Allergies to dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and cockroaches are the cause of itchy eyes and runny noses for many people – these allergy triggers often worsen during winter when people spend more time indoors.
Indoor allergies typically manifest themselves through symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny or stuffy nose and other unpleasantnesses. They are caused by either living or dead allergens such as pet dander, mold spores and cockroaches that trigger these responses.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, tiny relatives of spiders, thrive in warm and humid environments and live in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstery furniture, feeding on dead skin cells that people and pets shed. Their feces contain proteins which trigger allergic reactions in people – often aggravating eczema symptoms as well as sinus infections, itchy eyes and sneezing attacks; long-term exposure increases asthmatic risks in children and teenagers.
To reduce dust mites, regularly wipe surfaces with a damp cloth (light fixtures and window sills included), vacuum and wash curtains and upholstered furniture regularly, use an air conditioning unit with dehumidification capability, replace carpeting with wood, tile or linoleum flooring to prevent trapped moisture build-up, use zippered allergy covers on pillows, mattresses, box springs and frames beds as well as thin blankets instead of quilts, comforters or bedspreads that harbor mites, limit stuffed animals since these harbor mite-filled environments host numerous mites – to diagnose dust mite allergies your allergist may use either skin prick tests or take blood samples that can then be sent off for laboratory analysis.
Mold
Molds are tiny fungi that can thrive just about anywhere, especially dark and damp areas. Mold spores spread like seeds throughout their environment; when airborne they can cause allergic symptoms in some people.
Allergies to mold can result in symptoms including itchy eyes, nose, throat and skin irritation as well as sinus congestion and subsequent sneezing, coughing and wheezing. People suffering from asthma may find their condition worsens significantly as it acts as an additional trigger, worsening symptoms significantly.
Mycotoxins produced by certain molds can also make people sick, and are most frequently found in foods grown with certain varieties of mold, like mushrooms and fermented products.
Doctors can diagnose mold allergies by reviewing medical history and performing physical exams. A physician will also perform a skin test to detect allergic reactions against various kinds of mold, which involves applying small amounts of extracts directly onto skin that has been pricked with needle. If there is a positive response, that indicates you have an allergy to that particular mold species.
Animals
Sebaceous gland secretions, urine and saliva from animals can trigger allergic symptoms in some people. Most commonly this affects cats and dogs; however rodents and reptiles may also trigger reactions.
Studies have demonstrated the prevalence of mammalian allergens in our environment. Most often lipocalin proteins play a key role, binding to fur and hair readily before being dispersed into dust particles by airborne means. Major cat allergen Fel d 1, as well as four major dog allergens Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 4 and Can f 6 all represent lipocalin allergens that easily transport via dust particles.
Animal allergen levels found in human environments can differ significantly. Their concentrations depend on several building-related factors such as room size and type, floor covering and furniture choices, cleaning frequency and ventilation systems – in addition to regional/cultural differences such as pet ownership or livestock farming practices; for instance mouse allergen levels tend to be higher where mice are kept as pets than other buildings and Mus m 1 allergen levels are especially prominent among rats.
Medications
If itchy eyes and runny nose are an ever-present companion in your home, this could be due to allergies found within it. Mold in pipes, animal dander and dust mites may trigger allergic reactions that manifest as nasal congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes; if these symptoms continue year round they could indicate nonseasonal hay fever or perennial allergic rhinitis respectively.
Antihistamines or decongestants may provide temporary relief, while immunotherapy shots could potentially desensitize you to certain allergens.
Before prescribing treatment, your allergy specialist must conduct diagnostic testing to identify the allergens responsible. This may include skin testing – commonly known as scratch testing – where small amounts of test substance are applied directly onto the skin and observed for any immediate reactions; as well as blood tests which measure levels of immunoglobulin E antibodies to certain allergens – though these methods may be less reliable and help determine the severity of an allergy.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, allow the body to adapt and reduce or eliminate allergy-related symptoms by building immunity to specific allergens. Immunotherapy treatments may significantly lower reliance on over-the-counter medicines and hay fever remedies.
Allergy shot treatment begins with an initial consultation and allergy tests conducted by an allergist, who will review your results and create an individualized allergy injection plan for you.
The build-up phase entails receiving weekly injections containing increasing amounts of allergen, typically for three to six months. After this initial period has concluded, injection frequency gradually reduces over time until eventually every two or four weeks is required for maintenance of immunotherapy treatment over five years.
At this stage, it’s not unusual for local reactions such as redness, swelling or itching at the injection site to occur; more severe systemic reactions such as hives or wheezing are less frequently experienced; should these occur, notify a nurse immediately as you may need an EpiPen or Auvi-Q autoinjector (EpiPen or Auvi-Q) for use if necessary.
Immunotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially patients with lung or heart ailments. Your Fort Worth allergist will provide advice as to whether allergy shots may be beneficial in managing your condition.
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