Indoor Allergies or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Allergens Impacting Indoor Air Quality

Oct 31, 2009 Mary Lake

Indoor allergies strike millions of people year-round, caused by unseen particles in the air called allergens. Learn the symptoms, causes and finding allergy relief.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), allergies result in illness and potential disability in 40 to 50 million Americans each year. Out of these individuals, 35 million American experience upper respiratory symptoms and chronic illness resulting from a reaction to airborne allergens.

Seasonal allergies or hay fever (allergic rhinitis), results from the bodies reaction to outdoor allergens and typically appear for several weeks or months out of the year depending on the allergy. Indoor allergies or perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) is the reaction of the body to indoor allergens. Depending on the allergen level in the environment, indoor allergies have the potential to vary in severity throughout the day.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergic reactions are the result of the bodies immune system reacting to a stimulus in the environment to a typically harmless substance. Both seasonal and indoor allergies result in the same symptoms, including but not limited to:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Post-nasal drip
• Red, itchy and/or watery eyes
• Facial pressure or pain in the sinus regions
• Headaches
• Puffy eyes
• Decrease in senses – specifically smell, taste and hearing

Occasionally allergy symptoms are confused with other illnesses, such as colds and sinus infections. Schedule an appointment with a physician if symptoms interfere with daily activity or do not subside in several days for proper diagnosis.

Causes of Indoor Allergies

Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) is the result of a histamine reaction by the body to a specific type of allergen found in indoor environments – such as the home, workplace or other building. Indoor allergies are cause by one or a combination of the following allergens:

• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Insects and insect bites

Treating Allergies and Allergy Testing

In mild to moderate cases of indoor allergies symptoms can be controlled through environmental changes, avoidance of allergens and over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drug therapy. In moderate to severe cases, allergy testing may be recommended.

Allergy testing can determine specific allergen triggers and the number of allergies an individual has. Depending on the situation, immunotherapy or allergy shots may be recommended or even required to control the bodies response to indoor allergens.

Controlling Indoor Allergies

Managing allergies inside the home is one of the simplest ways to reduce allergic reactions through environmental changes.

• Regular vacuuming – maintaining a regular vacuuming schedule once or twice a week will remove trapped allergens, dust mites and pet dander.
• Regular cleaning of soft surfaces – many of the surfaces in the home are “soft surfaces,” easily trapping and holding allergens. Clean these surfaces one or two times per week including furniture, cushions, bedding and pillows.
• Reduce pet dander – regular bathing and grooming can reduce the pet dander hidden in an animal’s fur, easing allergy symptoms.
• Control mold – mold will grow in damp areas causing allergies and potential illnesses. Clean the bathroom, kitchen, basements, crawl spaces and other areas that collect and hold moisture.
• Change air filters regularly – clean and change household and appliance filters as needed including air conditioner filters, furnace filters, air purifiers and HEPA vacuum cleaner filters.
• Air purifying systems – purchasing or installing an air purifying system can remove airborne allergens before they settle into or on the surfaces in the home.

Indoor Allergies are Manageable

Even though millions of people are impacted by indoor allergies and allergens, the cause and symptoms can be managed. By maintaining a clean home, exposure to indoor allergens can be limited resulting in a reduction in allergy symptoms. In other cases, a physician may recommend drug therapy and potentially immunotherapy based on the results of allergy testing.

The copyright of the article Indoor Allergies or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis in Allergies is owned by Mary Lake. Permission to republish Indoor Allergies or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Indoor Allergies