Treating Year-Long Indoor Allergies

Outdoor allergies come and go from season to season, but indoor allergens can cause symptoms all year long. Common symptoms from indoor allergens are congestion, itching in the eyes and nose, respiratory symptoms, hives, and more. Why continue to suffer?

Since people spend so much time at home, it can be difficult to get a reprieve from symptoms. This blog will explain the three common indoor allergens, and how to best avoid symptoms.

Dust Mites

When most people think of dust mites, they think of the dust collecting on their bookshelf and assume that’s what’s causing their symptoms. But – it's actually a little bit grosser than that. Dust mites are microscopic, eight-legged creatures, and their droppings are what cause allergy symptoms.

Dust mites live in humid areas, and their droppings (and their disintegrated bodies) are easily passed around the home and inhaled by those who live there. You can keep dust mites minimal by frequently washing all bedding and pillows, vacuuming regularly, getting rid of carpet, and keeping household humidity low.

Mold

Mold is a microscopic fungus, and when grown in groups, it can be seen by the naked eye. It thrives in damp and humid places of the home, so is commonly found in bathrooms, basements, under sinks, and places with water damage.

It can look black, gray, or green, and when disturbed, it releases spores that can be breathed in by those in the home. That’s how symptoms appear.

To minimize symptoms from mold, use a dehumidifier or ventilation fan, clean visible mold with detergent, and remove mold sources from your home.

Pet Dander

Whether the homeowner has a pet, the previous homeowner had a pet, or a pet has visited the house, there is likely pet dander somewhere in the home. It's not the hair or fur of a pet that causes symptoms, it’s their flaky skin (called dander).

Just like with the other indoor allergens, when dander is inhaled, symptoms can start. You can reduce symptoms by keeping pets out of the bedroom, vacuuming, and steaming carpets often, and bathing the pet weekly.

Treating Indoor Allergies

You can always avoid and find ways to avoid and reduce symptoms, but the only way to eliminate symptoms is to treat the cause. Allergy Associates of La Crosse does this by conducting a thorough history and exam, and then allergy testing to determine your specific allergens, and at what level you are allergic.

Allergy drops following The La Crosse Method™ Protocol are then created. They’re custom to each patient with tiny amounts of the allergens they’re allergic to – and over time, the amount is safely increased. The body learns to tolerate these allergens and not react when exposed. Some people may have reduced symptoms, and others have a total reprieve from symptoms.

If treating your indoor allergens sounds right for you, start by scheduling an appointment with AAOL here.