Allergies to dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and mold spores can produce year-round symptoms that require medical treatment and monitoring. Allergists provide allergy testing as well as tailored plans to reduce these symptoms and provide treatments.
Indoor allergens are present in every home, regardless of cleanliness. Their exposure can have harmful health implications in those sensitized, including decreased asthma control.
Allergens
An allergen is any substance that activates your immune system to produce allergy symptoms in your nose, throat, eyes, ears or skin. Your immune system views allergens as potential invaders and releases chemicals which lead to symptoms in your nose, throat, eyes, ears or skin. Allergens come from various sources – dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold spores, insect venoms or even certain medications can trigger reactions in our systems.
Allergies can range from minor inconvenience to potentially life-threatening conditions, making other medical problems worse such as sinus issues, eczema and asthma. Common symptoms of allergies include runny noses, itchy throats and noses, itchy eyes, nasal congestion pressure issues, sinus pressure hives on skin surface areas and wheezing.
Pollen, animal dander and mold spores can all aggravate seasonal allergies while dust mites and pet dander present indoors can trigger allergy symptoms throughout the year.
Fungi are one of the major sources of indoor allergens, particularly Penicillium species such as P. citrinum and P. chrysogenum, both of which produce several allergenic proteins with IgE reactivities of 88% and 82% among asthmatic patients in the US, respectively. Other fungi and organisms produce cross-reactive allergenic proteins like tropomyosin which has been identified with hypersensitivity pneumonitis symptoms.
Symptoms
Pet dander, mold spores and dust mite droppings can trigger allergies that lead to itchy eyes, nose and throat, creating discomfort all year long compared to seasonal allergies such as hay fever that typically come and go as seasons change.
As soon as someone inhales allergens, their immune system identifies them as threats and overreacts by producing antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E or IgE. These antibodies travel to cells which release chemicals that cause inflammation in their nose, lungs and skin – leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and sore throat or mouths.
Indoor allergy sufferers may also experience wheezy cough and congestion symptoms. Some individuals may also develop sinusitis, nasal polyps or adenoid hypertrophy due to or as a result of the allergy symptoms.
Mild indoor allergy symptoms can often be addressed with simple preventive measures, like eliminating wall-to-wall carpeting, using only synthetic pillows, and regularly washing bedding in hot water. However, if these steps don’t seem effective or the allergies persist throughout the year and prevent you from living comfortably at home, then seeking medical assistance from an allergist might be necessary. Allergists specialize in skin testing to accurately identify what allergens cause reactions so as to eliminate misdiagnoses and tailor a plan tailored specifically to you and your symptoms or lifestyle needs.
Treatment
Many mild cases of indoor allergies can be effectively managed at home by taking preventive steps and using over the counter allergy medicines. If symptoms persist or reduce quality of life, however, professional allergist consultation may be needed in order to get skin tested and identify triggers.
Allergies are an immune response by our bodies to substances inhaled through breathing that our immune systems perceive as harmful, such as pet dander, dust mite droppings, mold spores and cat/dog saliva. While outdoor allergies tend to follow seasonal cycles, indoor allergies can occur year round.
If sneezing, itching and itchy eyes occur at home, one way to understand what may be aggravating their allergies is keeping a journal of symptoms. By noting when their symptoms peak and noting possible allergens they can avoid in the future.
Finding a balance between loving your pet and managing their allergy symptoms may be challenging, but effective solutions exist. Vacuuming carpets and furniture regularly, washing bedding in hot water weekly and changing air filters on HVAC systems or placing dehumidifiers in basements may all help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Prevention
Avoiding indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, cockroach droppings and mold is key to managing allergy symptoms effectively. Also keep a record of your symptoms, as their timing and location could help identify triggers.
Vacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture at least twice each week and laundering bedding in hot water is one way to reduce dust mites, while using a dehumidifier in damp rooms such as basements and bathrooms can help decrease mold growth. Placing indoor pets outside or not having them at all may help alleviate allergy symptoms caused by pet dander; grooming pet bedding on an ongoing basis and laundering it can also aid.
Medication such as antihistamines, decongestants and inhaled nasal steroids may help ease symptoms; immunotherapy may be another viable solution.
Allergy sufferers can help one another by sharing information about common allergens and what works and doesn’t work for them, while encouraging one another to take proactive measures to limit exposure to allergens.
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