Over 100 million people in the U.S. experience different types of allergies yearly. When you think of allergies, you likely picture sneezing in the park as a gust of wind brings pollen your way. While hay fever is no laughing matter, pollen may not be the only allergen to look out for. During the winter, it is likely that you are exposed to higher amounts of mold, dust mites, and pet dander in your home than you might think.
Let’s take a look at a few places where you may find these allergens in your home and what you can do to minimize them.
Mold
Mold is likely to grow anywhere moisture and heat are present, such as in your kitchen, bathroom, and basement. To help prevent winter mold growth, run your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans for at least twenty minutes after cooking or showering. Additionally, place a humidifier in the basement to prevent moisture accumulation.
If mold is a common problem, clean your home with mold and mildew remover a few times a month to prevent allergy symptoms.
Dust Mites
Dust mites love to nestle into our carpeting, upholstered furniture, bedding, mattresses, and infrequently mopped areas. While you may not be able to completely rid your home of dust mites, regular cleaning can make a huge difference.
Wash your bedding at least once a week, vacuum and mop your floors, and clean upholstered furniture regularly to prevent dust mite accumulation. If you are extremely sensitive to dust mites, consider purchasing an air purifier and avoid running the fan while you sleep.
Pet Dander
As much as we love our furry friends, they are often responsible for triggering pet dander allergies. If you are allergic to pet dander, bathe your pets at least once a week to prevent dander buildup. If you are considering a new pet, look for a hypoallergenic dog or cat to help quell indoor allergies.
Indoor allergies can leave you stuffy, disrupt sleep and negatively impact your comfort at home. If your allergy symptoms are severe, you may benefit from immunotherapy or allergy medication.
To learn more about managing your indoor allergies, call the experts at Midwest Allergy & Asthma today.