If you have ever suffered an allergic reaction or dealt with allergies on a regular basis, you know how frustrating the symptoms can be. There are times when certain allergens can be avoided, but sometimes those triggers are in the air, on the ground, and all around us.
It can be difficult to identify specific allergy triggers, but one way is to track your reactions. Recording when and where they occur can unlock some answers and help you manage the symptoms or find treatment options. The following is a list of common triggers of allergy symptoms and where they are found.
Tree Pollen Allergies
Tree pollen counts are at their peak in the spring. Individuals with allergies to tree pollen usually experience seasonal symptoms in April and May. Trees, such as ash, alder, birch, box-elder, cedar, elm, maple, mulberry, oak, and walnut produce large amounts of pollen that become airborne. Trees rely on the wind to transport the pollen, which is easily trapped in the eyes, nose, and ears. In warmer climates, the season is longer because pollination starts earlier, but those in areas of high rainfall are likely to experience less frequent allergy symptoms because the moist air keeps pollen at bay.
Milk Allergy Symptoms
A milk allergy occurs when the immune system rejects the proteins found in animal milk. Most individuals who have a milk allergy are allergic to cow milk, which contains alpha S1-casein protein.
Grass Pollen
Grass pollen allergies have similar symptoms as other outdoor pollen triggers, including sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. More extreme cases bring on hives and even life-threatening anaphylaxis upon contact with grass pollen. Mainly out in force in the early summer months, grass pollen can be difficult to avoid if you are outdoors, but it is recommended to stay indoors on high pollen count days. Stay away from mowing the lawn, and if you have someone to do it for you, make sure it is kept short.
Choices of remedies include antihistamines, sublingual tablets, and nasal corticosteroids.
Weed Pollen
From late summer to early fall, weed pollen is at its highest count. Ragweed typically produces fine powder-like pollen and causes hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Seventeen species of ragweed grow across the United States and can be found overgrown in rural and urban areas and near streams, riverbanks, roadsides, and on fields.
Exposure can be difficult to avoid because ragweed pollen can travel far and people with sensitivities can be affected by breathing, eating and drinking, and coming in physical contact with the offending pollen. Symptoms include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and ears, as well as sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
Mold Can Be Difficult to Evaluate
Mold allergies can be difficult to determine because mold can sometimes be hard to detect, but it can grow rampantly in the basement, bathroom, and underneath sinks, if a leak has occurred. Often mold isn’t visible because of the tiny size of spores, but once they are airborne, allergy sufferers become acutely aware. Those hit with symptoms usually show signs like nasal congestion or a runny nose, irritated eyes and throat, and coughing. Prevention is the main thing to keep in mind to prevent mold from growing by maintaining a clean home and using a dehumidifier. Antihistamines and decongestants can relieve symptoms.
Dust Complicates Allergies
Dust is a tiny, complicated allergy trigger. It is made up of a range of substances from plants, dead skin, soil, insects, food, material fibers, and animals. Dust mites and their droppings bring on allergic reactions and they live on collections of dust all over the house. Areas with high concentrations of human skin flakes like the bedroom, carpets, and bathroom rugs are commonplace for dust mites to hide. It might be easy to recommend keeping your home clean, but because of the nature of dust mites, you can be unaware of their presence. Sometimes symptoms are made worse after vacuuming and dusting when they are stirred up in the air. Some people find installing a high-efficiency filter in the furnace and air conditioner helpful.
Family Pets
Pets can be considered members of the family so it can be a hardship if someone in the family has allergies to the dog or cat. If you are lucky, you might find out you are just allergic to the pollen they transfer to the indoors, but if not, pet allergens are typically produced in their urine, saliva, and dander. You can still live with your beloved animal by keeping them clean and frequently groomed and making sure they have a separate sleeping area. Also make sure to keep your home, car, and pet’s bed vacuumed. Smaller dogs emit a smaller amount of allergens than their larger canine counterparts.
