Even homes that appear clean may harbor allergens that cause watery eyes, sneezing and congestion symptoms. Allergy medications and switching up cleaning routines are effective ways of relieving symptoms and decreasing allergies altogether.
Dust mites, pet dander, mold and other allergens can become increasingly problematic during the winter as we remain indoors with doors and windows closed. Here are five strategies to manage indoor allergens more effectively:
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny creatures that can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. These microscopic organisms thrive in warm, moist environments like bedding, mattresses, carpets and upholstery furniture; contributing significantly to year-round allergies in every continent except Antarctica.
Feces (droppings) of mites is one of the primary triggers of respiratory allergy symptoms and itchy skin rashes similar to eczema. Digestive enzymes produced by mites produce potency allergens which float around when disturbed, such as during vacuuming, making the bed, walking on a rug or breathing. Once inhaled or absorbed through skin contact these fecal pellets can trigger runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion – symptoms associated with runny noses sneezing and congestion.
While it is impossible to completely eliminate dust mites in a home, regular bedding washing and reducing their number can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Covering mattresses, pillows and quilts with tightly woven allergy-proof covers may further help decrease their numbers; some health funds offer rebates on such covers.
If you suspect an allergy to dust mites may be the source of your symptoms, schedule a skin prick test with your healthcare provider. This test exposes small amounts of a potential allergen directly onto the skin in an effort to detect wheals – raised areas on your skin similar to insect bites – which indicate any allergic reaction.
Pets
Pet dander is another cause of indoor allergies. People allergic to cats or dogs experience symptoms when breathing in dander particles containing proteins that activate an immune response. Allergens can be found in saliva, skin flakes and urine from animals that possess fur.1
No breed of dog or cat can truly be called hypoallergenic; most people who are allergic to animals react more strongly to proteins found in dander, saliva and urine2. Keeping pets outside and regularly washing clothing and bedding often help, as does replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood floors, which are easier to maintain cleanly.
Cockroaches can be an allergen in many homes. Some individuals are allergic to a protein found in cockroach droppings found around the kitchen and garbage disposal, so keeping a home as clean as possible, sealing any open cracks, and keeping food stored securely can all reduce your likelihood of an infestation.
If you or your child experience symptoms that interfere with daily activities or are severe and life threatening, such as hives or anaphylaxis3, consulting a board-certified allergist/immunologist is essential. Allergens can be tested through skin tests with either scratch-and-prick or antibody testing through blood samples; skin tests using scratch or prick involve placing small amounts of the test substance directly onto skin in order to generate an allergic reaction response while antibody tests utilize blood samples as samples of potential allergens3.
Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, dark places. When released into the air, its spores can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people such as watery eyes; runny nose; sneezing; itchy skin rashes or rashes; sinus problems and difficulty breathing. Certain varieties, like black mold, produce mycotoxins which may cause serious lung infections or even cause death.
Mold allergies can range in severity from mild to severe and may surface year-round or only at certain points in time. They typically appear in damp, dark spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, storage areas with items piled high on them, recently flooded basement areas or plumbing spaces but can also be found outdoors in humid environments.
Preventing mold allergies by decreasing humidity using a dehumidifier and air conditioner in your home. Furthermore, remove items like books and newspapers which attract moisture, such as books and newspapers that attract mold growth; discard old carpets in favor of hardwood flooring instead.
Mold allergies are typically caused by an immune response to mold spores. Over-the-counter antihistamines may help relieve symptoms while prescription medicines like nasal corticosteroids or immunotherapy may provide additional relief – for more information regarding possible solutions contact an allergist today.
Smoke
Smoke allergies are extremely irritating and may make you sneeze, cough or have itchy eyes – not to mention interfering with breathing properly.
Chemicals found in smoke irritate the linings of your nose, throat and lungs and may trigger coughs as they take oxygen away from red blood cells, leaving you short of breath. Furthermore, invisible fine particles within smoke may reach into your lungs where they damage alveoli (air sacs that help take in oxygen) in which oxygen enters, leading to emphysema or other lung conditions.
Smoke contains other air pollutants like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons which are toxic, potentially impacting on health even at lower concentrations of smoke exposure. Infants and young children, people over 65, smokers, those with heart and lung conditions such as asthma as well as pregnant women are particularly sensitive to the effects of smoke exposure – experiencing symptoms even at lower concentrations than healthy adults, possibly leading to chronic health conditions down the line.
You should refrain from exercising, working or playing outdoors when it appears rain is on its way or when the air quality index (AQI) reaches “UNHEALTHY.” If necessary, wear a mask and close doors and windows in order to reduce potential allergen exposure.
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