Allergy Season

All the plants are in bloom around Whitefish, and allergy season is in full swing. If you suffer from allergy induced asthma or hay fever this time of year may not be your favorite. With all the moisture from the rain this year, mold is running rampant.

For allergy sufferers who are allergic to mold this means coughing, wheezing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and possibly trouble breathing. There are many different types of allergens in our area.

What are Allergens?

1. Pet Dander
2. Mold
3. Pollen
4. Dust/Dust Mites

These allergens are both indoors and outdoors. There isn’t much that can be done about the outdoor allergens besides taking an antihistamine or decongestant prescribed by your family medical doctor, but there are a few steps that you can take to reduce the allergens inside your home.

Some of the options that help lower allergens can be time consuming, but they are worth it. Depending on the type of allergy that you have, some of the tips will be more effective.

How to Reduce Allergens?

1. Washing blankets, pillows, curtains, and sheets once a week is a must. Use dust-mite proof covers to encase your mattress, pillows, and box springs. Consider replacing feathered or wool bedding with synthetic-type filled comforters, and replacing your window treatments with cotton or synthetic options also.
2. Have your carpets steam cleaned and then use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Or if you would like a more permanent option, consider whether removing the carpeting from your sleeping area is a good investment for your family. The years of dust and build up could be simply removed if you take carpet out of the equation. Instead have hardwood or linoleum installed and use washable area rugs.
3. Remember, the pollen count is high, so keep your windows closed and use your air conditioning to get you through. Also, it is important to change your filter in the a/c unit to reduce the amount of dust that is pushing through the vents in your home. Using a HEPA filter can reduce the amount of dirt and dust in your air.
4. Clutter can be a magnet for dust. Reducing your clutter can actually help to cut down on dust and dust mites.
5.  Make your bedroom a pet free zone. Whether your pet likes to lounge on your bed or simply walks through the room pet dander can spread to pillows and blankets easily.
6. If you have house plants try spreading gravel over the dirt completely so that it will work as a barrier to contain any mold that your potting soil contains.

If you suffer from allergies and need more relief than what you are getting from over-the-counter options, please give us a call at Whitefish Family Doctor. Our friendly staff would love to help you get some relief.