Indoor allergies are often harder to manage than outdoor ones. Allergens like animal dander, dust mites, cockroach droppings and mold are present year-round in homes and can trigger itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms.
Pet dander, dust mites and other triggers may trigger allergies in humans that lead to itchy eyes, runny nose and difficulty breathing – similar symptoms to those caused by hay fever but lasting all year long.
Allergens
Indoor allergies are usually caused by microscopic organisms like house dust mites, mold spores and animal dander (cat and dog). Pollen or pollutants may also trigger indoor allergies. Their symptoms resemble those of seasonal hay fever; unlike colds which come and go quickly; allergies typically result in runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, nasal congestion, sneezing and breathing difficulties which in some cases may last for months and persist more intensely than a cold.
Allergens can be found in every home, regardless of cleanliness. Common allergens include house dust mites, fungi, animal dander from cats and dogs, and cockroaches; their allergens become airborne and may trigger diseases like hay fever, sinusitis, asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Many allergens are not visible or detectable by immunoassay, making health care providers’ role increasingly vital in educating their patients on the significance of avoiding indoor allergens and how best to do it. Health care professionals require training and continuing education programs so they can discuss this matter objectively with patients; additionally, research must also be conducted in order to identify new allergens so it can be used as part of realistic avoidance protocols.
Symptoms
Indoor allergies have many similar symptoms to outdoor allergens, including sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. While grass, weed and tree pollens may only present themselves intermittently throughout the year, dust mite droppings, pet dander, cockroach droppings and mold spores may remain year-round, contributing to ongoing allergy symptoms.
Your immune system recognizes allergens as invading invaders, producing antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies attack any allergens found within your body that trigger allergic reactions, then travel through mucous membranes in your nose, throat and lungs where they release chemicals which cause you to sneeze or have itchy eyes and runny nose symptoms.
Create a symptom diary to easily pinpoint allergies from various sources by tracking when and what seems to trigger them, for instance sneezing and itchy eyes flared after moving house or due to plumbing problems that left your basement humid. Providing this information to your physician will enable him/her to determine the source of your allergies.
Allergy tests are available to evaluate your susceptibility to common indoor allergens like dust mites, mold and pet dander. Your doctor may perform a skin test that involves placing small amounts of the test substance onto your skin before scratching or pricking to generate an allergic response; other diagnostic tests include blood work or allergy patch testing on which an adhesive patch containing suspected allergen is worn for several weeks and checked periodically for reactions.
Treatment
Antihistamines may provide temporary relief in mild cases of allergies to indoor allergens; allergy specialists, however, can identify specific triggers and develop more tailored plans to manage allergy.
Allergens such as mold spores, dust mites and pet dander can be found year-round in homes. These allergens can irritate sinuses and respiratory tract, as well as itchy eyes and throat. Allergic symptoms often resemble those from colds; however, allergy symptoms usually last longer without thick mucus build-up or fever being involved.
At times, allergies to allergens can be diagnosed through skin or blood testing. A skin test involves applying small amounts of the suspected allergen using a sterile needle; if allergic, your skin may swell up in response. Conversely, blood tests measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific for certain allergens.
Avoiding allergens that trigger symptoms is the best way to treat indoor allergies, with measures like keeping windows closed when pollen levels are high, washing your clothes and hair after coming inside from being outdoors, and frequent cleaning all helping reduce exposure. If these measures fail, talk with an allergist about medications or immunotherapy treatments which gradually expose you to doses of allergen that causes symptoms, hoping your immune system becomes desensitized gradually over time.
Prevention
Allergies can affect anyone, but there are ways to manage symptoms. The first step should be identifying what triggers your allergies and working with an allergist (a doctor specializing in allergy treatment) to devise a treatment plan including medication such as antihistamines, decongestants, inhaled nasal steroids or leukotriene modifiers.
Indoor allergies are a year-round issue that often originate from dust mites, pet dander, mold and cockroach droppings. By maintaining a clean home and running dehumidifiers in damp areas, deterrence of indoor allergens is easier.
As much as possible, you should try keeping your pets outdoors to reduce pet dander in the home. If this is not feasible, groom them often and wipe down their bedding to eliminate pet dander and saliva build-up.
Smoking can exacerbate allergy symptoms by emitting volatile organic compounds into the air and irritating sensitive respiratory tracts or worsening asthma symptoms. Finally, wearing a mask when cleaning can reduce exposure to irritating materials while using HEPA filters can minimize airborne particles; these features are especially helpful if you suffer from asthma and must vacuum often.
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