Millions of people suffer year round from indoor allergies caused by dust mites, mold, cockroaches and animal dander. When exposed to these allergens, their immune systems become overreactive causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes and throat – symptoms experienced as symptoms by millions worldwide.
Effective management of allergy triggers can help alleviate symptoms. This involves regular cleaning of your home and installing HEPA air filters to control pollutants in the air.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny insects that live in bedding, mattresses, pillows, carpeting and upholstered furniture, feeding off dead skin cells to cause allergies in those with asthma. When breathing in allergens produced by these tiny creatures – including droppings, fecal pellets or fragments from them – your immune system overreacts and results in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes/throat.
For best results, wash all bedding (sheets, pillowcases and blankets) regularly in hot water with hot water in order to decrease allergy reactions. Air or sun dry them whenever possible before placing back into storage containers in an effort to limit dust accumulation. When possible replace rugs with hard flooring, while wall-to-wall carpeting should be swapped out for something more resilient like wood or vinyl products instead. Vacuum regularly using a filter vacuum. Store books and other items inside covered containers in order to minimize dust accumulation.
Utilize zippered allergy covers on both mattresses and box springs, as well as pillows. These covers can be found online or at many retail stores that sell bedding. Also, vacuum regularly and clean all other soft furnishings in your home using damp cloth or mop.
Mold
Molds are tiny fungi that thrive in damp environments indoors and outdoors. Their spores release can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people, including watery eyes, itchy skin and runny or stuffy nose. Mold allergies may also produce sinus congestion, sneezing fits, headaches and fatigue symptoms.
Alternaria, Aspergillus and Cladosporium molds are among the most frequently responsible for allergy symptoms. Their spores spread through the air when they grow on moist surfaces like damp drywall or ceiling tiles; additionally they may be released by HVAC systems as part of their ventilation systems into your home.
If you believe you may be allergic to molds, it is essential that you keep track of your symptoms. Your physician may suggest performing a skin test wherein small amounts of the allergen – mold spores in this instance – are pricked into your skin and observed for any reactions, from mild itchiness or even an allergic rash.
Pets
Though many breeds of dogs and cats are thought to be hypoallergenic, they can still trigger indoor allergies for some individuals. These allergies are caused by proteins found in saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) and urine produced by cats and dogs and these allergens may cause runny noses, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing as well as asthmatic symptoms for children.
Allergies to pets tend to be more severe than seasonal hay fever, often occurring year-round. If your symptoms are severe, it is wise to keep pets off beds and other sleeping spaces if possible.
Avoiding pets in your bedroom at night can help alleviate allergy symptoms, improving your ability to rest well. Altering bedding frequently will also help keep pet dander at bay; vacuuming regularly, using dehumidifiers, vacuum sweeping regularly and dehumidifying regularly will all reduce dust mites and other allergens in your environment. Antihistamines like ZYRTEC-D Allergy Relief offers fast relief from runny noses, itchy, watery eyes.
Allergy Medications
Allergy medicines provide relief and can prevent further symptoms from returning, with various options such as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and skin creams being available to alleviate them. Avoidance of allergens is also key in order to stay allergy free.
Antihistamines are medications designed to alleviate allergic inflammation and swelling. Available as pills, chewable tablets, liquids or nose sprays, antihistamines block histamine from entering cells in your body causing swelling. Additional allergy remedies include decongestants, mast cell stabilizers and leukotriene modifiers which also work by decreasing swelling in nose, lungs and other airways – some are only available with valid valid prescription while others can be bought over-the-counter.
Sublingual immunotherapy uses allergen extracts under your tongue to gradually build tolerance of an allergen, such as peanuts or shellfish. Consult your physician if your allergies are not being adequately managed with medications or if you have another health condition such as diabetes, glaucoma, or high blood pressure that complicate their management.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are one of the most effective treatments for allergies. In over 85% of patients who receive immunotherapy treatments, their allergy symptoms improve or completely disappear.
At an allergy shots appointment, your allergist injects you with a tailor-made mixture of allergen extracts based on skin prick tests. There may be up to two weekly injections until reaching what is known as your “maintenance dose,” the level which helps control symptoms most effectively – this typically takes four or six months.
Most reactions to allergy shots are local, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, while rare systemic reactions such as itching, sneezing, congestion or hives may occur – this is why immunotherapy must only be given in a physician’s office with emergency medical equipment available nearby and you are required to remain for 30 minutes post each increase in dose.
One major downside of allergy shots is their long-term commitment; you could take several months or years before seeing significant relief in symptoms. They can also be costly; insurance coverage varies.
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