Allergies are common in Lake Forest, Illinois, but if your allergies seem to be worse in the morning, you could be dealing with more than just an issue with what’s blooming outside. The quality of the air you breathe in your home could be to blame if you’re constantly waking up congested. Make sure to treat the problem, and look for ways to improve the indoor air quality to eliminate these symptoms for good.
Air Pollution
Although the air pollution in this area isn’t too drastic, smog and pollution from vehicles and industrial facilities can still be present in the air you breathe outside. These gases can seep through cracks and gaps in your home, as well as through the windows you leave open to get some fresh air.
Air pollution can cause you to wake up feeling stuffy, but changing your HVAC filter regularly and running the system often should remove the toxins from the air.
Seasonal Allergies
You could wake up with a stuffy nose because your seasonal allergies are acting up. Many people suffer from allergies to pollen, grasses, certain types of trees, and other things that pop up and bloom throughout the different seasons.
You might want to try taking allergy medication before going to bed to see if this alleviates the symptoms. Using an air purifier in your bedroom and keeping the windows closed will also reduce the presence of allergens.
Coming Down With a Cold
The common cold is, well, common. Congestion is often caused by the early symptoms of a cold, which may also include body aches, chills, a fever, or a sore throat. The best way to tell if a virus or an allergic reaction caused your symptoms is to leave the place where you’re feeling sick.
If you feel awful upon waking up every morning, but you never feel sick when you’re at work or outside the home, you’re likely experiencing the symptoms of an allergy. When the symptoms remain, no matter where you are, they’re probably caused by a virus. Get lots of rest to help your body fight the cold.
Dust Mites
Many people are allergic to dust mites, which accumulate on and around furniture and in your carpeting. By taking some steps to keep your home as clean as possible, you may be able to alleviate your symptoms. Start by vacuuming the floors of your home at least once a week with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter. If you’re severely allergic to dust mites, consider replacing the carpet in your bedroom with some type of flooring that won’t trap tiny particles.
It’s also important to clean your bedding and window coverings, as dust mites will build up on these textiles, as well. If you have drapes or curtains, take them down at least monthly to wash them. Wash bedding in hot water and use a dust-mite-proof covering on your mattress to prevent particles from getting into the material.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
The quality of your indoor air may also be the culprit of your allergic symptoms in the morning. When you sleep, you breathe more deeply, so if the air you’re breathing isn’t healthy, your body may respond by reacting to what it perceives as unwelcome objects. Pet hair, dander, pollen, dust, and dirt can all be present in your home, and as the HVAC system runs, it can recirculate those contaminants multiple times.
Changing your HVAC filter regularly can help restrict contaminants from getting into the system in the first place. You may want to upgrade to a filter with a higher minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, as this type of filter can prevent smaller particles from entering the system.
Regular duct cleaning is another important step in the process of improving your indoor air quality. During this service, an HVAC technician will remove all built-up debris within the ducts, allowing the air to flow freely. Sealing the ducts is another option to consider if you’re suffering from serious symptoms.
Take advantage of our indoor air quality solutions at Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning Co. and breathe easier by calling 847-388-0108.
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