Everyone is familiar with those allergy medication commercials we see on TV: the allergy sufferer is standing in a field of flowers, rubbing their watery, red eyes and sneezing up a storm.
Yes, allergy season can be a tough time for many people. In fact, studies reveal that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. And while some suffer through short-term seasonal allergies, a growing number experience chronic, year-round allergies.
The most common symptom of chronic allergies is rhinitis (also called hay fever)- inflammation of the nasal membranes. It is exhibited as an itchy, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. This type of persistent sinus inflammation is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, affecting 8.2 percent of adults, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
For easy accessibility to the topics below, use this list below:
- Allergy Symptoms
- What Airborne Allergens Affect the Body?
- Mold
- Smoke
- Formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
- Dust Mites/Dust
- Pollen
- Pets/Dander
- Questions?
Allergy Symptoms
Some allergy symptoms of non-seasonal allergies include:
- Coughing
- Post-nasal drip
- Watery eyes
- Dark circles around the eyes (allergic "shiners")
- Allergic conjunctivitis (swollen red membranes lining the eyes with crusty eyelids)
- Persistent rubbing of nose - especially in children
What Airborne Allergens Affect the Body?
Allergic reactions are triggered by either ingesting (eating/drinking), touching, or inhaling an allergen. Persistent allergies are caused by inhaling airborne allergens. For most people, the typical things floating around are not a problem--your body collects and eliminates these particles, and you're never the wiser.
For allergy sufferers, however, the body has an adverse reaction to even the most common things found in the air. And since we spend a significant portion of our day inside our homes, for allergy sufferers it is crucial to examine the air inside the home and identify what may be unknowingly causing chronic problems.
Mold
Mold can be found in any moist, dark place. While it may appear that the mold or mildew found in the shower and on the shower curtain is sitting securely in place, in fact, mold loves to travel. It floats easily in the air and can cause chronic problems among allergy sufferers.
High concentrations of mold can cause severe reactions including runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and sneezing. Many people can alleviate these symptoms with the use of products including dehumidifiers to eliminate the moisture that mold needs to grow.
Smoke
Like formaldehyde, smoke exposure in high levels is physically irritating to almost everyone (not to mention dangerous to your health). Among allergy sufferers, it can be irritating even with very small exposure.
Symptoms include coughing, burning, and watery eyes, nasal congestion, hoarseness and shortness of breath. Most people can alleviate these symptoms with the use of a variety of products including specialty smoke air purifiers.
Formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Formaldehyde is widely used in many building products and household products including: adhesives, air fresheners, drapes, floor polishes, glue, carpet backing, dyes, liquid cleaners, markers, paint, and toilet cleaners. While very high levels of exposure to formaldehyde cause physical reactions in everyone, some people have allergic reactions to even small exposures.
Most common symptoms include burning of the eyes and throat, rashes on skin, tightness of chest, fatigue, and headaches. Most people can alleviate these symptoms with the use of a variety of products including specialty odor and chemical air purifiers.
Dust Mites/Dust
Dust mites are readily found in normal house dust and are the most common cause of chronic sneezing and wheezing. In fact, 4 out of 5 homes have detectable levels of dust mite allergens in at least one bed, according to The American Lung Association.
Symptoms can include sneezing, persistent runny nose, stuffy nose or ears, and post-nasal drip. Many people can alleviate these symptoms with the use of products including air purifiers, vacuums, steam cleaners, and allergy bedding.
Pollen
In early spring when trees and weeds are pollinating, the outside air is heavily saturated with these tiny airborne particles. Even when limiting time outdoors, pollen can sneak into your home causing reactions as well.
You may experience a runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes, nose, and throat. Many people can alleviate further these symptoms with the use of products including air purifiers and vacuums.
Pets/Dander
Cats and dogs are the most common pet to trigger allergies, although rodents such as gerbils and hamsters can also cause reactions. Air inside homes with these animals contains both dander from their fur and also saliva and mucus.
Allergies can take up to two years to develop and symptoms can linger for months after the pet has gone. Symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, hoarseness, wheezing. Many people can alleviate these symptoms with the use of products including air purifiers and vacuums.
Summary
Chronic, year-round allergies caused by airborne particles is one of the most common illnesses in the US. The culprits causing all the uncomfortable symptoms include mold, smoke, formaldehyde and other VOCs, dust mites, as well as pollen and pet dander. Fortunately, you can combat them by discovering specific allergens and reducing or eliminating them from your home or office using DIY tests and recommended remediation techniques.
Still Have Questions?
Knowing, understanding, and controlling these sources allows you to not only alleviate your allergies, but also to prevent allergic reactions from the start.
For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials. Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guess work out of decision-making. Contact our product experts toll-free at 1-800-934-9194 for a detailed consultation. Our goal is to make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
