Limiting the amount of allergens inside the home

• Higher population density has led to overcrowding. People live in rooms with low ceilings that lack a flow of fresh air. Constant use of air conditioning combined with carpets accumulating large amounts of dust can lead to an increase in respiratory system allergies.
• Decorating your home to safeguard against allergens requires careful attention, ensuring that health and happiness can begin at home.

Allergies or allergic reactions take place due to the way in which an individual body’s responds to the presence of natural allergens. This leads to varying symptoms depending on the individual, including coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy nose or a rash.

Recently, there has been an increased amount of allergies related to the respiratory system because of lifestyle changes. Higher population numbers have led to overcrowding and people living in homes with low ceilings that lack a flow of fresh air, meaning an almost constant use of air conditioning. Additionally, carpets – where large amounts of dust accumulate – are now prevalent in bedrooms, and people are also keeping more dogs and cats as pets in their homes, all of which leads to an increase in allergens. This particularly affects those who already have allergies. The more allergens there are, the more the body will react with its own symptoms.

1. Ensure that you clean your home regularly: It is well known that the dust present in our homes is one of the biggest causes of allergic reactions. Therefore, making sure to vacuum and mop the floors regularly is an effective way to reduce the presence of such dust. Furniture should also be cleaned frequently, including carpets, curtains and other decorative features that could potentially harbor dust.
2. Keep your home spacious and airy: Limit the amount of unnecessary books and clutter. Also, store any such objects in an open-faced cupboard or shelving unit to reduce the chances of dust accumulation.
3. Keep your bedroom and sleeping materials clean: Launder your bed sheets, pillows and covers regularly, putting them out to dry in an area that gets direct sunlight and plenty of fresh air. Alternatively, you may want to use specially made anti-allergy material for your bedding equipment.
4. Ensure that your bathroom is kept dry: Bacteria flourishes in damp conditions, so be sure to clean the bathroom floor and sanitary equipment regularly. Also, don’t forget to wash your towels, face cloths and sponges for the same reason.
5. Be careful when selecting cleaning products: Choose products made from natural ingredients or products which contain the least amount of chemical substances.
6. Wear a sanitary mask: When cleaning, dusting or mopping the floor, wear a sanitary mask to protect yourself from allergens.

Although allergies appear to be a chronic health condition and have the potential to affect all aspects of our daily lives, the symptoms of allergies can actually be predicted and therefore prevented. Hence, making a stand against allergens through the way that you manage your home can become a simple but vital task that brings health and happiness to all the family.