Are you an allergy sufferer? Then you know the drill when it comes to battling outdoor allergies, but did you know your indoor haven might be a hotbed of allergens too? Yep, it’s not just the pollen and pet fuzz that can set off your sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion. Your cozy abode could be hosting some unexpected allergy triggers. Let’s uncover these undercover irritants, so you can breathe easier all year round.
Houseplants
Who doesn’t love an indoor jungle? It brings joy to look at stunning greenery. But some plants could be the sneaky saboteurs triggering your allergies. While plants are delightful for sprucing up your space and cleaning the air, certain ones might set off allergic alarms. So, before adopting a new leafy friend, make sure you know if it’s allergy-friendly or not.
Some of the most common houseplants that worsen allergies include:
- Ferns
- Figs
- Orchids
- Ivies
- African violets
- Chrysanthemums
- Palms
- Peace lilies
- Marginata
- Golden pothos
- Philodendron
- Areca palm, Kentia palm, Lady palm, and bamboo palm
- Dracaena
Fragrances
Ah, the sweet smell of… allergies? Yep, those delightful fragrances we spritz, and spray can also pack a punch for allergy sufferers. Think of them as a cocktail of chemicals, and some of these ingredients might not play nice with your sinuses.
What can you do? When shopping for products, keep an eye out for fragrance-free items to keep those sneezes at bay. Fragrances can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms if you also have this condition that’s more common in allergy sufferers.
Surveys show just over 30% of the population finds scented fragrances irritating, including air fresheners and laundry products. If you’re feeling congested or have headaches when you’re indoors, take a closer look at products with fragrances and make the switch to unscented ones. Plus, many fragranced products contain phthalates, chemicals that alter hormones and may even affect fertility.
Carpeting and mattresses
Dust mites adore hanging out on your carpets and mattresses. They’re like tiny squatters causing big allergies. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, switch it for wood or tile, as they’re less likely to harbor dust mites.
For a dust mite defense plan at home, make it a weekly habit to wash your bedding using hot water (around 130 degrees F) or opt for a dry cleaning every six months. Employ a vacuum cleaner that boasts a HEPA filter to trap allergens and prevent them from floating around. If your little one is prone to allergies and enjoys playtime on floors or surfaces where dust mites might lurk, you might want to think about getting one of these specialized vacuums for their play zone.
Pets
Fluffy and adorable, yes, but also potential allergy triggers. Your furry pals’ fur, saliva, and even urine contain allergens that could send your sinuses into a frenzy. Don’t worry, though – not all pets are culprits. If you’re thinking of adopting a new four-legged friend, consult your doc for some furry-friendly advice. If your pets worsen your allergies, vacuum more frequently and give your pillowcases, sheets, and other coverings a biweekly washing.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives when it has access to water sources, such as leaky pipes or roof leaks; warm, moist environments like bathrooms; dark spots like basements; areas with lots of moisture from plants, such as greenhouses; and even items like carpeting made with synthetic materials. Mold isn’t just bad news for your home’s aesthetics; it’s also a prime suspect for allergy-induced woes. If you’re dealing with mysterious hives or wheezing, mold might be the secret culprit. With its love for damp spots and dark corners, mold can be quite the unwelcome guest. A mold inspector might just be your new best friend.
Stuffed animals
Teddy bears and stuffed unicorns might be huggable, but guess what? They can also harbor allergens. Your kids and your sinuses will thank you. Meet your new ally: the washing machine, the superhero in our fight against allergens. Treat your furry pals to a spa-like experience by giving them a regular ride in the washing machine. And don’t fret about ending up with soaked teddy bears; most stuffed animals can handle a gentle wash just fine. Use a mild soap, and remember, a bit of extra care goes a long way. Your kids and your sinuses will thank you.
Candles
Who doesn’t love the cozy ambiance of flickering candles? Well, your allergies, for one. Those pretty scented candles might be causing more harm than good. Fragrances, wax, and dyes – they’re all potential troublemakers. Opt for the natural stuff or keep the air flowing to minimize the risk and always burn it in a room with good ventilation.
So, the next time you’re craving that candlelit coziness, remember to be allergy-savvy. Opt for the natural goodies, keep the air circulating, and light up your space without lighting up your allergies. Your senses will thank you, and your sneezes will be left in the dark.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, your home sweet home might have some allergy tricks up its sleeves. But fear not! Armed with a bit of know-how, you can kick these sneezy foes to the curb. So, keep your space clean, go fragrance-wise, and give those dust bunnies a run for their money. Your sinuses will thank you, and you’ll be breathing easy in no time!
References:
“The State of Asthma in the US – allergyasthmanetwork.org.” allergyasthmanetwork.org/images/USAsthma-summit/_The_State_of_Asthma_in_the_US.pdf.
“Control Indoor Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality | AAFA.org.” aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens/.
“Indoor Allergen Hazards (Mold and Pests) – HPD – New York City.” nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/indoor-allergen-hazards-mold-and-pests.page.
“Control Indoor Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality | AAFA.org.” https://aafa.org/allergies/prevent-allergies/control-indoor-allergens/.
“Indoor Allergens | AAAAI – American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.” https://www.aaaai.org/Tools-for-the-Public/Conditions-Library/Allergies/Indoor-allergens-TTR.
Salo PM, Arbes SJ Jr, Crockett PW, Thorne PS, Cohn RD, Zeldin DC. Exposure to multiple indoor allergens in US homes and its relationship to asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Mar;121(3):678-684.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.12.1164. Epub 2008 Feb 6. PMID: 18255132; PMCID: PMC2376121.
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