Non-pharmacologic therapy refers to treatment that does not involve medicine. Allergy sufferers have several options for drug-free treatment of their symptoms, depending on the allergen triggers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best treatment for your allergies is avoidance. While medications will help you deal with the symptoms, they do little to help treat the problem long-term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are suffering from hay fever (allergies to pollen, pet dander and mold), there are a few simple things you can do to reduce these allergens in your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep doors and windows closed, especially on windy days and during pollen season, using air-conditioning when necessary.<\/li>
Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high; if you must go outside, wear sunglasses to keep pollen from your eyes. <\/li>
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust mite-proof cases. Wash all your bedding in hot water at least once a week. <\/li>
Remove carpeting from your home and replace with easy to clean material such as hardwood or linoleum. If the wall-to-wall carpeting cannot be removed, vacuum and shampoo the carpet regularly.<\/li>
Use only washable window coverings, such as cotton or synthetic curtains. <\/li>
During pollen season, keep your windows closed. <\/li>
Get rid of clutter; this means removing any knickknacks that sit on tables collecting dust.<\/li>
Invest in a HEPA air filtration system to remove small allergen particles from the air.<\/li>
Keep potted plants out of the house \u2013 either plant them outside or give them away.<\/li>
Avoid using a wood-burning fireplace or stove; the smoke will worsen respiratory allergies. <\/li>
Wash the sink regularly and don\u2019t let dishes pile up; this can create a breeding ground for mold.<\/li>
Wash or replace moldy shower curtains and bathmats.<\/li>
Nasal irrigation \u2013 rinsing the nasal passages with a saltwater solution, using a bulb syringe or Neti pot \u2013 can help reduce the symptoms of hay fever.<\/li>
Keep your house at 68 F to 72 F. Dust mites and mold breed best in hot humid conditions. <\/li>
Don\u2019t allow smoking inside your home.<\/li>
Make sure to bathe pets once a week and keep them out of your bedroom and off the furniture.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n