The smartest way to unstuff your nose

A stuffy nose that just won't go away? Don't blame a lingering cold. Think allergies instead. Nearly a third of Americans and hefty numbers of people in other countries as well, are allergic to dust mites (really, it's their droppings, but we're not going to go there), which live inside your pillow and mattress, and other stuffing-filled places you've spent time.

And when your home is all sealed up in the winter to keep heating costs down, your Kleenex costs are likely to rise - along with your chance of a bad night's sleep and your risk of asthma, eczema or chronic sinusitis. The first step in treating allergies is limiting your exposure to them:

- Avoid clutter and dust and mite poop catchers: knickknacks, drapes, stacks of books, papers or toys, especially in the bedroom.

- Bare your floors (and damp mop them frequently). If you do have carpet, vacuum often and clean under the furniture and in the closet.

- Use only polyester pillows and wash them - and all bedding - frequently, in very hot water (130 degrees F). For extra protection, zip mattresses, box springs, and pillows in allergen-proof coverings that block particles of one micron or larger.

- If you have a forced-air heating system, change the filters monthly. Cold and warm air ducts should be professionally cleaned at least every four to five years.

- Use an air cleaner with a HEPA or electrostatic filter.

If you get symptoms during housecleaning, wear a mask over your nose and mouth during these chores. Better yet, have your spouse do the cleaning!

The YOU Docs, Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz, are authors of the "YOU: Being Beautiful - The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions, go to RealAge.com. Distributed by King Features Syndicate.