Indoor allergen allergies can produce symptoms similar to a cold, including watery eyes, sneezing and congestion.
Allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold, cats, dogs and rodents (along with rodents and rats), as well as fungi are a widespread issue in homes today, and have been linked to adverse health consequences.
Air Filtration
Allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores and more can elicit a significant immune response in allergic individuals, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Medication designed to decrease histamine release may help alleviate some symptoms; however reducing exposure via effective air filters is another great way of relieving allergy symptoms.
For optimal results, select a filter with an impressive minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV rating) rating – this measures how well it captures particles as small as pollen – at trapping them. A minimum MERV rating of 8 should suffice in trapping most indoor pollutants including pollen.
Consider investing in a filter equipped with a carbon filter; these types of filters can capture odors and gases found in everyday household odors like cleaning products or fragrances and provide relief for allergies caused by them. A model featuring an indoor air sensor will give real-time information on the quality of air in your home.
Consider purchasing a filtration system that allows you to keep windows open while still filtering effectively – this can be especially helpful during times of high outdoor pollen counts, which can aggravate allergy symptoms. A quality filtration system will ensure a comfortable home environment year-round!
Cleanliness
Allergies can be caused by various indoor irritants, including dust, pet dander, mold and cockroach droppings. When these allergens enter your body, your immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and responds accordingly, often leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose or itchy eyes.
Cleanliness and decluttering are effective ways of keeping allergies under control, particularly for those prone to them. Make sure surfaces like countertops and sinks remain spotlessly clean at all times; ensure to use gentle cleansers without harsh chemicals which could exacerbate allergy symptoms further.
Regular dusting and vacuuming can help eliminate many common indoor allergens such as pollen, dust mites and dander from your home. When cleaning behind and under furniture it is especially important to get underneath and behind where dust often collects. Leather or vinyl upholstered pieces may also make maintenance simpler.
If you live in a humid environment, regularly cleaning and drying curtains and blinds can reduce mold and fungus that contributes to allergies. Closing doors and windows during peak pollen times may also help lower outdoor allergen levels; installing an air conditioner with a filter that has been certified asthma & allergy friendly(r) could prevent outdoor allergens from coming inside.
Medications
Your allergy symptoms may be managed through changes to your cleaning routine or by installing air filters, but for some individuals additional treatment may be necessary. Medication may help decrease the production of chemicals produced when reacting to allergens like pet dander, dust mites and mold spores in your body. Some medications for indoor allergies are available both over-the-counter and by prescription, including decongestants and antihistamines such as ZYRTEC-D and Claritin that can provide immediate relief of symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and sinus pressure. Corticosteroid nasal sprays such as Xylometason or Beclomethasone may be prescribed to decrease inflammation in your nose and throat. Montelukast, a leukotriene inhibitor available on prescription, may also help treat both asthma as well as allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
Allergy testing can be completed quickly and conveniently in our offices to determine what allergens, both indoor and outdoor, you are allergic to. Skin tests such as the prick-puncture or intradermal test and IgE blood testing may also be conducted, followed by treatment options that include environmental modifications, medications or immunotherapy therapy from our allergist.
Allergy immunotherapy entails gradually increasing doses of the allergens that you’re allergic to, in order to build tolerance over time. It is typically given through allergy shots but oral drops that dissolve under the tongue can also be administered.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are an immunotherapy approach to help alleviate symptoms gradually by gradually exposing you to allergens that cause them. They work by injecting small doses of substances (allergens) that you are allergic to under the skin – this allows your body to build natural immunity over time.
Allergen immunotherapy can provide year-round allergy sufferers who do not find relief through medication with an alternative solution. It can provide relief for indoor allergies like pet dander and dust mites as well as seasonal ones like hay fever or asthma; and those sensitive to insect stings will find this therapy invaluable.
Your allergist or ENT doctor will use blood or skin tests to identify which allergens you are sensitive to, then tailor an allergy shot serum specifically for you. Once in the buildup phase, two injections a week with increasing concentration will gradually build immunity over six months or so; once immune, maintenance shots may continue as once-a-month boosters.
Allergy shots are typically safe and pose minimal risk for serious adverse reactions. Reactions typically manifest themselves around the shot site as red or itchy spots near it; occasionally other symptoms may emerge such as sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness or even hives.
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