Summer allergies can be a real drag. For many, the warmer weather brings many unpleasant symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Common triggers for summer allergies include pollen, dust, and mold. In addition, summer calls for backyard barbecues and trips to the beach, bringing a wave of allergens, muggy air, and summer heat.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects approximately 24 million people in the United States yearly (about 8% of adults and 7% of children). If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, here are some ways to beat your summer allergies and get back to enjoying the warm weather:
Adopt allergy-safe laundry practices
One of the most common problems if you don’t adopt allergy-safe laundry practices is an increase in your symptoms. Allergens like pollen, dust, and mold can become trapped in your clothes and bedding, and when you wear or sleep on them, they can cause an allergic reaction.
To avoid this, wash all your laundry in hot water and use a detergent to remove allergens. You may also want to consider using a fabric softener, as this can help to trap allergens and prevent them from coming into contact with your skin. If you line dry your clothes, do it indoors on a rack during allergy season. Clothes left outside for lengthy periods are exposed to outdoor allergens long before they are worn.
Clean the air in your home
Allergens are a nuisance during allergy season but can also be dangerous. Pollen, dust, and mold can aggravate asthma symptoms and lead to other respiratory problems. Not cleaning the air in your home can make these problems even worse. Here are a few ways to clean the air in your home and reduce allergens:
Clean your air purifier
If you don’t clean your air purifier, it can become clogged with dust and other allergens, which will reduce its effectiveness at removing pollutants from the air. A clogged air purifier can make your allergies worse by circulating allergens back into the air. Clean your air purifier regularly to keep it functioning properly and remove allergens from the air. You should also change the filter every 3-6 months, depending on how often you use your purifier.
Optimizing Air Conditioning
Air conditioners can work more efficiently if they’re properly optimized. You can optimize your air conditioner by ensuring the filters are clean and by checking the settings to ensure they’re correct for your climate and needs. Getting the service of your heating and cooling maintenance company can help you optimize your air conditioner and ensure that it’s running properly during the summer season.
The HVAC professional will ensure your system is cooling as effectively as feasible. If you have persistent hot spots and cold spots in your house, a maintenance check might reveal the source of the problem. When your unit cools more uniformly, the temperature in your home is more pleasant.
Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is vital for reducing allergens in the air, but it’s also important for preventing condensation and mold growth. If you don’t have proper ventilation in your home, the air can become stale and humid, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
Ensure your home is adequately ventilated by opening doors and windows when weather permits. You should also use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture and pollutants from the air. If you have a central heating and cooling system, make sure the vents are open and that the system is set to “vent” instead of “recirculate.”
Regularly cleaning your home
If you don’t clean your home regularly, you may find that it becomes cluttered and dusty. This can lead to an increase in allergens, as well as an increase in the number of pests that can invade your home. Dust mites, for example, thrive in cluttered and dusty environments.
To reduce the number of dust mites in your home, vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth. You should also wash your bedding in hot water every week to kill any dust mites that may be present. You should also empty your trash cans often and keep them closed when not in use. If you have carpeting, vacuum regularly and have it professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Pollen Count
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you should be aware of the pollen count in your area. The pollen count is the amount of pollen in the air. Understanding the pollen count is critical since it can aid you in avoiding high pollen concentrations.
You can find the pollen count for your area by checking the local news or weather report. You can also check online at websites like Pollen.com.
If the pollen count is high, you should take steps to avoid being outdoors during peak hours. If you must be outdoors, be sure to wear a mask and take steps to avoid breathing in pollen. You should also shower and change your clothes as soon as you come indoors to remove any pollen on your body.
All in all
Summer allergies are a pain, but they won’t have to ruin your summer. You can take steps to minimize your symptoms and return to enjoying the warm weather. Remember that prevention and planning are the keys to avoiding future summer allergies. By following these tips, you can beat your summer allergies and enjoy all the season offers.
