Targeting Indoor Allergy Triggers

For many people, the arrival of spring heralds the coming of terrible allergies. With all the plant pollen outdoors, those with severe allergies may choose to take solace inside. However, even indoors, you may not be safe from your seasonal allergies. Allergens are all around your home and can make living there miserable, no matter the season, if you don’t prepare and maintain your home’s air quality.

Is Your Indoor Air Causing Your Allergies?

Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact the health of your and your loved ones. Short-term effects include headache, shortness of breath, congestion, and dry or itchy eyes and throat. Poor indoor air quality can even worsen asthma symptoms.

Common indoor air pollutants include:

  • Dust mites - Unlikely as it may seem, the dust in your home is the most common cause of allergy or asthma attacks. Dust mites, microscopic creatures which live in dust and feed off human skin flakes, can wreak havoc on your respiratory system when inhaled. You may like to think you keep an impeccably clean house, but mites are persistent and can live nearly anywhere in your home. Simply dusting frequently won’t remove the problem, as dust mites like to live in cloth, blankets and beddings. To avoid a dust mite debacle, wash your linens in hot water weekly and invest in allergen-proof cases for your non-washable soft furnishings like mattresses.
  • Pet dander - For most people, pets are a source of joy and love. Unfortunately, pets can also make those with allergies quite miserable. Pet dander is a powerful allergen that can prove life-threatening to those with severe pet allergies. The best way to avoid suffering from pet allergies is simply to not own pets. However, for those who own pets regardless, there are a few precautionary steps to ensure you are comfortable in your home. Keep the pet away from all soft furnishings including furniture and beds. If possible, train the animal not to enter the bedroom. Be sure to wash linens frequently and groom the pet weekly to reduce shedding.
  • Pollen - You may find yourself hiding indoors to escape the pollen menace outside, but pollen can often follow you inside. Any open windows or doors can allow drifting pollen to float into your home, and pets or people entering from outside can track pollen inside on their clothes or shoes. To avoid experiencing pollen allergies while indoors, place cheesecloth over air conditioning vents to filter out circulating pollen. Change your air conditioning filter regularly during the pollen season and try not to run ceiling fans, as they kick up dust and pollen that has settled.
  • Pests - Pests are the culprits you’d least like to hear are causing your allergies. Not only do you have to deal with exterminating them, but you also have to suffer from a runny nose and watery eyes while doing it. Their droppings can get swept up in the air and circulated throughout your home, causing allergic reactions in many people. The easiest way to be rid of pest allergies is to get rid of the pests themselves. Sprinkle boric acid powder where pests like to hide or opt for bait traps to kill off the creepy-crawlies. If you have a particularly stubborn infestation, you may want to call in the exterminator.

Would you like to schedule an indoor air quality service in San Antonio with IKE’S Air Conditioning? Call (210) 405-6116 or contact us online today!


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