Sinus Congestion Relief- Avoid Dust
and Dust Mites
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When I first started getting serious treatment by an ENT
specialist for my sinus congestion and sinusitis problems, I
was tested for allergies. This can be done via a blood test
these days, which is much easier than the old method of
scratching one’s back and testing numerous allergens on the
person. It turned out that I tested mildly positive for two
types of allergies, dust and dust mites.
I subsequently took weekly shots for about two years, and I don’t know if these helped a great deal or not, but my doctor thought we should try everything. I wasn’t particularly worried about the dust mite allergy, as I’m told there aren’t a lot of them in Colorado where we live. |
For one thing, they need humidity and can’t live in an environment where the humidity is less than 50%.
In Colorado we often have humidity levels in the single digits during the year. A good level of humidity
for a bedroom is about 40%, both for the proper functioning of one’s cilia-mucous system, as well as
for avoiding dust mites.
In the event you live in an area where the relative humidity is above 50%, the following article from
the Health Solutions Newsletter might be of interest.
Allergy Avoidance- Dust Mite Protection
If you have allergies or asthma, breathing in
particles of dust, pollen and other pollutants can make your life
miserable. To effectively control your allergy problem, your home must
be as free of allergens as possible. It makes good sense to ensure that
your home is a healthy one. By minimizing your exposure to allergens
within your home, you can give your body time to rest and recuperate. To
accomplish this follow your doctor's housecleaning instructions and our
"Steps to Take" below.
Beware of Dust Mites
Dust mites are the major cause of allergy and asthma problems within the bedroom. They are found mainly in your mattress, box spring and pillows. Dust mites are a fact of life and their presence is not a reflection on one's housekeeping. Allergic people react to the waste products of mites and to the mite itself after it has died and disintegrated into dust. With a new generation being born every 3 weeks, the bedroom area can quickly become a major health problem to allergy and asthma sufferers.
Steps to take…
Follow your doctor's cleaning instructions carefully and pay particular attention to your bedroom (see below "an Allergen Free Bedroom").
For a more comfortable and restful sleep seal your pillows, mattress and box spring with our medically proven Allergen Tight encasements for protection against dust, mold and mites.
Install Electrostatic Air Cleaner in your furnace and make your whole house a healthier place to live.
To remove odors and toxic chemicals, install enviro-filter in your register vents.
Have your furnace ducts professionally cleaned every two to three years.
The use of a HEPA air cleaner in your bedroom can help minimize your exposure to allergens.
Treat bathroom tiles, grouting, window frames and sills with mold inhibitor.(Lysol, Tilex, etc.)
Vacuum regularly using a well filtered portable vacuum or a central vacuum system vented to the outside.
-Keep decor as simple as possible. No books, open shelving etc. as they attract dust. Damp mop regularly. No smoking.
-Doors and closets should be spotless and contain only items you use regularly.
-Simple wooden furniture, is recommended. Do NOT use stuffed or upholstered furniture.
-Wood or linoleum floors are best. Small, washable scatter rugs may be used. If you can't eliminate the rug, clean and vacuum it regularly.
-Use washable, synthetic blankets and bedspread. Launder these regularly on hot cycle. Store nothing under the bed.
-An allergen free bedroom is most important. Mattresses, box springs and pillows MUST BE sealed inside dust mite proof encasements like Sleep Fresh™ encasements from Health Solutions Medical Products Corporation are available at retailers of allergy products and allergy avoidance item(s).
-Pillows should be of washable, synthetic material. All pillows should be encased in allergen tight encasements.
-A centrally installed electrostatic air cleaner and/or a portable HEPA air cleaner can be very helpful.
-Window curtains must be washed regularly.
-No stuffed toys. Necessary toys should be of wood, plastic or metal. Ornaments in general should be avoided. No flowers, perfumes or powders.
-Never allow pets in the bedroom.
-Use a mold cleaner on window frames.