Allergy-Proof Your Environment
Many individuals with allergies take medications for nasal congestion, asthma, and eczema.  We have seen many patients who have not been properly motivated to allergy-proof their environments.  Sometimes this is not possible,  but any of the following steps may be helpful:

• Air conditioner filters frequently are full of dust, mold, and mildew.   Clean and change filters regularly.
• Dust mites are found in mattresses, comforters, carpeting, upholstered furniture, and pillows.  Dust mites feed on shed skin, so be especially careful in the bedroom.  Encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs, in air tight zippered or plastic covers.  Wash bed linens, including comforters, regularly.  Avoid down and feathers. Use chairs with removable, washable cushions.
• Use vacuum cleaners that are double-bagged, and use HEPA filters that are micropore, and trap microscopic mites.
• Cover heating and cooling vents with disposable HEPA filters.
• Air conditioners prevent heat and humidity, thereby reducing dust mite growth.
• A dehumidifier lowers humidity, preventing dust mite growth.  But a hot steam vaporizer in still okay in dry winter months, especially if only left on during sleeping, not all day.  A humidifier is difficult to use in dry environments, because fungus and mold can grow in the water, and unless meticulously cleaned, these can spew fungus and mold into the environment!
• Dust hard surfaces, including floors, walls, windowsills, etc. with a cloth that traps dust and allergens.  Wear a mask to clean.
• Keep furry pets, especially cats, out of the sleeping environment.  Some dogs have hair, instead of fur.  Wash pets regularly, but realize it is the saliva that tends to be the source of allergens.  New studies suggest that Accolate, a prescription drug, decreases allergy and asthma symptoms, in pet owners.
• Swiffer, a commercial product, is a sweeper, with a cloth that electrostatically traps  dust and mites very effectively.
• Cover the dirt in a planter with pebbles.  Dirt exposed to the air, allows fungus, mold, and dust to enter the environment.
• Launder curtains regularly.  Keep blinds clean.
• Get rid of 'chatchkees', and other desk collectors such as stuffed animals, etc.
• Keep magazines and old newspapers in closed boxes.
• Some office buildings have poor ventilation, and the 'sick building syndrome' is very common in many urban environments.  Consider complaints to the EPA for evaluation and correction protocols.

Click here for a list of websites with allergy information.