Allergies to allergens found indoors may include dust mites, molds, animal dander, cockroaches or mice or wild rodents – commonly referred to as perennial allergens.
Indoor allergies typically manifest themselves by resulting in itchy eyes, runny nose or throat, coughing and wheezing; symptoms that worsen in colder weather.
Medications
Allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to normally harmless substances (allergens). When this happens, Immunoglobulin E antibodies are released which cause cells in our nose, throat, eyes, ears or skin to release chemicals that lead to inflammation – producing symptoms in our nose, throat, eyes or ears or skin. Common medicines for allergies include antihistamines, decongestants and leukotriene modifiers as well as drop or shot forms of treatment.
Indoor allergies tend to be year-round in nature, unlike seasonal hay fever caused by outdoor allergens such as tree, grass or ragweed pollen or mold spores.
If you suspect an indoor allergy, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist immediately. Your physician can conduct tests to identify what’s triggering them and devise an appropriate treatment plan. In addition, it’s a good idea to keep track of when and what triggers symptoms so your physician can better identify what you may be allergic to and suggest the most suitable medications or other treatments – for instance immunotherapy which uses shots or daily drops administered under your tongue by healthcare providers as long-term solutions can provide long-term relief and management of allergy relief and management.
Allergy shots
These allergy shots, provided at this clinic, combine your own skin cells and allergens (like pollen, mold or dust mites ) in order to alleviate your symptoms over time and potentially avoid serious reactions ( including life-threatening ones ). Allergy shots should generally be administered in a doctor’s office where you should remain for at least 30 minutes following each shot in case it causes redness, itching or other adverse reactions at the injection site; more serious reactions could include sneezing, nasal congestion or even hives; should this occur then an autoinjector containing epinephrine such as EpiPen should be carried just in case an acute reaction occurs then an autoinjector, such as EpiPen, should be carried just in case!
Allergy shots should only be prescribed when over-the-counter medicines do not help or cause undesirable side effects and your doctor believes this treatment would provide benefits. Shots aren’t an instantaneous solution; rather, you must visit your doctor regularly for injections for several months or years until you notice results. Immunotherapy may help decrease your allergies so that less medication will be necessary – even potentially eliminating it altogether! Ohio State Wexner Medical Center was one of the first academic health care centers to pioneer an emerging form of immunotherapy known as ultrasound-guided intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT). ILIT works like allergy shots but instead involves injecting allergens directly into inguinal lymph nodes in your groin instead.
Home maintenance
Allergies can cause considerable discomfort and reduce quality of life, so the best way to treat allergies is proactively by eliminating their sources. Common household products that act as allergy triggers include dust, mold spores, pet dander and even cockroach droppings may contribute to this condition.
Indoor allergens often wreak havoc all year-round, yet they tend to worsen when temperatures dip and we spend more time indoors. By closing doors and windows tighter and heating system recirculating the air throughout your house, allergens become concentrated further and may result in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes.
Step one in mitigating indoor allergies is keeping your home regularly clean. This includes vacuuming carpets and rugs as well as washing linens in hot water (120 degrees F or above) using a damp microfiber cloth instead of feather duster for dusting surfaces; be sure to also dust high areas such as ceiling fans, blinds and curtains!
If you own a dog or cat, try bathing and grooming them regularly to reduce allergy symptoms caused by pet dander. Also remove plants that exacerbate indoor allergies from the home and opt for faux or silk plants instead, which are easier to care for.
Pediatric allergists
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system that triggers it to attack non-harmful substances like dust mites, pet dander, pollen or foods or insect stings that usually are harmless – such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen or certain foods or insect stings. Allergies may lead to symptoms ranging from annoying such as sneezing to potentially dangerous anaphylaxis (lack of oxygen in lungs). Most children outgrow their allergies as they get older – most children outgrow their allergies as they get older.
Our board-certified pediatric allergists/immunologists use various diagnostic tools, including skin tests and blood work, to accurately pinpoint your child’s allergy triggers and formulate an effective treatment plan. In addition, they collaborate closely with experts from other departments at NYU Langone such as gastroenterologists and pulmonologists in order to coordinate care for each child.
Pediatric allergists/immunologists specialize in treating conditions related to the immune system, such as food and environmental allergies as well as primary immunodeficiency diseases. As well as managing allergic reactions, they can also provide treatments for coexisting conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and asthma – often times symptoms coexisting alongside allergies.
Pediatric allergist/immunologists go beyond internship and residency training by undergoing two additional years of allergy and immunology training – earning them the title “allergist / immunologist.” To locate one near you, search our Find an Allergist / Immunologist service; all listed allergists/immunologists have passed the American Board of Allergy and Immunology certification examination and are therefore certified ABAI allergists/immunologists.
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