Indoor allergens can trigger allergies that cause itchy eyes, runny nose and throat congestion and difficulty breathing. See an allergist for testing and treatment options like medication or immunotherapy.
Pet dander, dust mites and mold spores can be an allergy trigger throughout the year, with their impact becoming especially acute as we close up our homes for winter with heating systems recirculating indoor air. As these allergy triggers are more concentrated indoors during colder temperatures.
Dust Mites
Dust mites, small relative of spiders, are the source of most indoor allergies. They thrive in warm and humid environments and live in pillows, mattresses, blankets and upholstered furniture; feeding on dead skin cells from humans as well as pet dander they shed, dust mites are responsible for many allergies in people sensitive to them – leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes as a reaction; in severe cases these reactions may even result in an allergic dermatitis skin condition known as anatopus dermatitis.
People suffering from dust mite allergies typically experience symptoms all year-round, though symptoms tend to worsen during hot, humid weather. Vacuuming, sweeping and dusting often provoke symptoms as these activities stir up dust particles that are then inhaled into the system.
To combat dust mite allergy symptoms effectively, regularly washing all bedding in hot water can help. Tightly woven and allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers may also provide additional relief, as can swapping out wall-to-wall carpeting with wood or tile floors.
Allergy testing can identify which allergens, like dust mite proteins, are contributing to your symptoms. Allergists prick your skin with a small needle (lancet) before placing drops of diluted allergens over scratched areas. If an allergen triggers an immune response from you skin cells that then release chemicals associated with allergy symptoms – this process is called antibody release into your bloodstream which travels into cells where they release chemicals causing allergy reactions.
Pets
Many people suffer from pet allergies, caused by proteins found in an animal’s dander (dry skin cells) and saliva, as well as fur. Allergens from pets’ fur may remain at high levels for months or even years if exposed.
Pet allergens can trigger runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing similar to dust mites and dander; histamine-releasing pet allergens may even reduce sleep quality, leaving you exhausted. Your physician will identify an allergy based on medical history review, symptoms presented during an examination as well as physical examination and a blood test.
Radioallergy testing exposes your body to small doses of allergens suspected to be responsible for your symptoms. Your doctor will clean a small patch of skin on either your forearm or upper arm before applying drops containing various allergens – if one reacts, a bump or redness will form at its location on the arm.
Avoiding allergy triggers is the key to relieving symptoms of allergies. This may require restricting access to Fluffy’s bedroom or taking steps such as eliminating carpet and upholstery where pet allergens thrive, as well as having someone else groom your animals so as to prevent their skin becoming irritated, or wearing a mask when grooming yourself.
Mold
Mold can be an irritating allergen that causes symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes and skin irritation, as well as make breathing difficult if you suffer from asthma. Furthermore, certain species of mold produce mycotoxins that can enter through airways to produce severe allergic reactions including life-threatening lung infection known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis1.
Mold allergies are caused by its spores, released into the air by fungi as it thrives or dies. When inhaled, your immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to target these spores and cause an immune reaction in your body – typically runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes or skin irritation symptoms are typically observed.
Indoor molds typically thrive in humid environments such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Outdoors during wet weather, mold spores often flourish in moist soil and on plants killed off by cold winter temperatures2.
Your doctor can use various strategies to detect mold allergies, including gathering your medical history and performing a physical exam. He or she may ask about your symptoms and when they occur – for instance, after remodeling your bathroom or experiencing flooding in your basement? This information can help your physician pinpoint potential triggers. Furthermore, skin or blood tests may be done to check for allergies to mold spores.
Smoke
Smoke is composed of gaseous, solid and liquid particles released by burning tobacco or wood; secondhand smoke from others smoking or vaping; thirdhand tobacco particles which settle over time on surfaces like furniture, drapes and bedding creating dust-like material known as “thirdhand tobacco particles,” known to scientists by their scientific name – those particles.
Smoky indoor air can cause itchy eyes and runny nose due to irritation of nasal membranes, leading to excess mucus production from trying to flush away irritants from the body. Once away from their source of irritation, symptoms typically clear up.
If you experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and coughing after exposure to smoke, consult with your physician immediately. They may suggest conducting a skin prick test or blood test in order to ascertain your allergies. An elimination challenge may help pinpoint specific allergens so you can take measures against them and overcome your smoke-induced allergies.
If your allergy symptoms persist, consulting with a board-certified allergist is likely the way forward. They can perform an allergy home inspection to identify indoor allergens and suggest ways to improve your indoor environment, while allergy medications – both over the counter and prescription options – can treat symptoms while desensitizing immune systems to potentially offending allergens and providing long-term relief.
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