Radio Shows | Allergies — Your House May Be the Problem | mp3 … wma … wav

It's that time of year when you wake up with stuffy noses, watery, itchy eyes, and just an overall yucky feeling. Welcome to allergy season!

While you can't control tree pollen and other outdoor allergens, there's plenty you can do inside your home to make it more comfortable for you and your family.

First, a few facts: 40 million Americans suffer from indoor allergies And - asthma, a related illness, is the number one childhood chronic disease, affecting 9 million children in the U.S. So what's causing our misery? You wouldn't believe what's considered an allergen!

Everything from air fresheners to perfumes and believe it or not cockroaches. Here are some tips to help you breathe easier. First, get rid of clutter! If it's accumulating dust, it's a breeding ground for allergens. Clean everything: Air conditioning and heating vents, ceiling fans, book shelves, window sills, and floors.

Clean moldy surfaces, such as the corners of showers or under sinks, with a cleaning solution that's one part bleach to 10 parts water. Wash blankets and bed linens in super hot water of 130 degrees and dry them at a high setting. Ideally, replace carpeting with hard-surface flooring, like tile or laminate. But, this can be pricey, so a thorough and regular vacuuming should help.

Of course, pets might be an issue. Unless the problem is serious, we wouldn't consider telling you to get rid of Fido. But do wash your pet weekly and avoid napping with them.

And, finally, there's the pest we all love to hate.the cockroach. Their droppings can trigger your allergy symptoms too. Make sure your home is not a breeding ground by sealing food sources and cleaning crumbs off the floor. If that doesn't help, hiring a good exterminator should do it. If none of these tips work, see an allergy specialist who can help isolate the causes and help you manage your symptoms.

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