If your symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose that persist even when indoors, you could be sensitive to one or more common household allergens such as pet dander, dust mites and mold spores.
At IAQ Therapy Services we provide education, support and treatment options for indoor allergies effectively. This includes allergy testing, medication and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Dust Mites
Dust mites, tiny relatives of ticks and spiders, thrive in warm, humid environments. These parasites feed on human and animal dead skin cells and when inhaled can irritate airways causing runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing symptoms; prolonged exposure may even trigger asthma attacks in people suffering from asthma.
Dust mite feces contain proteins that can trigger an itchy and red skin rash similar to eczema called dermatitis, most frequently around the nose and mouth areas. Allergic individuals to dust mites often experience symptoms during hot, humid summer months but symptoms may appear anytime year-round.
Preventing allergy to dust mites involves limiting exposure to substances that attract them, such as upholstered furniture and wall-to-wall carpeting. Blinds or bare floors should replace fabric curtains; use a humidifier to maintain 50% or lower humidity in your environment; wash bedding in hot water (130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) at least once weekly, placing non-washable blankets and pillows into plastic bags before freezing overnight if possible.
If avoiding allergens doesn’t help relieve your symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider who can refer you to an allergist/immunologist for tests and treatment.
Pets
Pet dander, saliva and fur contain allergens that can trigger symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing and shortness of breath. These allergens cling to animal skin glands and hair; when grooming or licking takes place they release these allergens into the air in the home where they then settle onto walls, carpets, bedding or clothing in your home causing health issues for you or family members.
An allergy to pets can make breathing difficult for those living with asthma, exacerbating existing respiratory issues and sometimes leading to life-threatening asthma attacks in those highly allergic.
Pet-allergie sufferers should consider using another solution instead: having someone without pet allergies clean the home regularly, including cleaning the ceilings and walls thoroughly. Carpet should be swapped out for linoleum, tile, or hardwood flooring while HEPA filters should be installed in bedrooms and living rooms for added protection.
If avoidance measures do not alleviate symptoms, your doctor can provide medication or allergy shots for pet, mold and dust mite allergies. Additional options may include making small home repairs or hiring professional cleaners regularly as well as investing in dehumidifiers and allergen-blocking materials to encase pillows and mattresses – these steps will allow you to more effectively control allergy symptoms day and night.
Mold
Molds are fungus-like organisms that thrive in dark, damp places. People may develop allergic reactions when their immune systems inhale airborne mold spores – symptoms may include sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin or runny nose; in extreme cases this allergy may even result in breathing issues like wheezing.
Mold allergies may not be life-threatening, but they can make daily activities more challenging. Mold allergies may exacerbate existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breathing mold spores is especially hazardous if you already suffer from asthma as the inhaling these spores could trigger a severe reaction resulting in tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Doctors typically diagnose mold allergy with either a skin prick test or blood tests. A skin prick test involves injecting droplets of mold allergens onto your skin with fine needles; any raised bumps indicate your susceptibility. Blood tests measure whether immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your body have responded against specific allergens, like mold.
Avoiding exposure to mold is the best way to alleviate symptoms associated with it. Washing clothes, bedding, and dishes regularly with hot water will help remove spores from them; in addition, keeping indoor air clean and humidified can reduce its growth.
Asthma
Are runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes part of your daily experience? They could be allergy symptoms caused by common indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mold spores, which can also trigger skin rashes called allergic dermatitis. Antihistamines may help manage symptoms; allergen avoidance is the best approach, though antihistamines may provide some relief. A log can help identify triggers; your doctor can use this data to determine which indoor allergens might cause issues for you.
People living with asthma are especially prone to indoor allergies, with symptoms often being triggered by air pollution, factory emissions or even wildfire smoke. Dust mites, pet dander and cold air may also trigger attacks of asthma – this condition often manifesting during childhood or later life.
If you suffer from asthma, your doctor will likely advise taking steps to protect yourself from allergy triggers. Influenza and pneumonia vaccinations may be especially critical as they pose particular threats for those living with the condition. It is also wise to recognize and monitor asthma triggers so as to reduce flare-ups while decreasing your need for rescue inhalers. You might even qualify for immunotherapy to build tolerance against allergens that aggravate your symptoms.
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