To prevent developing an allergic reaction, here are some tips to consider.
You or your child may need to see a doctor if one or both of you has experienced a severe allergic reaction. The doctor may prescribe an allergy kit for both of you. You need to have this kit near you at all times and make sure you and your child know how to use it.
You can avail of outside help by wearing a medical identification tag camera if you suffer from an allergic reaction. This will alert people to your allergies.
You need to tell your doctor if you are allergic to a certain drug to avoid him prescribing it to you.
Stay as far away as possible from insects you know can cause you severe allergic reactions. You can receive allergy shots to lessen the seriousness of an insect sting or bite.
If you want to prevent year-round or seasonal allergy reactions then:
Minimize your outdoor exposure to allergens. If you suffer from seasonal allergy:
Try spending a vacation in a location with none or little mold or pollen during the height of the mold or pollen season.
Regular exercise can help unblock a stuffy nose. Indoor exercise is much better than outdoor exercise since it limits your exposure to mold and pollen.
Limit indoor allergens by having double- or triple-paned windows or by properly insulating your home to minimize allergens.
Avail of an air purifier or air conditioner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
Keep the level of moisture in your home around 50% by using a dehumidifier on humid days and nights.
Vacuum and dust regularly (once or twice a week). Attach a HEPA filter to your vacuum cleaner to suck in pollen and dust-mite particles.
Avoid heavy drapes, upholstered furniture and carpet that collect dust.
Vacuum at least once a week the backs of furniture, closet, ceiling and walls and if you can damp mop your floor once daily. All of these can rid of dust in your home.
Utilize vinegar, club soda, mineral oil or baking soda to clean your home instead of using strong cleaning solutions that can cause allergic reactions.
Rid of insects especially cockroaches and bedbugs that can trigger allergic asthma by availing of pest control service.
Steer clear from fumes of kerosene heaters, smoke from wood-burning stoves and tobacco smoke.
Fix all leaking basements or roofs that can be breeding ground for mold.
Avoid pet dander and pet saliva as these can be potential allergens for you or for others. Gerbils, mice and even cats spread dried saliva that can irritate some people.
If possible, make your bedroom or even your house off-limits to the pet to prevent any allergic reactions episodes.
Bathe your pet at least once a week.
You can request a member of your family who does not suffer from allergies to clean the litter box of the pet.
If possible, locate your caged pet like a guinea pig, gerbil or mouse in a shed, garage or in any convenient place outside your home.
If you still experience serious allergy symptoms caused by the pet’s dander or saliva, consider giving your pet away to a new owner.
Make sure that the staff in your child’s school is aware of your child’s allergies. It is very important for the school to know this so that it can help your child especially if he suffers from a very severe and potentially life-threatening reaction.
Goldfarb Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center
1339 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: 973-325-8884
www.acupuncturewestorange.com