Maybe it’s time to dust off your approach to home care.
About 80 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies—roughly a quarter of adults and 20% of children. These allergies are often triggered by pollen from various plants.
But it’s not just a springtime problem. You can deal with stuffy noses, coughs, and itchy eyes throughout the year.
Dr. Rauno Jokes, an allergist based in New York, highlights four household items that could exacerbate these issues.
Your Bedding
Dust mites love warm, humid spots like mattresses and bedding. You can’t see them, but they thrive on the skin cells we naturally shed.
Dr. Jokes explains, “You never really notice them, but they feast on your dead skin.” It’s surprisingly unsettling. To help, consider investing in zippered mattress and pillow covers as a barrier against these pesky creatures. And getting tested for a dust mite allergy might be worthwhile.
A simple skin prick or blood test can confirm if you’re allergic. And there are home test kits you can use to check dust mite levels, too.
Your Leftovers
Leaving food or dirty dishes out can attract various pests, including cockroaches and mice, which carry allergens.
Cockroaches, for instance, can trigger nasal allergies and asthma, especially in urban areas, due to allergens found in their droppings and body parts.
Dr. Jokes advises cleaning up promptly: put away food, wipe down surfaces, and make sure your trash is emptied regularly.
Your Air Conditioner
During hot, humid summers or cold, dry winters, indoor air can easily become a breeding ground for mold.
Mold can thrive particularly well in kitchen plants, thanks to the humidity. If air conditioning isn’t an option, a dehumidifier might help.
And if you do have an AC unit, change the filters regularly. A clogged filter can trap moisture and dust, which creates the perfect environment for mold growth.
In colder months, condensation on surfaces can also promote mold. A humidifier might relieve some nasal congestion by adding moisture during the dry, chilly months.
Your Pet or a Friend’s Pet
Pet dander is a common issue. You don’t even have to own a pet to experience it, as dander particles can hitch a ride on clothing.
“Cat allergen particles are so small they can easily spread to those around you,” Dr. Jokes mentions. Investing in air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can help clear out cat allergens from your living space.
