Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and while many may not realize, individuals with allergies and asthma need to take extra special precautions on this holiday. This is the holiday when many go out to eat, give heart-shaped boxes filled with candy, overload on the perfume or cologne, and give out gifts to demonstrate their love. However, for many allergy and asthma sufferers this can pose a big problem for their health and well-being. Remember, it’s the little things that matter, so don’t just think about the big picture this Valentine’s Day. Pay attention to your loved one’s health and wellness by following these recommended Valentine’s Day allergy tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
1. Keep a Clean Home
There is nothing sexier than a clean home to a person who suffers from allergies or asthma. When your house isn’t clean, allergens such as pet dander, mold, and dust can set off an asthma or an allergy attack. A person with serious allergies or asthma will appreciate being able to breathe in your house, so keep it clean. Make sure you change your air filters often, and invest in a cyclonic vacuum or one that uses a HEPA filter.
2. Ditch the Smoke
While fires can be romantic, the smoke can make it hard to breathe for your loved one since it is a common asthma trigger. As another one of the top Valentine’s Day allergy tips, we suggest investing in one of the quartz heaters that have a fireplace look. It’s not the same, but it mimics a flame and will keep you toasty warm! Also be mindful and do not smoke tobacco inside, as secondhand smoke has been shown to increase the prevalence of asthma and its symptoms.
3. Provide a relaxing environment
Having a clean home makes for a more welcoming atmosphere and can help limit stress levels. Stress can have negative effects for allergy and asthma sufferers, so you want to limit stress levels by providing a relaxing environment. Stress can cause more symptoms to surface, so make the room and the time to schedule in a massage!
4. Ditch the Cologne and Perfume
Cologne and perfume are very strong fragrances that many people have a reaction to. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in perfume or cologne often cause a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, headaches, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals. If your loved one suffers from allergies or asthma, you should really ditch the perfume or cologne, and stick with using natural fragrances instead.
5. Eat Healthy and Be Aware of Common Food Allergies
Many like to have a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day, so be sure to cook up a healthy meal. As one of the most crucial Valentine’s Day allergy tips, eating healthy is vital in the management of asthma and allergies. However, keep in mind that those who suffer from food allergies need to take special precautions when eating out and when eating a home-cooked meal. Just in case you aren’t sure of your Valentine’s allergies, here are some of the common food allergens that you should be aware of.
• Soy
• Peanuts and other nuts
• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Shellfish, especially lobster, shrimp, and crab, as well as fish.
• Individuals who become sensitized from the bite of a Lone Star tick can suffer from anaphylaxis after eating red meat such as beef and pork.