Home: It's all about love, family, safety, comfort and allergies. – News – Syracuse Diary – Democrat – Syracuse, NE

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, while outdoor pollens are a common cause of sniffles and watery eyes during the spring, summer and fall months, millions of people struggle all year against symptoms caused by indoor allergens. These can range from sneezing and itching to runny nose to coughing and chest congestion.
Common indoor allergens include pet dander, badroach types, excreta, mites and molds. They can spread in the air of your home and settle in the furniture and floors of the house.
In fact, a recent study found that a majority of US households' bedrooms contained at least one allergen and that nearly 75% of them housed three to six culprits responsible for allergies.
According to the Mayo Clinic, allergens are not just embarrbading. They can also cause allergic asthma, the most common form of asthma. This disease obstructs the airways and makes breathing difficult. In severe crises, this can be fatal.
We do not often think of all the allergens in our home that we could react to, which makes us sneeze or cough. Unfortunately, allergens are common, but the good news is that there are ways to fight them! Here are some preventative measures to help reduce allergens indoors.
Wash all bedding in hot water once a week to kill microscopic creatures (also known as mites) that can flourish in your children's bedding, furniture, carpets and even stuffed animals!
Use anti-dust or allergen-proof pillows, hypoallergenic pillows and mattress pads.
As much as possible, reduce the fabrics in your home with tiled or hardwood floors instead of carpet. Replace curtains or curtains with blinds or other window treatments without fabric.
Place the stuffed toys in a mesh bag or zipper pillowcase and wash them in hot water.
Bath and brush animals often. Clean hard surface floors every week.
Vacuum regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a dual-layer microfilter bag or HEPA filter. Wear a filter mask while vacuuming and stay outside the room for 20 minutes after, while dust and allergens are deposited.
Mold growing in humid conditions, so use dehumidifiers or ventilators in the kitchen, basement and bathrooms.
Eliminate as many sources of water and food as possible to control rodents and badroaches. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vacuuming or sweeping areas that may attract pests every two to three days.
Nobody wants to share his house with bugs and molds that make us sneeze, breathe or cough. Being proactive can help you and your family avoid allergies caused by internal triggers. In addition, if you have asthma, ask your doctor for more information about treatment and prevention.