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 know what you’re allergic to is a visit to an allergy specialist when it comes to allergies. There they prick you with all sorts of needles with allergens on them and watch the reaction your skin has to them.
There are plenty of things inside a house people can be allergic to. Allergies are not just a spring and summer thing, and they are not just an outdoor thing.
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 that has 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 that’s what you need to do. 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 there are no hypoallergenic cats or dogs. Many people are allergic to dander and even animal saliva, and all cats and dogs have this. Those that are considered hypoallergenic just shed less (or not at all).
Dust Allergens
If you’re not keeping your home clean and dust, you could be harboring extra allergens that would be easily avoided with weekly cleaning. Vacuuming and sweeping, and dusting are all musts in a home with any 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 act as natural air purifiers, like aloe and gerbera daisies.
Cleaners
When you’re cleaning your home, you want to be careful what you’re cleaning with. Some cleaning solutions can be allergens, including bleach.
You may also want to watch what scents of air fresheners you buy. Someone that is allergic to flowers may take issue with floral-scented sprays. In both areas pick items are made from natural ingredients and good for both you and the environment.
