Allergies can result in itchy eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. While outdoor pollen and ragweed allergies have seasonal peaks, animal dander or mold spore allergies remain constant all year round.
Locating and eliminating indoor allergens can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Common triggers for indoor allergy triggers include pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and mold.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, small relatives of spiders, are the main culprit behind year-round allergies and asthma attacks in homes today. Their larvae thrive in warm and humid environments like those found in most households – such as bedding, mattresses, carpets and upholstery furniture – feeding on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets alike; an allergic response caused by inhaling dust mite feces results in symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, itchy skin patches that look similar to eczema-type rashes similar to eczema-type symptoms.
Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity below 50 percent and cover mattresses, pillows, quilts and allergy-proof covers (some health funds offer rebates). Launder bedding frequently in hot water. Consider installing linoleum or tile floors instead of carpet in bedrooms and living rooms to limit dirt trapping rugs that trap dust, dust mites and moisture; remove rugs altogether to help ensure better airflow; if possible wash stuffed animals and dolls in hot water as soon as they enter your home.
Dust mite allergies can be easily diagnosed through IgE testing, in which healthcare providers draw and send off a small blood sample from an arm vein to be tested in a laboratory for antibodies; any elevated levels will indicate that you’re allergic. Your allergy doctor may also recommend medication, such as antihistamines or inhaled steroids to provide quick relief, as well as immunotherapy – such as allergy shots or tablets which change immune response against allergens to provide long-term solutions.
Pets
When you come in from outdoors and experience watery eyes, running nose, itchy sensations, you might think it is due to dust mites, mold spores or pet dander allergies – but it could actually be something else altogether: indoor allergies.
Pet dander can trigger allergy symptoms for those living with asthma. Contained within it are proteins which many are highly sensitive to; it clings to walls, fabric furniture and carpets where it can remain for months at a time before becoming airborne when groomed or shaken by brushing, grooming or shaking the animal; once in the airstream it can then be swept into air vents or spread around by forced-air heating and cooling systems.
Allergy tests can help identify the allergen that’s triggering your symptoms. A skin-prick test involves having your allergist place drops of possible allergens onto your skin surface before lightly pricking with a needle to detect allergies; then measuring how big your wheals have grown over time before recording results of the test that usually lasts less than an hour.
Reduce your exposure to pet dander by keeping pets out of areas you spend most of your time, such as bedrooms. Opt for tile, wood or linoleum flooring which doesn’t harbor as much pet dander; wash your pet regularly while asking someone without allergies to brush or groom it regularly.
Mold
Mold can be an allergen that causes respiratory and sinus issues. If you suspect that mold could be the source of your discomfort, seeing your physician immediately should be of paramount importance if this is suspected to be the case. They’ll conduct an in-depth medical history review as well as perform physical exams before performing allergy skin or blood tests to pinpoint any allergies you might have to it.
Mold thrives in dark and damp environments such as basements or bathrooms, as well as on logs, compost piles, or damp soil. When breathing in mold spores from these environments, your immune system recognizes them as foreign substances and produces antibodies to attack them – leading to allergy symptoms in you.
Some molds, like black mold, may produce mycotoxins which release harmful chemicals into the environment that can be toxic for human health, leading to breathing issues, rashes, itching and even stomach discomfort.
A great way to combat mold allergies is keeping indoor air clean and dry through frequent cleaning, dehumidifier use, limiting outdoor time when pollen and mold spore levels are at their highest, using HEPA filter air conditioner filters, as well as using antihistamines, nasal steroids or oral/nasal spray decongestants which will all help alleviate symptoms.
Asthma
Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition characterized by symptoms like wheezing and chest tightening. It may be triggered by allergies, pet dander and mold spores as well as stress, certain medications, exercise, cold air exposure and irritants such as smoke, chemicals or strong cleaning products – its severity varying according to each person depending on how sensitive they are to these allergens and for how long.
Allergic reactions triggered by asthma occur when someone inhales something they are allergic to, triggering their airways to constrict and swell up. Triggers for allergies that lead to asthma may either be avoidable or unavoidable depending on a person’s sensitivity and susceptibility towards particular allergens.
Some asthmatics find their symptoms become worse in the morning due to pollen from nearby trees, grasses and weeds being released, or when opening windows and doors – making their allergens closer to home when people open windows and doors.
Home management of allergy triggers can be difficult when there are so many unavoidable allergens present. But having your home professionally inspected, receiving allergy testing, and developing an action plan with professional help may reduce symptoms significantly. Follow-up visits with your physician are essential in monitoring their effectiveness of allergy treatment; bring a diary detailing when and how frequently symptoms appear to facilitate accurate tracking by your healthcare provider.
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