Allergies can be hard to manage when their sources lie within your own home. Mold spores, pet dander and dust mite droppings as well as those of dust mites, cockroaches and mice are some of the more prevalent indoor allergens.
These substances cause year-round symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies which irritate tissue directly.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm and humid environments and make their home in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpeting and curtains. When they encounter people sensitive to them they can cause allergic symptoms like runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing; for those living with asthma this could even trigger attacks.
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is the most prevalent species of house dust mite, although D. farinae may also be found. Both mites possess sticky pads at the end of their legs that help them adhere to fibers; additionally they absorb moisture from air or dew sources, potentially spreading through pets as well. Once inside an environment they become resident for life; no need to fear spreading, as you just may come home bearing something!
Dust mite allergies usually produce mild yet persistent symptoms, including runny nose, itchy or watery eyes and sneezing. People living with asthma may also experience chest tightening or pain and coughing attacks as a result.
As previously discussed, there are various ways to decrease dust mite counts in a home. Allergists suggest using allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses while washing linens (sheets, blankets and comforters) at 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for washing. Dehumidifiers may also help to lower humidity; additionally replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with wood or tile flooring may reduce how much dust accumulates within the home.
Pets
Pet dander is one of the leading causes of itchy, watery eyes and runny nose. These symptoms aren’t caused by its fur itself but instead by proteins found in its saliva and urine that form allergens that get released when grooming occurs, walking on people’s carpet or furniture, or getting onto clothing. Although true hypoallergenic pets do not exist, certain breeds of dogs and cats produce less dander than others.
As with dust mites, pet dander thrives in warm and humid environments. Shed from your pet’s skin, its allergenic particles stick to bedding, curtains, carpets and upholstery furniture when breathed in by humans and trigger the immune system’s overreaction and release of antibodies that lead to allergy symptoms.
For maximum effectiveness in combatting pet dander allergies, avoid direct contact with the animal and keep it out of your bedroom. Washable allergen-resistant covers on pillows and mattresses may help decrease exposure; regular vacuuming/sweeping/sweeping as well as replacing wall-to-wall carpet with tile/linoleum could further help decrease exposure. A board certified allergist can perform allergy tests to determine if you’re sensitive to pet dander pollen/other indoor allergens such as mold. Skin tests or blood tests can both provide accurate results; allergie immunotherapy or allergy shots is often effective long term solutions when treating allergies related to common indoor allergens/allergies/gens/etc.
Mold
Molds are small fungi that thrive in damp environments and may trigger allergies in certain people. Mold spores float freely through the air, and when inhaled may trigger an allergic response that manifests with runny or stuffy nose, watery itchy eyes, sinus congestion and difficulty breathing symptoms.
Mold allergy symptoms resemble those caused by pet dander and pollen allergens, including inhaling mold spores which may result in skin rashes or stomach irritation. People who exhibit severe reactions could potentially be susceptible to an even more serious condition known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; which combines an allergic response in the lungs with inflammation of sinuses and bronchioles that could ultimately prove life-threatening.
Molds tend to thrive from July through early fall, but can form throughout the year in damp places like bathrooms, kitchens, storage areas and basements – even outdoor areas with decaying vegetation. Some types of mold have even been discovered growing on foods like mushrooms and cheese!
Avoiding exposure to mold is the primary means of mitigating reactions, so regularly clean and dry mold-prone areas and keep indoor humidity as low as possible. Take over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine to block histamine action and reduce inflammation (e.g. cetirizine or loratadine) until your doctor recommends nasal corticosteroids or sublingual immunotherapy in order to build tolerance to allergens.
Smoke
Smoke contains invisible, fine particles that can travel deep into the lungs and trigger asthma attacks and cause respiratory irritation, while simultaneously irritating skin and eyes. Long-term exposure can also sensitize to indoor allergens as well as worsen reactions from foods eaten.
Smoke can irritate both the nose and throat, resulting in sneezing, itchy watery eyes and runny noses. The itchy sensation stems from irritation of nasal membranes which then release histamine and other chemicals that trigger reactions such as sinus congestion or chronic coughs.
Shortness of breath occurs when the lungs do not receive sufficient oxygen and could be due to either exposure to tobacco smoke, preexisting conditions such as asthma or preexisting damage caused by exposure. Damage from smoking could include emphysema or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Residential wood smoke is one of the primary contributors to poor air quality in winter months and may exacerbate asthma symptoms for people already susceptible to indoor allergens. A major source of fine particle pollution, indoor smokey environments are one way to decrease particle levels in your home by increasing ventilation or using an air purifier; you might also consider switching out traditional log-burning fires for LED candles instead.
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