Allergies cause the immune system to respond with inflammation when exposed to typically harmless substances called allergens. This response leads to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes; allergens found inside homes include pet dander, dust mites and mold spores – potentially all types of potential culprits!
Indoor allergies may present themselves year-round rather than seasonalily, making treatment with medication and changes to the home more effective in managing symptoms. Medications or making modifications may help alleviate their impact.
Pollen
Pollen is made up of small powdery grains that carry seeds for new vegetation. Released into the air by male plants known as stamens in order to pollinate female flowers of similar species, pollen drifts freely through the air before it falls to earth and is breathed in through nasal and throat membranes, often leading to allergies that produce antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that bind with mast cells located throughout nasal and sinus passageways and cause allergic responses like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes or itching.
At certain points in the year, different pollen can wreak havoc for allergy sufferers. Seasonal hay fever is caused by trees, grasses, weeds and ragweed pollen which has fluctuating pollen counts that rise and fall over time; animal dander or cockroach droppings remain constant allergens which may still trigger symptoms even when outdoor pollen counts are low.
Attention should be paid to local pollen forecasts and to the activity levels outdoors when pollen levels are at their highest. If necessary, outdoor activities should take place late afternoon when pollen levels tend to decline. Antihistamine medications like ZYRTEC(r) Allergy Relief Tablets can also help relieve symptoms by blocking histamine action in your body, leading to less sneezing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. Although they don’t bite directly, their proteins from their waste products and dead bodies may irritate skin in ways similar to bites from insects – leading to itchy watery eyes and an eczema-like rash that may even appear inside eyes! Inhaling dust mite particles may trigger respiratory reactions like wheezing and chest tightness – thus complicating treatment and making the situation even worse!
Dust mites can be found living in pillows, mattresses, upholstery furniture and carpeting; they may also float through the air and land on surfaces where people spend most of their time. Dust mites may trigger allergy symptoms year-round but can become particularly bothersome during the summer.
Pollen, pet dander and mold are all allergens that can irritate sinuses, nose, throat and lungs – often manifesting themselves through nasal congestion, runny nose or itchy, watery eyes – leading to symptoms that include nasal congestion, runny nose or itchy, watery eyes. Allergic reactions against such allergens may even worsen asthma in some instances.
To reduce symptoms, it’s best to vacuum and sweep floors regularly in order to clear away dirt and other debris, use a HEPA filter to capture small dust particles and prevent them from recirculating in the air, wash curtains, bedding, rugs on a regular basis, steam clean furniture whenever possible and keep humidity below 50% as this helps inhibit mold, dust mites, other organisms from growing; avoid using scented cleaners which may trigger allergy or asthma symptoms and make the room free from clutter; freeze toys regularly in order to kill dust mites!
Mold
Mold allergies occur when your immune system reacts excessively to airborne mold spores released by mold growing in damp environments, like basements and bathrooms. When breathed in, these tiny spores cause an allergic response in your nose, eyes and skin – similar to asthma symptoms. You may even experience wheezing and tightness of lungs similar to asthma symptoms. Rarely, an allergy-inducing lung condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis may develop; in which both an allergic and an inflammatory (swelling) response occur simultaneously in your lungs – as both allergic and inducing aspergillosis occurs simultaneously in your lungs causing both an allergic and an inflammatory (swelling).
Mold spores may exacerbate existing asthma attacks by passing more easily into your lungs and reacting with allergens and pollutants that increase risk. People allergic to mold may also be sensitive to substances known as “microbial volatile organic compounds”, or mVOCs produced during fungi metabolism that can trigger eye and respiratory irritation as well as headaches and nausea.
If you suspect an allergy to mold, keep a diary of your symptoms, including when they occur and what triggers them. Show this log to your physician alongside results of physical exams and skin or blood tests conducted using various mold extracts; these will then be placed onto your skin using tiny amounts that have been pricked by needle to see if any reactions show up as red marks around prick marks indicating positive responses.
Pets
Indoor allergies may be caused by pet dander, dust mite droppings, cockroaches or mold spores – unlike outdoor allergens that typically peak between spring and summer, indoor allergens such as animal dander can often remain year-round and be just as debilitating.
Allergies occur when your immune system reacts inappropriately to normally harmless substances called aeroallergens, setting off a chain reaction of antibodies being produced and released into your bloodstream that cause runny nose, itchy eyes and other allergic symptoms.
Allergens can be found anywhere inside your home, such as furniture, carpeting, bedding and mattresses. In order to reduce allergen levels in your home and reduce allergen-induced symptoms, regular vacuuming and sweeping should help. In addition, use of HEPA air filters is recommended; weekly wash sheets in hot water are needed; furnace filters must also be regularly changed as these methods may not suffice – professional cleaners may provide additional relief if these methods don’t.
Dependent upon the severity of your allergies, our specialists may prescribe antihistamines or oral steroids to alleviate symptoms. Immunotherapy works by gradually exposing your immune system to allergens you are sensitive to over time in order to desensitize them – this requires long-term commitment and may be costly.
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