If you have been following my series, you and your family should be breathing a little bit easier these days, having eliminated many of the sources of indoor allergies. Getting your home in good shape and the air clean and pure can help reduce fatigue and misery, and is essential for those who have asthma or other respiratory problems, including recurrent sinus infections.
If you haven’t gotten a chance to start in on your home, I suggest that you first read post 1 and post 2.
Now, let us go on to some other areas of your home were mold, dust mites and dander hide.
Your Best Friend
About 20 percent of those of us who suffer from allergies, especially indoor allergies are allergic to our best friends, furry friends that is. Pet dander, which is made up of tiny particles of dead skin and fur can make even the hardiest of us sneeze when we are repeatedly breathing it in.
While you should talk to your doctor to rule out a pet allergy, you can eliminate a good part of the physical misery by simply booting your dog or cat from out of your bed. I know this isn’t always easy, but giving fido his own cozy pet bed will work wonders. And less allergies means more energy and positive attitude for you, something that will greatly benefit your pet.
What’s That Smell?
In the winter time, it is easy to have stale indoor air, and there are so many ready made solutions in the forms of artificial fragrance sprays, scented candles, potpourri and little devices that either warm up and give off nice fragrances or shoot them at you every few minutes.
I admit that I like the convenience of some of these items to instantly banish bad smells, but the reality is that many people are sensitive to anything with fragrance in it. Eliminate the fake “fresh” and either open the windows for a few minutes, or since this is hard to do in winter, use a natural air freshener, such as a lemon peel that is grated. Natural oils can also work and are available at better health food stores.