Allergies or asthma flaring up? It may be because you’re stuck indoors!
A blog post by Dr. Tara Federly (Allergist at Cornerstone Pediatrics and Family Allergy)
As the weather gets colder, we find ourselves spending more time indoors. This can be troublesome for those with indoor allergies or asthma with indoor triggers. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your home safe.
Common indoor triggers for nasal symptoms and asthma include dust mites, household pets, mold, and secondhand smoke. The first step to staying healthy is tracking your symptoms to identify possible causes of flares.
Once you have identified your triggers it’s time to take action.
Dust mites can be decreased by washing bedding frequently in hot water, removing extra pillows and blankets from your bed (or wash them often), using hypoallergenic covers on your mattress and pillow, and vacuuming regularly.
Keeping pets out of your bedroom and off the furniture can be helpful to decrease pet dander exposure.
Always use fans in humid rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens to decrease mold.
Make your home a smoke-free area. Family members that smoke should smoke outside and change their clothes when they come inside.
If you are having trouble identifying your triggers, the next step is allergy testing. Find a board-certified allergist who is trained to evaluate and treat people of all ages with allergies and asthma. Stay warm and stay safe!