Dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander allergies can trigger symptoms that include sneezing and itchy eyes or nose. These year-round allergies often appear outside of peak hay fever season.
Mild indoor allergies may be managed with antihistamines and decongestants; if symptoms persist, however, a specialist may suggest allergy immunotherapy as a potential solution.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, tiny creatures that thrive in warm and humid environments, are one of the primary sources of allergies and asthma symptoms. While these tiny organisms do not directly bite people, their droppings and body fragments can trigger skin rashes resembling eczema-like conditions; their presence also results in runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing fits.
As bedbugs live in bedding, mattresses, and upholstered furniture where they feed off dead skin cells, they are one of the primary triggers of house dust allergy symptoms – among many other potential triggers like dried food particles, mold spores, pollen, fabric fibers and animal dander. They typically trigger symptoms through inhalation but sometimes contact may also occur.
Reducing exposure to allergens involves replacing carpet with hard-surfaced flooring, washing linens in hot water weekly and using a dehumidifier and air conditioner to maintain humidity below 50% in your home. Curtains and drapes should also be washed at 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill dust mites and keep them at bay.
People suffering from allergies to dust mites and other allergens usually find their symptoms improve when they take steps to limit exposure. Furthermore, consulting an allergist may offer invaluable support regarding allergy immunotherapy–in which a series of shots administered over 6-12 months helps retrain immune systems so that they become less reactive against allergens.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a major source of indoor allergens and have been linked to allergic rhinitis and asthma, making them especially troublesome in urban areas, multifamily dwellings and around kitchens. Cockroach allergens tend to concentrate in dust particles but may also become airborne when inhaled; similar to dust mite allergens they quickly settle into fabrics such as pillows and bedding before eventually leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes.
Cockroach allergens can contribute to asthma by aggravating airway inflammation. They also trigger an allergic response on the skin which leads to rashes, swelling and itching; research suggests this exposure could also contribute to developing asthma in children.
Avoiding cockroaches is the best way to protect against allergy symptoms, but medications can provide temporary relief. Over-the-counter antihistamines may reduce sneezing, itching and watery eyes; nasal corticosteroids may reduce swelling and ease congestion while congestants help ease sinus pressure. Immunotherapy conducted under medical guidance has proven successful at increasing tolerance to allergens found in cockroaches.
Eliminate infestations by filling wall and pipe cracks, storing food in sealed containers, securing garbage receptacles and employing bait traps and poisons when necessary. Switching out carpet for hard surface flooring regularly can significantly decrease concentrations of cockroach allergens.
Pets
If your runny nose and itchy eyes seem to persist all year, rather than being caused by seasonal hay fever, an indoor allergy could be to blame. These allergies may be caused by pet dander, dust mites and mold spores among others.
Most people are sensitive to proteins found in cat and dog dander, saliva, and urine, leading to symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. Even children familiar with their furry friends could become allergic if exposed to them frequently enough.
To reduce allergic reactions from animal allergens, it is crucial that we do not come into direct contact with them, especially when they are present within the home. Furthermore, keeping pets out of bedrooms during sleep hours and washing or brushing them regularly to reduce build-ups of dander on their coat is also recommended in order to protect ourselves against their potential exposures.
To ascertain whether you or your child is allergic to indoor allergens, a physician can administer a skin test using the scratch method. The test involves applying small amounts of allergens onto skin patches before puncturing with small needles to induce an allergy reaction that typically shows up within 15-20 minutes. If allergies to certain allergens are identified, antihistamines will provide temporary relief while immunotherapy or allergen shots may be recommended if symptoms continue.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments and its spores can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, much like pollen spores. When exposure occurs, symptoms include itchy, watery eyes and nose; sinus congestion; coughing or wheezing; rashes; and sneezing – with mold also possibly disrupting sleep cycles.
Mold allergies tend to occur in moist, dark places where mold fungus thrives – such as basements, storage spaces, bathrooms and kitchens, damp outdoor spaces as well as wallpaper, carpets and wood surfaces. Fungus produces toxic mycotoxins which are harmful for humans as well as animals; one such mycotoxin-producing fungus is Tolypocladium inflatum from which immunosuppressant drugs such as Cyclosporine derive.
Mold allergies cause similar symptoms as those caused by cockroaches and pet dander, and they can occur year-round. Allergy medications, limiting houseplants and running a dehumidifier may help alleviate allergy symptoms caused by mold; an effective air filter can further decrease allergens present; wearing a mask while cleaning can further limit airborne particles; as should visiting an allergist for allergy testing and to receive allergy shots to boost immunity.
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