Indoor Allergy FAQ's

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As the seasons change, many of us with seasonal allergies flock indoors in search of relief, only to find our homes contain their own allergens and provide no relief. Here are some common questions about indoor allergies.

What's the Difference Between an Allergy and an Allergen?

Essentially, an allergy is the reaction your body has to an allergen (a substance which triggers your allergies). For most people, allergens don't trigger an allergic reaction. But for some, the immune system malfunctions and we experience allergies.

What Are Common Indoor Allergens?

The most common indoor allergens include pet dander, dust, dust mites, mold and cockroaches.

What Causes Indoor Allergens?

Every home has its share of dust, mold, dust mites and other allergens. We inhale these airborne particles, depositing them in our eyes, nose and airways. If a person is susceptible to allergies, inhaling allergens causes a reaction. Often, we notice indoor allergies most in the winter, because we're cooped up inside a closed house for a long period of time. However these allergens are present year-round.

Can I Prevent Indoor Allergies?

You can take steps to reduce the amount of allergens in your house, but there is no way to cure or prevent allergies from occurring. Determine the source of your allergy; you may need an allergy test to do so. This will help you focus on removing that allergen from your house. Common steps may include using a dehumidifier to prevent mold, removing carpet and rugs to reduce dust. Pets may be a culprit of allergies as are blankets, bedding and pillows and mattresses.

Do My Indoor Allergies Mean My House Is Dirty?

Not necessarily. While dust and mold are often the causes of indoor allergies, this doesn't mean your house is dirty. House dust consists of skin particles from human and animals, material from outdoors including pollen and spores, mold, hair, fabric, insect fragments, food, and other such particles. No matter how spotless your home is, it will always contain amounts of dust and dust mites. On the other hand, if you have severe indoor allergies, you probably will benefit from a thorough house cleaning. Be sure to wear a paper face mask if you do so to reduce symptoms. You'll want to clean curtains, blankets, pillows, rugs, cloth furniture and anything else that may hold dust or mold. Replace air filters often.

How Do I Know If I Have Indoor Allergies?

You may have notices your allergy symptoms becoming worse when you enter a home, whether it's your own home or someone else's. You may find yourself sneezing and becoming congested when you enter a home where a pet lives. These symptoms should cease after you leave the home. This is a good sign of indoor allergies. Check with your doctor; you may want an allergy test to determine specific allergens.

What Are Symptoms of Indoor Allergies?

The most obvious sign to look for is that the allergy consistently occurs in a specific location, and usually eases off after you leave. Other common signs of an allergy include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and nasal congestion. If you think you have an indoor allergy, try to determine the cause of the problem. Most likely, it's from a pet, old carpeting or damp environments which breed mold. Easy steps can be taken to remove the allergen from the home.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/indoor-allergens

Photo Credit: Gilles San Martin