Avoidance
Avoidance is just what it says: avoiding the
allergens that trigger the allergic reaction.
If you're allergic to cats, stay away
from them. It's that simple. Easy to do if you don't like cats
in the first place. However, if you have a pet cat and you can't
bear to give it up, you might be able to limit your exposure
to the cat and use medication to control your symptoms.
Many people are allergic to more than
one thing. First, you need to know exactly what you're allergic
to. For instance, if you're allergic to grass, dust mites and
cats, avoiding freshly mowed grass and putting dust mite covers
on bedding may be enough to reduce or eliminate symptoms. And
you'd get to keep the cat.
After you’ve found out what you’re
allergic to (see Testing Options), use these tips to
stay away from the things that trigger an allergic reaction (see Allergy
Categories).
Food Allergy Avoidance Tips
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Read ingredient labels on all processed food.
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If an allergic reaction occurs, epinephrine (also called adrenaline)
is the medication of choice for controlling it. This medication
is available by prescription from your doctor.
Household Allergen/Dust Mite Avoidance Tips
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Encase mattresses, pillows and box springs in allergen-safe covers.
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Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130°F or above).
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Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50 percent if possible.
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Remove stuffed toys from the bedroom.
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Remove carpets from the bedroom and do not lay carpets on concrete.
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Minimize upholstered furniture.
Pollen Avoidance Tips
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Keep windows and doors closed.
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Avoid using window or attic fans that draw in outside air.
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Use air conditioning.
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Dry clothes in a vented dryer, not outdoors.
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Check foods and cleaners for plant extracts.
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After outdoor activity, shower or bathe, and change clothes.
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If possible, refrain from outdoor activities during times of
high pollen count.
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To cut back on your allergic symptoms while exercising, try
breathing through your nose to clear passages.
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Try waiting until late in the day, when pollen counts are generally
lower, to enjoy the great outdoors.
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Keep your car windows rolled up during hay fever season.
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Keep your lawn two inches or shorter to minimize flowering
and airborne pollen.
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Monitor the pollen count on your local weather report to know
when it’s too risky to be outside.
Mold/Fungus Avoidance Tips
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Refrain from walking through uncut fields, working with compost
or dry soil, and raking leaves.
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Clean moldy surfaces.
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Fix all water leaks.
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Use air conditioning and a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity
to 50 percent if possible.
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Wash air conditioner filters and other cooling devices frequently.
Animal Allergen Avoidance Tips
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Remove the pet from the home.
If removal is unacceptable, then:
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Keep the pet out of the allergic person’s bedroom, and
keep the bedroom door closed.
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Keep the pet off carpets and all upholstered furniture.
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Wash the pet weekly (twice a week is better), to decrease the
amount of dander and dried saliva.
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Use a HEPA-type air cleaner in the bedroom and elevate the
cleaner off the floor.
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Close air ducts in the bedroom.
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