University of Houston Athletics
UHCougars.com Health Tip Of The Month
4/12/2002 12:00:00 AM | General
May, 2002
To avoid suffering with a runny nose and sneezing, try to figure out what allergens cause the problem.
Potential allergens:
Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds: Try to shower or bathe before bedtime to wash off the pollen in your hair and on your skin. Avoid going outside on dry, windy days. Keep windows at your house and car shut. Make sure to change your air filters or seek out help in finding special air filters.
Mold: Remove houseplants. Frequently clean areas of your house that stay damp, bathrooms and kitchens. In areas that have mold, clean with a water and chlorine bleach solution.
Pet dander: If you are a pet person and have allergies to pets, it is best to keep the pets outdoors.
Dust: Tips for reducing dust and dust mites:
- Remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, nonwashable comforters and soft toys.
- Replace carpets with linoleum or wood. Polished floors are best.
- Mop the floor often with a damp mop and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth
- Vacuum regularly with a machine that has a high efficiency particulate air filter. Vacuum soft furniture and curtains as well as floors.
- Install an air cleaner with a high efficiency particulate or electrostatic filter.
- Wash carpets and upholstery with special cleaners, such as benzyl benzoate or tannic acid spray.
- Wash all bedding in hot water (hotter than 130 F) every 7 to 10 days.
- Don't use mattress pads.
- Cover mattress and pillows with plastic covers.
- Lower the humidity in your home.
April, 2002
What are allergies and what causes them?
As defined by familydoctor.org, An allergy is when your body overreacts to things that don't cause problems for most people "Allergens".
Common Symptoms:
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Itchy nose, eyes and roof of the mouth
Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Pressure in the nose and cheeks
Ear fullness and popping
Dark circles under the eyes
Hives
