2. Allergens Control

Once the allergen is detected, it is time to control or eliminate the problem with the methods below targeting at each allergen.

Animal Dander

Animal with fur, including dogs and cats may pose a threat to people who’s allergic to animal dander. The offending allergen is a protein found in the saliva, a dead skin scale which is also known as dander and also from the urine of the animals. The protein is airborne and will be in contact with the skin, eyes, nose and also being inhaled.

After contact with the protein the allergy symptoms can pop up immediately or maybe after 12 hours later.

Get rid of the pets to eliminate the allergen. However, this may not be the case as parting with the pet may sometimes be the last option. To overcome this, keep the pet away from the bedroom and avoid having carpet inside the bedroom. Instead, use hardwood or tile floors to replace carpet. This is because hardwood or tile floors collect less allergen. If you can’t part with a pet, have at least one ‘safe zone’ in the house. As advised earlier, keep the bedroom as your safe haven.

In avoiding the allergens from being trapped inside the house, it is advised to brush the your pet regularly outdoors. Besides that, pick leather over fabric if possible if shopping for sofas or chair.

Since the protein is airborne, even if an allergic person decides to part with their pet, the allergens may still be hanging around for a year or longer.

Dust Mites

Dust mites allergens are airborne. It feeds on common house dust which is a mixture of small pieces of plant and animal material. The creatures are microscopic and can cling to carpets, bedding and furniture. Most reaction from the allergens comes from a close contact since the allergens are only airborne for a short time before dropping to surfaces.

As a precaution, buy and use the allergy-proof covers for bedding to put barriers between you and the mites.

These allergy-proof encasings protects you as these mites won’t be able to penetrate into the mattress. It is like a layer of protection between you and the mites.

Cleanliness is a way to go to avoid allergens. Wash your bed encasings weekly in hot water that is 130 degrees or higher to kill the critters. This can be done with the newer washing machine models or by using a water heater.

Besides checking your cleanliness, a dehumidifier also helps. Keeping humidity lower than 50%, helps control the mites’ population.

Molds

Unless your plumbing indoors is leaking, molds are more an outdoor problem than indoor. You should notice bathroom shower or tub with a little mold ring, however when not disturbed it does not poses any danger. However, once disturbed the spores become airborne and may trigger an allergic reaction. The control? A cleaning solution of 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent should be the trick. Besides indoors, we should be careful of outdoors mold coming from vegetation. From July to late summer, the reactions are usually most common.

Pollens

Pollen can come from miles away as it can travel great distances. Unless, you are living in a bubble, there’s so much you need to do. The best thing to do is stay indoors, use the air conditioner and drive with your windows closed.