3 Ways to Identify Indoor Allergies

1. Identify How you Feel

Indoor allergies can strike at any time. Because there is no timetable for them like there is for Spring-activated seasonal allergies, it is sometimes harder to identify indoor allergies. But no matter what the trigger, indoor allergies tend to share the same symptoms. These include sneezing, a scratchy throat, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, runny nose with a clear discharge, nasal congestion and red, itchy, watery eyes. If you notice that you have these symptoms on a regular basis when indoors, there is a very good chance that you have an indoor allergy. For people with asthma, indoor allergies can cause seemingly inexplicable flare ups.

2. Pay Attention to Pets

Indoor allergies can be caused by a number of things like dust mites, cockroaches, dust and pollen that has made its way indoors. Pets can play a large roll in indoor allergies as well. Not only can they bring in allergens from outside, their dander can also be a large irritant on its own. Pet dander is the skin that has flaked off a pet's body and fallen out of their hair. Pet saliva and urine can also trigger indoor allergies. Once these fluids dry on the pet's fur, they will fall off and become one with the other dust particles in the home. This is why it is important to pay attention to how you feel around pets. When pet dander or related dust particles hit the nose, mouth or eyes, they can spark allergic reactions if you have indoor allergies.

3. Locate the Mold

Your reaction around mold is another way to determine whether you have indoor allergies. Exposure to mold causes sneezing, red, irritated eyes, coughing, itchiness and other symptoms if you have an indoor allergies. Mold spores can make its way into the home via open windows and doors as well as plants. Mold can also hide from the naked eye by living in the walls and flooring of a home. Leaky areas and bathrooms are also mold breeding grounds since it needs water to grow. If moist, moldy areas like some basements make you feel icky, you may have indoor allergies.