If you have indoor allergies, are you doing all you can to keep them in check? Answer the following questions to see how you stand in the battle against allergies.

Know Your Triggers
The first step toward managing allergies is to know what you are allergic to. Allergens are substances that trigger an allergic reaction. Check off which of the following are allergy triggers for you.

Dust mites
Indoor mold
Pet dander

Stay Sniffle-Free
Take an inventory of your home and your household practices. What things do you already do to make your house allergen-free?

I clean my home regularly.
I use a vacuum cleaner with low emissions.
I wash my sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
I keep clutter to a minimum, such as throw pillows and stuffed animals.
I use blinds instead of fabric curtains.
I regularly dust hard surfaces with a damp cloth.
I keep pets out of the bedroom and ask a family member to brush the pet outside and clean the litter box.

Keep It Dry
Reducing mold growth in the home is also important. Check off all you already do to avoid mold:

I use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity at 50 percent or lower.
I fix any leaks in the kitchen, bathroom or basement.
I wash and dry tile and countertops, and use bleach to scour the bathroom (if not allergic).
I replace all moldy ceiling tiles and carpeting as needed.
I use exhaust fans or open windows when bathing and cooking.
I throw out or recycle any old papers, books, clothing or bedding.

The more boxes you checked, the more you are doing to prevent allergies. See if you can add to what you are already doing. If you are still bothered by allergies in spite of your best efforts, talk with your doctor about other options.

Back to Top