Eight Health Tips for Spring Sufferers

If you find yourself sneezing and congested despite allergy-fighting medications, the problem may be from allergens inside your home, not outside.

The good news is a few simple steps can help you minimize the effects of indoor allergens.

• Wearing a mask helps you avoid ingesting dust as you clean. They are availableat home improvement stores.
• Cover all boxsprings and mattresses in a zippered dust- or allergen-proof cover. (They are available at most linen stores.) You might also consider covering comforters in an easily washable casing.
• When vacuuming, don’t forget under the bed.
• Standard vacuums only stir up dust, so it might pay for you to invest in a new vacuum. Look for one with a HEPA (highefficiency particulate) filteror a double bag.
• Wash linens weekly in hot water. Hot water is defined as 130 degrees, so make sure your water heater and your washing machine provide that temperature.
• If you can’t bear to part with stuffed animals, make sure they are washed. Better yet, put them in display cases to keep them as dust-free as possible.
• Minimize or avoid products that are likely to cause allergic reactions, like perfume, tobacco smoke, aerosols, room deodorizers, and other items with strong scents or fumes.
• It is tempting in the spring and summer to open the windows and air out the house, but that isn’t a good idea for allergy sufferers. Open windows simply provide an avenue for outdoor allergens, like pollen, to get indoors. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning to keep air fresh. You might also consider installing indoor air filters.

For other advice on fighting both indoor and outdoor allergens, check with the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): www.aaaai.org or 1-800-822-2762.