As with other common household allergens, indoor allergies may trigger symptoms including watery eyes, itchy ears, runny nose or persistent cough. Indoor allergens may even worsen asthma symptoms.
Allergy medications and home maintenance steps may help relieve symptoms. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Keep humidity levels at an acceptable level by running a dehumidifier in damp areas; this should help ensure comfortable temperatures inside.
Mold
Mold is one of the most prevalent indoor allergens, with allergies occurring when your immune system misidentifies certain mold spores as invaders and produces antibodies to combat them. When inhaled, these antibodies can lead to itchy eyes and nose as well as sneezing and wheezing; prolonged exposure could even result in more serious conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Mold spore allergies typically result in similar reactions as other allergic reactions: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and nose and sometimes even hives or diarrhea. If an individual has chronic lung conditions such as asthma or has a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy treatments or HIV/AIDS drugs they may experience more serious side effects.
If you suspect an allergy to mold, make an appointment with your physician immediately and discuss how and where your symptoms occur. Writing down what makes them better or worse may also help your physician make an accurate assessment. Your physician will likely conduct a physical exam and review of your medical history before ordering allergy tests such as skin pricking with allergen extracts to see if raised bumps appear on your skin surface; antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid sprays such as Flonase or Rhinocort Aqua can also help treat allergic reactions as needed.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm and humid environments, feeding on the dead skin cells shed from humans and pets alike. People allergic to dust mites may suffer symptoms including runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing; these symptoms may be mild or severe and occur all of the time or occasionally; persistent sneezing and nasal congestion may even result in more serious conditions like atrophic rhinitis (thinning of nasal epithelium), sinusitis, asthma flare-ups or eczema flare-ups.
Testing for dust mite allergies typically involves conducting either a skin prick or blood test. With both methods, a small amount of allergen is applied directly onto your skin before your immune system responds by producing antibodies against proteins found within dust mites. Both procedures take less than an hour for completion.
If your primary care provider (internist, family physician or pediatrician) cannot assist in managing your allergies effectively, an allergist is an expert who specializes in allergies and immunology with extensive training in this area. Most allergists are board-certified or board-eligible in this area of specialization and work alongside primary care providers to determine an ideal course of treatment – usually oral or nasal medications that can often be bought over-the-counter.
Animals
Animal allergens like cat, dog and rabbit dander and saliva are easily spread in indoor environments through passive transfer from clothing or direct contact. Furthermore, they may enter through vehicles and equipment.
Animal allergies are more likely to arise in workplace environments than residential ones; however, allergen levels in homes with pets have been shown to be significantly higher than in those without them due to passive transfer. Even without pet dander being present, high allergen concentrations have been noted in classrooms and day care centers where children spend lengthy amounts of time, likely as these centers tend to be located nearby homes with pets.
Rat allergen has also been detected in numerous indoor environments, according to research from Jackson Laboratory. Rat allergen is often present where rodents are kept, such as pharmaceutical companies or university laboratories; sensitization rates ranged between 11-44% among technicians, animal caretakers, physicians and scientists who work with such animals.
Animal allergies vary considerably in prevalence depending on factors like species, age of exposure and immune system responses; individuals who exhibit allergic reactions tend to respond more severely than those exposed to plant or mold allergens.
Clutter
Clutter can be an indoor allergen, leading to hay fever or allergy symptoms and even asthma attacks. Paper, books, clothes, toys and food piled up can collect dust mites and allergens; regularly vacuum or sweep your floors and replace or wash bed and pillow covers as soon as they need washing; take measures such as taking away area rugs that attract dust; etc. to minimise this threat.
American adults are exposed to allergens found in homes, schools and work environments such as house dust mites, cockroaches, cats, dogs, wild rodents and fungi – and this increases their risk for allergic diseases such as rhinitis and asthma as well as associated costs.
Know Your Allergies for Maximum Relief It is essential that you understand your allergy triggers so you can minimize their effect as much as possible. Consult your physician about getting a skin test to identify which allergens affect you; and hire a professional home inspector to identify where allergens could be hiding. It is also vital that air ducts work effectively – this prevents harmful pollutants from blowing into your home or office and the EPA advises having them cleaned every 12 to 15 years; additionally a dehumidifier installed in basement can reduce moisture levels to reduce mold and mildew growth; plus the EPA website offers additional tips for decreasing allergens in your environment.
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