January 24, 2023

Breaking Down Different Year-Round Allergies and How to Prevent Them

Whether it's seasonal or year-round, allergies can be a real pain in the nose. It's almost that time of year when the trees, flowers, and weeds start blooming, and you start sneezing. For some, however, allergies aren't just a seasonal problem—they can be a year-round nuisance. 


Year-round allergies can feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of sneezing, sniffling, and itchy eyes. But don’t worry—there are ways to manage your allergies and keep them from becoming a major problem.


Exploring the Symptoms of Year-Round Allergies 


Year-round allergies can cause a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of year-round allergies include:


  • Sneezing: Sneezing is one of the most common symptoms of year-round allergies. It is caused by the immune system mistakenly identifying a harmless substance as dangerous and then overreacting to it.


  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat: Allergens can cause the eyes, nose, and throat to become itchy and irritated. This is because the body releases histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation, in response to the allergen.


  • Coughing: Coughing is a common symptom of allergies, as it is the body’s way of trying to clear the airways of allergens.


  • Nasal congestion: Allergens can cause the nasal passages to become inflamed and swollen, resulting in nasal congestion.


  • Wheezing: Allergens can cause the airways to become narrowed, resulting in wheezing.


  • Fatigue: Allergens can cause the body to become fatigued due to its constant battle against allergens.


  • Skin rashes: Allergens can cause the skin to become inflamed and irritated, resulting in skin rashes.


If you are having difficulty managing your year-round allergies, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the triggers that are causing your symptoms and provide you with advice and medications to help you manage them. With the right plan in place, you can take control of your allergies and get back to living your life.


What Causes Year-Round Allergies?


Year-round allergies, otherwise known as perennial allergies, are caused by a variety of allergens that are present throughout the year. These allergens can include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.


The first step in managing your allergies is to identify the triggers. This can be done through a series of allergy tests, which can help pinpoint the exact cause of your allergies. Once the triggers have been identified, you can then work to reduce or eliminate your exposure to them. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking medication, or using air purifiers and other methods to reduce your exposure to allergens.


What Causes Year-Round Allergies and How to Prevent Them


Pet Dander


One of the most common causes of year-round allergies is pet dander. Pet dander is tiny particles of skin, fur, and saliva that are shed from your pet. It’s so small, it’s invisible to the naked eye, but it can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Common symptoms of pet dander allergies include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.


The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent pet dander allergies. Here are some tips to help you manage pet dander allergies:


  • Keep pets out of your bedroom. The bedroom is the most important room to keep pet-free if you’re dealing with pet dander allergies. Keep pets out of the bedroom, and vacuum and dust in the bedroom often to reduce pet dander accumulation.


  • Invest in a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are designed to trap airborne particles—including pet dander—and are a good investment if you’re dealing with pet dander allergies.


  • Bathe your pet regularly. Bathing your pet regularly can help reduce the amount of pet dander in your home. Be sure to use a shampoo specifically designed for your pet’s fur type.


  • Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your home regularly can help reduce pet dander accumulation. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and vacuum all areas of your home, including carpets, furniture, and curtains.


  • Use an air purifier. Air purifiers can help reduce pet dander in the air and can be helpful for dealing with pet dander allergies.


By following these steps, you can help reduce your exposure to pet dander, and help alleviate your pet dander allergies.


Mold


Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp areas and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The most common places to find molds are basements, bathrooms, and other areas where there is high humidity. Mold spores can also be found outdoors in soil, plants, and decaying organic matter.


The best way to prevent allergies caused by mold is to reduce the amount of moisture in your home. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to mitigate the growth of mold, and the allergy-inducing effects that come with it:


  • Reduce moisture in your home: Mold thrives in damp, humid environments. To reduce the moisture levels in your home, make sure to use a dehumidifier and keep your windows closed when it’s raining or when it’s particularly humid outside. Additionally, make sure to keep your home clean and dry, and address any water leaks or sources of moisture as soon as possible.


  • Improve ventilation: Poor ventilation can cause humidity levels to rise, leading to mold growth. To ensure proper ventilation, make sure to open windows regularly and use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. Additionally, consider installing an air purifier in your home to help filter out mold spores.


  • Address mold growth as soon as possible: If you notice any signs of mold growth, address the issue as soon as possible. Mold can spread quickly, so you’ll want to take action as soon as you notice it. Start by cleaning the affected area with a mixture of water and detergent. If the affected area is large or if the mold is widespread, consider hiring a professional mold remediation service.


By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of mold and allergies in your home. Taking the time to address potential sources of moisture and mold is a great way to keep your home healthy and safe.


