Our immune system responses to typically harmless elements in the surroundings lead to environmental allergies. Symptoms of environmental allergies may vary from person to person, which includes sneezing, coughing and fatigue. It is different from food allergies as they’re not a reaction to something a person has consumed for fuelling the system. Instead, environmental allergies are a response to stimuli that you have encountered surrounding or inhale during routine day-to-day activities.
Symptoms
Generally, the symptoms of environmental allergies can be very alike to cold, however, they are not caused by the same factor. A virus causes a cold, while allergies are reactions caused by an immune system's effect on certain elements in the surroundings.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Headaches
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
In a person with asthma, symptoms may be very severe and even fatal. And those who suffer from seasonal allergies, their symptoms may be worse during specific times of the year.
Common Environmental Allergens
An allergen is any substance that causes the immune system to trigger an allergic reaction. Thus, identifying allergens is a key step in designing a treatment plan. The most common environmental allergens include:
Dust Mites
Dust mites are the most common indoor allergens, which are minute bugs surviving in furniture and mattresses. A person with dust mite allergy may exhibit symptoms that are worse in the spring and summer months. As dust mites prefer warm and humid climates.
Pollen
It is another common allergen. People allergic to pollen may exhibit symptoms of sneezing, watery eyes or a scratchy throat that aggravate when the pollen breeding rise during spring.
Also Read: Do I Have A Food Allergy Or Food Intolerance?
Pet Dander
Pet dander and pet saliva are common allergens. The symptoms of pet allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Coughing
- Hives
A person may show these symptoms if they are around an animal or if they’re in a home or car where animals thrive. Also, you may even show the symptoms if a person near you has dander on their clothing.
Mold
Mold spores can result in mild to serious allergic reactions and symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin
Generally, mold survives in damp environments, so symptoms can aggravate during the rainy season. Mold is found in basements and bathrooms.
Cigarette Smoke
Smoke from a cigarette can irritate and worsen allergy symptoms in many people. It is essential to quit smoking and avoid exposure to even second-hand smoke if you have allergies.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you have an environmental allergy, then see an allergist. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and collect a detailed medical and family history. With this information along with the results from allergy testing, they can identify specific allergens that may be causing symptoms.
Allergy tests may include:
- Skin prick test
- Blood test
- Elimination diet
An allergy test examines the specific allergen-causing symptoms. Once your healthcare provider has identified your allergens, they would recommend medications and suitable treatment options.
Also Read: Allergy Testing: What Is It And What To Expect?
Treatment
After diagnosis, your doctor may recommend medication for treating your allergies. You may find relief using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as an antihistamine.
These medications may cause drowsiness. Discuss with your doctor about which OTC medicine may be suitable for you.
Cetirizine and loratadine are two common OTC antihistamines that are less likely to cause drowsiness. Also, OTC antihistamines may be more proper for seasonal environmental allergies as you won’t have to take them for longer periods.
For severe allergies, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. Further, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy also called allergy shots, which involves a series of shots given over the course of a few years. Allergy shots are helpful to ease symptoms and improve the condition for an extended time.
Preventive Measures
Well, preventing your exposure to allergens can be one of the best ways in managing symptoms and making an allergy-free home. Some of the simple and effective remedies include.
Use an air filter to harmful microorganisms and impurities present in the air.
Allergy-proof pillows and mattress covers can be used to avert exposure to dust mites.
Keeping the windows closed specifically on days with high pollen content can lessen the environmental allergens.
Keeping your pets out of the bedroom can reduce the exposure to dander.
Taking probiotic supplements can augment your gut and immune system.
Over-the-counter nasal saline is very potential to prevent dust mite allergies.
Using essential oil such as eucalyptus, lavender and tea tree oil heaped with anti-inflammatory traits offers respite from congestion, and itchy and puffy eyes.
Practising good personal hygiene can help eliminate allergens from your body.
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