Cottonwood trees are spoiling the air with their seeds and causing a huge increase in seasonal allergies, so this is as good a time as any to explore how to handle allergies and discuss protecting ourselves at home from allergies. We will also talk about other allergies, as well.
Let's talk about what you can do in your home to reduce allergens. Your heating and cooling systems can be great allies in the fight against allergies. During allergy season, running your air conditioning can help. It doesn't just cool your home, it also filters the air, removing many allergens. Make sure to change your AC filters regularly—about every three months is a good rule of thumb.
When running our heaters in the winter, the dry air can irritate our nasal passages. Consider using a humidifier to add some moisture to the air. But be careful not to make it too humid, as that can encourage dust mites and mold growth. Aim for a humidity level between 30% and 50%.
If it’s summer and you don’t need the heat but don’t have an air conditioner, many heaters allow you to turn off the heating element but keep it pushing air through the venting systems. Just moving the air through the filters that the blowers have can help remove allergens.
Vacuuming and dusting are crucial for reducing allergens in your home. Try to vacuum at least twice a week, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible. For dusting, use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster, which can just spread dust around. Try to dust at least once a week, focusing on areas where dust collects like bookshelves, windowsills and the tops of picture frames.
Another daily habit that can help is leaving your shoes at the door. This prevents you from tracking in pollen and other outdoor allergens and depositing them into the carpet fibers to be kicked up later by people walking.
Food allergies can affect us no matter where we live. In Alaska, we enjoy lots of fresh seafood, but some folks might be allergic to fish or shellfish. If you've eaten these foods all your life without problems but suddenly feel sick after eating them, talk to your doctor. It could be a new allergy—those can happen at any time of your life.
Our long, dark winters bring their own challenges. We spend more time indoors, which can increase our exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites and mold. To help, use a dehumidifier in your home, especially in damp areas like basements. This can reduce mold growth. Also, when the weather allows, open your windows to let fresh air circulate.
Seasonal allergies in Alaska can be tricky. On days when pollen counts are high, try to stay indoors. But we know how precious our outdoor time is, especially during our short summers. If you do go out, wear a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes and hair. You may want to change your clothes when you come in and consider taking a quick shower to rinse off any pollen.
For those with pet allergies, it's important to note that many Alaskans have dogs, often large breeds that spend time both indoors and outdoors. If you're visiting friends with pets, take your allergy medicine before you go. If you have pets yourself, try to keep them out of your bedroom to reduce your exposure to pet dander.
If you have an allergic reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines can help with mild symptoms. If you have severe symptoms like trouble breathing, or feeling like your tongue or throat is swelling, call 911 right away.
It's a good idea to see your doctor for less severe but persistent symptoms. They might refer you to an allergy specialist. While there aren't many specialists in Alaska, telemedicine options are becoming more common, giving you access to expert care.
Remember, in Alaska, we're used to preparing for extreme conditions. Think of managing your allergies the same way – with the right preparation and knowledge, you can handle whatever comes your way. By taking these steps in your home and daily life, you can significantly reduce your exposure to allergens and breathe easier.
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy all that our beautiful Alaska has to offer.
Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaska resident with over 25 years of public safety and public service experience. He is the City of Houston Fire Chief and serves on many local and state workgroups, boards and commissions related to safety. He lives in Big Lake with his wife of 20 years and their three teenage sons.
