Identifying and Managing Common Environmental Allergies

A wide variety of allergens can cause an allergic reaction, many of which are in your home environment. Identifying potential environmental allergens is the key to effective allergy management. Your allergist can tell you more.

What You Need to Know Environmental Allergies

When you are at home, you may not be thinking about the air around you. The truth is that your home is a closed environment, and you are likely breathing the same air over and over. The air you are breathing may be filled with environmental allergens. Some of the most common environmental allergens are:

• Dust and dust mites
• Mold and mildew
• Pet hair and dander

If you have opened your doors and windows, you may have also let in pollens from plants, flowers, trees, and grasses.

Any of these substances can cause an allergic response. You might experience common signs and symptoms of allergies, including:

• A runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• A sore throat
• Difficulty breathing

Allergy symptoms can be mild to severe, impacting your quality of life. You can take important steps to minimize the effects of environmental allergens. It’s important to:

• Vacuum frequently or consider replacing carpeting with solid flooring
• Use hypo-allergenic sheets, pillowcases, and pillows
• Place HEPA filters in your house, especially your bedroom
• Keep your pets off furniture and out of your bedroom
• Keep doors and windows closed in spring and summer to avoid exposure to plant pollens

If you have mild, occasional allergy symptoms, you may be able to manage them yourself by taking over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.

For long-term relief of allergies, you should visit your allergist for testing and treatment. To manage allergies, your allergist may recommend:

• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Allergy injections
• Prescription antihistamines and decongestants

Want To Know More About Environmental Allergies?

Talk with an expert to learn more about identifying and managing environmental allergens. Call your allergist today.