You open the shades on a sunny spring morning. Natural light shines through the window. That might sound refreshing. But if all you can see is a cloud of dust and other allergens in the air, you might be thinking, “Oh no. It’s allergy season.” Bt th’s god new. A lilelbow grease to keep your house clean can help reduce allergies and asthma symptoms. Asthma and allergy symptoms If you have seasonal allergies, you know the signs. Your eyes itch and water. You sneeze and cough. Your nose runs. Or all of the above. And if you have asthma, there’s the telltale sign of an allergic reatin…trolreathin 1 About 24 million people in the United States have asthma. And more than 50 million people suroeasnal allgis 2 That translates to a lot of usd tiseow cugand missed days at work. Srg ceaninpto breathe easy It’s tough to avoid many of the allergens that trigger an allergic reatin. I’s even harer iu spd a le otd Bt insie…tte ceanincan go a long way to help you breathe easy and avoid asthma and allergy problems. Here are some things you can do:3 ● ● Dry the tub or shower wth a towel after usprevent mold growth. Around the house ● ● Keep windows closed during allergy season. Us air cntinin ● ● Get rid of any items that collect dust. ● ● If you have indoor pets, keep them out of the bedroom. ● ● Cge thls in yocntinind heater seasonally. ● ● Avoid using cleaning sprays.4 Research shows frequent use of cleaning sprays increases the risk for asthma and breathing problems. Use vinegar. If you have asthma or allergies, you ctill enje anrg. Jusake a lilxa timep your house clean to reduce dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens. A. Q. What can I do to control allergy and asthma symptoms at home?In the kitchen ● ● Cean flos, cint suraebacksplashes and appliances weekly. Use soap and water. ● ● Keep the refrigerator clean. Ustte vear to cean. ● ● Usxt fen you cook to reduce moisture and mold. In bedrooms/living room ● ● Use dust-proof covers for pillows, mattsed brg. ● ● Wash bedding weekly. ● ● Vacuum carpets, sofas, and chairs weekly. ● ● Wash rgd flos weekly. Mop hard surfaces. In the bathroom ● ● Usxt freduce moisture from baths and showers. ● ● Wash rugs, mats, and linens weekly. © Wellsource, Inc. All rights reserved. For personal use only – do not make unauthorized copies. Wrttn brttny U. CreHcP. A l l e r g i e s & A s t h m a T a k e C o n t r o l o f References 1. American Lung Association. (2018). Don’t fear spring allergies and asthma. From: https://tinyurl.com/y6om8mq5 2. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2019). Allergy facts. From: https://tinyurl.com/y57f2ggk 3. Pongdee, T. (2019). Cleaning tips for allergy and asthma sufferers. From: https://tinyurl.com/y66varwy 4. Zock, J.P., et al. (2007). The use of household cleaning sprays and adult asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 176(8): 735-741. From: https://tinyurl.com/yxwcmu4d