allergies • technology • Newsletter • Health & Wellness • 2 min read • Apr 15, 2015 12:00:00 AM • Written by: Kat Smith
Technology can enhance virtually every aspect of your life, but you may be missing out on a great use of high-tech gadgets as you suffer from allergy symptoms this spring. While antihistamines and an endless supply of tissues may be your primary tools for fighting seasonal allergies, there are many other ways that you can find relief while using modern technologies. Below, you’ll see some of the gadgets and tech tools that can help you keep allergy symptoms at bay this season—especially while you are at home.
Allergy-tracker Apps
If you’re like most people, you are probably attached at the hip to your smartphone, so grab your cell and download one of many allergy tracker apps that can give you up-to-the-minute information about pollen forecasts in your area. This may help you better plan when to run your daily errands or remind you to take an antihistamine before leaving for work when pollen counts are high.
Allergen-trapping vacuums
Carpeting can add warmth and comfort to your home, but it also traps dust and other allergens, which can be difficult to eliminate with any old vacuum cleaner. When you purchase a vacuum, you might need to invest a little more to get a model featuring a HEPA filter that will trap dust mites rather than kicking dust back into the air as you clean. Some vacuums also feature special kits with extensions that can clean mattresses, blinds, and furniture, where allergy-inducing dust mites like to hide. A good rule of thumb is to vacuum once every week and change bedding just as often. Remember to wash your linens in hot water to ensure that stubborn dust mites and other irritants are eradicated.
Air purifiers
An air purifier can cost anywhere from $100-$1,000, depending on how much square footage it can be held accountable for. If you are looking to keep your air purification budget-friendly, use an air purifier in higher-traffic areas of the home and look for a model that uses HEPA filters rather than basic cloth ones.
MeMD is another tech-friendly tool that can help you fight allergies from all angles. Our doctors are available 24/7 to provide you with web-based consultations for personalized allergy treatment planning that is unique to your needs.
