Identify Smoke Allergy Triggers
Triggers are also known as the things that set off allergic reactions. In the case of a smoke allergy, the triggers are essentially synonymous with the allergy itself (i.e., smoke particles). However, there are many places in which you may be exposed to smoke, some of them unexpected.
Instructions
Spot and Reduce Smoke Allergy Triggers
1. Ask friends and family members who smoke to do so outside in well ventilated areas, away from doors and windows where smoke may re-enter your home. Second-hand smoke is an obvious allergy trigger, but you'll have a hard time avoiding it if you don't speak up.
2. Extinguish the fire. Tobacco isn't the only smoke that can trigger allergies--woodsmoke can aggravate smoke allergies too. Steer clear of campfires, and, if you're very sensitive, even candles.
3. Bathe your pets regularly in an anti-dander solution and don't let stray pet hairs linger in your home. Allergies have a tendency to feed off of each other, and those who are experiencing reactions to pet dander (or other substances such as pollen or dust mites) can be especially susceptible to smoke allergies.
4. Avoid strong smells and other toxic chemicals. Common substances like paint, perfume, chlorine bleach and harsh cleaning products frequently trigger allergies, so it is important to identify and remove these substances if they are in use around your home.
5. Avoid vacuuming carpet, beating rugs or performing any other activity that stirs up dust particles. If you're allergic to smoke, you will tend to react to these airborne irritants in the same manner.
6. Keep an allergy journal in which you record the symptoms of each allergy attack you experience, along with its location, duration and surrounding circumstances. Present this to your doctor when you go in for allergy testing to help pinpoint your personal triggers.
