[ Vanessa can tell if her home hasn't been 'allergen managed' her sensitive asthmatic lungs and sinuses fire off warnings right away! ]
Taking the proper meds and precautions for allergies and asthma prevention are front line actions. The secondary actions to take are to help make your home more efficient for allergy/asthma relief, and to stave off worsening ones.
Filter your in home air by using cheese cloth to cover air conditioning vents to catch pollen. using HEPA filters are the most effective for removing tiny particles that other filters can miss, however, ANY filter is better than no filter. Cleaning air filters is also important, if they're not disposable; if so replace them in the time the manufacturer says too.
Keep home humidity below 50%, because that will slow down and prevent mold growth.
[ Make sure to wash shower curtains -doors and bath tiles with mold killing cleaners and keep the area ventilated, even in cold weather.]
Keep areas that gather moisture that lead to mold growth clean, even if it means cleaning those areas more often. Remember we're in a battle with mold and it can creep up fast if we let our guard down! The clean up of an area with layers of mold isn't easy or desirable. The use of mold fighting/killing cleaning products in these ares could help with effectiveness of keeping mold at bay. Keep windows open and make sure the room is well ventilated if your'e using bleach, or other mold prevention products.
If possible try and avoid being in spaces where mold easily collects, like basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns and compost heaps. If it's possible ask for help or if someone else can take care of these areas for you. The goals are to prevent mold from growing and to keep away from areas that are naturally more humid and damp.
Place dehumidifiers in those places where dampness lurks.
We may think of plants as natural humidifiers, but the reverse is true as well. Here are some plants that are hard workers as dehumidifiers for the home:
Boston Fern: Helps to balance out different levels of humidity.
English Ivy: Absorbs humidity and airborne particles. They like to be on high shelves or on a wall.
Peace Lily: Absorbs humidity and filters air ( mildly toxic so keep out of reach of kids and pets )
Tillandsia: Absorbs humidity from the air. Prefers to live in a terrarium,
Reed Palm Plant: Absorbs humidity and filters air. Make room, these are large floor plants.
*Remember not to Over water house plants. Wet soil can encourage mold growth.
[ Looks like this little cutie doesn't mind one bit bathing for the health of his family! ]
If your'e a pet parent, try and bathe them once a week or two. Remember allergens gather in pet hair and fur, not to mention their own dander which comes form animal skin.
Rugs add warmth and color to a home but too many can make more work for you to keep clean and allergen free. It's best to make sure rugs are washable, or if not clean them often twice monthly but make sure they dry completely before placing them back onto the run mat or floor to prevent moisture and mold growth.
[ We just had one of these installed and it was well worth the time and money. ]
Kitchen exhaust fans are rockstars for keeping smoke and cooking fumes out of the kitchen and from wafting into other room of the home. If obtaining one isn't possible home department stores like Home Depot sell window exhaust fans ( we used one for a few years until we had our over the stove one installed ). There's no complicated installation needed just open the windows, and place in the direction indicated on the instructions. Your lungs will thank you.
Avoid letting wet or damp clothes or towels lay around before washing, the less damp items around the less chance of the dreaded mold to form!
Smart moves lead to better breathing and living! I'm looking forward to becoming a plant parent. I'll bring all of you along on my journey. Plants bring God's blessing of nature into our homes and spirits.
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." ~Job 12:7-10