Advanced Management Tips

A Healthy Indoor Living Environment

Some of these allergy management steps, while highly effective, can be costly to put into place. So you may wish to start out by trying one or two of these tactics at a time, then adding more as necessary and as your time and money will allow.

Carpet and Allergies

• Remove all wall–to–wall carpeting from your home. Carpets can harbor dust mites, pet dander, and molds. Wood, linoleum, or tile floors can be much healthier for people who have nasal allergies than carpet. It is okay to use throw rugs on your bare floors, as long as you wash them regularly in hot water (130^° F) or dry–clean them

HEPA Filters

• Purchase a vacuum cleaner that has a high–efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter in it. HEPA filters can remove dust mites, pollen, etc., that regular vacuums just send back into the air

Dust and Allergies

• Don't allow knick–knacks to sit out where they can collect dust mites, pet dander, and possibly mold spores. Put objects that might collect dust inside drawers or cabinets

Bedding and Allergies

• Get rid of comforters and pillows filled with down or feathers. Use bedding made of synthetic fibers instead, or cover the down-filled items with allergy–proof casings
• If your bedding—even if it's synthetic—has been exposed to animal dander, replace it. Even if a pet is no longer around, it can take a year or more to get rid of its dander from your bedding. If your nasal allergy symptoms are severe, you may get relief more quickly by purchasing new bedding

Air Filters and Allergies

• Install an in-home air filter, which can be used with your existing forced–air cooling and heating system. Although no air filter has yet been proven to reduce nasal allergy symptoms, you may wish to try one and see if it makes a difference for you. There are several different types you may want to look into:
  • HEPA filters
  • Mechanical filters with disposable fiberglass filters that you change monthly
  • Permanent air filters with baffles that you must clean periodically
  • Electrostatic filters

Making any of the changes listed above can result in an indoor environment that is easier to clean and healthier for you and your whole family. It is not enough to only make environmental changes, however. You must also be sure to stick with the nasal allergy treatment prescribed by your doctor.

To get the most from RHINOCORT AQUA, you need to keep taking it exactly as your doctor prescribed it. Unlike antihistamines, which may work quickly to relieve symptoms of nasal allergies, nasal steroids work over time to relieve the underlying inflammation that causes symptoms to occur. You can get the best possible results from RHINOCORT AQUA by:

• Taking it every day as prescribed
• Refilling your prescription before you run out