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Approximately 20 percent of people are affected by allergies. They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens, which are divided into four main categories: pollens, insects, animal dander and molds. Along with working with your doctor, identifying allergic triggers and avoiding them is the most reliable way to treat seasonal allergies.

At home, the best ways to decrease allergens is to keep a clean house. Dust mites live on the floor, on surfaces as well as in bedding. Regular dusting and vacuuming with a HEPA filter, as well as removal of carpet in the bedroom will greatly reduce dust mites. Encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers, using finely woven bedding and washing sheets weekly is helpful. Upholstered furniture is more allergenic compared to leather or wood. If pet dander is a trigger, avoid pets with feathers or fur in the home. If you have an indoor pet, keep them out of the bedroom and cover air ducts that lead to the bedroom with filters. Avoid mold allergens by fixing water leaks, reducing indoor humidity to less than 50%, cleaning moldy surfaces with a dilute bleach solution and limiting houseplants. Dehumidifiers can also help with mold problems. An estimated 35 million Americans suffer from pollen allergies, so keeping windows shut and clean can help reduce indoor pollen. HEPA air filters or running the air conditioner and regularly cleaning the filter is very helpful in riding indoor air of allergens.

Consider environments outside of the home as well: classrooms and cars can be prime allergy locations. Keep cars clean and vacuumed; turn on the air conditioner or heater before getting into the car and travel with the windows up. Outdoor air quality is typically better in the morning and in the evening.

There are several options for treating allergies if symptoms persist. Antihistamines and decongestants are the most common medications used for allergies. Though useful, antihistamines can cause drowsiness, and decongestants may actually worsen nose stuffiness if used for more than 3 days. Allergy shots may be helpful for those with severe allergies, but the best treatment is still identifying and avoiding your child’s allergy triggers. Twice daily nasal irrigation with a neti pot or saline rinse has been shown to significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Over the counter Similasan Allergy Eye Relief drops are also helpful for itchy eyes. Dietary changes may be useful: avoiding dairy can thin nasal secretions, and in some children, avoidance of gluten or other foods can decrease hyperactive immune response to allergens. Several herbal medicines have also been studied and shown to help with allergy symptoms.

 


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