Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Trouble breathing, runny nose, extreme fatigue, nausea, skin rash…
These symptoms may sound like they belong to a bad virus, but they’re a fact of life for severe allergy sufferers. In fact, over 50 million Americans have some type of allergy affecting them yearly.
If you’re struggling with crippling allergy symptoms regularly, the cause may be located right inside your own home.
If your allergies are worse indoors, it’s time to find relief. Find out common causes of allergies at home, and how to prevent and treat them.
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Common Causes of Allergies at Home
Indoor allergens can vary based on the season, place, and even your home cleaning habits. And even in the worst allergies, the triggers can differ based on the person.
Here are some of the most common sources of home allergies.
House Dust
Dust is irritating for many people, but it’s especially triggering for allergy sufferers.
As dust accumulates, you may find yourself sneezing more. But a large part of your allergy symptoms are likely caused by dust mites feeding on dust, rather than the dust itself.
Pets
Some people don’t even realize they have a pet allergy until they’re living with a new furry friend.
In reality, pet allergies are common, with up to 20% of the population estimated to be allergic to dogs or cats.
If you’re struggling with indoor allergies and you own a pet, you may be reacting to their dander, saliva, or urine. These allergies can extend beyond cats and dogs to rodents, horses, and other pets.
Cockroaches
No one wants dirty cockroaches in their home, and another reason why is because they can cause indoor allergies.
If you’ve spotted cockroaches in your home, they may be triggering your allergy symptoms. Cockroaches’ saliva, feces, and skin can be left on surfaces in your home, causing an allergic and asthmatic reaction in many people.
Mold
Mold is a common issue in homes, especially in humid environments. Sometimes, you can’t even see signs of mold, yet your body reacts to the spores.
Mold is particularly common in bathrooms, but it can also live on walls, ceilings, carpets, and other surfaces in houses.
Houseplants
If your allergies began after purchasing a new houseplant, you’ve likely found the cause of your indoor allergies.
Seasonal allergies are typically related to plants and flowers blooming during certain times of the year. And just as outdoor pollen can turn your eyes red and your nose stuffy, indoor houseplants can do the same.
Fabrics
A surprising reason for indoor allergies may be your fabrics.
Fabrics can host dust and other allergens, especially if they aren’t often cleaned. But the fabric material itself can be a trigger for some allergy sufferers.
This can be from the fiber or from chemicals and dyes used to create and process the fabric.
How to Prevent Indoor Allergies
It can be hard to relax at home when suffering with breathing trouble or a stuffy nose.
If your indoor allergies are affecting your comfort and lifestyle, it’s time to get to work! Use these tips to prevent allergy attacks in your home.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Improving air quality in your home is one of the most important steps you can take for preventing allergies. That’s because many allergens that aren’t even visible to the naked eye are floating around in the air we breathe.
Use exhaust fans as much as possible, and open windows when it’s not humid outside.
Use air filtration systems, especially in the rooms you spend the most time in. And consider Capitol Duct Cleaning services to keep your HVAC system clean and allergen-free.
Clean Regularly
Clean your home regularly, before dust and debris have a chance to accumulate. Vacuum often, wash curtains and bedding, and tidy up dusty furniture.
If you’re dealing with a pest infestation, keeping your home clean can also help to ward off pesky cockroaches and other intruders. But for extra help, consider hiring an exterminator to eliminate pests for good.
Limit Fido’s Space
If your beloved pet is causing your allergy symptoms, you can prevent some problems without having to give up Fido.
One of the easiest ways is by limiting where your pet goes. Start by not letting them in your bed or on your sofa. Instead, give them their own designated sleeping and lounging areas in your home.
Rethink Your Surfaces
Allergens such as mold and dust love to cling to soft materials. As much as possible, choose hard, non-porous, and easy-to-clean surfaces in your home.
For flooring, opt for hard floors like wood instead of carpet. For your walls, anti-mold paint is a great option instead of wallpaper. And for your windows, choose blinds instead of fabric curtains as much as possible.
Treating Stubborn Allergies
Preventing indoor allergies and eliminating allergens is the best solution.
But sometimes, allergy symptoms at home are stubborn and don’t seem to ever go away. And in some cases, it may be impossible to remove an allergy trigger, such as a pet, from your life.
In that case, it’s best to visit your doctor or an allergy specialist for treatment. They may recommend an over-the-counter solution or a prescription medication to ease your allergy symptoms.
Desensitization treatment may also be an option, where you’re exposed to the allergen through injections, drops, or tablets.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Live Allergy-Free at Home
Allergies at home can be debilitating and hard to escape. But by identifying your allergy triggers and working on prevention, you can start to breathe easy in the comfort of your own home.
Ready for more tips to stay healthy? Read our latest lifestyle and health articles!
