While there's no "cure" for allergies, there are effective treatments and ways to identify and reduce exposure to your triggers. If you also have asthma, avoiding the triggers that cause allergy symptoms may also improve your asthma symptoms.

But even with best efforts, you can't always completely avoid your allergy triggers. Some common microscopic allergens - dust mites, pollen and mold spores - are everywhere. Here are some helpful tips to help reduce your exposure to the allergens in your environment.

Dust mite control
House dust is a mix of tiny plant and animal particles on which microscopic creatures called "dust mites" thrive.

• Minimize upholstery. Dust mites love fabric. Reduce the amount of carpeting and bedding in your home or make sure that what you have is washable (and that you wash it often).
• Choose hardwood floors over wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Get rid of scatter rugs. Any scatter rugs you have should be washable.
• Dust before vacuuming.
• Use washable curtains and shades, not blinds (they collect too much dust).
• Check with your allergist about room/home filters, especially HEPA filters.
• Avoid upholstered furniture. When possible, choose leather or wood furniture instead. Go with simple, rather than ornate designs where dust can collect.
• Wear a dust mask when cleaning, or better yet, have someone else do the dusting and vacuuming.
• Encase pillows and mattresses in plastic slipcovers, and tape over the zipper.
• Limit bric-a-brac and clutter, especially in the bedroom. These collect dust.
• Choose bookcases with doors. For children with allergies, keep toys in covered plastic containers on shelves when not in use.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity below 50 percent.

In the summer, avoid fans (which stir up the dust, and bring allergens in from the outside) and use air conditioners instead. With forced air vents, use a filter, or cover the vent with cheesecloth, and remove and wash it frequently. Clean all filters frequently. Inspect all air ducts regularly and clean when needed.

Pollen and mold control
Pollens are powdery grains that are the male cells from plants. Pollen grains become airborne, especially during the spring, summer and early fall. Mold spores become airborne and, when inhaled, cause allergy symptoms. Mold spores exist outdoors and indoors and can cause allergies all year round.

• Limit outdoor activity to times of lower pollen and mold counts when possible.
• Avoid freshly cut grass because mowing the lawn stirs up pollen and mold.
• Wash hands after petting animals that have been outside. Pollen settles on their coat.
• Shower and shampoo hair after being outside to rid hair and skin of pollen.
• Change into fresh clothing, and wash clothing that has been outside.
• Try to separate "indoor" shoes from "outdoor" shoes, to limit tracking the pollen and mold throughout the house.
• Use air conditioners, not fans, in warm weather to avoid bringing in the "outside" air.

Animal allergen control
Contrary to what you may have heard, animal fur is not what people are allergic to. It's the dander (dead skin flakes) and protein in the animal's saliva that spark allergy symptoms. Urine from rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs also cause allergies. Before buying a furry pet, see if you are allergic by taking a trip to the pet store or spending time with the pet of a family member or friend. If you already have a pet and find you're allergic - and are not willing to give your cat or dog up to a caring new owner - there are some steps to reduce your exposure to animal allergens:

• Keep the pet out of the bedroom and other rooms where people who are allergic spend a lot of time.
• Bathe your cat or dog once a week.
• Have a nonallergic family member clean the rabbit or hamster cage.
• Avoid carpeting. It's better to have hardwood floors or tile.
• A HEPA air cleaner may reduce animal allergen exposure.