Double Duty Spring Cleaning: Keep Healthy and Tidy

Spring cleaning can be more than a daunting chore for those with allergies andAsthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers." rel="tooltip">asthma. Dust, pet hair and cleaning supplies can leave you reaching for the tissues instead of the broom. But according to the American College ofAllergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food." rel="tooltip">Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), spring cleaning can also help you avoidallergy symptoms.

为这些sensiti过敏季节会持续一整年ve to indoor allergens, but it can worsen in the spring months when pollen becomes an issue. It’s important to remove allergens from the home so you can lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Thoroughly cleaning your home can help eliminate allergens and keep new ones from easily entering.

To help eliminate spring cleaning confusion, and symptoms, ACAAI allergists have put together five useful tips for removing allergens in the home, and ways to avoid accidentally letting more in.

• A Fresh Breeze Won’t Please– The first sign of balmy temperatures might give you an urge to open your windows to bring in fresh scents. But this can also lead to unwanted pollen particles entering the home and making you sneeze long after your spring cleaning is complete. Before you reach for the air fresheners and candles, be aware that chemicals found in these items can spur asthma attacks. Your best option is to opt for natural aromas from the oven or try an organic air freshener.
• Rub a Dub, Scrub– Bathrooms, basements and tiled areas can be especially prone to mold. The key to reducing mold is moisture control. Be sure to use bathroom fans and clean any standing water immediately. Scrub visible mold from surfaces with detergent and water, and completely dry. You can also help ward off mold by keeping home humidity below 60 percent and cleaning gutters regularly.
• Love your Pet, Not their Dander– After spending days indoors over the winter, chances are fur, saliva and dander from your family pet might be elevated throughout your home. Removepet allergensby vacuuming frequently and washing upholstery, including your pet’s bed, and be sure to keep your pet out of the bedroom at all times to ensure you can sleep symptom-free.
• Whole House Deep Cleaning– Cleaning the entire house from top to bottom may take days. But you can get a head start by changing your air filters every three months and using filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. Also be sure to vacuum regularly to get rid ofdust mites. Use a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Wash bedding and stuffed animals weekly.
• Don’t Neglect the Great Outdoors– As the grass turns green and flowers bud, keep the outdoors in mind during your spring-cleaning routine. Keep in mind it’s best to avoid being outdoors when pollen counts are highest (midday and afternoon hours). When mowing and gardening, be sure to wear gloves and an N95 particulate pollen mask and take your medication before you go outside. Avoid touching your eyes, and be sure to wash your hands, hair and clothing once you go back indoors.

Even when you reduce the number of allergens in your home, allergy symptoms can still be bothersome. Those with seasonal and perennial allergies should be under the care of aboard-certified allergist, who can identify the source of your suffering and develop a treatment plan to eliminate symptoms.
For more information about seasonal allergies and to locate an allergist, visitAllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administerImmunotherapy is a form of preventive and anti-inflammatory treatment of allergy to substances such as pollens, house dust mites, fungi, and stinging insect venom. Immunotherapy involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance, or allergen, to which the person is allergic. The incremental increases of the allergen cause the immune system to become less sensitive to the substance, perhaps by causing production of a particular "blocking" antibody, which reduces the symptoms of allergy when the substance is encountered in the future." rel="tooltip">immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visitAllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us onFacebook,Instagram,PinterestandTwitter.