Filipinos always have this love-hate relationship with summer in the Philippines. As much as Pinoys loved to go to the beach and enjoy the sun, too much heat can be very uncomfortable. Even when staying indoors can also be unpleasant during summer season. If you happen to experience itching and discomfort during the summer even when you are just at home, allergies may be to fault. The immune system wrongly determines that a pollen or mold speck that enters your body through your eyes, mouth, or nose poses a risk to your health. Histamines, substances that the body produces right away and hunts down and eliminates allergies, are released. Regrettably, histamines also contribute to the allergy-related symptoms. Avoid letting allergies to dust, mold, pollen, or pets make you unhappy inside your own house. Manage your allergies at home and follow these instructions to create an allergen-free home, room by room.
MANAGE ALLERGIES AT HOME
LIVING ROOM
First to check is the living room. Identify areas around the living room that may possibly arbor dust, pollen, and molds. If you plan on buying a carpet, buy low-pile carpets instead of high-pile carpeting. Invest in vacuum cleaners with a HEPA filter and vacuum once per week. Weekly floor mat and area rug cleaning is recommended, as well as yearly carpet shampooing. Think about replacing upholstered sofas and chairs with wood, metal, or plastic furniture. Utilize basic cotton or synthetic drapes that can be washed. Consider removing horizontal blinds if you are using one and replace them with washable roller shades.
KITCHEN
Another place to thoroughly check is the kitchen where all the action happens. Molds are most likely to be seen there so deep cleaning it is one way to avoid and manage allergy at home. Install and utilize a vented exhaust fan to get rid of odors from cooking and lessen dampness. Most stove-top hoods don’t vent outside; they just filter cooking odors. Always clean after you eat or cook to get rid of food leftovers and mold. Deep clean by scrubbing the sink and faucets. Eliminate excess moisture to prevent the growth of mold and discard food that is moldy or expired. Replace or clean the moldy rubber door seals of your fridge, and regularly empty and clean the drip pan. Put trash in a can with an insect-resistant top, and empty it every day. The likelihood that you’ll have rodents or cockroaches will be decreased if the kitchen is kept clean of food scraps.
BEDROOM
Deep clean your bedroom to avoid collecting possible allergens inside. Dust-mite-resistant covers should be used for pillows, mattresses, and box springs. At least once a week, wash blankets, pillowcases, and sheets in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover, wash, or remove comforters. Use synthetic materials in place of bedding made of wool or feathers. Clear the window sills and frames of any mold or dampness. Clear the window sills and frames of any mold or dampness.
BATHROOM
This is definitely another room you should deep clean since proper hygiene is a way to manage allergies and stop it from getting worse. Molds and other allergens are most likely to develop here due to moisture. To lessen moisture while taking showers or baths, install and operate an exhaust fan. Choose tile, vinyl, wood, or linoleum instead of carpeting. Use rugs you can wash. Strip the wallpaper and put in tile, or use mold-resistant enamel paint to paint the walls. After use, towel-dry the enclosure and bathtub. Use bleach to remove mold from the shower, bathtub, and faucets. Moldy bathmats and shower curtains should be cleaned or replaced. Clean the mold off of the plumbing and patch up leaks.
ALLERGY HOME REMEDY
Finding and treating the fundamental cause of allergies may be all that is necessary to cure them. But, if you’re not certain of the source — whether it be tree pollen, ragweed, mold, or dust, etc. — here are some home cures that could provide you all the relief you require with comparatively little cost or bother. These DIY remedies can be useful for reducing symptoms for even those with severe allergies that call for prescription.
NASAL SALINE IRRIGATION/ NETI POTS
Nasal Saline Irrigation or Neti pots are now a widely used treatment for sinus congestion and allergies. Your nasal cavity will be rinsed with saline solution as part of the treatment to flush out irritants (such as pollen) and release mucus. You can get them at your neighborhood pharmacy or online.
NASAL SPRAY
Prepackaged saline nasal spray is another choice if you want to have a similar experience to the Neti pot, and some allergy sufferers might find these easier to use. These sprays disperse the saline solution more evenly and gently.
SHOWERING
Everyone who has ever experienced congestion will attest to the astonishing capacity of a scalding hot shower to temporarily open nasal passages and ease sinuses. Showers, though, have an added advantage. After spending time outside, giving your skin and hair a brief rinse will help eliminate allergens and stop them from getting on your clothes, furnishings, bedding, and other surfaces where they might cause an allergic reaction.
STEAMING
Similar to how a shower works, other ways of inhaling steam, such store-bought vaporizers, can clear mucus and hydrate dry nasal passages. The simplest approach is to place hot water in a bowl or other container, create a tent with a cloth over your head, and take five to ten minutes to breathe deeply through your nose. (Take care not to burn yourself by putting your face too close to the water.)
EUCALYPTUS OIL
The potent, piney scent of eucalyptus oil can boost steam inhalation and aid in further sinus and nasal passageway opening. Breathing may appear easier due to the bracing, menthol-like sensation that the oil’s vapor produces. Before entering the shower, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil, such as this one from Healing Solutions, to a bowl of steaming water.
If you find that using home remedies to treat your allergy symptoms isn’t helping, consult your healthcare practitioner to find out what additional options might be beneficial. Allergens cannot only be found outside but even inside our homes. Deep cleaning every corner of the house is the only way to be able to manage allergies and prevent it form getting worse. Thoroughly vacuum carpeting and wipe hard surfaces to get rid of bug and mouse dander that can cause allergies. Seal any openings that could serve as re-entry points to avoid a re-infestation. Since it’s summer season, use dehumidifiers and air conditioning, and shut the doors and windows. By filtering the air, an air conditioner will stop mold, dust, pollen, and other triggers from entering. If you spot a mold in any corner of your house, remove it immediately. It is really important for a house to be well-built for easier cleaning and less repair costs in the future.
Bria Homes may be your greatest option if you’re seeking for a pre-selling home and lot or condominium where you can start a family that is hygienic and well-made. In addition to being reasonably priced, you’ll notice that the building is solid and won’t have any plumbing issues. Due to the strategically positioned sections for the dining, kitchen, restrooms, etc., it is very easy to clean. Bria Homes will provide you with the most beautiful homes at most affordable price.
Written by Noelyn Kate O. Cabrera
