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Many of us are bothered by allergies and are always fighting to diminish those irritants that cause their bothersome effects. Allergy symptoms can include watery eyes, runny noses and rashes that sometimes translate into full-blown hives. These and other symptoms can be brought about by a number of contaminants that infiltrate the very air that we breathe in our own homes. If you're among those who are constantly being attacked by airborne allergens, there are some positive steps that you can take in order to reduce or eliminate the elements that are the catalysts to allergy attacks.

Dust or dust mites are the cause of many allergies, and must be eliminated from their most common breeding areas in order to find relief. Since they tend to live in warm and humid places, items such as beds, carpets and upholstered furniture are prime breeding grounds for dust mites. Living on the skin cells that people and their pets shed, they deposit their waste in all of the areas that they live, wreaking havoc on their victims causing allergic reactions.

Some things you can do in order to help control dust mites and eliminate the allergies that they cause is to wash your bedding weekly and dry on high heat. Use anti-allergen covers for mattresses and pillows. Clean furniture and carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Dehumidify the air; filter the air with a HEPA air purifier. Keep your house clean by housecleaning at least once a week, being sure to dust everything well.

There are over 35 million people who suffer from pollen-induced allergies. It's critical that steps are taken to remove the allergens that can trigger adverse reactions, such as sneezing, wheezing, rashes and watery eyes or nose. Large quantities of pollen can enter your home by traveling in through open doors or windows, on clothing and hair, and even on the family pet.

We all enjoy dry, breezy days, but those are the weather conditions that are just right for pollen to circulate. Those allergic to pollen need to take certain precautions. Avoid being outdoors whenever possible, if you can your excercising indoors it would be best. When driving, be sure to keep the windows raised and use the air conditioning. In addition, you should also keep your windows at home closed and use air conditioning or window screens with filters; remember to remove shoes before entering the house; wash your hair each night; avoid hanging laundry outdoors. Ask someone else to mow the lawn; and use HEPA filters on heating and air conditioning units.

Allergy sufferers who own pets often have allergies to their dander and need to take precautions in order to eliminate airborne allergens. Keep the pet outdoors as often as possible and wipe down the surfaces of the home's interior; vacuum frequently using a HEPA vacuum; wash your pet weekly with dander-reducing shampoo and use anti-dander spray; wash your hands after handling your pet; wear a dust mask while cleaning; and use vent filters on air conditioners and heaters.

It may sound like a great deal of work in order to eliminate these airborne allergens from your home, but the amount of work will be significantly reduced if you perform these cleaning rituals regularly. If you follow the advice given, your allergy symptoms should be greatly reduced.

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