Allergies are becoming an increasingly common problem. If you're suffering from allergies, you might want to know how to get rid of them.
First of all, you should understand how allergies occur in our bodies. Allergies occur when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a foreign invader and sets up a counterattack. So when you come into contact with this substance, your immune system automatically releases antibodies. Antibodies produce chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergic reactions, such as itching, runny nose, and stuffy nose. Common allergens include pollen, dust, pet dander from cats and dogs, and certain foods.
There are things you can do to manage and eliminate your allergies.
1. Get allergic shot
Allergy shots are known as allergen immunotherapy. It is a way to desensitize you to the thing you're allergic to by giving you an allergy shot.
If you are allergic to pollen, your injection will include a small amount of pollen. After that, a doctor will slowly increase the number of allergens you're injected with to build up your resistance to allergens.
This method is suitable for patients with severe allergic symptoms.
This method requires long-term treatment, typically for three to five years, and the patient needs to receive allergy injections at regular intervals during that time.
In addition, receive allergy injections can prevent allergies caused by dust, mold, pet and cockroach dander, pollen, and grass. Moreover, allergy shots can relieve symptoms of runny nose, allergic asthma, itchy eyes, and bug bites. The effect of allergy shots is good, and some people achieve complete desensitization.
2. Use HEPA filters
The filter works by trapping particles as air passes. HEPA filters are good at removing large particles from the air, including dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and certain types of molds. In addition, they can filter out smaller particles, such as viruses, bacteria, and smoke.
If your home has forced air ventilated, you can replace your current filter with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, because it can remove 99.9% of the particles mentioned above.
If you don't have a forced-air system, you can buy a portable HEPA filter.
This filter sucks in dirty air, trapping particles in the filter and releasing clean air. But it can be used in a small space, such as a bedroom, office, or living room.
Moreover, when you select these kinds of products that must be certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
In addition, you can also hire a professional to clean your pipes and remove additional allergens, but it's expensive.
3. Use hypoallergenic bedding
Make your bedroom an allergy-free zone because you spend about a third of your day in bed. Your sheets, pillows, and covers can all be home to dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
So, before you buy this kind of thing, you should choose hypoallergenic bedding. In addition, use hot water when cleaning.
4. The other ways
In addition, you can take the following steps:
a.Wash your dog or cat weekly to reduce the accumulation of dander.
b.If your pet has long hair, consider shaving it off.
c.Don't let your dog or cat in your bedroom.
d.Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and cover furniture cushions with protective covers to prevent mold.
e.Vacuum with a HEPA filter twice a week to reduce airborne allergens.
f.Ventilate the bathroom after a shower or use a dehumidifier to draw moisture out of the air.
g.Reduce the number of houseplants and remove dried flowers.
h.Eliminate cockroaches by set traps and avoid leaving food behind.
