Millions of Americans suffer year-round allergy and asthma symptoms caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mold spores that trigger reactions in their nose, throat and eyes.
Reactions caused by allergens occur when immune system cells bind with certain proteins found in allergens and then release chemicals that trigger symptoms in response.
Dust Mites
Allergies to dust mites, mold spores and pet dander are among the most prevalent winter indoor allergens that can trigger sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms as well as worsen asthma symptoms.
Dust mites, microscopic relatives of ticks and spiders, live in bedding, mattresses, carpeting, rugs and upholstered furniture in homes across America. They feed off dead skin cells shed by humans while flourishing in warm and humid environments. Although dust mites cannot bite people allergic to them can experience symptoms when exposed to their fecal pellets and body fragments floating through the air such as runny noses, itchy, watery eyes or symptoms resembling those associated with hay fever.
Dust mite allergy sufferers may experience an itchy, scaly rash similar to that of eczema on their arms and legs; it can also occur anywhere on their bodies. An allergy to dust mite fecal pellets can also lead to chronic nasal congestion and wheezing symptoms.
For effective dust mite control, switch out carpeted areas for hard floors. Regularly vacuum with HEPA filters and wash bedding in hot water (130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) should also help. In damp areas, run a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels that promote mold and dust mite growth.
Pet Allergies
Pets don’t cause allergy symptoms directly, but proteins found in an animal’s saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) and urine can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Dogs and cats shed these allergens onto fabric furniture and bedding as well as collecting outdoor allergens such as pollen or mold when out for walks or playing.
These allergens may trigger symptoms similar to colds, yet more severe. If these allergens affect you, however, these could include runny nose, watery eyes, itching, sneezing, and wheezing – symptoms which often last beyond just days. If this happens to you then seeing a doctor might be necessary.
For accurate diagnosis of pet allergies, blood or skin tests are the gold standard. Your healthcare provider will clean one area of your arm or back with alcohol before pricking your skin to take a sample and apply allergens that cause positive reactions (such as raised welts) before watching for signs that indicate that these reactions have occurred. They may also order blood tests to measure IgE antibodies which serve as markers of allergic reactions allowing doctors to better pinpoint which allergens you’re reacting against.
Mold
Mold allergies can result in runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing. People who are immunocompromised or living with chronic lung conditions such as emphysema or advanced sarcoidosis may experience more severe reactions.
Molds are fungi that thrive in moist conditions. They decompose organic material to obtain nutrients through heterotrophic feeding, and release hydrolytic enzymes from their hyphal tips that breakdown complex biopolymers such as starch, cellulose and lignin into simpler molecules that they can then absorb as nourishment.
Spores from mold fungi can float freely in the air, entering homes and buildings through open doors and windows during warm weather when they are actively growing. Molds are frequently found indoors in damp cellar areas, storage spaces, kitchens and bathrooms, drains, potted plants, drains, attics, house foundations or crawl spaces where they emit an unpleasant “musty” odor.
Mold allergies often manifest themselves with watery and itchy eyes; runny nose; itchy, sneezing or stuffy sinuses; nasal blockage; coughing; fatigue and rashes. People allergic to molds may even develop respiratory infections like pneumonia as a result.
If runny nose, itchy eyes and cough are impeding your quality of life, schedule an appointment with an allergist immediately. He or she will conduct allergy tests to identify the source of your symptoms and suggest treatments such as antihistamine medications to manage them effectively. To be most effective with managing allergies successfully requires avoiding exposure to potential triggers while taking antihistamines to manage allergic reactions effectively.
Asthma
People living with asthma know that allergens like pet dander, mold spores and dust mites can aggravate symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. But did you know air pollution is also a significant contributor? Our homes and buildings may contain harmful fumes, particulates and ozone which trigger asthma symptoms.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which airways narrow and inflame, making breathing more difficult. Common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Allergic triggers like cold/flu viruses as well as allergens, exercise stress medications or strong soaps and perfumes may aggravate asthma symptoms further.
Allergic symptoms are frequently experienced by those living with asthma and are frequently coupled with other forms of allergy such as eczema and rhinitis (hay fever). Allergens that trigger allergies include grass pollen, tree pollen, ragweed pollen, molds, pet dander and even insects like cockroaches.
Allergies tend to flare up more in winter as people seek shelter indoors from colder temperatures, and stay closer to heat sources like heaters or fireplaces to stay warm. This reexposes them to allergens such as mold in pipes, dust mites and pet dander that had previously been reduced outside due to cooler conditions; furthermore most heating systems recirculate indoor air, keeping these allergens close by where people reside or sleep.
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