5 Things You Need to Know About Indoor Allergies

1. Allergens All Around

People with indoor allergies are allergic to house dust. House dust is a mixture of tiny particles of soil, fabric, food, plant material, dander from humans and pets, mold spores, dust mites and the remains of insects. It is present in all indoor settings, but is more concentrated when buildings are closed to the outdoors in winter. Indoor allergy sufferers experience more symptoms in winter, and in late summer when the population of dust mites is highest.

2. Hay Fever Without the Hay

Indoor allergies affect the upper respiratory tract when the house dust is inhaled. Symptoms include a runny, itchy nose, irritated eyes, a scratchy throat and coughing and wheezing. The allergy symptoms may be similar to a cold, but allergic nasal discharge is clear. Allergy symptoms persist and are chronic. Their severity varies considerably from person to person.

3. Top Indoor Allergens

The biggest culprits in indoor allergies are dust mites, pet dander and molds. Dust mites are tiny insects inhabiting bedding, upholstery, draperies, carpet and stuffed animals. Their dried waste and remains are major components of house dust. Pet dander does not come from pets' hair, but from their skin and saliva that dries on the hair. Cats, dogs and birds are the most commonly allergenic pets. Molds come in different varieties, but the most common form in bathroom mildew, thrive in basements or anyplace that is damp. Molds grow by dispersing spores through the air, which are often respiratory allergens. In many environments cockroaches also play a major role in indoor allergies. Both their dried waste and their decomposing bodies are highly allergenic to some people.

4. Identify Allergens Through Allergy Testing

Allergy testing determines if indoor allergies contribute to a person's symptoms. Skin testing, where very small amounts of potential allergens are applied to pin-pricks on the skin, shows exactly which components of house dust cause a person to react. The skin where the allergen is applied swells and reddens slightly if the person is allergic to that substance. This type of testing helps a person with indoor allergies plan how to manage the condition by targeting the specific allergens.

5. Breathe Easy

People with indoor allergies may take decongestants and antihistamines to control their symptoms. The best treatment is to reduce the presence of allergens in the home. To do this, remove or reduce the sources, keep the house well-ventilated and the air clean. Dust and vacuum the house once or twice a week, treat bathroom and basement mold, reduce the amount of dust-collecting fabric (like draperies and carpet) in home decor and control cockroach populations. Many people with pet allergies get a lot of pleasure from keeping pets. To make pets less allergenic keep them well groomed and don't let them sleep on your bed.