Causes of Indoor Allergies

As people spend more time indoors, many experience allergy symptoms like runny nose or itchy eyes due to animal dander, mold spores and dust mites.

Allergy medications and home maintenance steps may help ease symptoms. By documenting when and where symptoms occur, allergists can better pinpoint potential triggers of allergy attacks.

Dust Mites

Dust mites, small relatives of ticks and spiders, thrive in warm, humid environments and are one of the primary causes of indoor allergies. Their feeding on skin dander from people and pets leads to allergic reactions in vulnerable individuals; allergens from dust mites may irritate noses, throats, eyes and lungs of people suffering from allergies as well as trigger skin rashes that resemble eczema-like patches on individuals exposed.

Dust mite allergy symptoms typically include runny nose, watery eyes and itching in the nose, ears, lips, face or throat. With prolonged exposure, symptoms may become increasingly worse; those suffering from asthma may experience wheezing coughing difficulty breathing and wheezing as well.

Proteins found in dust mite feces (poop) and bodies can trigger allergic reactions in people. Your immune system mistakenly recognizes these particles as harmful “invaders” and overreacts, producing antibodies which travel to cells where chemicals release chemicals that irritate airways, skin and eyes.

Dust mites may never completely leave, but you can reduce their impact in your home by decreasing humidity levels and using allergen-proof bedding covers. Regularly washing bedding in hot water and vacuuming or dusting regularly are also helpful; so is using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels below 50 percent – and protecting upholstered furniture, curtains and carpets by using plastic covers can also be very effective in keeping allergens away.

Pets

Allergies to pets are common, yet you don’t have to give up your furry companions in order to manage your allergies. Cats and dogs tend to be the most frequently allergic pets; however you could experience an issue with any animal that sheds dead skin flakes such as ferrets, hamsters, rabbits or birds; this includes ferrets, hamsters, rabbits or birds as well as fish, hermit crabs or even iguanas which do not shed dead skin flakes such as hermit crabs or iguanas which could trigger reactions.

Pet allergies differ from traditional hair allergies in that they’re caused by proteins found in animal dander, saliva and urine that can travel through the air to your clothing and furniture causing irritation to your nose, eyes and throat.

As there is no “hypoallergenic” pet breed, one way to reduce allergy symptoms from pets is through frequent cleaning and avoidance. Have someone without allergies brush or clean the cage/bedding regularly while washing hands after touching any animal; keeping pets out of bedrooms and using air purifiers are also effective solutions.

An allergist can help identify whether your symptoms are caused by dust mites, mold spores, pets or something else altogether. They will assess your reaction to each allergen and suggest a treatment plan which could include allergy medications as well as home maintenance steps and over-the-counter remedies – giving you peace of mind throughout the year despite indoor allergies.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments like basements, bathrooms and outdoor areas with dead plant material. When people who are sensitive to mold spores are exposed, their immune systems respond with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin – these allergic responses could escalate and potentially become serious enough to lead to wheezing in the lungs (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis) or worsen asthma symptoms in those already living with asthma symptoms.

Molds release spores into the air, making them easy for humans to breathe in. When an individual has an allergy to mold, their immune system sees these spores as threats and produces antibodies against them in response, leading to an allergic reaction.

People allergic to mold usually react by inhaling its spores. While most experience reactions that develop after inhaling mold spores, others also may develop food allergy symptoms like rash or abdominal discomfort. Mold allergies typically come and go during the year depending on whether indoor or outdoor mold is responsible.

To determine whether someone is allergic to molds, their doctor will likely conduct a skin test. During this procedure, tiny amounts of different mold types will be placed directly onto or under the skin before being punctured with a needle – any positive reaction shows up as red areas on their test.

Smoke

Smoke consists of gases and particles (known as particulate matter or PM), which can be detrimental to human health when inhaled into the lungs. Residential wood smoke is one major source of PM pollution during cold weather when temperature inversions trap air close to the ground, contributing fine particles that irritate eyes, nose, throat and asthma symptoms as well as aggravate heart and lung conditions like bronchitis and emphysema. Furthermore, they may even enter bloodstream and increase cardiovascular disease risks like irregular heart rhythms and heart failure and increase risk in people living with both conditions.

Allergies can also be caused by dust, pet dander and mold spores which become trapped inside of homes with open windows, then brought into bedrooms at night by open window blinds or curtains. Pollen from trees releases its pollen into the air every morning while mold spores release their tiny particles at night which cling onto hair clothing and skin causing discomfort for many people. Allergies may also be brought on by new pets entering a household, water damage to a house, humidity levels increasing or any number of other factors; having your symptoms diagnosed by an allergy specialist can help identify what exactly is causing your symptoms while providing treatment options.