Dust mite, dander, mold and pet-irritant allergies can often trigger symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes and congestion. To identify potential allergens more accurately, keep track of when and where symptoms appear in order to help narrow down potential culprits.
Antihistamine medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) help relieve itchy and swelling sensations, while leukotriene inhibitors such as montelukast (Singulair) may prevent allergy symptoms by blocking production of substances that aggravate them.
Pet Allergies
Pet allergies are a widespread condition and can significantly limit a person’s quality of life indoors. While cats and dogs tend to cause the most allergy-inducing reactions, it is also possible for someone to be sensitive to other species like guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets etc. Allergies to pets arise when the immune system mistakes proteins found in animal dander (dead skin cells), saliva or urine as potentially dangerous and produces IgE antibodies to counter the attack. These allergens are then released when exposed to them, leading to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Pet dander also acts as a carrier and can carry other airborne allergens like pollen, house dust mites and mould, potentially triggering hay fever, allergic rhinitis or asthma in susceptible people.
Allergies to pets can be difficult to identify due to symptoms that resemble cold symptoms, but your GP/Health Professional should recommend either skin prick testing or blood testing as part of their diagnosis plan and may refer you to an allergy specialist if necessary.
Avoiding contact with animals is the ideal approach to treating pet allergies, though this may be challenging in households that adore their furry friends. An effective solution would be having someone without pets regularly brush outside and clean cages/bedding of any pets in your family who do have an allergy; additionally it would be wise to keep cats/dogs out of bedrooms/upholstered furniture as prolonged exposure may exacerbate symptoms.
Mold Allergies
Mold is an allergenic fungus that thrives in damp environments both indoors and outdoors, producing airborne spores which stimulate an overly-sensitive immune response from those sensitive to it – symptoms may include nasal congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and coughing; people allergic to mold spores often also have asthma attacks that are made worse by high concentrations of these spores.
Mold allergies can be caused by any number of different mold species, but the most prevalent ones include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. Some molds can even be toxic and lead to serious illnesses like aspergillosis.
Physicians typically administer skin tests to diagnose mold allergy. Tiny extracts of different kinds of mold are applied directly onto or under the skin and pricked; any positive reactions appear as red, raised areas. Blood or urine testing might also be performed to confirm diagnosis.
Antihistamines and decongestants available over-the-counter may help relieve symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and scratchy throat. Flonase and Rhinocort Aqua intranasal steroid sprays may reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses, while using saline solution kits may provide additional relief for some individuals. For severe allergies a doctor may suggest immunotherapy shots (immunotherapy).
Dust Allergies
Dust allergies are caused by mites that thrive in warm homes, feeding on dead skin cells. Over 20 million people worldwide experience year-round allergy symptoms caused by these microorganisms; they are the primary triggers of allergic asthma attacks and among the leading causes of allergy symptoms.
Dust allergies occur when an individual inhales waste material from insects and animals that produces antibodies that travel to cells lining their nose, throat, eyes and ears, where these cells release chemicals which trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes.
Cockroaches are another indoor allergen that may trigger symptoms in some people, often manifesting themselves through smelly odors associated with this form of allergy and by inhaling small particles they leave behind when crawling over surfaces.
Dust allergies can be alleviated through using an air filter, wearing a mask when cleaning and using dehumidifiers to control moisture build-up in their home. In addition, taking an over-the-counter antihistamine tablet or liquid such as Allegra Allergy’s Fexofenadine, Loratadine Claritin or Zyrtec may provide relief while Decongestants may help in relieving sinus and nasal passage congestion.
Asthma
If you have asthma, allergens in your indoor environment can make breathing harder than normal and even trigger attacks. Your doctor can help identify which allergens and asthma triggers affect you the most, while providing treatment plans designed to limit their exposure.
If you are allergic to pet dander or dust mites, inhaling these allergens can irritate the airways, making breathing difficult. Cockroaches, rodent droppings and mold spores may also trigger asthma symptoms; and certain seasons when pollen from trees, grasses and weeds is prevalent may worsen symptoms even further; other times when exercising or exposed to strong odors makes symptoms even worse.
If you suffer from asthma and are exposed to substances at work that worsen your symptoms, your doctor may diagnose you with occupational asthma. This form is typically caused by exposure to flour or grain dust, isocyanates (chemicals used as hardening agents in paints), wood dust and animal dander; symptoms generally subside once away from work – hence its alternative name “work-related asthma”! Occupational asthma is among the most prevalent forms in America.
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