Allergies can be caused by non-hazardous substances that trigger your immune system into reacting negatively, most frequently pet dander, dust mite droppings, cockroaches, mold spores and pet hair are some of the culprits; indoor allergens remain year-round while seasonal allergens like grass, weed and tree pollens appear seasonally.
Pet Allergies
Pets are an integral part of many families. Unfortunately, though, they can also contribute to allergy symptoms. Dogs and cats are typically associated with allergies; however any animal could potentially trigger it. Most allergies to pets stem from protein-based allergens in saliva glands that cling onto fur or dander and then stick to walls, carpets or clothing surfaces – often leading to sniffles, sneezing or even severe asthma attacks in those susceptible.
symptoms of pet allergy may include nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes and sneezing. People allergic to pets will usually recognize themselves because their symptoms pop up whenever they spend time with one or visit someone with one in their home or come into contact with them in some other capacity. If these symptoms remain year-round it might be wise to consult an allergist.
Before visiting an allergist, use our allergy symptom tracker to get an idea of your symptoms and how they relate to allergies. Once in their office, an allergist can run various allergy tests on you using either skin prick or blood tests in order to determine if you’re allergic to animal saliva and skin gland proteins, pollen mold medication or food components – or anything else!
Mold Allergies
Molds are microscopic fungi that live both indoors and out on moist organic materials such as plants, logs, compost piles and grasses. When inhaled into the lungs they can cause an allergic reaction; our immune systems recognizes them as invaders and produce antibodies to combat them – common molds causing reactions include alternaria, aspergillus and cladosporium species.
Mold allergies can produce similar symptoms as other allergies: stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes and wheezing. Furthermore, asthmatics may find mold spores can irritate their condition and trigger attacks.
OTC medications may help relieve symptoms associated with mold allergy. Antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroids are available over-the-counter to reduce nasal passage inflammation; decongestants help decrease congestion; corticosteroids reduce mucous membrane swelling. Furthermore, inhalers containing short-acting bronchodilators may also help manage allergic reactions to molds.
If you suspect a mold allergy, consulting your physician for diagnosis and treatment is recommended. A physician can perform either a skin or blood test to ascertain if you’re sensitive to molds; in a skin test, tiny extracts from various kinds of molds are applied directly onto the skin before being punctured with a needle – any positive reactions appear as red, raised bumps. Radioallergosorbent testing measures levels of immunoglobulin E antibodies present in your body in order to determine whether you’re allergic.
Dust Allergies
Eye irritation and itchy nose or throat itching are classic symptoms of allergies. If this sounds familiar to you, it could be dust, mold, pet dander or another indoor allergen causing them. An allergist can help identify what triggers them as well as offer treatment solutions.
Allergies to house dust — typically microscopic mites carrying human dander, fibers from clothing and fabrics and detergent particles — can trigger these symptoms. Dust mites thrive in warm and humid places such as bedding, mattresses and pillows as well as carpets and upholstery furniture.
Dust allergies may also be caused by cockroaches and smoke. Furthermore, some individuals are sensitive to certain chemicals found in household cleaning products and may react adversely.
Keep windows and doors closed during your time indoors to help block outdoor airborne pollutants such as pollen, mold spores and other allergens from coming inside, which could carry pollen, mold spores and other allergens into the home. A dehumidifier in the basement may help to reduce humidity levels to limit allergen growth; vacuum regularly to remove allergens from upholstery furniture as well as consider replacing carpeting with tile or linoleum flooring; wear a mask when cleaning to protect from allergenic odors/sprays while cleaning to further limit exposure from dust allergens; keeping pets outside; using “mite-proof” cases on mattresses/pillows along with washing linens often can limit exposure.
Asthma
Millions of people worldwide suffer from asthma, a chronic lung condition in which exposure to allergens causes inflammation of airways in the lungs to widen and narrow, leading to difficulty breathing. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and occur all year-round – in extreme cases even making breathing impossible for some individuals. Allergic asthma is the most prevalent form of the condition, often caused by immune system reactions against allergens; symptoms associated with allergic asthma include wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Animal dander, molds, dust mites and pollen are among the allergens known to trigger asthmatic attacks, while tree pollen and molds usually release their allergens in spring or fall.
Your doctor may use a skin test to detect allergies. This process involves applying small amounts of chemicals directly onto your skin and watching for any reactions; blood tests can also be used to identify allergenic substances.
To control allergies and asthma, see an allergist/immunologist. Avoid allergens if possible; otherwise try nasal sprays that won’t make you sleepy, decongestant medications and antihistamines as necessary. Also vacuum carpets weekly while washing upholstered furniture in hot water – opting for wood flooring over carpet in bedrooms may help. Cover pillow, mattresses and box springs with dust mite-proof covers while washing sheets, blankets and pillowcases every week in hot water can also help keep symptoms at bay.
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