The end is in sight; it’s all down hill from here; we can
see the light at the end of the tunnel.
What is the Most Common Trigger for Allergies?
We can use all the motivational quotes we want; but the fact
is: Spring is just around the corner, but winter is still holding on here in Southern Wisconsin. When most people think of allergies,
they think of late spring/early summer, not the winter season. However,
according to the American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma
& Immunology, dust mite droppings are the most common trigger of allergy
and asthma symptoms.
<Photo Courtesy of
thermapure.com>
During winter, most people habitually spend more time
indoors – which puts them into close contact with dust, dust mites, mold, pet
dander, and cockroaches. All of those are primary triggers for allergy and
asthma symptoms.
How to Treat Indoor Allergies
First and foremost is avoidance. If you are allergic to pet
dander – you might have to ban Fido from the bedroom. If you’re allergic to
dust, simply increasing the frequency of cleaning can reduce the amount of dust
present in your home – and serve to reduce the amount of dust mites present, if
you are one who is allergic to dust mite droppings. In an extreme case, you can
go as far as tearing out carpet and removing upholstered furniture – areas rich
with human dander (dead skin flakes).
You can also take other
steps to minimize indoor allergies, including: lowering your home’s humidity or
encasing pillows and mattresses in allergen-blocking bedding.
Medicinal Options
If you have taken the above steps and still are suffering
from indoor allergy symptoms, you can seek medical therapy. Medical therapy can
include medication, allergy shots, and over the counter drugs. Antihistamines
(such as Allegra®), corticosteroids (such as Cortaid®), decongestants (such as
Sudafed®), and nasal rinses – such as the use of a Neti Pot®, are all over the counter options in your battle against indoor allergies.
Stop in for a free consultation with your local Hometown
pharmacist to develop a plan of attack to defeat your annoying & irritating
allergy symptoms!
