Environmental Management for Allergies

Medicines are the best forms of allergy treatments, but there are several steps you can take to prevent symptoms before they strike. The following recommendations can help you avoid allergy or asthma attacks whether you're at home, outdoors, or out on the town.

At Home

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you are allergic to pollen; don't use fans as they can stir up dust Filter the air; cover air conditioning vents with cheesecloth to filter pollen and consider using a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) if you have a forced air furnace. Clean air filters frequently and air ducts at least once a year.

• Keep the humidity in your house below 50 percent to prevent mold growth If you have pets, consider keeping them outside or perhaps ask someone else to take care of them; animal dander is a common allergen for many people. Otherwise, do not allow pets in the bedroom.

• Avoid areas where molds may collect including basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, compost heaps; clean these areas often. Install dehumidifiers in basements and other areas of the house where molds may collect; clean these devices every week Air out damp clothes and shoes (in the house) before storing

• Remove laundry from the washing machine promptly; don't leave wet clothes in the washer

• Wash shower curtains and bathroom tiles with mold-killing solutions

• Don't collect too many indoor plants as the soil encourages mold growth

• Store firewood outside

• If you are allergic to dust mites use plastic encasements for pillows, mattresses and box spring; avoid overstuffed furniture and down-filled bedding or pillows

• Wash your bedding every week in hot water

• Don't allow smoking in your house

• Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning, vacuuming or painting to limit dust and chemical exposure

• Vacuum twice a week

• Limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold. If you do have rugs, make sure they are washable.

• When possible, choose hardwood floors instead of carpeting. If you must have carpeting, choose low pile material.

• Avoid venetian blinds or long drapes as they collect dust; replace old drapes and use window shades instead
• Make sure there is an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes

Driving

Keep windows closed and set the air conditioner on re-circulate if you are allergic to pollen

Outdoors

• Minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens

• Check the forecast; stay indoors as much as possible on hot, dry, windy days when pollen counts are generally the highest

• Try to avoid extreme temperature changes, as they are triggers for some people with asthma

• If possible, stay indoors between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m. when outdoor pollen counts are usually highest

• Wear a mask when mowing the lawn if you are allergic to grass pollen or mold; or avoid mowing and being around freshly cut grass if possible

• Wear a mask when gardening, some weeds may release pollen and can cause allergy symptoms

• Avoid raking the leaves or working with hay or mulch if you are allergic to mold

• After being outdoors, take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes to remove pollen that may have collected in your clothes and hair Wear shoes, long pants and sleeves and do not wear scented deodorants, perfumes, shampoos or hair products to protect yourself if you are allergic to bee venom to reduce the possibility of an insect sting

• Don't hang clothes or linens out to dry, as pollen and molds may collect in them and can make your allergies worse

Traveling

• Pack your allergy treatments with you in your carry-on bag

• Bring an extra supply of medications in case you need them

Hotel stays:
• Ask for a nonsmoking room

• Remove feather pillows and ask for synthetic, non-allergenic pillows; or bring your own pillow or plastic pillow cover from home

• If possible, keep the vent on the room air conditioner shut 

Dining

• Eat in smoke-free restaurants

• For food allergies: avoid the foods that cause your allergy symptoms by carefully reading ingredient labels and asking about the food preparation methods when dining out. Choose fresh foods rather than prepared or processed foods.  Carry an epinephrine injection kit (ex: Epi-Pen) with you at all times.

For Children in School

• Discuss your child's allergies with school personnel

• Inform school personnel about the medications your child is taking and make arrangements to leave necessary medications at school

• Encourage sports participation, but inform coaches of allergy treatments that may need to be taken before activities