Allergies and allergic responses are caused when the body’s immune system has a reaction causing the body to release inflammatory proteins. However, since immune systems and antibody count vary from individual to individual, allergies and allergic reactions differ greatly with each person.
One’s immune system may react from an interaction with household cockroaches while another’s may attack dust mite allergens. It is when the immune system targets these allergens as harmful, that our bodies react and begin to fight the substance.
Some factors can trigger multiple allergens inside a home such as high levels of humidity. Warm humid air can result in moisture accumulation which can attract pests, allergens and mold.
Contrary to popular belief, those with pet allergies are not necessarily affected by the hair shed by their pets. Instead, proteins secreted by oil glands and shed as dander, proteins in their saliva and aerosolized urine from rodents and guinea pigs aggravate those with allergies.
Molds that grow indoors and outdoors can produce allergens that cause reactions. Mold spores and sources of fungi like hyphae can make allergens. Indoor molds like dark, warm and humid areas. They will most likely gather in rooms such as damp basements, cellars, attics, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They also like places where fresh food is stored up like drip trays in the refrigerator, garbage pails, air conditioners and humidifiers.
Dust mite build up is caused by neglected bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains and mattresses. No home can be dust mite free, but a thorough cleaning will eliminate many of the growing numbers.
Allergies can be a burden, especially if they occur while you are indoors, a supposedly safe environment from many allergens. The first step you need to consider if you are experiencing allergy symptoms is to call your doctor or allergist in order to set up an skin prick test. This test will fully explain what allergens are triggering your reactions and therefore will give you a better idea of how to find treatment.
Follow your doctor’s advice, no matter how difficult. If your allergies are severe and intrusive enough, you may have to make certain decisions including how to improve your home or care for your pet so you are not affected. It may help to speak to your pet’s veterinarian, a contractor or another health care professor to fully know your options.
Indoor allergies stem from allergens, triggers that cause the body’s immune system to react defensively, fighting what it believes to be harmful even though it is not. Indoor allergens can include substances such as pet dander, mold, dust mites, cockroaches and cigarette smoke.
52 percent of U.S. households have at least six detectable allergens hiding inside with 46 percent of U.S. households having three or more allergens at increased levels.
Symptoms of indoor allergies may include mild reactions such as sneezing, coughing, skin irritation and a runny nose. Symptoms of an allergen like cigarette smoke could include more moderate reactions like burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, hoarseness and shortness of breath.
Allergens can be sneaky and lie in wait where you least expect them. If you find yourself having reactions to pet dander and animals, you may have a reaction at school or in public buildings, even where there are no pets.
Indoor allergies may also come as a result of some unexpected causes such as indoor humidity. Homes with humidity above 60% have 3-4 fold higher mean bed dust mite allergen than those homes with humidity levels below 60%.
Allergies are most commonly detected by your doctor or allergist, specifically though a skin prick test.
A skin prick test is conducted to determine allergies and to find out whether one has antiboides which react to a specific allergen. A needle is used to place tiny amounts of certain allergens beneath the skin usually on the lower area of the arm. If the individual is allergic to any of the substances being tested, there will be swelling or redness.
A blood test may also be used to detect possible allergens.
Many allergies are apparent even without a skin prick test. Take note of allergy reaction symptoms and document them including where, when and in what circumstances they occur. Bring your findings to your doctor or allergist.
While allergies cannot be fully cured, there are treatments available available to actively regulate them and actions that can be taken to prevent future reactions. Many preventative actions depend on the allergen involved.
There are many over-the-counter medications available to treat indoor allergy symptoms. Speak with your doctor, allergist or pharmacist about what medication is right for you and your symptoms.
For cockroach allergy, cockroach extermination can reduce cockroach allergen levels in inner-city homes. A simple call to an exterminator may help with allergy reactions to cockroaches.
Lowering the humidity in your household can also help with indoor allergies. Adequate control of your home’s humidity levels involving moisture control and improved ventilation may reduce reactions. Increased humidity is also associated with higher levels of cockroach and mold allergens.
