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ALLERGY INFORMATION

 
   If you suffer from chronic allergies to substances inhaled from the air, the best "treatment" is simply to avoid the offending substances as much as possible.    If you are allergic to pollen, molds and other substances carried by the wind, there is little that can be done to eliminate exposure when you're outside; so you should try to stay inside as much as possible during the height of the allergy season.    When you are inside in a more controlled environment, there are many ways to minimize exposure.
 
Pollen Exploding From an Austin Cedar Tre

YOUR AC CAN HELP A LOT
     The most important single thing you can do is to make sure you have a very good air filter in your air conditioning system.    First measure the size of the existing fiberglass throwaway filter in your AC unit(s).    Then go to Home Depot and buy some "high efficiency" replacement filters of that size.    These usually cost $4-5 and should be replaced at least monthly.    You may be pleasantly surprised to discover how much this simple action helps your allergies.    It is especially important that you have an high efficiency filter in the AC unit that supplies your bedroom; since you spend all night in there breathing the air.    I suggest that during the allergy season you turn the fan on your bedroom AC unit to the "ON" position rather than "AUTO" because this will keep the air you breath slowly circulating and free of offending particles throughout the night.

HOUSE DUST
HOUSE DUST MITE
     Most "house dust" allergies have nothing whatsoever to do with dust.    The actual cause of 95% of home allergies is a tiny mite that lives in house dust as well as in carpet and bedding fabric.    These mites feed on the dead skin cells that we all shed constantly.    It is actually the carcasses and the excrement of these microscopic creatures to which we become allergic (yuk!).   

     In order to minimize exposure to dust mites, pollen, molds, and other allergens I recommend that you:

  1. Encase pillows, mattresses and even box springs in zippered protective plastic or vinyl covers (because that's where house dust mites like to live).
     
  2. Replace dusty mattresses and pillows.   Use foam pillows instead of down or feather pillows (house dust mites).
     
  3. Launder bedding regularly, including mattress pads and blankets, in hot water are least 130' F (house dust mites).
     
  4. Vacuum carpets and clean floors frequently.   (Avoid vacuuming if you are dust-sensitive.)    If possible, remove carpeting from the bedroom or treat carpet with insecticide (house dust mites).
     
  5. Minimize dust-collecting surfaces, such as shelves, stuffed animals, books, stored blankets, and woolens (house dust mites).
     
  6. Cover windows with shades or washable curtains instead of venetian blinds, and clean them often (house dust mites).
     
  7. Ensure that all rooms are well-ventilated.
       
  8. Use air conditioning to reduce humidity and decrease temperature. Keep windows closed to avoid contact with outdoor allergens (house dust mite and pollen sensitivity).
     
  9. Avoid locations that promote the growth of molds (damp, poorly ventilated areas).    If possible, avoid sleeping in a bedroom located in a basement or attic (mold sensitivity).
     
  10. Routinely clean areas of your home that promote mold growth, such as shower stalls, basements and window sills (mold sensitivity).
     
  11. Have your air conditioner checked periodically for mold growth (mold sensitivity).
     
  12. Avoid smoking or breathing second-hand smoke.
     
  13. As much as possible, avoid exposure to grasses and other outdoor allergens (pollen sensitivity).
     
  14. Eliminate house plants, especially in the bedroom.    If possible, leave them outside (pollen sensitivity).
     
  15. Keep pets out of bedrooms and, preferably, outside or in the garage (animal sensitivity).

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