Though you can't do much about the environment, there are lots of things you can do to rid your home of everyday allergens that may be causing problems.

To make your current home less allergenic:

In the bedroom - You spend a third of your life here. If you can rid your bedroom of harmful allergens and irritants, you'll be giving your respiratory system a chance to rest and build up strength. 

Encase your pillows and mattresses - It's wise to invest in allergen-proof encasements for both, since both are perfect breeding grounds for dust mites. Or, choose foam rubber mattresses instead. 

Wash in hot water - All bedding, yes, including blankets, should be washed in hot water, once a week. Cold or warm water won't do the trick. 

Down with down - Comforters may look lovely in the catalogues, but they can wreak havoc with your respiratory system. Stay away from all items containing down or feathers. 

Choose wood over carpeting - Wood floors are a lot easier to clean and to keep clean. If you must use carpeting, choose one with a low pile so dust has no place to hide. Always keep the floors clear of things, so that you can dust and vacuum easily. 

Move your clothing out - Clothing collects dust, too. If possible keep all clothing in a closet or dressing room apart from the bedroom area. 

Invest in an air conditioner - You'll be able to keep windows closed, so pollen doesn't enter. And you'll also be filtering out mold spores. (Just make sure you keep that air conditioner filter clean.) 

All around the house:

Cut down on plants - The fewer you have, the better. Molds love to hang around and grow on wet dirt. 

Use your dryer - Laundry dried outdoors can pick up pollen and spores from the air. Try to use your dryer instead. An added bonus: your dryer filters out allergens as it dries. 

Unclutter your life - Less knick-knacks collect less dust. If you have things you want to display (like trophies), put them in a glass case that is easy to clean. 

It's curtains for Venetians - Every one of those nice slim slats is really a dust-collector in disguise. Switch to washable curtains or shades instead. 

Check your heating system - Forced hot air has its problems. It uses blowers that kick dust and other allergens high into the air. If that's what your system is, put filters over the ducts. And change or wash the filter inside your furnace monthly. You might also want to consider the installation of an electrostatic filter. 

Use a double-bag vacuum - And look for one with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. An ordinary vacuum can actually leave ten times more dust around after you use it. Vacuum twice a week, at least. And if you do it yourself, consider wearing a mask. 

"Look! A nook!" Nooks and crannies are perfect places for bugs to hide and dust to grow. So keep those areas as clean as possible. 

No ifs, or buts. Even if you're not allergic to tobacco smoke, it can aggravate and irritate your sensitive nasal passages and respiratory system. For lots of reasons, it's wise to make your home a no smoking zone.

(Based on Net Resources)