Asthma and allergies affect a combined 75 million people in the United States. However, these conditions often go untreated and overlooked, even though they are responsible for countless hospital visits, missed days of work or school, and even thousands of deaths.       

In an effort to bring more attention to these conditions, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has declared the month of May National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. May is the peak season for allergy sufferers, with the onset of an abundance of both tree and grass pollen permeating the air. Additionally, allergy symptoms can also trigger what’s known as “allergic asthma,” which is asthma triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, or even heavy perfume.

How to Alleviate Asthma and Allergy Symptoms in the Home

During the month of May, it’s important to take steps to get asthma and allergy symptoms under control. If you or someone in your family suffers from either condition, you’re already well aware how difficult this time of year can be. Use National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month as a reminder to take some steps that will allow you to live a healthy, un-congested life.

Here are a few things you can do to help alleviate asthma and allergy symptoms in your home this May and the months ahead:

• Get tested for allergies. If you or someone in your family seems to be miserable every time spring rolls around, but you’ve never actually gotten tested for allergies, it’s time to find out exactly what could be causing your symptoms. Make an appointment at an allergy center to find out exactly what’s causing your misery so you can get properly treated for them.
• Close the windows. After the long, cold winter it’s always nice to open the windows and let in some fresh air. However, you’ll want to avoid doing this for extended periods of time if you have allergies or asthma to keep those allergens out of your home. Avoid using fans, too, which can stir up allergens and make things that much worse.
• Invest in a high-quality air filter. It’s time to swap out that dirty air filter for a fresh one. Choose a higher-quality filter of the electrostatic variety to help truly keep the air in your home as clean as possible.
• Use allergen-proof fabric covers. Dust mites are also responsible for wreaking havoc for those with asthma and allergies. These are microscopic critters who live in fabrics, especially bedding. You can wrap your pillow, mattress and box spring in allergen-proof covers, plus make sure to wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week.
• Control the humidity in your home. Where there is moisture, there is often mold, another prime allergen. The humidity levels in your home should never go above 40 percent, so use a dehumidifier to keep those levels down, especially in the basement where mold tends to grow faster.

If you have any questions about how to improve indoor air quality for the asthma or allergy sufferers in your home this spring, the team at Efficient Heating and Cooling is ready to help! If you’re in the greater Cleveland area, contact our team today! Or, give us a call at 216-663-6462.