10 Things That May Be Making Your Allergies Worse

Some surprising reasons why your symptoms might be so intense (11 Photos)

Camille Noe Pagán on Mar 17, 2012 at 3:01PM

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10 Things That May Be Making Your Allergies Worse

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Trouble Trigger: Your Friend’s Dog



At least 10 percent of the population is allergic to animals, and up to 30 percent of people suffer allergic reactions to their furry friends, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you’re one of them, don’t think that simply not having a dog or cat yourself will save you from symptoms. “Pet dander is extremely sticky, so if your friend visits and she has a pet, she may transfer dander from herself onto your furniture,” says  David Rosenstreich, M.D., director of allergy and immunology at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, who adds that allergic symptoms can develop hours, and even days, after exposure.

Allergy Easer: Dr. Rosenstritch suggests you vacuum your upholstered furniture and rugs right after you have pet-owning company, preferably with a HEPA filter-containing vac (which remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles, according to the United States Department of Energy).
 

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