Monthly Archives: June 2023

Tips to Beat Indoor Allergies

Those suffering from allergies frequently seek refuge inside their houses. Unfortunately, the place isn’t safe as sometimes they bring the allergens inside, sometimes even making the allergies worse, and you have to visit an allergy clinic

Thankfully, you can eliminate indoor allergies and breathe easier in your house with thoughtful tweaks and methods. 

We’ve compiled a list of strategies and items that you can use to make your life at home more joyful and allergen-free. Here they are: 

Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out.

Closing and sealing doors and windows is the first major step in preventing outdoor allergens from entering your home. 

You should keep all windows and exterior doors closed, especially during peak pollen times, such as early mornings and late afternoons.

You also should consider installing pollen-blocking window filters or screens in your windows. These can help keep pollen particles out of your home while allowing enough air circulation.

It’s also wise to consider sealing gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or door sweeps. This will help in the formation of a barrier against pollen infiltration.

Besides keeping your doors and windows closed all the time, you should limit your time outside, especially on windy days or when pollen concentrations are high. This decreases the pollen that may adhere to your clothing and carry inside.

As you come outside, remove any outer clothing and shoes that have come into contact with pollen. This will assist in keeping pollen from spreading throughout your home.

Invest in an air purifier.

Using an air purifier reduces allergy and asthma symptoms. It’s a little but powerful device that can help eliminate indoor allergies caused by everything from cooking smoke to outdoor contaminants that enter through windows. 

Look for an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. HEPA filters are designed to catch airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores.

To keep the model running properly, double-check the square footage it can handle and clean or change the filter as advised.

You should install the air purifier in the room where you spend most of your time, such as your bedroom or living room. Place it in an area providing maximum air circulation and distribution.

It is wise to operate the air purifier continuously or at least when you are present in the room to maintain clean air. This guarantees that the air is constantly filtered and allergens are removed.

You should replace your filters regularly to keep the air inside. When doing the filter change, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on usage and local air quality, you should update the filters every 6 to 12 months. 

While an air purifier can help remove allergens from the air, keeping your living space clean is crucial. Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wash bedding regularly to reduce allergy collection.

Keep pets out of the bedroom.

We all adore our four-legged family members, but pet fur and dander can aggravate allergy symptoms. Make sure to groom your pet regularly, and keep the door to your bedroom closed. This reduces the number of allergens you’ll be exposed to, especially while sleeping.

If your pet is accustomed to sleeping in your bedroom, provide them a nice alternate sleeping spot somewhere in the house. Provide a nice bed or crate in another room to ensure their comfort.

Positive reinforcement and deterrents can also be effective in training pets to avoid certain regions. To dissuade your pet from entering the bedroom, use pet gates, fragrant deterrent sprays, or noise-making devices near the door.

Brushing and bathing your pet regularly can help minimize the stray hair and dander they shed. This reduces the allergy burden in your entire house.

Keep your house clean.

By keeping the house clean, you get rid of most of the allergens. Vacuum your carpets at least once or twice a week; you should do it more frequently if you have pets. 

Carpets can trap allergies and create irritation, so vacuuming regularly keeps allergens at bay. 

As a rule of thumb, you should wear a face mask when vacuuming to avoid inhaling all the dust that will float around. 

For the best outcome, use a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters catch microscopic particles, including allergens, and prevent them from recirculating in the air.

You also should make it a habit to dust the surfaces regularly with a moist cloth or an electrostatic duster. This aids in trapping and removing allergen-containing dust particles such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.

When it comes to the floors, clean them with a moist mop or microfiber cloth, which helps to trap and remove allergens effectively. Avoid dry methods, such as sweeping, as they stir up allergens in the air.

When it comes to bedding, to get rid of dust mites and related allergies, wash the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets regularly in hot water. To further protect against dust mites, consider utilizing allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets.

You should also regularly clean your drapes and blinds to remove dust and allergens. When purchasing, choose washable drapes that you can easily clean regularly.

Use a Neti pot

One final and highly effective way to alleviate your indoor allergies is to use a Neti Pot to keep your sinuses free. This ancient and doctor-recommended medicinal practice is a simple and effective approach to keeping your nasal passageways clean of trapped allergens and a powerful strategy to decrease disease. 

Clean out your nasal sinus passages with specific saline packets and distilled water for the best outcome. It may initially feel strange, but it improves your thinking and breathing. 

If this is your first time trying, consult your allergy doctor Manassas VA on how to use it properly. 

7 Ways to Improve your Immune System and Fight Allergies

Pollution, smog, pollen, dust, and other environmental variables contribute to allergies and you have to find an allergy specialist constantly.  Every person, regardless of immunity, is vulnerable to these environmental variables. Without a doubt, the quickest solution is to take an anti-allergy tablet. However, this only fixes the problem momentarily.

