As temperatures drop, many homeowners close up their homes, trapping allergens inside. Dust mites, pet dander and mold spores can trigger year-round allergy symptoms – particularly those associated with asthma.
As opposed to seasonal allergies (hay fever), these long-term allergy symptoms may never go away. An allergist can help identify what triggers them and find solutions for managing them effectively.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, tiny cousins of ticks and spiders, can cause allergies in many people. Commonly found in mattresses, pillows, carpets and upholstered furniture and flourishing in warm humid environments where proteins from their droppings or dead carcasses may trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals when inhaled, such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes; furthermore they may lead to skin rashes as well as worsening asthmatic symptoms.
Mite droppings contain proteins that bind with immunoglobulin E (IgE) proteins in your bloodstream, leading your body to overreact and trigger allergy symptoms. IgE causes antibodies produced to combat allergens; these antibodies can irritate nasal passages, sinuses and throat and make breathing difficult.
Avoiding allergen exposure is the key to alleviating symptoms. Vacuuming carpets regularly with HEPA filters installed in your vacuum cleaner, washing all bedding on a weekly basis and using mite-proof zippered covers on mattresses and pillows will further limit exposure; additionally, regularly freezing stuffed animals as they act as breeding grounds for dust mites is another effective measure against allergens.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in warm indoor environments like homes, restaurants and warehouses and can often be found in cities. Their droppings contain proteins which cause allergies in those sensitive to cockroach allergens; this may aggravate existing allergies further and even contribute to asthma attacks in children. Allergy tests can verify if someone is sensitive to cockroaches.
An allergy skin prick test involves inserting a needle into a patient’s arm and placing various types of cockroach allergens onto it; if these cause irritation to the skin, an allergist will know they have detected their allergist is sensitized to these allergens. A blood test may also be available and may be preferable if taking medications that interfere with skin prick allergy testing.
Treatment for cockroach allergies generally includes antihistamines to decrease sneezing and runny nose symptoms as well as nasal decongestants for congestion reduction. If necessary, doctor-supervised allergen immunotherapy could also be utilized over time to develop tolerance to allergens present.
To avoid cockroach allergy, the best approach is to maintain clean living spaces that are free from clutter and eliminate all sources of food and water for them, such as food crumbs and open containers. Remove carpeting in favor of hard surface flooring which is easier to sweep or vacuum regularly and seal any cracks found within your home to reduce exposure to them. Regularly mop and vacuum is another key way of mitigating their presence.
Pets
Pet dander and fur are allergy-inducing particles that cling to people and animals alike. When an allergic person inhales these allergenic particles, they enter their bodies through inhalation and attach themselves to receptors on cells which release histamine, leading to symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing etc.
Allergy testing is essential to accurately identifying your allergies. Your healthcare provider will cleanse a section of skin on either your arm or upper back with iodine or alcohol before placing drops of different potential allergens on it, such as dust. If any react with your body and create red or raised spots (hives) that resemble bug bites then that allergen has caused it.
Pet and indoor allergies are best addressed through eliminating them from the house (18). Though this may be difficult for families with strong emotional ties to their animals, it has proven effective at controlling symptoms and decreasing controller medication use among asthmatics. Other solutions may include making frequently used rooms such as bedrooms pet-free; using HEPA air cleaners; replacing carpeting with hard surfaces like tile, wood or linoleum to reduce dander levels and having someone who does not suffer from these allergies brush and bathe the pets regularly – or having someone brush and bathe them themselves –
Mold
Molds are microscopic fungi that thrive both indoors and outdoors. Certain varieties produce spores that may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals; symptoms of mold allergies include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing coughing and wheezing. Molds also release volatile organic compounds with unpleasant odors which have an adverse impact on human health.
Allergic reactions to fungus spores occur when your immune system overreacts and attacks them as any invading pathogen, releasing various chemicals such as histamine that cause allergic symptoms.
People suffering from existing lung conditions such as COPD or asthma can often be susceptible to allergic reactions caused by fungus spores, leading to symptoms known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which is particularly serious if existing respiratory issues such as allergies exist. ABPA affects between 1 percent and 10% of individuals and should always be taken seriously when present.
Mold allergy symptoms may appear immediately or delayed, depending on an individual. To diagnose it, your physician will review your medical history and conduct a physical exam; then order a skin test to identify which specific varieties of mold you’re sensitive to; such a test involves placing small amounts of suspected allergens (mold spores) onto or beneath your skin before puncturing with a needle – any positive reaction shows up as red, raised areas on the test result page.
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