Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and cockroach parts can trigger allergies in many people and trigger year-round symptoms that include sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Antihistamines may provide temporary relief; immunotherapy (allergy shots) could also be an option.
Talk to an allergist about taking a skin test to identify possible indoor allergens that you’re sensitive to and consider replacing carpeting with hardwood flooring instead.
Pet Allergies
Pet allergies may result in runny noses, sneezing and shortness of breath – symptoms which could even exacerbate asthma symptoms. If you suspect having pet allergies it’s essential that you inform your healthcare provider immediately as symptoms could intensify further.
Allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to something normally harmless, usually by producing antibodies against it (known as allergens). When exposed over an extended period, however, allergens cause our bodies to overreact in such a way that creates an allergic response in some individuals.
Animal allergens attach themselves to fur, skin and saliva and spread through grooming, licking and biting. They can then travel via clothing to walls, carpets and furniture in your home as well as by air to other places such as offices or schools where people have pets.
Avoiding pet allergens requires eliminating pets from your home, but that can be difficult for many who are attached to their furry friends. If possible, seek adoption through an animal rescue group; other preventive measures include using an HEPA air cleaner, switching carpets for wooden floors, replacing fabric drapes with plastic blinds instead and frequent cleaning sessions; antihistamine medication may also help control symptoms by decreasing an over-reaction from immune systems as well as relieving symptoms such as itching, runny noses, sneezing etc.
Mold Allergies
Mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms in your eyes, nose, sinuses and lungs. When these spores come in contact with your body, the immune system releases chemical histamine to combat them; this leads to symptoms like sneezing, itching, runny noses and watery eyes as a response.
Alternaria, Aspergillus and Cladosporium molds are three of the primary culprits behind allergy symptoms. These fungi thrive in damp organic areas where they produce airborne spores that float freely throughout our homes and onto damp or organic surfaces inside and outside our living spaces.
People allergic to mold may develop hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an inflammatory reaction in their lungs caused by exposure. It can impact those living with cystic fibrosis or asthma.
Antihistamines may help relieve symptoms like itching, sneezing and runny nose; nasal corticosteroids may reduce congestion and swelling in the sinuses; daily nasal lavage with salt water can clear away irritants that block allergens; while allergen immunotherapy may help build tolerance to what causes your allergies.
Mold allergies vary from person to person and can impact you all year or just at specific locations. Your doctor can help find an allergy treatment option tailored specifically for your needs.
Dust Allergies
Allergies to dust mites often cause runny nose and sneezing symptoms similar to those experienced when suffering from the common cold, but can also contribute to asthma and eczema. They usually appear at home and become worse during or shortly after vacuuming, sweeping or dusting as these activities stir up and release dust particles into the air. Dust mites are microscopic organisms found within household dust that thrive year-round if exposed to moisture and warm temperatures.
People with dust allergies typically come from families that have a history of allergies, making them more prone to developing them as children or young adults. Some medical conditions may increase risk further; examples include eczema, hay fever and nasal polyps.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can provide quick relief from sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Allergy-symptom relievers come in pill, liquid or nasal spray form; these reduce inflammation in your nose, throat and lungs by working by relieving allergy symptoms. Corticosteroid nasal sprays can also be used to ease congestion as well as irritated, watery eyes.
Indoor Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergies, commonly referred to as seasonal allergies (hay fever), have an obvious seasonal cycle and cause symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus congestion, cough and asthma symptoms. Indoor allergens like mold spores, pet dander and dust mites may also contribute to year-round allergic symptoms.
Indoor fungus allergens such as mold spores can be especially problematic during the summer, when their concentration peaks. Mold thrives in damp places like basements and bathrooms, but also be found on bedding or upholstery furniture. Mold spores may even travel airborne and adhere to clothes or skin before making their way back home and attaching themselves to windows and doors so they are released back into the atmosphere.
As soon as your immune system encounters fungus, its antibodies will produce antibodies to fight it and eventually travel to cells releasing chemicals that lead to allergy symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants and nasal corticosteroid sprays may help reduce allergy-causing spores; if these don’t work for you, talk with your doctor about other treatment options, such as immunotherapy; this therapy reduces allergic symptoms by gradually making your immune system less sensitive to allergens.
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