Allergies can be caused by airborne particles such as dust mites, mold and pet dander in the environment and may lead to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and nose as well as nasal congestion. Mild indoor allergies can be treated using allergy medication as well as home maintenance measures like increasing cleaning routines or running dehumidifiers.
Immunotherapy may also provide relief. Consult with an allergist regarding your symptoms for assistance.
Pets
Pet dander and fur can trigger allergies that manifest as runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing or nasal congestion. These reactions may range from mild to severe in severity depending on other triggers like mold spores, dust mites or even tobacco smoke sensitivity.
Allergens present in an animal’s saliva and skin glands become airborne as dead skin (dander) and fur are shed, creating proteins which cause symptoms in people such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes and itchy or itchy skin – some people even develop asthma from these allergens!
Pet dander can even make its way into homes without pets, thanks to being sticky enough to stick onto clothing and shoes. Pet allergens may also enter rooms through other sources – for instance cockroaches have also been known to bring pet allergens indoors which cause allergies in sensitive individuals.
To test for allergies to pet dander, your doctor will place drops of possible allergens onto your skin and use a small needle to scratch lightly over it. Within 15 minutes, if an allergen causes reactions in you, red or pink patches of skin might develop or small bumps called wheals that resemble bug bites will appear – this means an allergy has occurred! If a skin prick test is unavailable or unavailable due to other reasons, blood samples will be sent off to a lab to measure antibodies against it in this way.
Dust
Allergies to dust can result in runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing symptoms for those sensitive to it. They may also experience nasal congestion, post-nasal drip or coughing due to dust mites which feed off dead skin cells in mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture blankets and carpets – they thrive in warm and humid environments where human skin flakes provide sustenance – becoming one of the primary triggers of allergy symptoms for asthmatics.
Mild indoor allergies may find relief by limiting exposure to allergens that exacerbate symptoms and taking over-the-counter medicines, while for more severe symptoms an allergist can conduct a medical interview and skin test to pinpoint your source.
Allergists may suggest various over-the-counter and prescription medications that treat allergies by relieving symptoms such as stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes and sneezing, such as decongestants, antihistamines and corticosteroid sprays. Immunotherapy shots (immunotherapy) may also help increase tolerance against triggers for allergies by gradually increasing tolerance levels; allergy shots can be given in doctor’s offices while oral immunotherapy tablets can be taken sublingually under your tongue – potentially alleviating allergy symptoms while improving quality of life overall.
Mold
Mold allergies caused by fungus spores can be either seasonal or year-round and can result in symptoms ranging from runny nose and itchy eyes/throat/ears to nasal congestion and coughing/wheezing to wheezing; asthma; hives and rashes in infants and small children whose immune systems have yet to mature fully. Mold allergy symptoms tend to be worse among young children whose immune systems have not fully matured yet.
Mold spores can be found anywhere from the air to surfaces that remain damp, such as bathrooms and shower stalls, kitchens, closets, cluttered storage areas, attics, basements, crawl spaces and potted plants – often giving off an earthy scent. They flourish in warm and moist environments and often find a home in bathrooms, shower stalls, kitchens closets cluttered storage areas attic basements crawl spaces potted plants sealed off rooms where moisture accumulates resulting in musty smells.
Fungi produce toxic substances known as aflatoxins that may increase liver cancer risks for those consuming foods contaminated with them, although most often produced by molds on corn, peanuts, cottonseeds and tree nuts – creating only a risk to workers in fields.
Mold spores can be prevented by maintaining indoor humidity between 30%-50%, using exhaust fans while cooking or showering, promptly repairing leaky plumbing issues, vacuuming regularly with an allergen filter, avoiding fabrics that collect moisture, removing wall-to-wall carpets, using antihistamines to block histamines that stimulate the immune system and using immunotherapy over time to desensitize immune systems to allergens and decrease allergic reactions.
Pollen
Pollen is a fine powdery substance produced by flowers and trees to facilitate reproduction. Pollen particles float freely through the air and are spread by wind or insects, carrying genetic information for new plant generations. Pollen levels vary with seasons – with peak levels occurring during spring, summer, and autumn months.
People suffering from allergies often exhibit runny noses and itchy eyes as symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Sneezing, congestion and post-nasal drip may also result from pollen allergies; pollen allergy also often causes post-nasal drip which creates the sensation that mucus is running down their throats. Persistent itching eyes and nasal obstruction can even result in ear infections!
Pollen allergies can be difficult to manage, particularly during peak pollen times in spring and summer. Closing windows and wearing a mask during periods with high pollen counts may help. Allergy medication may also provide some relief while immunotherapy has proven itself very successful at managing pollens, dust mites, pets and cockroaches among other allergens.
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, make an appointment with either your general practitioner or clinical immunology/allergy specialist who will conduct a detailed medical history analysis and administer skin prick tests or blood allergy tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis as well as provide the most suitable treatments options for you.
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