Indoor allergies are some of the few Las Vegas allergies that can occur year-round. If you suffer from indoor allergies, try elimination indoor pathogens as soon as possible. An allergy specialist in Las Vegas can help you identify problematic indoor allergens.
What are indoor allergies?
Some people think allergies only occur during the spring, but they can occur any time of the year. Indoor allergens can appear in any season, but they are common in the winter when people spend more time indoors with windows and doors closed. Allergens, like mold, may appear in humid and damp conditions. In winter, it can be difficult to differentiate between allergies from a cold or flu.
If you suspect that you have allergies, make an appointment with an allergy specialist in Las Vegas to get tested for allergies. A doctor can prescribe treatment(s) to alleviate your allergy symptoms.
What causes indoor allergies?
Some causes of indoor allergies include:
- Furniture
- Wall-to-wall carpets
- Pets
- Damp areas
- Indoor plants
- Pillows, bedding, and mattresses
Furniture and carpeting that extends from wall to wall can be problematic for allergy sufferers. Both objects collect dust and other debris, including indoor allergens.
Pet dander is one of the most common causes of indoor allergies. If you notice congestion or have asthma symptoms when you’re in close quarters with your pet, you may have a pet allergy. An allergist can perform allergy tests to determine the cause of your allergies and help provide relief for your symptoms. Most people (understandably) don’t want to give up their pets. If that’s the case in your household, you can reduce your allergy symptoms by keeping your pet out of the bedroom, washing your pet (at least once per week), and not letting your pet lick your face.
Mold and mildew grow indoors and thrive in damp, dark environments. Showers, basements, and other areas of your home that don’t get much light or fresh air are prime breeding grounds. Indoor plants can be a source of allergens. If you have indoor plants, consider putting them outside or spreading aquarium gravel over the dirt to control mold growth.
If you wake up in the morning or at night feeling congested, your bedroom may be to blame. Allergens can sneak into your pillows, bedding, and mattresses. A good trick for getting rid of pesky allergens hiding in your bedding is to run them through hot water. If you have carpeting, try washing your carpets once each week.
Wall-to-wall carpeting can be treated with shampoo. It’s also possible to control allergens by vacuuming your house once a week if not more. If you try those allergy control techniques but still have problems, consider removing the carpeting altogether and replacing them with hardwood floors. Similarly, the furniture in your house that traps allergens can be replaced with metal, wood, leather, or plastic furniture if you can’t clean them properly to remove the allergens.
Removing Allergens from the Home
Along with the measures above, there are other steps to reduce indoor allergens in your house.One way is to regulate temperature and humidity levels. Some allergens like mold and dust mites thrive in hot, humid indoor environments. To keep these allergens at bay, an optimal temperature range is 68 ̊F – 72 ̊F. The humidity levels in your home should be no more than 50%.
Pest Control
Pest allergies may include mice and cockroaches. Both can be removed using traps. To keep mice out of the house, you can vacuum regularly and wash surfaces thoroughly. If you’ve gotten rid of the rodents and cockroaches, there are steps you can take to keep them from returning, such as sealing any cracks and entryways, vacuuming regularly, and cleaning hard surfaces.
Preventing allergens from entering your home can stop at your door. You might not realize it, but small allergens like pollen and mold enter your house by your shoes and clothing. Allergy testing can help determine if you’re allergic to indoor or outdoor allergens.
To prevent allergens from entering your house:
- Take off your shoes when you enter the house.
- Put a doormat right inside the door.
- Vacuum regularly, and consider putting a second doormat outside the door.
- If you’re wearing layers of clothing, consider removing the outermost layer of clothes before you walk through the front door.
- Keep a laundry basket by the door so you can throw your clothes in and keep them from contaminating other parts of your house.
Wash Off Allergens
In addition to removing allergens by washing your clothes, you can take a shower after spending time outside to get rid of allergens on your skin or hair. If you don’t have time for a shower, wash your face with a mild cleanser.
Get an Air Purifier
If you wake up congested, consider using an air purifier. Air purifiers are ideal for controlling Las Vegas allergies. Air purifiers are a good supplement to other allergy control measures like using the AC and keeping the windows closed. When you leave your house in the morning, turn the air purifier on so you come home to a clean, allergy-free house.
You can make an appointment at Tottori Allergy and Asthma by calling (702) 240 4233 or by scheduling an appointment online.
