How to Treat Indoor & Outdoor Allergies

Allergies are caused by a person’s body overreacting to certain substances. The most common of such substances, or allergens, are pet dander, dust, pollen and mold. Substances that can cause allergic reactions can be found both indoors and outdoors. Some allergy symptoms can be severe, and even mild to moderate symptoms can make a person suffer.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid the items that cause your allergies to flare up. If you suffer from indoor dust allergies, consider removing carpeting and replacing with hard wood, vinyl or tile, since dust can settle in carpeting. Change bedding frequently, as dust mites can become trapped in bedding. The Family Doctor website recommends removing any houseplants that can trigger mold allergies. If outdoor allergies are your problem, try to keep pollen out of your home. Keep doors and windows tightly shut and, upon entering your home, immediately remove any clothing that may have pollen residue. Use your air conditioner in the house and in the car. Avoid going outside as much as possible when pollen counts are high.

• 2

  Clean your home often to remove indoor allergens. According to the Family Doctor website, use water for cleaning that is heated to over 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Vacuum your home with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter, which will filter the air for allergens. Get rid of mold by using mold and mildew removers in the bathrooms or basement. If your pet causes allergy flareups, bathe it frequently.

• 3

  Take over-the-counter or prescription medication to treat symptoms of allergies. Talk to your doctor about decongestants, which will help to alleviate a stuffy nose. Antihistamines can help reduce allergy symptoms including sneezing, stuffy nose and watery eyes. Eye drops can help to ease allergy symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes. Nasal steroid sprays can lessen allergy symptoms by reducing nasal swelling. These sprays are prescribed by your doctor.

• 4

  Treat indoor or outdoor allergies by receiving allergy shots. Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, contain a small amount of the allergen itself and are administered on a regular basis. Immunotherapy only works if the substance you are allergic to has been identified and is unavoidable. You may need to receive the injections over a period of months, years or even throughout your lifetime

• 5

  Consider using a neti pot to treat your allergies. Neti pots are containers that individuals fill with warm water and saline solution to pour into their nasal passages. According to Dr. James Li of the Mayo Clinic, some enthusiasts claim that neti pots work better than over-the-counter medications for treating allergies.