Pet allergies may be trickier to treat and prevent. If the allergies are severe or uncomfortable enough, you may need to remove pets from your home if possible. If this is not possible for you or your family, try to keep them from bedrooms and confined to areas around the home that don’t have carpet or upholstered furniture. Give your pets a bath week;y to reduce the amount of allergens on them. When near rodents, make sure to wear a dust mask and gloves. Avoid contact with any kind of soiled litter cage and wash your hands and clothes after playing with your pet. Dust and clean your home often to reduce allergen build up.
Mold that grows indoors and outdoors can contribute and cause allergies. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep your home’s humidity levels below 50%. Make sure to vent bathrooms and clothes dryers to outside and run your bathroom and kitchen vents while bathing and cooking. Check faucets, pipes and ductwork for possible leaks and remove any decaying debris from your yard, roof and gutters. When you first turn on your home or car air conditioning system, step out to avoid mold spore dispersal. Avoid raking leaves or doing yard work such as working around or with peat, mulch, hay or dead wood. If working with these substances are necessary, wear a mask and gloves and try to limit this work to non-hot and non-humid days.
Lowering your humidity will also help prevent dust mites. For further protection, encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen proof covers. Wash your bedding once a week in hot water. Bedding that is no-washable can be frozen overnight to kill dust mites as well. Replace any wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials. Bare floors are also better protection against dust mites than carpet. If possible, replace carpet with linoleum, tile or wood flooring. Take down fabric curtains, upholstered furniture and unwashable stuffed animals. Always use a damp cloth while dusting, never a dry one. And when vacuuming, use either a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter to trap allergens. Make sure to wear a mask while cleaning.
To prevent allergies that arise from cigarette smoke, stop smoking and steer clear of those that do.
How does cigarette smoke cause allergies?
• Cigarette causes allergies among other short and long term affects. The smoke from cigarettes contains a wide arrangement of toxic chemicals and irritants. Those already suffering from allergies may be more sensitive to cigarette smoke than other individuals. Research also indicates smoking may worsen and aggravate allergies. Besides hurting the smoker, cigarette smoke can harm those around him or her. Symptoms from secondhand smoke exposure include: burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness and shortness of breath.
Can I experience an allergic reaction from a pet that’s not even inside?
• Yes, it’s possible. Unlike many suspect, pet allergies actually originate from proteins secreted by your pet’s oil glands, shed as dander. Proteins in saliva, which can stick to fur when animals lick themselves, can also be allergen culprits. Aerosolized urine from rodents and guinea pigs can cause reactions as well. This makes escaping from a pet allergy tricky. You can sneeze or experience symptoms even while your pet is nowhere in your vicinity. Pet allergens are carried on very tiny particles. So these allergens can still be lingering in the air and stuck on carpets and flooring for months after a pet is gone. Allergens may also be present in public buildings where there are no pets. Ask your doctor or allergist how to calm an allergic reaction to pets, especially if you don’t have a pet of your own and are still suffering.
Living with allergies takes responsibility, caution and care. It may require many lifestyle changes to accommodate your symptoms and reactions. Be patient with yourself and others as you work through different ways to avoid these allergies.
Be vigilant and dedicated to cleaning. A thorough clean will reduce many allergens present in your home including dust mites, mold and pet dander. Wear a mask as you clean in case you disrupt allergens and send them into the common air. Dust frequently using a damp cloth, never a dry one. Wash your hands often and clean clothes often as well in order to rid the material of allergens.
Take care of your pets by giving them a bath weekly. Also, make sure to wash your sheets weekly as well. Get your home humidity levels checked and be proactive in keeping your house cool. Clean up a problem as soon as you notice it so as not to allow allergens to spread. This may include a leaky faucet or debris piling up in the yard.
Symptoms of indoor allergies depend on the allergen causing the reaction. Certain allergens trigger mild responses while others result in more moderate to severe reactions.
Symptoms may be mild including sneezing, coughing, skin irritation, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Symptoms of the indoor allergen cigarette smoke can be more impacting. Burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing are symptoms of exposure to cigarette smoke.
There are long term affects of exposure to certain allergens. Secondhand smoke can increase the risk of allergic complications such as sinusitis and bronchitis as well as increase risk for respiratory infection and asthma.