in a moist environment. A dehumidifier can be used to bring down the humidity in the air. Use an air conditioning system with efficient particulate air filters to keep the air free from dust and mites.
5. Keep the floor clean
Keeping the floor clean is very important to prevent dust allergy. Clean the floor regularly with a damp mop or vacuum. You can also use electrostatic cloth or brush to clean the areas of the floor that are difficult to access.
6. Use an Efficient Vacuum cleaner
Use a high quality vacuum cleaner to clean carpets and furniture every day. Vacuum your beddings and pillows regularly to keep them free from mites and allergens. Make sure that you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA(High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter for a better and efficient cleaning.
7. Protect yourself and your household while cleaning
Always wear a mask while cleaning, because during cleaning, allergens are airborne for up to 20 minutes and can easily enter the human body through the mouth and lungs. Keep your family members out of rooms that are being cleaned so that they are protected from airborne dust particles.
8. Replace heavy curtains with blinds
In areas prone to dust and other allergens, it is recommended that you replace the heavy curtains and drapes with venetian blinds or roll-up window shades, because these are less mite-friendly. If you would like to use curtains, make sure that you wash them in hot water regularly.
9. Replace stuffed toys with other alternatives.
Stuffed animals and soft toys are collectors of dust, and often provide a safe habitat for dust mites. Such toys can be unsafe for children suffering from dust allergy. Thus, it is advisable to replace such them with hard plastic or wooden toys.
10. Keep your house free of moulds
Moulds grow on moist walls and ceiling. The pores of mould is toxic and can trigger severe allergic reactions. You could consider enlisting the help of a professional house cleaning company to clear rooms with excessive mould build-up and waterproof the walls and ceiling of your house to prevent mould from reappearing.