Every year millions of people struggle with hayfever, and allergy sufferers can have their lives completely disrupted as the pollen counts increase. Although there is no sure-fire cure for allergies outdoors, air quality improvements inside may help your symptoms.
The Allergy Season Basics:
According to World Allergy Organization data, 10 to 30% of the global population has a pollen allergy or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Outdoor allergens can have a great impact on our body’s immune system. These allergens can trigger a reaction against the body’s immune system. This reaction causes antibody production, which releases chemicals inside the body, causing symptoms affecting the nose, sinuses, throat, skin and lungs. The reaction severity can vary, as some may only have a mild annoyance, but others may find the allergy symptoms debilitating.
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The most common outdoor allergens are grass and tree pollen and these are what are typically referred to when discussing seasonal allergies. Pollen plays a vital role in plant reproduction. But one should keep in mind that microspores can be dangerous for allergy sufferers and can trigger a massive reaction. Pollen levels peak in spring and summer, hence this is typically thought of as allergy season.
However, in terms of air quality, if you have allergies, it is not just spring and summer when you may have symptoms. Dust and dust mites are another common allergen and these are commonly found inside our homes. Other common allergens include mold, fungi, household cleaning products, and pollutants from exhaust fumes. So, even if you withdraw from poor outdoor air quality, you may still have allergy problems.
Common Allergy Symptoms:
If you’ve suffered from allergies, you’re likely to be aware that there can be numerous symptoms. In mild cases, you may have a slightly itchy nose, but more severe cases may result in constant sneezing, red, itchy eyes and a runny nose that can be debilitating. Allergens may also be a problem for asthma sufferers, with allergens responsible for approximately 80% of asthma cases.
Ultimately, if you or a loved one has allergies, you’ll already appreciate how they can impact your quality of life. If you’re struggling with ongoing symptoms, you’re likely to feel irritable and miserable, which is bound to impact your productivity and mood. However, there are a few things that you can do inside your home to alleviate your symptoms.
Regularly Change Your Bedding:
If you are allergic to dust or dust mites, you should choose hypoallergenic bedding, which provides a barrier. However, for the best results, you should wash all your bedding each week at temperatures of 60ºc or higher. This will kill all the bacteria, dust mites and other allergens.
You should also regularly wash cushions, curtains and other soft furnishings, as they can also collect allergens.
This regular cleaning will increase strain on your laundry appliances, so make sure to clean your filters and vents for optimum performance. It is also important to schedule dryer vent cleaning, which will clear any accumulated debris, including allergens, improving your air quality and ensuring safe operation of your appliance.
Dry Your Laundry Indoors:
When the pollen counts are high, it is a good idea to avoid drying laundry outdoors. Drying outdoors can be beneficial for your energy bills, but pollen can settle on the items and be carried back into your home. If drying outdoors is unavoidable, be sure to shake each item of laundry thoroughly before bringing it inside.
Dust Frequently:
Skin has a regeneration cycle that spans approximately four weeks, so we regularly shed skin cells. These cells, along with pet hair, fabric fibers, pollen and other particles, settle on the surfaces in our homes. Collectively known as dust, it typically contains a variety of particles and it provides the ideal environment for dust mites, bacteria and mold to thrive.
So, to keep these allergens at bay, it is important to dust regularly, using a damp cloth. This is the best approach to house cleaning as it reduces the chances of the dust particles becoming airborne and resettling.
Vacuum Frequently:
Allergens can also accumulate in our carpets and soft furnishings. So, vacuuming frequently is crucial. Ideally, your vacuum cleaner will be equipped with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and dust. If you have a severe allergy, you may want to consider replacing your carpeting with tile or hardwood, which will make it easier to keep dust particles at bay.
Use an Air Purifier:
While adequate ventilation is crucial for bringing fresh air into the home, the moving air may bring pollen and allergens into your home. So, the best approach for improving air quality is to use an air purifier.
Filters like HEPA filters can capture even the smallest particles of fine dust, mold spores and pollen. The air purifier will then recirculate clean, fresh air back into the room.