Allergies - Attack of the Dust Bunnies

It's no secret that certain things can trigger an allergic reaction or allergy attack in people who are sensitive to certain things. While allergies and asthma can be caused by a variety of common products, foods and things in our environment, one common trigger is dirt and dust.

Dirt and dust can play a large role in causing asthma, allergy and even bronchial attacks. This is especially unfortunate given the type of housing and other environmental factors we live in.

If you or a family member have been diagnosed with asthma or have a dirt/dust sensitivity, here are a few ideas to help control the problem in your home that you may not have considered.

Understand that your home need not be considered "dirty" to have dust traps that can trigger bronchial related attacks. Depending on the sensitivity of the person affected, the dust may be manageable with a few simple strategies.

1. Ceiling fans. Although very attractive, they can really create air movement that stirs up the dirt in the air. If you must use ceiling fans, consider making them a part of your weekly cleaning program. It's one thing to need the air movement, it's another to use dirty fan blades to do it. Cleaning is easy with a damp cloth.

2. Do all your dusting with a damp chemical coated cloth. Dusting with a plain cloth will only throw the dust into the air. One benefit of using a water dampened cloth is the lack of odors caused by furniture polish and other chemicals. If you must use a dusting product, find one that is NOT an aerosol. No sense in adding even more chemicals into the air.

3. Get a quality vacuum cleaner. Vacuums collect dirt from your floors and trap it in a bag or container. The exhaust of most vacuums however blow small particles of dust and dirt into the air. Consider replacing your older vacuum cleaner with one that features a HEPA filtration system. HEPA collects and captures microscopic particulate matter and will help limit putting dust in the air.

4. Clean your window coverings. Window treatments, especially fabric ones are great dirt and dust collectors. Use the extension wand and upholstery brush that came with your vacuum to "dust" your drapes. No need to have them professionally cleaned or even to remove them. Simply use the upholstery brush and vacuum the drapes.

5. Clean the window screens. This is an especially good idea in the spring if you have someone that suffers from springtime pollen etc. allergies. Bronchial irritation can occur when the pollen count is high. By removing the window screens and occasionally washing them, you can remove much of the trapped outside dirt and contaminants.
These are just a few of the ways to fight against the triggers that can cause an allergic or asthmatic attack. By taking action to identify and then eliminate the potential triggers, your family can enjoy a healthier lifestyle. There are however, many environmental factors that can trigger an event such as mold, bugs, pets, etc.