Managing Indoor Allergies

Even if you’re taking refuge in the safety of your home, unfortunately, you may not be safe from allergens.

“Even though you may be inside for a long period of time, once you’ve been outside – we do go out at some point – the allergic cascade continues long after the exposure has stopped,” explained Dr. Anne K. Ellis, professor and chair of the division of allergy and immunology at Queen’s University.

Even a quick walk around the block or picnic in your yard can expose you to allergens, which attach to your clothes and make their way back into your house with you. Additionally, letting fresh air in through the windows can introduce allergens onto your carpet, furniture and even directly into your eyes or nasal passages.

Below are some tips for preventing allergens from entering your home and managing indoor allergies.

Clean Your Home

During allergy season, make sure your bedding, curtains and carpets are washed regularly. Wash bedding in hot water weekly, and vacuum carpet daily, if possible. Keeping bedding clean is especially important, or else you may spend the night inhaling allergens.

Cleanliness extends to your pets, too. Make sure your pets are clean and groomed to prevent loose hair from causing further irritation.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

Try to keep doors and windows closed whenever possible. If you need the fresh air, open the windows for just a few hours in the morning, then close them when pollen counts are higher in the afternoon and evening.

Wash Face and Hands

If you have itchy eyes and a runny nose, washing your face throughout the day can get rid of irritants. You can also irrigate the nasal passages with a salt water solution to clear irritants from the nose that may have attached to nose hairs.

To keep your face free of allergens, keep hands clean and avoid touching your face. If you must touch your face, use a physical barrier like a tissue.

Apply Vaseline to Your Nose

Applying a little bit of Vaseline to the nostrils a few times a day can help trap pollen and other allergens, preventing them from entering the nasal passages. It can also prevent drying caused by frequent wiping or blowing of the nose.

For more information about allergies or to schedule an appointment to talk about treatment options, call the experts at Topeka ENT today.