Allergies can be caused by various allergens, including dust mites, pet dander and mold spores. Allergies can lead to itchy eyes and runny noses as well.
Allergies caused by indoor allergens tend to present themselves year round, unlike seasonal or weather-related allergies. Allergy testing can help identify what exactly is triggering symptoms for you.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed off dead skin cells found in bedding, pillows, mattresses, box springs, blankets, rugs, curtains, stuffed animals and furniture; where their enzymes digesting these particles irritate nasal passages in those sensitive to them and lead to allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itching in throat or ears. Some individuals even experience asthma flare-ups after inhaling dust mite allergens.
Dust mite allergies can cause symptoms including sneezing, itching of the throat and nose, congestion, watery or itchy eyes and itchy skin. Dust mite allergies are among the leading causes of asthma and allergies worldwide.
Doctors use blood tests to verify an allergic response to specific allergens. A small sample of your blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm and sent off for laboratory analysis, measuring IgE antibodies that indicate whether there has been an allergic response. High levels indicate an allergy.
To ease allergy symptoms, try over-the-counter antihistamines for relief of sneezing and itching, decongestants for congestion relief and corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in your airways. Regular housecleaning helps eliminate dust and dander; frequently washing curtains and replacing or removing carpeting also play a key role.
Pets
Pets can be wonderful members of any household, yet they can also cause indoor allergies. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not fur that causes these reactions but proteins found in animal dander (dead skin flakes), saliva and urine which trigger reactions such as runny noses, itchy eyes and congestion – symptoms are most frequently experienced from dogs and cats but even fish, hermit crabs and iguanas may trigger reactions in some individuals.
Allergies to pets can be identified through a skin-prick test administered by your allergist. After applying drops of extract from an animal’s dander or saliva extract onto your skin, they then check for reactions – red itchy bumps are indicative of an allergy; additional testing methods include RAST testing where blood samples from individuals who are exposed to suspected allergens are mixed together and tested for IgE antibodies specific for that substance.
To reduce symptoms, avoid coming into contact with animals that trigger your allergy, vacuum regularly and dust frequently while using an air purifier with HEPA filter, replacing carpeting with tile, wood or linoleum flooring that won’t trap allergens as readily, keeping pets out of bedrooms as much as possible, wearing masks when grooming pets and seeking medical treatment to alleviate your allergy symptoms from an allergist.
Mold
Mold spores can trigger allergy-like reactions like runny nose, itchy eyes and sinus congestion. They can also irritate skin conditions or induce asthma attacks in those living with asthma. Furthermore, some mold species produce mycotoxins which affect multiple organ systems; breathing them in can result in stomach ache, dizziness or even low blood pressure.
If you suspect a mold allergy, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. A skin test or blood test will likely be performed to assess if you have antibodies against certain compounds; these don’t provide information regarding when or how much exposure occurred.
Avoiding mold reactions requires eliminating it from your home, such as by using dehumidifiers and air conditioners to lower humidity levels and address any water damage immediately. Furthermore, try limiting outdoor activity when mold spore counts are high during wetter seasons such as rainy spells.
Antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids may help those suffering from mold allergies manage their symptoms. Daily nasal lavage using salt water will also wash away irritants and alleviate congestion, while immunotherapy is another long-term treatment plan that may reduce allergy symptoms over time.
Smoke
Smoke from fireplaces and stoves burning wood pellets or chippings can exacerbate allergy symptoms and worsen asthma attacks, exacerbate heart and lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or emphysema, increase risk for respiratory infections and could increase asthma symptoms further. The smoke contains gases and small particles which contain allergenic agents. These particles contribute to worsen asthma attacks further while aggravating other cardiovascular and lung ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), heart and lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD/emphysema; further increasing risk for respiratory infections.
Smoke allergies cause symptoms like itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing and coughing; inhaling wood smoke may even trigger sinus infections or sinusitis by creating thick and sticky mucus in the sinuses that blocks airflow leading to difficulty breathing. A recent study also suggests secondhand smoke may contribute to food allergies in infants born to mothers who smoked during gestation; these children are more likely to become allergic to eggs and peanuts compared to children of nonsmoking parents.
If your symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes or sneezing that persist after seasonal changes have passed, it may be worth speaking with a physician about allergies. An allergist can conduct tests to isolate their source before prescribing medications such as nasal saline rinses or sprays to manage symptoms. Keep a diary detailing when symptoms appear so your allergist can pinpoint potential allergens; that way you can take measures to avoid them.
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