Pet dander, dust mites, mold and cockroach parts allergies can cause year-round symptoms that require medications and immunotherapy treatments in order to be managed successfully.
If eye itching, runny nose, or postnasal drip are year-round issues for you, then they could be signs of nonseasonal hay fever (commonly known as indoor allergies). Learn how to manage their triggers at home.
Animal Allergens
Pet and rodent allergens such as cat dander (dead skin flakes) and saliva can trigger allergy symptoms in some people. Feathered animals and products made with feathers may also trigger them, and most animal allergens float freely through the air as minute particles that become trapped in carpets, curtains or furniture for extended periods before becoming breathed in by individuals who react by experiencing itchy eyes and nose (allergic rhinitis) or wheezing and coughing (atopic bronchitis).
Animal allergens consist of proteins found in fur, saliva, body secretions and skin. When breathed in, these proteins can bind with IgE antibodies found on mast cells and release histamine – the chemical responsible for allergic reactions.
Studies have revealed that homes with pets often contain higher concentrations of dog and cat allergens than do homes without pets, with highest concentrations typically found on living room sofas, since this is where most pets prefer resting their heads.
Allergens from laboratory animals such as lipocalins from mice (Mus m 1) and rats (Rat n 1) can also trigger allergic rhinitis in children of laboratory workers who handle mice, rats, hamsters or rabbits; children exposed through parental work at these labs are more likely to exhibit positive skin-prick test results for these allergens than are their counterparts from non-exposed parents.
Mold
Mold allergies can produce symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes and irritated skin – potentially acting as a trigger for asthma attacks. Mold allergies result from overactive immune systems reacting to mold spores released by fungi; those sensitive to mold usually experience reactions in damp environments like basements or bathrooms as well as outdoor spaces with dead vegetation that have decayed over time.
Mold spores are tiny particles that can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause various respiratory conditions, including runny nose, itchy eyes or sinus congestion. Mold allergies may also result in skin rashes or hives as well as digestive distress – in severe cases even leading to life-threatening allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis!
Mold allergies often present symptoms similar to other allergens such as pet dander and dust mites; such as runny nose, itchy eyes or throat and sneezing.
Antihistamines and nasal spray corticosteroids may provide temporary relief, while daily nasal rinsing with salt water to clear away irritants is another useful method. Immunotherapy involving regular injections to build tolerance to allergens may offer longer term relief to some with mold allergies.
Dust
Dust mites are one of the leading causes of indoor allergy symptoms. These microscopic creatures live in bedding, mattresses and pillows and thrive in environments rich in human dander (dead skin flakes) and high humidity – areas rich with human skin cells which produce dead flakes as well as high humidity levels. Dust mite allergens may trigger anything from runny nose and itchy eyes to wheezing and difficulty breathing; dust mites may even irritate the skin to cause dermatitis rashes!
Allergens such as dust mites and mold are difficult to avoid, but reducing exposure can be helpful. Wear a mask while cleaning to avoid inhaling allergens; utilize a dehumidifier in the home; limit house plants as much as possible and wash your sheets often so as to minimize moisture build-up which promotes mold and mildew growth; limit houseplants where applicable to prevent inhaling allergens directly; use dehumidifiers where applicable and make use of an air dehumidifier can keep the air dry in your home!
Alternative strategies include searching out over-the-counter or prescription medicines that can relieve allergy symptoms. Decongestants can make breathing easier by shrinking swollen nasal passages; antihistamines block release of chemicals which trigger your immune system; corticosteroid sprays may reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses; leukotriene modifiers help decrease your sensitivity to allergens;
If you suffer from indoor allergies, it’s essential that you consult an allergist/immunologist in order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Allergic symptoms can be very bothersome; therefore limiting exposure to indoor allergens is the best way to alleviate them.
Pollen
Pollen is a fine to coarse powdery substance produced by plants during their reproduction process and spread by wind, animal movement or feeding on flowers such as bats, hummingbirds or insects that feed on flowers. Pollen allergies can cause symptoms including sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes which vary seasonally but can often be alleviated using antihistamines or nasal sprays.
Different species of plants produce various pollens that can trigger allergies differently. For instance, bright-colored flowers are usually less pollen-releasing than their drabber counterparts, but size has no correlation to pollen production – thus pollen can spread far and wide through wind currents to affect many people at once.
An allergist can assist you in pinpointing the source of your allergies and providing treatment options, including allergy shots to help acclimate the immune system to allergens that cause reactions and potentially reduce them. Seeking medical help when symptoms last more than several weeks without relief, are life-threatening such as difficulty breathing or increase when taking allergy medicines is also advised.
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