Allergies are an increasingly prevalent condition that often causes itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Allergic reactions may be brought on by allergens found indoors such as animal dander, dust mites, mold spores or even cockroach droppings.
Like seasonal allergies (hay fever), these allergy symptoms often remain all year. Luckily, there are ways that can be done to alleviate their symptoms and manage them effectively.
Animal Allergens
Animal allergens like cat and dog dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine can trigger allergy symptoms in some people. Allergic testing can determine if someone is sensitive to these proteins; furthermore they could also be allergic to rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or birds with feathers like parrots and parakeets.
Allergen levels vary greatly in indoor environments depending on their surrounding conditions and number of animals present, with some areas such as schools or public places having higher allergen concentrations than homes with pets (73). This could be caused by passive transmission through human hair or clothing.
Cats and dogs are the primary animal allergens, although other animals such as rodents (rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters) as well as feathered birds such as parrots or parakeets can produce allergens too; although such allergies are less prevalent.
Studies of household exposure to cat and dog allergens have been conducted across various homes from across different countries, cities, and regions. The level of exposure depends upon various structural features like pet ownership percentage or urban/rural location – urban residences tend to have more pet owners and thus higher exposure than suburban or rural houses.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are small creatures that live in house dust and feed off of skin flakes shed from humans and pets alike, commonly known as dander. These parasites have been known to worsen allergies and asthma symptoms and tend to congregate most frequently in urban settings and older homes.
Though they do not bite, their allergens can trigger itchy skin rashes similar to atopic dermatitis and produce stuffy noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and stuffy airways that lead to stuffy noses, itchy eyes, stuffiness, stuffiness in the chest cavity and chronic sinusitis (inflammation and thickening of nasal and sinus passageways).
An allergy blood test can quickly and effectively identify dust mite allergies. Your healthcare provider uses a thin needle to draw a small blood sample from your arm. The blood is sent off to a laboratory, where antibodies against dust mite allergens will be measured; elevated levels indicate potential allergenicity.
Reduce dust mite exposure by reducing clutter, washing bedding (sheets, pillowcases and blankets) in hot water once every week with allergy-proof covers applied and using an HEPA filter vacuum regularly. Bedding covers should also be used on pillows, mattresses and box springs; additionally stuffed animals should be regularly washed in hot water to kill dust mites and be made from wooden or metal pieces instead of upholstery furniture to reduce exposure; wood floors over carpet are preferred and rooms must be damp dusted regularly including window sills, shelves ceiling fans blinds.
Mold
Mold is a fungus that thrives in humid environments like basements, bathrooms and kitchens; it may also grow outdoors during humid climates. Mold produces airborne spores which float freely in the atmosphere; when allergy sufferers inhale these spores they cause their immune systems to overreact causing symptoms like watery eyes, itchy nose or throat irritation, runny nose congestion, sneezing coughing and wheezing as a result. Furthermore certain species such as Aspergillus fumigatus or Stachybotrys chartarum mold can produce mycotoxins which pose great threat if ingested.
Mold allergy affects all age groups; however, children tend to be particularly prone. People with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressant drugs are particularly prone to infections from molds; chronic mold exposure has even been known to lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis – a serious lung disease – in certain people.
Antihistamines can help ease allergy symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing, while immunotherapy shots (such as cetirizine or loratadine ) may provide temporary relief, however if symptoms persist your doctor may suggest immunotherapy shots that introduce small amounts of allergens into the body to reduce allergic reactions. While immunotherapy may work for some, those suffering severe or persistent allergies should see an allergist for an evaluation that includes physical examination, skin testing and laboratory analyses such as blood or urine samples to evaluate immune system response responses to allergens introduced into their bodies through immunotherapy shots.
Pollen
Pollen is composed of the pollen of flowering plants, trees and grasses that is carried by the wind, and can aggravate asthma symptoms when inhaled into your lungs. Pollen counts are typically highest early morning or after rainfall has occurred – with symptoms often including sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes due to exposure.
Maintaining an awareness of local pollen counts and limiting outdoor activities during peak times can help mitigate allergy symptoms caused by pollen. But a high pollen count doesn’t always equate to high concentrations of allergenic pollen – different tree pollen can all exist simultaneously, for instance; bright-colored flowers such as tulips, daisies and marigolds typically release less pollen into the air than their dull-hued relatives and this applies equally well for weeds.
Your symptoms of allergy can also be minimized with over-the-counter saline drops and nasal spray, helping flush out your sinuses. A diary will also help your allergist identify possible allergens and prescribe appropriate medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots). Allergy immunotherapy works by gradually increasing doses of allergens given as injections into your body over time until it has adjusted itself to them, giving them time for your immune system to adapt.
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