Allergies to pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, cockroaches and other allergens may trigger itchy eyes and runny nose. Such allergies tend to be year-round rather than seasonal like hay fever.
An allergy specialist could be your key to discovering what’s causing your symptoms. Your physician will likely administer skin and blood tests as necessary.
Pet Allergies
Allergies to pets may be caused by pet dander (scales of dead skin that constantly shed), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Dogs and cats are the most frequently affected animals when it comes to allergies; ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds and rodents can also pose issues for those sensitive to their environment. Common symptoms associated with animal allergies are itching, sneezing and congestion as well as wheezing in those suffering from asthma.
Pet allergens can be avoided in the home by eliminating them entirely – an extremely difficult feat when your family has an emotional attachment to their furry friend! Some effective solutions include keeping pets out of bedrooms, disinfecting surfaces and using high-suction vacuum cleaners; taking antihistamines prior to contact may also reduce reactions.
To confirm a pet allergy, physicians can perform either a skin prick test or blood test to measure antibody levels against specific animal proteins. This test exposes small areas of skin to sample allergens that if detected will result in red bumps – higher antibody levels indicate more likely that an allergy exists; allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots may help desensitize immune systems over time and alleviate symptoms over time.
Mold Allergies
Mold allergies develop when your immune system responds too strongly to airborne mold spores found everywhere from damp basements and bathrooms, to runny noses, sneezing, itchy eyes and runny noses. Breathing these airborne fungi causes it to release chemicals which trigger allergy symptoms like runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes; some types of mold spores even release mycotoxins that affect virtually every part of your body and lead to illness such as lung infections or anaphylaxis.
Your doctor can identify mold allergies through either a skin or blood test, which involves asking about symptoms and health history before looking at skin around eyes, nose and lungs and performing a physical exam. Once tested, he or she will determine whether you have mold allergy (and, if yes, what kind).
To treat mold allergies, regular cleaning and drying of areas prone to mold growth as well as reduced humidity are both key steps. You may also take medications such as antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine or loratadine), nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the nose and help clear mucus from it as well as oral/nasal spray decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline). Immunotherapy therapy may help build tolerance to allergens over time.
Dust Mite Allergies
Millions of people suffer allergies to dust mites found in homes. These microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid conditions where they feed on dead skin flakes and animal dander, often aggravating allergy and asthma symptoms. Dust mite allergens cause year-round symptoms including sneezing, runny noses, itchy watery eyes and postnasal drip. Some individuals also develop an atopic dermatitis-like rash similar to eczema when exposed to dust mites.
Allergies to these creatures result from an overreaction by your immune system, which releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE travels to cells which then release chemicals that trigger symptoms.
To decrease symptoms, cover mattresses, box springs and pillows in allergy-proof fabric covers to avoid contact with dust mites. Clean your bedroom frequently; take out rugs and carpeting; wash linens at least weekly in hot water (128 degrees F); use air conditioning if humidity becomes a concern; antihistamines and decongestants may help relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose passages and watery eyes, while corticosteroid sprays reduce congestion by shrinking inflamed nasal passages to ease breathing – talk to your doctor if these medications don’t help; they may suggest other prescription and over-the-counter medicines to manage allergies effectively.
Cockroach Allergies
Cockroach allergies have long been known to trigger, worsen and sometimes even cause asthma symptoms in allergic individuals. Their symptoms often overlap with those caused by other allergens like dust mites or mites, making diagnosis challenging – however a doctor can perform either a skin or blood test to assess whether you’re allergic to cockroaches.
Cockroach allergens are released into the environment through their feces and shed skin, which can then be inhaled by susceptible individuals. A study of inner city children with asthma found that approximately 25% were sensitized to cockroach allergens; moreover, most of their homes contained detectable levels of these allergens; they also discovered that allergies related to these insects led to more severe asthma episodes for these children.
Recent years have seen many studies to define and characterize cockroach allergens. Through molecular analyses, twelve official groups of allergens have been recognized; additional research will likely discover others.
Researches have also focused on genetic factors that contribute to allergy sensitivity. Researchers have identified SNPs in several genes such as MBL, TSLP, TLR6, STAT6, IL12, SLC25A46 IL1RL1 LPP and HLA-DQB1 that have been associated with allergy. A study on Bla g 2 glycosylation demonstrated how such SNPs decrease IgE binding and inflammatory immune system responses.
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