Are You Allergic to Your House?
By Rebecca Waldron
Everyone wants their house to be clean and neat. However, sometimes the haven of the home becomes a nightmare for those who are allergic to it. There are many things that a person can be allergic that could account for up to 75 percent of sneezes, sinus issues and runny noses, not to mention patches of itchy red bumps.
Dust Mites
Allergist James Sublett suggests that in order to fight off dust mites and the allergies they cause, the first line of defense is to put hypoallergenic casings on your beds, mattresses, box springs, and especially the pillows. Your pillows are up on your nose and face and if your pillows are older, they are likely full of dust mites. Another great tip is to only use washable linens on your bed. Quilts, designer pillows, and bedspreads are often for show and not washable. These are the perfect places for dust mites to settle.
Pet Dander
Did you know that you could be allergic to your furry friend’s saliva, urine and dead skin cells? This is what makes up pet dander and it spreads all over your house through your pets. Your bed, furniture, and carpet are all areas of concern. It is suggested that carpet be removed for hardwood so that excess cannot build up. Pets are hard to keep off of our beds. They love us, and we love them. There may be extra cleaning involved, but to maintain a happy, healthy home for you and your loved ones and pets it is worth it. Brush your pet’s fur often, make sure he or she is litter box trained, and use litter bags in the litter box so you don’t have to touch the litter when cleaning it. If you find you are allergic to the saliva, don’t pet your animal after it has tongue-bathed itself. These tips will help you find an even balance to live happily with your fur babies.
Mold and Mildew
This primarily affects the kitchen and the bathroom. Those rooms build up steam from cooking and bathing; without proper ventilation, mold and mildew can result. The first step to prevention is to make sure these two rooms are ventilated as much as possible. Then, the walls should be wiped down with a solution of bleach and water. Unfortunately, bleach is the only assured chemical to kill mold and mildew on contact. The bathtub and sinks should be scrubbed down weekly with this same bleach solution. Be careful if you have wallpaper. Mold likes to hide underneath it, especially in older homes.
These practical tips will help you keep allergens at bay and help you to breathe easy.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Franklin, Tenn.