To prevent allergies from coming about, you should build a stronger immune system. There are plenty of ways you can improve your immune system. These ways include:

Improve the health of your liver.

A sluggish liver is linked to our susceptibility to seasonal allergies because the body cannot adequately rid itself of pollutants. Toxins overstimulate our immune system, cause inflammatory responses, and cause histamine production.

Among the many lifestyle adjustments you can make, one that works well is taking 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice each on an empty stomach early in the morning for three days. Consuming apple cider vinegar 30 minutes before meals can also help to boost liver health.

Drinking enough water supports the liver’s normal function by assisting in the removal of toxins from the body. Aim to consume 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day.

Besides making you feel and look good, regular exercise improves liver function by increasing blood flow and decreasing fatty deposits. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.

You should reduce exposure to environmental pollutants and chemicals, including cleaning supplies, insecticides, and solvents. Use sufficient ventilation when working with such compounds and observe all safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks.

Eat Quercetin-rich foods.

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in plants that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to research, eating foods high in quercetin stimulates the body’s anti-allergic immunological response.

The simplest approach to get quercetin is to add a few slices of raw onion to your meals. If you are allergic to onions or avoid them for religious reasons, substitute apples, grapes, crucifers, citrus fruits, or berries, which are also high in quercetin.

As much as quercetin benefits the body, remember that it is more effective when used as part of a healthy diet than as a standalone supplement.

Aim for variety in your meal choices to receive a wide range of nutrients, including quercetin. If you have any special dietary problems or medical conditions, it is preferable to seek personalized guidance from a healthcare expert or certified dietitian.

Get rid of excess mucus.

Mucus, in the proper amount, has a protective effect on the body. It aids in trapping dirt, allergies, and pollutants, but too much of it can act as a breeding ground for infections, which thrive in wet settings.

As a result, it is critical to include substances that can assist in removing extra mucus and decongest your lungs.

Tea made with herbs and spices such as thyme, cardamom, licorice, and oregano helps to loosen mucus. Bromelain, which is contained in pineapples, also acts as a decongestant.

You can also undertake nasal irrigation, also known as Jal neti, is an ancient yogic kriya and is highly effective for releasing and draining excess mucus and cleansing the respiratory passages.

Eat honey infused with garlic.

Both honey and garlic have excellent immune-boosting characteristics, and the combination of the two can result in a super-effective immunity-boosting cure for people of all ages. The right way to consume them is to take 10 to 12 garlic cloves.

Crush them to release the active component of allicin. Combine it with unpasteurized organic honey in a container and allow it to settle for three days.

Consume 2 to 3 tablespoons of this paste daily for the best outcome. It is beneficial for improving liver function and fighting seasonal allergies.

Use castor oil

Ricinoleic acid is a substance found in pure castor oil. Numerous scientific research studies suggest that using it externally boosts T-lymphocyte generation and activity, strengthening the immune system.

Lymphocytes, commonly known as white blood cells, play an important part in the body’s identification, killing, and removal of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Castor oil packs, when applied to the belly, stimulate Peyer’s patch function. These small intestine lymph nodes are crucial in immunity, digestion, and detoxification.

For the best outcome, use 100% pure, cold-pressed castor oil. Apply a drop or two of castor oil to a clean fingertip and gently massage it around your belly. You should always avoid direct contact with the eyes as it can cause some discomfort.

Reduce pollen exposure

The best way to minimize seasonal allergies is to avoid pollen exposure indoors. This is not a simple task, but it is doable. Because pollen counts are highest in the mornings, it is best to keep windows and doors closed now. You should also avoid driving with your windows down. When you’re not at home, try wearing a mask.

You should check the pollen forecasts in your area frequently to be aware of high pollen days and alter your plans accordingly.

Pets can bring pollen into your home, so after they’ve been outside, wipe their paws or give them a brief bath to reduce pollen transfer.

Understand your allergy symptoms.

If you’ve had allergies your entire life, pay attention to the symptoms your body exhibits. Common allergy symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, headaches, scratchy throat, exhaustion, etc. When you encounter one of them, take the required steps to prevent exacerbating the issue.

For example, depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can take over-the-counter drugs to assist. You can take antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided, and if you have any doubts, see a pharmacist.

If your symptoms persist, worsen, or have a substantial impact on your everyday life, you should find allergy doctor Germantown MD who will provide a proper diagnosis, recommend the right therapies, or request specialized tests that will help you understand your condition better.

When working with the allergist, ensure they are experienced and know what they are doing. You don’t want someone who makes the situation worse than it is.