Hayfever, Allergies, or Spring Cold
Hidden Allergens and Similar Symptoms Make it Difficult to Tell
Apr 15, 2009
Pet dander can be carried by the pet owner, who sheds it continuously during the day, so it can be picked up and brought into a pet free home to trigger animal allergies. Even an innocent looking air freshener can disperse volatile organic compounds that are listed on the label simply as ‘fragrance’.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology claims that hay fever affects more than 35 million Americans. As Americans build airtight homes and spend more time indoors, they are more exposed to allergy triggering irritants that can cause acute discomfort.
Know the Difference between a Cold and an Allergy
Waking up with nasal congestion, sneezing, red and irritated eyes, a cough caused by post nasal drip and itchiness in the throat nose and ears prompts many people to reach for an over the counter cold medication.
If the symptoms disappear after a shower and hair wash, it’s probably an allergy. Washing the irritants down the drain and donning clean clothing often give relief from hay fever symptoms. Running an air conditioner or air purifier with a good filter won’t help a cold, but filtering pollens will ease allergy symptoms.
Hayfever is just another name for an outdoor allergy. Fevers are not caused by the usual allergies, but are common with a cold. Clear mucus indicates an allergy while colds and infections can present yellow or green mucus.
Fatigue occurs in both allergy flare-ups and contraction of a cold.
Eliminate the Allergen Without Triggering the Allergy
Regular cleaning will reduce the allergy triggers in the home, but harsh chemicals in the cleaners could trigger allergy symptoms. Dusts and dander raised during house cleaning will also aggravate allergies.
Many products that exhibit the “green” seal of approval can be used without triggering allergy symptoms, but ordinary ingredients already in the home can effectively clean the home with no damage to the environment or the respiratory system.
Suck up dust, dander and mites with a vacuum to prevent them from becoming airborne. There are many vacuums available with washable filters. The added protection of a HEPA filter will reduce the lead that may have accumulated in the home.
While vacuuming, don’t forget that dust also accumulates in the drapes, on walls and furniture.
Damp mopping will pick up the dust vacuuming has left behind. Save the cleaning products for when the floors are dirty. Plain water will do the job of picking up settled dust.
Outdoor allergy triggers become indoor pollutants when they are tracked into the house. Trap pesticides and dirt outside of the entrance with a good door mat.
Just because it’s environmentally friendly doesn’t mean it’s the best method to tame allergy triggers. Drying laundry on an outside clothesline may save electricity, but pollens and pollutants can settle on the fabric.
Non flowering indoor plants can act as air purifiers without triggering hay fever symptoms. Just don’t overwater as humidity encourages mold, another allergen.
