How to Cure Dust Allergies

Dust allergies range from mild to severe, and symptoms can resemble a cold. Dust is everywhere, and people who suffer from dust allergies endure annoying symptoms such as a runny nose, wheezing, coughing and sneezing. Though there is no way to cure dust allergies completely, there are many ways to relieve symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Medication
• Vacuum
• Air purifier

Instructions

1. Take an antihistamine. Medications such as Benadryl and Claritin are available over-the-counter, and they block the chemical (histamine) that causes an allergic reaction. Take an antihistamine to alleviate sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and other allergy-related symptoms.

2. Use a corticosteroid. If an antihistamine doesn't relieve dust allergy symptoms, take a corticosteroid. Available as a nasal spray, these medications reduce inflammation in the nasal passage and reduce dust allergy symptoms.

3. Regularly wash your bedding. Dust generally collects on comforters, pillows and stuff animals. To treat dust allergy symptoms, wash your bedding once a week, and frequently wash pillows and stuff toys.

4. Remove dust from surfaces. Use a household cleaner and dust your house once or twice a week. Remove dust from tables, ceiling fans, floor boards and other surfaces

5. Vacuum your floors. Dust can also collect in carpets. Vacuum your floors often to remove dust and alleviate symptoms. Pick a vacuum with a quality filter, such as an environmental HEPA filter. If you're suffering from severe dust allergies, consider removing your carpet and installing hardwood floors or tiles.

6. Buy an air purifier. Purifiers collect airborne dust and cleanse the air inside your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Home air filters collect dust. Check your humidifier and air-conditioner filters monthly, and change them regularly.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic on Dust Allergies
• Learn more about HEPA filters.