It pays to know your allergens, so if you find yourself sneezing and sniffling, you can easily figure out the culprit. The only sure way to see what you’re allergic to is to visit an allergy specialist. There, they prick you with all sorts of needles containing allergens and watch your skin’s reaction to them.
There are plenty of things inside a house that people can be allergic to. Allergies are not just a spring and summer issue; they are also not just an outdoor issue.
Household Plants
Some people are allergic to flowers and other plants. If you have a green thumb but have found that sneezing keeps you from watering and pruning your plants, maybe you have a plant allergy. Some people are allergic to floral scents, so anything with flowers on it will get their allergies going.
There are plenty of plants out there that are friendly to allergen sufferers. If you sneeze at flowers, consider getting plants that don’t flower. Succulents are a great option for this.
Pets
Pets can be a huge cause of allergies, and many people don’t realize they have an allergy to an animal until they’ve already purchased or adopted one and accepted them into their home. You can live on allergy pills if you need to do that. However, if you’re severely (or someone in your household is) allergic to your pet dog or cat, you may have to find them a new home.
It’s also important to know that no hypoallergenic cats or dogs exist. Many people are allergic to dander and animal saliva; all cats and dogs have this. Those considered hypoallergenic shed less (or not at all).
Dust Allergens
If you’re not keeping your home clean and dusty, you could be harboring extra allergens that would be easily avoided with weekly cleaning. Vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting are all musts in a home with allergy sufferers. Consider investing in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to help remove allergens better.
You may also want to get an air purifier. This will help with all of the allergens in your home, including dust. Some plants, like aloe and gerbera daisies, act as natural air purifiers.
Cleaners
When cleaning your home, be careful what you use. Some cleaning solutions, including bleach, can be allergens.
You may also want to watch what scents of air fresheners you buy. Someone who is allergic to flowers may have issues with floral-scented sprays. Pick items made from natural ingredients that are good for you and the environment in both areas.
