Allergies affect over 35 million Americans and account for significant costs. Their symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and skin and breathing difficulty – all which result in considerable inconvenience and costs to healthcare systems across America.
Indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and cockroaches can be persistent sources of allergy symptoms year round compared to seasonal allergies such as hay fever.
Allergens
Millions of people worldwide suffer year-round allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens like dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings and mold spores. These allergies cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and scratchy throat; many even suffer from asthma which causes breathing difficulty and can eventually be fatal.
Allergens are produced when our immune systems respond to foreign substances it perceives as harmful, such as allergens. When exposed to allergens, they cause our bodies to overreact by producing antibodies (IgE) against it – when IgE reaches cells lining sinuses, nasal passages or airways it releases chemicals which produce allergic symptoms causing symptoms that manifest themselves through inflammation of these areas.
Many allergens are produced by bacteria, fungi and animals (cats, dogs and rodents) found within our homes, schools and workplaces; others such as pollen may enter these environments through windows, doors or cars.
Recent advances in molecular biology and proteomics have allowed researchers to identify, clone, express and study new indoor allergens while uncovering how they interact with immune responses – this knowledge will allow new strategies for diagnosing and treating allergy/asthma-caused allergy/asthma to be developed. The report examines what is known about their scale as well as identifying causative agents while also reviewing testing methodologies with special focus given on applicability/interpretation issues.
Symptoms
Millions of people suffer year-round from nasal and sinus congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and itching due to allergies caused by pet dander, dust mite droppings, cockroach parts, mold spores or other indoor allergens. Mild symptoms can typically be treated using over-the-counter antihistamines but if these do not provide relief an allergy specialist may be able to pinpoint its source through diagnostic testing.
Felis domesticus (the domesticated cat) allergies are among the most prevalent and are most likely caused by proteins found in its sweat, skin flakes and saliva. An allergen called “Fel d1” also appears in their fur and urine and can trigger reactions in some individuals.
Cockroaches are another indoor allergen and an especially large problem in urban environments and military/student housing. Cockroach allergens contain proteins which trigger your immune system, leading to antibodies being produced that neutralize these intruders before entering your system and leading to symptoms like sneezing and nasal congestion.
Other conditions commonly seen with indoor allergies include hay fever, chronic cough and sinusitis – the latter caused by dust allergies or exposure to animal dander and mold spores in the air.
Treatment
Allergies occur when our immune systems overreact to normally harmless substances in the environment – allergens – by producing too much immunoglobulin E (IgE), leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion and itching; indoor allergies often accompany asthma symptoms as well.
Seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever,” result in an exaggerated immune response to outdoor allergens like tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed and mold spores that occur seasonally. If nasal stuffiness, sneezing, watery eyes or itchy nose continue year-round regardless of their source – perhaps because animal dander, dust mite droppings, cockroaches or mold spores have invaded indoor environments?
There are various allergy tests available to identify indoor allergens. Skin tests involve pricking or scratching the skin before exposing it to allergens of interest; blood samples or small samples of urine can also be taken for IgE antibody testing in order to measure their presence against various allergens, and results used as a way of determining if you are allergic.
Prevention
Allergies can be avoided, without even leaving your own home. Indoor allergies may be triggered by dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or cockroach droppings; if symptoms occur year-round instead of just during pollen season they could indicate nonseasonal hay fever (perennial allergic rhinitis).
Home contains allergens, but they can be reduced with proper cleaning practices. Regular vacuuming and sweeping, especially of hard-to-reach areas. Switch out traditional scented candles for battery-powered ones as scents may trigger allergy symptoms; clean bed linens and pillowcases regularly; use dehumidifiers in damp climates for humidity reduction, and limit house plants that could potentially trigger allergies.
If you are experiencing severe allergies, contact your primary care doctor for guidance and referral to an allergist who will help identify and avoid potential allergens. Medication may also help alleviate symptoms.
Diet and adequate hydration can also play an essential role in alleviating allergy symptoms, as hydration helps your body produce less histamine1. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water prevents dehydration which exacerbates allergy symptoms2. For guidance regarding what foods and beverages will best support you or visit Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America to gain more information about avoiding allergy symptoms.
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