A sneeze-free way to do away with dust

You want to keep your house - and it’s many surfaces - shiny and clean, but you find yourself sneezing up a storm every time you whip out the dust cloth. You aren’t alone.

According to a survey of over 4,000 adults, more than 30 percent of consumers say that dusting furniture causes themselves, family members, or roommates to break out into a fit of sneezes or coughs. But experts say it’s not just the dust that triggers these allergy attacks: It could also be the product’s fragrance, which may contain chemical irritants.

So, what to do? Test out a fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic cleaning spray, like that offered by Endust Free, which also has a narrower nozzle that can reduce potentially bothersome lingering mist. Or, just dust with a damp cloth or a mixture of one part white distilled household vinegar with one part vegetable glycerin for an eco-friendly and non-toxic DIY cleaner.

Are allergens invading your house?

Think your house may be filled with mold and other icky irritants? While you may be inclined to get a professional (and pricey) environmental assessment, a new study says that taking pictures of your place, then sharing them with a doctor, may be just as effective.

According to researchers with the asthma program coordinator at Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City, Missouri, many doctors can pick up evidence of allergy triggers in one’s home based on photos of the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, basement and dining room (spots in the bathroom thought to be grime may be mold, for example).

So first check with your doctor to see if he or she is willing to scope out your shots, then get to snapping. Together, you and your doc just may be able to identify – and eliminate – harmful allergens in your home.

Ask an allergist

And speaking of doctors, if you have persistent indoor allergy symptoms (itchy and watery eyes, congestion, sneezing), then it’s time to see an allergist or immunologist. He or she will conduct tests to find out which indoor allergens are causing you to sneeze, and provide medication if necessary. You can also discuss steps you can take to reduce the amount of allergens in your home (like getting a dehumidifier to minimize mold).

To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, call the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) Physician Referral and Information Line at 1-800-822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org.

Related Articles

Improve your indoor air quality and health
Expert advice to take control of your allergies
Evergreens and allergies