Avoiding allergens that make you sick can be extremely difficult to apply in a real world setting. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has provided strategies to minimize allergen exposure by allergen type. Knowing which allergens to avoid is imperative if optimal prevention strategies, including alterations in environmental conditions and family lifestyle, are to be carried out. Although complete allergen elimination can be very difficult to accomplish, partial avoidance is helpful.

ALLERGEN	CONTROL MEASURES
Pollen	Keep windows and doors closed. Don't use window or attic fans that draw in outside air. Refrain from or restrict outdoor activities during times of high pollen counts. Control timing of outdoor exposure. Restrict camping, hiking, and raking leaves. Use portable HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters.
Mold spores	Don't walk through uncut fields, work with compost or dry soil, or rake leaves. Don't use window or attic fans that draw in outside air. Use air conditioning. Keep windows and doors closed. Clean moldy surfaces. Fix water leaks. Use air conditioning and dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity to less than 50%, if possible.
House dust mite residues	Encase mattress, pillow, and box springs in allergen proof impermeable covers. Wash bedding in hot water (greater than 130 degrees F). Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50%, if possible. Remove stuffed toys from bedroom. Remove bedroom carpeting and any carpets laid on concrete. Minimize upholstered furniture.
Animal allergens	Remove pet from home, if possible. If pet cannot be removed: Keep animal out of the patient's bedroom and keep bedroom door closed at all times. Keep pet off upholstered furniture and carpets. Wash pet weekly to decrease amount of dander or dried saliva. Use HEPA filter in bedroom and elevate filter off floor. Close air ducts in child's bedroom.
Cockroach residues	Keep food or garbage in closed containers. Take out garbage regularly. Do not store paper bags, newspapers, or cardboard boxes. Use boric acid traps or hydromethylnon; avoid using poisons around very young children.
Cigarette smoke	Not an allergen, but an extremely important irritant that worsens allergic rhinitis. Cigarette smoking should be eliminated from all environments where non smokers are present, including the home, car, school or work place.

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