Health Tip: Help Stifle Allergies

(HealthDay News) -- A thorough cleaning of common living areas can help reduce allergens in the home, improving allergy symptoms.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these suggestions:

  • Use dust-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows; wash all linens each week in hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Vacuum carpets at least once weekly; make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA or small-particle filter. Your central heat and air systems also should have filters that are changed monthly.
  • Mop hardwood floors and wash any rugs each week; wash curtains each season.
  • Run the air conditioner and keep windows closed when pollen counts are high. Use a diluted bleach solution (wear a mask) to clean mold and condensation from window sills and frames.
  • Use plastic bins in which to store toys, games and stuffed animals.
  • Keep humidity in your home at no more than 50 percent, and keep the temperature no higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Control rodent and insect infestations.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Most Families Exclude Foods Linked to Allergies

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    FDA Warns Top National Bakery to Stop Listing Allergens in Products When They Aren't There

    FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections

    Planes' Air Ventilation Can't Spread Nut Allergens to Passengers: Study

    Radon Exposure Linked to Increased Asthma Symptoms in Children

    Researchers Find New Way to Curb Asthma Attacks

    Exercise in Pregnancy Might Lower Baby's Odds for Asthma Later

    Race-Neutral Formulas Improve Asthma Detection in Black Children

    Babies Who Got Only Breast Milk in Hospital Have Lower Asthma Rates

    Simple Paper-Strip Test Might Spot Flu, and Which Type You Have

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out

    COVID-19 Remains Major Health Threat in U.S.

    This Flu Season Is Worst In A Decade