Dust mites, mold spores and pet dander allergies can lead to persistent symptoms that include sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion throughout the year – these perennial or indoor allergy symptoms.
Keep a diary of your allergy symptoms to help pinpoint their source. Try and remember when they occur and what was going on when they did occur.
Dust mites
Dust mites, microorganisms that share DNA with ticks and spiders, thrive in warm, humid environments such as beds, mattresses, pillows, furniture upholstery and carpets, drawing moisture from the air into these materials and living there until death occurs releasing proteins that trigger allergies in people.
Dust mite allergens can produce symptoms year-round in those sensitive, with symptoms typically peaking during the hot and humid summer months. People suffering from dust mite allergy typically develop red, itchy skin conditions known as Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema that is red in appearance and often very dry; some even experience asthma attacks as a result of exposure.
Antihistamines and decongestants available over-the-counter may provide temporary relief of dust mite allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itching and watery eyes. If this doesn’t do the trick, however, a physician can prescribe corticosteroid nasal spray to shrink inflamed tissues and ease breathing.
Dust mite allergies can arise for several reasons, such as having an allergic family history or living in an environment with wall-to-wall carpeting. You can lessen exposure by replacing upholstered furniture with hard pieces, using a dehumidifier in the basement and vacuuming and washing clothes on a regular basis. If you suspect an allergy to dust mites, consult an allergist about a skin prick test which involves puncturing the inside of your arm with tiny drops containing allergens produced by dust mites – quick yet painless!
Pet dander
Pet dander proteins are one of the primary causes of allergy symptoms. Although most people who are sensitive to cats and dogs tend to react, other animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, parrots (especially parrots) may also cause reactions. All animals shed dead skin cells containing allergens which collect in furniture, bedding, fabrics or air and when inhaled can trigger the immune system into producing antibodies which lead to runny noses or itchy eyes symptoms in those susceptible to pet dander allergies.
Pet dander can also lead to asthma attacks and chronic health issues in those with preexisting conditions like heart disease, eczema or sinusitis. Even hairless pets can still produce protein allergens that float freely through the air causing symptoms despite not shedding as often – even more than haired pets can do!
Allergy testing is the ultimate way to assess whether you are sensitive to pet dander. A blood test measures IgE levels and can indicate if you are allergic to specific types of pet dander. Meanwhile, limit exposure to pets in your home with HEPA filters or air cleaners installed to reduce airborne dander and allergens; bathe your pets frequently to reduce clingy fur dander accumulation; bathe them often enough that less clings onto their fur coat.
Mold
Molds are small fungi that thrive in moist environments, particularly the spring and fall when plant life dies after winter has passed, though mold may also form in bathrooms, kitchens or basements that remain damp for an extended period.
Mold spores cause your immune system to recognize them as foreign invaders and release antibodies with antigens that cause allergies, which then enter the nose and throat causing symptoms of rhinitis (hay fever) or reach the lungs triggering asthma attacks. People allergic to both mold rhinitis and asthma could have allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis that leads to severe wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Doctors can assess mold allergy with a skin test. In this test, small amounts of suspected allergens like mold spores are pricked into the skin using a needle, and if any red and itchy areas appear near these puncture marks then your physician can confirm your allergy to molds.
Avoid places where molds may develop. If this does not help, take antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids for your allergy symptoms as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Your doctor may even suggest immunotherapy, a series of shots which builds immunity against allergens in your system. You can reduce symptoms further by using a saline solution kit to rinse your nose and sinuses regularly.
Pollen
Allergens such as mold spores and pollen can trigger allergies when breathed in. Pollen, a fine powdery substance produced by trees, grasses, weeds and flowers to fertilize their flowers, can be carried by wind and released in large amounts from spring through autumn – often leading to runny noses and watery eyes for some and asthma attacks in others.
As soon as a person with allergies inhales pollen, their immune system recognizes it as harmful invaders and releases antibodies to neutralise it. When these antibodies bind with mast cells in their nose, throat or lungs and release histamine, mucus production increases leading to runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion as well as possibly irritating sinuses and post-nasal drip.
An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can help reduce pollen in your home, and it’s wise to avoid being outdoors when the pollen count is high, particularly for those allergic to tree, grass or weed pollen. Pollen counts can be checked via newspapers, smartphone apps or TV weather reports in your area; alternatively if you suspect you might be allergic, allergy testing with a clinical immunology/allergy specialist who uses skin prick tests can determine whether you possess IgE antibody levels against specific allergens.
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