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Who Dunnit: Indoor Allergy Edition

Most people like to think that their home is an escape from allergens. Although all the pesky outdoor allergens don’t follow you home, there is a whole other set of indoor allergens you’re exposed to within your home.

You’re sitting on your couch with a stuffy nose, wondering how in the world you got “sick”. You’ve been exercising, washing y our hands, getting plenty of vitamin C and sleep, and sanitizing everything, so how come you feel so under the weather? The culprit for your uneasiness is closer than you may think. There are tiny particles floating all around your home that irritate our bodies and cause them to react, allergens. Which allergen has gotten the best of you?

Suspect 1: Dust Mites

dust mite allergy

Symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Red, itch or teary eyes
  • Wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath
  • Itching
  • Asthma, especially in children

Triggered By: warm, humid environments (bedding, carpeting, upholstered furniture – bedroom very common)
Prevention: We spend a lot of time in the bedroom; to prevent dust mites encase mattresses, box springs, and pillows in allergen proof fabrics, wash the bedding weekly, and keep the humidity low in the home by using a dehumidifier.

Suspect 2: Pet Allergens pet indoor allergen

Symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Facial pain (from nasal congestion)
  • Coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing
  • Watery, red or itchy eyes
  • Skin rash or hives

Triggered By: The allergen found in the saliva, dander and urine of animals. The most common animal allergies are; dogs, cats and birds
Prevention: There is no such thing as a hypo-allergenic animal because it is not the fur we are allergic to. Vacuuming carpets regularly, limiting contact, and allergy testing prior to the purchase of a pet are good ways to prevent this allergy.

Suspect 3: Indoor Molds indoor allergen mold

Symptoms:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Irritated eyes
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Itchy throat
  • Trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms and hay fever

Triggered By: Damp areas such as basements, bathrooms, or anywhere with leaks or standing water.
Prevention: If there is a leak, dry the area ASAP, and repair/seal any roofing or pipes to avoid mold growth. Keep the house properly ventilated, throw away any unsalvageable items to prevent spreading. Keep in mind the dangers of mold, especially since they are not always visible.

Something Else to Consider:

Is it a Cold or Allergies?

  • Allergy Symptoms include: drippy nose with watery, clear secretions, itchy eyes, symptoms that linger for weeks
  • Cold symptoms include: Nasal secretion are discolored (yellow or green), chills and body aches, symptoms linger a week to 10 days

Allergy Season is year-round. Make sure you are partaking in allergy management for your house.

Could Your Mold Problem Be More Serious than Allergies?

If your home or business has evidence of indoor allergens related to mold, especially black mold, allergies could be the least of your worries. Chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue, persistent headaches and chronic lung illness like lung disease, could be in your future if you are exposed to black mold. You may be at risk of asbestos and/or lead exposure which have even more serious health risks. Now is the time to get it address quickly. Reliable Restoration is here for you 24/7/365 with a licensed, expert team that will restore your property back to pre-disaster condition quickly, affordably and with integrity. Visit us at: www.choosereliable.com or call us at: 678-325-1633.

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