Mold spores, dust mites and pet dander allergies are a growing source of allergy symptoms year-round – often beyond seasonal hay fever seasons. Symptoms may include sneezing and itchy eyes or nose.
Nonprescription antihistamine medication like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) taken orally will typically help alleviate allergy symptoms; if they continue, testing and prescription medication such as leukotriene inhibitors may be required.
Pets
Allergens found within our homes and indoor environments can trigger allergic symptoms in similar ways as those caused by outdoor allergens, often dust mites, mold and pet dander. Allergic responses may include runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, itching of skin or difficulty breathing – runny nose symptoms include runny noses, itchy eyes, scratchy throats scratchy throats scratchy throats scratchy throats itching skin itching difficulty breathing allergies caused by proteins found in pet saliva sweat or urine which causes allergy symptoms similar to pollen seasons where pollen counts tend to peak at spring and fall high levels.
If your allergy symptoms have you concerned, consult with a board-certified allergist. An allergy test using small pricks of skin with allergen extracts such as tree pollen, mold or pet dander extracts will allow the allergist to ascertain what you’re sensitive to.
Your allergist may suggest medication or immunotherapy (allergy shots). Medication can provide short-term relief from allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and throat as well as itchy rashes; while immunotherapy exposes you to small doses of allergens to build tolerance over time. Furthermore, limiting exposure time in areas containing allergen-causing substances as well as frequent cleaning can help decrease reactions. In severe cases of allergies an allergist may prescribe allergy shots for long-term relief from their symptoms.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed off dead skin cells and pet dander. In warm and humid environments, such as bedding, carpeting, upholstery furniture or household fabrics. When people with allergies disturb these materials, the mites release allergens which cause itching and sneezing; over time exposure to these allergens may even lead to sinus infections, rhinitis or asthma attacks.
People allergic to dust mites may notice their symptoms worsen during or shortly after cleaning the house, since dust mites tend to hide in dark corners that vacuuming or sweeping cannot reach. They also float freely in the air; when cleaning occurs, these particles get stirred up and spread about.
Over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays may provide temporary relief of allergy symptoms. These medicines relieve sneezing, runny nose and itching while shrinking inflamed tissue to ease breathing. A doctor may suggest an allergy test to determine whether you’re sensitive to dust mites; typically using a thin needle to withdraw blood from an arm vein then sending it off for testing in which levels of IgE antibodies (high levels indicate sensitisation). If this test shows positive then an allergy test would probably confirm – an allergy test would probably prove harmful in doing just this way!
Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae house dust mites are among the most prevalent species, while Blomia tropicalis (storage mite) thrives in warmer or subtropical climates; however, cross-reactivity between different allergens is common.
Mold
Molds are tiny fungi that thrive anywhere there is moisture. Mold spores released into the air can trigger allergic reactions in those susceptible, with symptoms often worse in fall or humid nights and foggy conditions when people breathe them in through foggy, humid air or nights with damp conditions – triggering runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/coughing and wheezing among other things. Usually seen during foggy, humid or damp conditions. Mold spores may contain toxins and cause symptoms of allergies like runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/nose coughing/wheezing; symptoms usually worse during foggy, humid/humid days/nights when airflow is increased into our environment from outdoor air sources containing more moisture-laden conditions; more susceptible individuals could potentially react negatively causing symptoms from inhauling them into our respiratory systems causing runny nose, itchy eyes/nose, coughing/wheezing…in any season or year-round exposure!
An allergy to fungus spores may be diagnosed through either a skin test or blood test. With the former method, tiny amounts of extract from different kinds of mold are placed onto your skin before being pricked with a needle; if a positive reaction ensues then doctors know you are allergic to that specific kind of mold. Family histories with allergies or asthma could also increase your likelihood of being allergic.
Preventing an allergic reaction to fungus is simple by minimizing contact. You can lower your exposure by frequently cleaning areas where they might grow (garbage cans and fridge drip pans) as well as keeping humidity levels down. Wear a mask when cutting grass or taking part in other outdoor activities and avoid going outside on foggy, humid, or rainy days/nights; alternatively BENADRYL(r) oral medicines can provide temporary relief of symptoms in case it’s impossible to avoid exposure altogether.
Chemicals
Many people with indoor allergies attribute their symptoms to exposure to low levels of chemicals found in cleaning products, paints, and pesticides. Although the exact reason why certain substances cause allergy symptoms is still not entirely known, some experts speculate that multiple factors could play a part.
Allergic medication are often effective in managing chemical-induced allergic reactions. Immunotherapy – which gradually exposes your immune system to ever increasing doses of allergens you are sensitive to – may also provide beneficial treatment, though this method requires significant time commitment and dedication from you.
Once exposed to an allergen for the first time, your immune system responds by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies bind with mast cells in your skin, mucus membranes and digestive tract and release histamine and other chemicals that trigger an allergic response.
Skin testing can help determine whether you are sensitive to specific allergens by performing scratch or skin prick tests. Your physician will place small amounts of the potential allergen onto your skin before administering a scratch/prick test and pricking the area, watching for reactions from your body. Blood tests can also be used to confirm allergies; typically by drawing a sample from you blood and sending it off for analysis in a laboratory.
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