Living With Allergies

Medicines can help treat your allergy symptoms once you've got them, but there are several steps you can take to prevent symptoms before they strike. The following recommendations can help you and your loved ones avoid allergy attacks wherever you might be: at home, outdoors, traveling or in school.

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At Home

  • Filter the air. Cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen and use a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) if you have a forced air furnace. Clean air filters frequently and air ducts at least once a year.
  • Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. Don't use fans since they can stir up dust.
  • Keep the humidity in your house below 50% to prevent mold growth.
  • Avoid areas where molds may collect, including basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, and compost heaps. Have someone else clean these areas often.
  • Install dehumidifiers or steam vaporizers in basements and other areas of the house where molds tend to collect. Clean these devices every week.
  • Air out damp clothes and shoes (in the house) before storing.
  • Remove laundry from the washing machine promptly. Don't leave wet clothes in the washer where mold can quickly grow.
  • Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing solutions.
  • Don't collect too many indoor plants as soil encourages mold growth.
  • Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming or painting to limit dust and chemical exposure.
  • Vacuum twice a week.
  • Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. If you do have rugs, make sure they are washable.
  • Avoid dust-collecting Venetian blinds or long drapes. Replace old drapes with window shades instead.
  • When possible, choose hardwood floors instead of carpeting. If you must have carpeting, choose low-pile material.
  • If you have pets, consider keeping them outside or perhaps ask someone else to take care of them. Animal dander and saliva are common allergens for many people. If you must keep your pets indoors, do not allow them in the bedroom and be sure to bathe them often.
  • Use plastic covers for pillows, mattresses and box springs. Avoid overstuffed furniture and down-filled bedding or pillows.
  • Wash your bedding every week in hot water.

Outdoors

  • Minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens.
  • Check the forecast. Stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, windy days when pollen counts are generally the highest.
  • Try to avoid extreme temperature changes -- they are triggers for some people with asthma.
  • If possible, stay indoors between 5 and 10 a.m. when outdoor pollen counts are usually highest.
  • Don't hang clothes or linens out to dry, as pollen and molds may collect in them and can make your allergies worse.
  • After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair.
  • Wear a mask (such as an inexpensive painter's mask) when mowing the lawn if you are allergic to grass pollen or mold. Avoid mowing and being around freshly cut grass if possible.
  • Wear a mask when gardening, as flowers and some weeds release pollen and can cause allergy symptoms.
  • Avoid raking leaves or working with hay or mulch if you are allergic to mold.
  • To protect yourself from insect stings, wear shoes, long pants and sleeves, and do not wear scented deodorants, perfumes, shampoos or hair products.

Traveling

  • Pack your medicines with you in your carry-on bag.
  • Bring an extra supply of medicines in case you need them.
  • In hotels, ask for a nonsmoking room and if possible, keep the vent on the room air conditioner shut.
  • Eat in smoke-free restaurants.
  • For food allergies, avoid the foods that cause your allergy symptoms by carefully reading ingredient labels and asking about the food preparation methods when dining out. Choose fresh foods rather than prepared or processed foods. If you have severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, carry an epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.

For Children in School

  • Discuss your child's allergies with school personnel.
  • Inform school personnel about the medicines your child is taking and make arrangements to leave necessary medicines at school.
  • If your child suffers from food allergies, discuss them with school officials, teachers, and lunchroom staff.
  • Educate your child about his/her allergies early, so your child can learn to avoid situations where he or she may eat a food that will trigger an allergic reaction. Arrange for an epinephrine kit to be left at the school, and make sure school officials (and your child when they are old enough) are able to use it correctly.
  • Encourage sports participation, but inform coaches of medicines that may need to be taken before activities.
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