Allergic Diseases, S.C. Steven H. Cohen, M.D.
Home Doctor First Visit Office Policies Medical Info Asthma Allergies Bronchodilators Stinging Insects Itch Cough Allergy Vaccine Therapy Mold Contact Us FAQs Links	Medical Information Indoor Allergens Symptoms of Indoor Allergies Indoor allergy sufferers will often wheeze, sneeze, cough and hack their way through the winter months, thinking they have a chronic cold. In actuality, they are probably reacting to indoor allergens. Some symptoms between a cold and allergies are similar, such as sneezing and a stuffy or runny nose. But, if your symptoms are also accompanied with a fever, sore throat, colored nasal discharge and aches and pains, then you probably have a cold. With allergies, there is never a fever, the nasal discharge is clear, and eyes may become red and itchy. Furthermore, while a cold usually lasts about a weerk, allergies can last all year. Prevention of Common Indoor Allergens The key to prevention is to focus on sites where allergens accumulate. The term "allergen" refers to any substance that can trigger an allergic response. First, you must know which allergens or irritants in your home provoke your symptoms. Common allergens and some ways to prevent them are presented below. Tips about common indoor allergens and ways to minimize your exposure to them. Dust Mites These thrive in house dust, which is composed of plant and animal material. Their droppings are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms. • Change and clean cooling and heating system filters once a month. • Have your home, car and office vacuumed and dusted frequently. • Get rid of extra clutter in your home that may be collecting dust, such as stacks of books, knick-knacks, stuffed animals or collectibles. • Put mattresses, box springs and pillows in special plastic cases that are allergy-proof or “non-allergenic.” • Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases in 130-degree water and dry in a hot dryer every week. • Try to regularly wash your curtains and throw rugs. Molds These are microscopic fungi. Their spores float in the air like pollen and are present throughout the year in many states. Molds can be found indoors in attics, basements, bathrooms, refrigerators and other food storage areas, garbage containers, carpets and upholstery. • Keep bathroom and kitchen surfaces dry; fix leaks that leave surfaces wet and allow mold to grow. • Clean moldy surfaces, such as the corners of showers or under the sink. Use a cleaning solution that is 10 parts water to one part bleach. • Never put carpeting on concrete or damp floors, and avoid storing clothes, papers or other items in damp areas. • Reduce humidity in damp areas by using a dehumidifier. Clean dehumidifiers once a week. • All rooms, especially basements, bathrooms and kitchens, require ventilation and consistent cleaning to deter mold and mildew growth. Use a cleaning solution containing 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent. Pets People are not allergic to their pets' hair, but to a protein found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur. These proteins are carried in the air on small, invisible particles and can trigger allergy sympyoms. • Keep pets out of the bedroom by keeping your bedroom door closed. • Keep pets out of other common rooms where people with allergies spend a great deal of time. • Wash your hands after touching pets. • If you have a cat or dog, it might help reduce household allergens by washing your pet once a week. • Vacuum and mop your floors regularly to remove excess animal dander. Cockroaches These live in warm, tropical climates, but various species dwell in the offices and homes of humans living a variety of climates. A protein found in their droppings can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. • Vacuum or sweep the floor after meals and take the garbage out frequently. • Keep food in containers with tight lids. • Wash dishes immediately after using them with hot, soapy water, and wipe off counter tops and stoves. • Clean under stoves, refrigerators or toasters where loose crumbs can accumulate. • Thoroughly and frequently clean to remove dust and cockroach byproducts. • Block areas where cockroaches could enter the home, like wall cracks, window or floor cracks, cellar doors and outside drains. Consider a professional exterminator to eliminate cockraoches. Making changes to your indoor environment can take time and commitment, but it is necessary if you want to reduce your allergy symptoms. To begin, you may want to create a priority list. Progressive changes and a deep cleaning will produce an indoor environment that is less allergenic and healthier for the whole family. Contact an allergist/immunologist for more information on treatment options and tips on reducing your allergen exposure. An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma. Reprinted from The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology When should I see an Allergist/Immunologist? Need to confirm the diagnosis of asthma. Have asthma and see your symptoms get worse after a new pet has been introduced into the home. Have a history of seasonal or persistent asthma, to evaluate your sensitivity to inhaled allergens and provide instructions regarding avoidance measures. Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques for self-management. Need for daily asthma reliever medications. Are not using medications as prescribed, and this is limiting your ability to control your asthma. When to see an Allergist for Allergic Symptoms: The AAAAI's "How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines-Citing the Evidence" provides information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they: Have prolonged or severe symptoms of rhinitis. Have symptoms interfering with quality of life and/or ability to function. Have experienced allergic symptoms (urticaria, angiodema, itch, wheezing, gastrointestinal responses) in association with food exposure. Have limited their diet based upon perceived adverse reactions to foods or additives. Experience an itchy mouth from raw fruits and vegetables. Have found medications to be ineffective or have had adverse reactions to medications. Are a child with allergic rhinitis, because immunotherapy may potentially prevent the development of asthma. Reprinted from The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Allergy/immunology specialists are pediatric or internal medicine physicians who have elected an additional two years of training to become specialized in the treatment of asthma, allergy and immunologic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,000 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.      11121 W. Oklahoma Avenue    West Allis, WI 53227    Tel: 414.545.1111