Indoor allergens such as dust mites, pets and cockroaches can trigger symptoms including sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes – an issue year-round unlike seasonal allergies that may change depending on weather changes.
Allergy medications and home maintenance steps may help alleviate symptoms, while immunotherapy (allergy shots) is also available.
Dust Mites
Allergies to house dust mites can cause symptoms including sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. These tiny spider-like creatures thrive in warm and humid environments such as mattresses and pillows upholstered furniture; their body parts, faeces and secretions trigger these reactions in susceptible people by releasing proteins that attack their immune systems.
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae are two of the more frequently encountered species; allergy testing can identify which specific ones cause your reactions.
Just like pet dander and dust, cockroach droppings may also exacerbate indoor allergies. The protein hexapeptide tropomyosin found in crustacean and arachnid droppings (such as those from house dust mites, cockroaches, or squid) causes cross-reactivity between its droplets and various allergens that causes cross-reactivity between species.
Reduce indoor allergens by switching out carpet for hard surfaces and regularly cleaning, including replacing carpet with hard surfaces and using an electrostatic cloth duster instead of feather dustering. When vacuuming or sweeping floors and damp mopping weekly. Use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner that ensures all corners and behind/under furniture is covered, as well as one equipped with HEPA filters for best results when dusting versus feather dustering. Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once every week and avoid feather pillows and doonas, while using a dehumidifier to maintain humidity below 50% and replacing filters on central heating/air conditioning systems at least every month. Keep a diary detailing when your allergies flare, which areas of the house they occur in most often, what helps or hinders symptoms, what appears to help or hinder symptoms – this will allow your doctor to better identify what allergens exist so he or she can plan treatment options accordingly.
Pets
Pets can cause allergies by emitting dander, hair and saliva that settle on walls, fabrics furniture and clothing as well as being stirred into the air by vacuuming or dusting – or being stirred up during vacuuming/dusting; once airborne they can remain at high levels for prolonged periods. Studies have indicated that removing pets from homes may provide relief for people suffering from pet-induced asthma; however due to our attachments to these creatures it often remains a difficult strategy.
Pet allergies are usually triggered by dogs and cats, though other species such as rodents (mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs), fish and reptiles can also play havoc with your immune system. While hypoallergenic versions of these furry pals don’t exist yet, you can reduce reactions by designating pet-free zones in your home (like bedrooms) while cleaning regularly with products to reduce dander build-up; you could also wash bedding regularly using allergy blocking covers while washing bedding while washing bedding from dander-reducing products dander reduction products; washing bedding off pet bedding while washing bedding while washing pillow cases with allergy blocking covers also may help. Finally using an HVAC filter with certified asthma/allergen filter may reduce allergen build-up in the air as well as adding HEPA air cleaner to help remove allergens in the air!
Your doctor may suspect you of being allergic to pets based on symptoms and physical examination, particularly of your nose lining. They may suggest an allergy skin test: healthcare providers typically conduct this test by scratching an area of skin such as forearm or upper back and applying drops containing potential allergens from pets; any droplets causing red, itchy bumps – known as wheals – on that area indicate positive allergy skin test results.
Mold
Mold is an invasive fungus found virtually everywhere, and certain species can trigger severe allergic reactions and symptoms such as itchy skin and eyes, sneezing, runny nose and breathing issues.
Mold thrives in damp environments both indoors and outdoors. When they release their spores into the air, these can trigger allergic reactions when inhaled, as well as contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which irritate nasal passages and eyes. There are hundreds of types of mold; Alternaria, Aspergillus and Cladosporium being three of the more popular allergens.
Some individuals sensitive to mold may also develop fungal asthma, a chronic condition characterized by inflamed airways and difficulty breathing, with symptoms that range from mild to severe severity. Serious cases have been associated with Aspergillus fumigatus mold.
Your doctor can conduct various allergy tests, such as the skin prick test, to ascertain whether you’re sensitive to mold. A small amount of the suspected allergen (in this instance mold spores) will be pricked into your skin and monitored for reactions. Your physician can also prescribe medicines such as antihistamines and nasal steroids as symptom-reducers while offering immunotherapy (allergy shots) treatment over time to manage them more effectively.
Other Allergens
Allergies can be caused by more than just pollen from trees and grass – they can also be brought on by pet dander, dust mite droppings, cockroach parts, mold spores or any number of indoor allergens that remain around all year round – such as pet dander or dust mite droppings from dust mites; symptoms could include itchy eyes, runny nose and coughing; unlike outdoor allergy triggers which usually only present seasonally.
Inhaling allergens triggers an immune response characterized by an overreaction of your body’s defense systems. Your antibodies (IgE) bind with allergens, leading to chemical releases which cause symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy nose, throat, eyes or ears.
Cat allergies are one of the most frequently experienced indoor allergies, with Felis domesticus protein being responsible. This protein can be found in skin flakes or dander that cats shed as well as saliva and urine produced by them.
Indoor substances can trigger indoor allergic reactions such as hay fever, sinusitis and dermatitis that require treatment with antihistamines and decongestants to decrease sneezing, nasal congestion, itching and swelling in the nose, mouth or throat. Corticosteroid sprays may also be prescribed to combat inflammation while immunotherapy (allergy shots) offers an option that gradually builds tolerance over a year – usually through regular office visits with your physician overseeing this therapy plan.
Comments are closed