Dust Mites


Dust mites are one of the most common causes of year-round allergies. These tiny creatures, which are too small to even be seen with the naked eye, thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on dead skin cells, making your bed and other soft furnishings their favorite breeding grounds. 


Unfortunately, dust mite allergens can easily become airborne, causing sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies. In that regard, there are several steps you can take to prevent dust mite allergies.


  • Keep humidity levels low. Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so it’s important to keep your home’s humidity below 50%. You can do this by using a dehumidifier and regularly emptying the water collection tank. You can also use fans or open windows to help reduce humidity levels. 


  • Wash bedding and pillowcases in hot water. Dust mites love to live in bedding, so it’s important to wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (at least 130°F) every two weeks. This will kill any dust mites that may be living in the fabric.


  • Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming your carpets and furniture can help reduce the number of dust mites in your home. Make sure to use a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, as this will help to trap the dust mites and prevent them from spreading.


  • Use dust mite covers. Dust mite covers are special covers that go over your pillows, mattresses, and box springs. These covers are designed to be impermeable to dust mites, so they can’t get through the material. This is an effective way to reduce the number of dust mites in your home.


  • Use air purifiers. Air purifiers can help to reduce the number of dust mites in your home by trapping them in the filter. Make sure to use a purifier that is designed to remove dust mites from the air.


By following these steps, you can help to reduce the number of dust mites in your home and prevent dust mite allergies. However, if your allergies persist, it’s important to talk to your doctor about other treatment options.


Cockroaches


Cockroaches are one of the most common indoor pests, and their presence can cause a variety of health issues. Cockroaches have been linked to allergies and asthma, as the proteins found in their droppings, saliva, and shed skin can cause an allergic reaction. In addition, cockroaches can also carry a variety of bacteria and viruses, which can cause a range of health problems.


To prevent year-round allergies from cockroaches, it’s important to take steps to reduce their presence in your home. 


  • Clean up any crumbs, spills, and food debris as soon as possible. Cockroaches are attracted to food, so keeping your home clean is key to reducing their presence. 


  • Store food in airtight containers. Don’t leave human or pet food out in the open for long periods. This will help keep cockroaches away from your food. 


  • Seal up any cracks or crevices in your walls and floors. This will help prevent cockroaches from entering your home. 


  • Use natural insecticides to keep cockroaches away. Natural insecticides are a safe and effective way to keep cockroaches away from your home. 


  • Vacuum regularly. Vacuuming regularly will help remove any cockroaches or their eggs from your home. 


  • Regularly inspect your home for cockroaches. Look for signs of cockroaches, such as droppings, egg casings, and shed skins. 


By following these tips, you can help reduce the presence of cockroaches in your home and the related allergies. If you’re still seeing signs of cockroaches, you may want to consider calling a professional pest control company to help you get rid of them.


Treating Year-Round Allergies: What to Know


Antihistamines are the most common treatment for allergies and can help reduce sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. These medications work by blocking the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for the symptoms of allergies. Antihistamines are available in many forms, including pills, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops.


Nasal sprays and decongestants are another type of medication used to treat allergies. Nasal sprays help reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, while decongestants reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Both types of medication can provide relief from the stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose associated with allergies.


In addition to medication, there are several home remedies you can use to manage your symptoms. A neti pot can be used to flush out allergens from the nose and sinuses, while a humidifier can help keep the air moist and reduce dryness. Eating local honey can also help reduce your sensitivity to local allergens.


If your allergies are severe and you’re having difficulty managing them, it may be time to seek professional help. An allergist can help you create a personalized treatment plan and provide more targeted treatments such as immunotherapy.


The Bottom Line: Understanding the Triggers, Treatments, and How to Avoid Year-Round Allergies


Allergies can be a frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. While many people think of allergies as a seasonal problem, the truth is that allergies can plague people year-round. It’s important to understand the triggers, treatments, and how to avoid year-round allergies so you can stay healthy and comfortable.


Managing your allergies can be a challenge, but it is possible. With the right steps, you can reduce your symptoms and make life a little easier. If you’re still having trouble, you may want to consider working with an allergy specialist or a pest control company to help you get rid of your allergens.


If you are looking for long-term relief from your allergies, with a simple at-home treatment, look no further than Curex, an allergy immunotherapy company


Our experienced team of allergists will provide you with the tailored treatments you need to reduce your body’s sensitivity to allergens and help you manage and keep them at bay.


Contact us today to learn more about our allergy immunotherapy at home treatments.

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