Winning the War Against Allergies and Asthma

Winning the War against Allergies and Asthma

 Article courtesy of - Minneapolis Carpet Cleaning. (Ariel Murdoc editor).

Allergies are on the increase, attacking more and more people every year. If you have just discovered that you have an allergy or asthma, you need to make a few changes to your lifestyle. If you are a long time sufferer of a respiratory challenge like as asthma or allergies, you’ve probably already taken all the necessary defensive steps, or have you? Maybe you’re doing too much ... or too little. Just as medical research continues to uncover new allergens and new ways to treat existing conditions, research has also led to an amended and increased knowledge base of recommended defensive actions. There are four major allergy categories: Indoor, Outdoor, Food and Skin. This article will give you a plan of action for preventing and limiting the chance of the onset of indoor allergy attacks.

Indoor allergies (you may also have heard the term nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis) refer to episodes caused when allergens invade the lungs via the nasal passages. Common assailants are waste left by dust mites (microscopic organisms that live and breed in the warm climate provided by upholstered furniture, carpets, mattresses and the like), animal dander (old skin shed by animals – even hairless ones), mold spores growing invisibly under carpets or even behind walls, and common house dust. Another common source of indoor environment contamination is dusty, dirty, unkempt air vents blowing a hodgepodge of bacteria into the air you breathe. A rigid cleaning routine and some preventative measures will go a long way in lessening your vulnerability to future attacks.

Cleaning Plan of Action:

1. Impede Irritants with Vacuuming

Vacuuming goes a long way in controlling irritants such as animal dander, dust mites and outside contaminants (like pollen) which invade your home via the soles of your shoes or clothing. Make sure your vacuuming is effective by following these guidelines:

o   Vacuum upholstered furniture thoroughly between cushions, under cushions, and of course, under furniture.

o   Move furniture when vacuuming. Better yet, reposition (even slightly) furniture on a regular basis.

o   Be aware that mites continue to breed in your vacuum-cleaner’s bag and filters.

o   Keep your mouth and nose protected when emptying the bags or use a bag-less vacuum.

2. Bring in the Big Guns: Professional Cleaning

Vacuuming, even with a high powered vacuum, cannot remove dirt, dust, and other irritants that have made their way down to the base of your carpet or inside cushions, pillows and mattresses. For this, you really need to call in a professional carpet cleaning company that provides steam cleaning, or water induction, services. This environment friendly, green cleaning technique flushes out all respiratory offenders in double-time. When contracting a cleaning company, be sure to ask for the full treatment: carpets, mattresses, upholstery, and window treatments.

3. Secure Air Quality Standards

Indoor air quality control is extremely important to allergy and asthma sufferers alike. Keeping windows tightly closed are a good first step in blocking the entry of airborne allergens and irritants, but will require you to utilize some sort of fan or air conditioning unit. An air filter installed within the air conditioning and heating systems will help, as will a room air purifier. At least once a year, you must have your air ducts professional cleaned. Select a company with a proven track record and reputable recommendations.

4. Obstruct Irritant Entry

Guard your home, and your lungs, by doing as much as possible to limit irritant entry in the first place.

o   You don’t have to put the family pet up for adoption, but do keep your pets off the furniture, out of your bedroom (out of the house, if possible) and wear gloves while grooming the animal. Wash well after touching or treating animals.

o   Install mats at all entrances to your home and encourage their use. This will not only lengthen the life of your carpet, it will aid in removing allergens before they make it into your home.

o   If you’ve spent extended time outdoors, brush off outer-garments before entering your home. This will help prevent the transfer of allergens from your clothing to indoor furniture.

o   Remove smaller carpets and area rugs once a week for washing. Be sure to use hot water!

You can be effecting in preventing an onslaught of allergens from reaching your lungs. All it takes is some extra care and planning. The tips in the article are meant to enhance your quality of life through proper cleaning and air quality control, and do not replace medical instructions or advice.