Do you use nasal sprays?
Sniff gently.
Do you take inhaled corticosteroids?
Rinse mouth immediately after inhaling even when using a
spacer.
DO NOT swallow rinse water.
Are you allergic to dust mites?
Encase even new mattresses, box springs,
and pillows in
zipped allergen-proof covers as they quickly become
infested with dust mites.
Are you allergic to dust mites and mold?
Moisture increases both of these allergens.
Keep indoor humidity between 25 and 50 percent.
Do not lay carpet on concrete/cement; moisture from
the concrete can keep the carpet damp.
Have you had an acute asthma flare?
Avoid strenuous activity for a day or two
following
an acute asthma flare or attack.
Do you exercise outdoors?
When breathing fast and through the mouth
during exercise,
one can inhale more allergens and irritants than usual.
Do you use eye drops?
When using topical eye medicines,
do not touch the eyelid
or surrounding area with the dropper tip to avoid contamination
of tip and solution.
What are some maintenance
tips
that can reduce mold exposure?
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms.
Repair leaky plumbing.
Empty the drip pan under the refrigerator.
Air out dark spaces under sinks.
Wash and dry wet clothing and towels promptly
or hang to dry until they can be laundered.
Spread out the shower curtain across the shower rod
in order for it to dry following a shower.
What fall activities may increase mold
exposure?
Raking leaves
Walks in the woods
Fall camping trips
Fall planting
Spreading pine straw
Handling fire wood
How can ear or sinus pressure be
reduced
during air travel?
Taking
a short-acting decongestant by mouth or using an over-the-counter
decongestant nasal spray (like AfrinŽ) 30 minutes prior to flight will
help
sinus or ear discomfort. On a long flight, use a decongestant 30 minutes
prior to descent which is when the pressure problem occurs. If
possible,
avoid flying during and shortly after acute sinus or ear infections.
Chewing
gum, swallowing, or sipping water may decrease ear or sinus pressure.
