Allergies to pet dander, dust mites and mold can lead to chronic sneezing, watery eyes and itching that last throughout the year – and can even result in wheezing and other lower respiratory symptoms.
An allergist/immunologist can provide relief for your allergies through skin and blood testing to identify triggers.
Dust mites
Dust mites are one of the primary sources of indoor allergies. These tiny organisms live in house dust and thrive in warm and humid environments, where they release proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in those who are sensitive. Allergens from partially digested food or digestive enzymes released by dust mites become airborne via vibration or abrasion and inhaled; this exposure leads to skin conditions like eczema which causes itching and redness; as well as respiratory symptoms such as sneezing or coughing.
House dust contains allergens from various sources, such as pollen, fabric fibers, mold spores and pet dander. Young children are especially prone to reacting adversely to mold spores as their immune systems have yet to fully develop.
Cockroaches are another frequent trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms in inner city areas and multifamily dwellings. Cockroaches can become particularly troublesome in kitchens where they feed off leftover food while polluting food preparation surfaces with saliva, digestive enzymes and body parts that become airborne when these organisms move or are disturbed.
Allergen avoidance can be extremely effective at alleviating symptoms and underlying bronchial reactivity, although its long-term impacts remain unproven. When this is not feasible, antihistamines can be used to treat allergic reactions caused by specific indoor allergens; alternative interventions like installing HEPA filters on household vacuum cleaners may help decrease indoor allergens as well.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments both indoors and outdoors, producing airborne spores which may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Common symptoms associated with a mold allergy include itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; itchy throat; nasal congestion or pressure; sinus pain or pressure; cough; as well as symptoms resembling those seen when someone is allergic.
People with mold allergies often suffer from skin reactions like rashes and breakouts, while exposure to mold spores may result in fungal eye infections – although this is rare. Most individuals do not go on to develop more serious health complications like lung infections from having mold allergies unless they have certain risk factors.
As an example, those with compromised immunity, chronic lung conditions like emphysema or advanced sarcoidosis can become susceptible to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), an infection of the lungs caused by Aspergillus fungi that can also trigger other inflammatory diseases in children and adolescents. Furthermore, rare genetic conditions known as hypersensitivity to Aspergillus can increase ABPA risk as well as cause other inflammatory diseases in this way.
Physicians can diagnose mold allergy through physical exam and medical history analysis, as well as skin tests using extracts of various mold species applied directly onto your skin surface and pricked with needle. If the test reveals allergic symptoms, an allergist can prescribe medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids to alleviate them; alternatively you can reduce exposure by staying indoors when outdoor activities increase, such as in foggy or damp weather conditions.
Pet dander
Pet dander consists of microscopic pieces of dead skin shed by cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents and other furry animals that shed. Pet dander can trigger allergies in some people and when exposed to it the immune system overreacts by producing antibodies to combat it which lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes – symptoms which could worsen asthma in those already struggling.
Pet dander contains proteins that cling to carpeting, clothes and household surfaces for months after an animal has left your home. Furthermore, it can enter air ducts and be distributed throughout your house by your furnace and AC systems – easily triggering allergic reactions for people allergic to animals as it floats through the air before landing on clothing, hair or furniture.
To combat pet dander allergies in your home, regularly vacuum and dust to eliminate allergens such as HEPA-filter vacuums; washing bedding and blankets often will also help. In addition, taking over-the-counter antihistamines may help alleviate symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes caused by pet dander allergies; decongestants and leukotriene modifiers taken orally can reduce nasal congestion and swelling.
Asthma
Asthmatics can be sensitive to allergens like pet dander, dust mites and mold in their homes; exposure can trigger symptoms and worsen asthmatic attacks. Strong chemicals or smells, smoking, medications prescribed for respiratory conditions as well as respiratory infections could all play a part in exacerbating their condition.
Doctors can assess allergies to indoor allergens using various testing methods, with skin testing being the most reliable and involving pressing the allergen against the patient’s skin and reading any reactions after several minutes. Blood tests can also be performed in order to measure antibody levels in their system.
Most individuals who suffer from allergies can ease their symptoms by avoiding allergens; however, strict avoidance isn’t always possible, and over-the-counter and prescription medication can often ease allergic reactions. Antihistamines such as ZYRTEC-D Allergy Relief help reduce sneezing and itching while decongestants relieve stuffy noses; if that fails then corticosteroid sprays that reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses might be prescribed; otherwise immunotherapy involving giving small doses over a longer period to build tolerance may be another solution.
Allergy specialists advise conducting regular symptom control assessments to identify problematic areas and adjust therapy as necessary. An asthma action plan is an excellent starting point. Furthermore, medications to help prevent flare-ups such as inhaled steroids like albuterol or leukotriene modifiers like montelukast are key in order to maintain good control.
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