Immune-system reactions to airborne allergens such as pollen fall under a disease classification called allergic rhinitis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of people who have allergies get sick during hay fever seasons, while others experience allergy symptoms at any time of year from indoor irritants.
The various allergens have widely different sources, but the effects and treatments for indoor and outdoor allergies are similar. Unlike reactions to foods, drugs and insect venom, problems from inhaled allergens can be controlled, managed or eliminated by diligent patients.
Seasonal Allergies
Hay fever develops when individuals' immune systems mistake a protein in pollen for a harmful bacteria-like substance, as the Cleveland Clinic explains. Whenever patients inhale these allergens, antibodies, histamines and other chemicals enter their bloodstreams and generate allergy symptoms.
Itchy eyes and uncomfortable sneezing and nasal problems occur in some people when they come in contact with ragweed, tree or grass pollens during these plants' reproductive seasons. Some individuals experience seasonal allergic rhinitis when molds growing on downed leaves reproduce. Patients can choose from antihistamine, decongestant, corticosteroid or immunotherapy shots to ease seasonal illness from hay fever.
Indoor Mold Allergies
Several types of mold also grow indoors, causing perennial allergic rhinitis in sensitized patients who inhale their airborne spores. Molds grow in the damp crevices of bathroom fixtures, basements, floor coverings and other humid spots.
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the reproductive cycles of molds can cause hay fever--like allergy symptoms all year long. Patients with mold allergies should take drugs designed for long-range use and clean indoors often to remove or prevent mold growth.
Pet Allergies
The frequency of allergy symptoms from contact with pets depends upon whether patients have animals in the home or experience only intermittent exposure. Protein allergens in pet dander, saliva and urine cause allergic rhinitis in some people.
Animals shed these particles, which dry and enter the atmosphere, where allergy sufferers inhale them. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), in addition to respiratory symptoms, pet allergies can cause skin symptoms that included mild rashes when some patients touch animals directly. Doctors may treat pet allergy patients with oral and topical medications or immunotherapy sequences.
Dust Mite Allergies
The waste created by tiny dust mites is also light enough to enter indoor air currents whenever foot traffic creates a breeze. These airborne particles can fall back down and settle on clothing, hair and in sleeping quarters.
Respiratory symptoms from ingesting dust mite waste can be alleviated with continual, thorough cleaning and the use of special mattress covers and pillow cases. The AAFA reports that daily medication or allergy shots can control perennial symptoms from dust mite allergies.
