Allergy sufferers have to learn, sometimes through trial and error, what methods of control and treatment work for them. This can be especially difficult if you are susceptible to allergens from a variety of sources. It's important to build up a good allergy relief store of supplies to help you deal with and prevent emergencies.
Although you might not need every type of allergy control product on the market, having the following things on hand will be useful, especially if you have guests or family members in your home who are prone to allergies. While some items needed for a good allergy relief store of supplies can be costly, they are worth it in the long run if suffering is prevented or relieved.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. These devices are able to filter all air particles down to .3 microns. The filters can remove 99.97% of contaminants of this size or larger. This is ideal for filtering pollen and dust out of the air, with pollen particles being 10-100 microns and dust being around .5-5 microns.
HEPA filters are essential for a good allergy relief store of supplies. Some even have ultraviolet light, which helps kill mold spores, bacteria and some viruses. These filters can be costly and must be replaced often.
Chemical-Free Cleaning Supplies
Chemical irritants in many common household cleaners can quickly bring on severe allergy attacks. It's important that your allergy relief store of supplies has chemical-free detergents, soaps, dusting supplies and floor cleaners. These products must not have perfumes, dyes and irritating additives. No cleaning product should have ammonia.
Medicines
Always have your prescribed medicines on hand. They are essential for your allergy relief store of supplies, so don't be afraid to ask your doctor for a few extra refills so you don't run out. Be sure to check expiration dates and throw out anything that is outdated. Do not store medicines in places with high humidity, like the bathroom or above the stove. Finally, keep all medicines in the original bottles with the correct label and instructions.
Dust Mite Allergy Bedding
Dust mite allergy is the No. 1 indoor allergy -- about 10% of population suffers from it. Encasing your mattress, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof covers will deprive dust mites of the dead skin cells that are their primary food. Specially-made pillows can provide a dust mite barrier. These types of covers and bedding are important to a comprehensive allergy relief store of supplies.
This list is just a start to developing what you need in your home to have a useful allergy relief store of products on hand. It's important to have medicine on hand but it's even better to use these items to help prevent an attack before it happens.