The Indoor Allergy Season is Upon Us!

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!