How can I avoid problems?

It is not easy to avoid most allergens. To avoid suffering with a runny nose and sneezing, try to figure out what allergens cause problems for you. Then stay away from them as much as possible. Here are some tips on how to avoid common allergens:

• Pollen from trees, grass and weeds. Shower or bathe before bedtime to wash off pollen in your hair and on your skin. Avoid going outside during the time of year when your allergies cause the most problems, especially on dry, windy days. Keep windows and doors shut at home and in your car, and use an air conditioner. Special air filters, such as HEPA and electrostatic filters, can help reduce allergens in the air.
  
  
• Mold. Remove houseplants. Frequently clean shower curtains, bathroom windows, damp walls and indoor trash cans. In areas where mold has built up, use a mixture of water and chlorine bleach to kill it. Don’t carpet bathrooms or other damp rooms. Use mold-proof paint instead of wallpaper. Reduce the humidity in your home to 50% or less.
  
  
• Pet dander. If your allergies to dander (skin and hair from animals) are severe, you may need to give your pets away, or at least keep them outside.