Indoor Allergies Specialist in St. Louis, MO

What Causes Indoor Allergies?

Dust Mites

Mold

Pollen

Pets

Cockroaches

in St. Louis, Missouri

Indoor Allergy Symptoms

Contrary to what you might expect, indoor allergy symptoms usually get worse during or immediately after dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming because these activities ‘stir up’ allergenic particles, making you more likely to inhale them. Allergenic substances typically take a couple hours to settle again.

Common indoor allergens typically cause allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies). Symptoms include:

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

In addition to allergic rhinitis, some indoor allergens like dust mites can also trigger asthma and cause eczema to flare.

Indoor Allergy Testing

After your allergist develops an understanding of your medical history, the next step is typically skin testing to determine exactly what you’re allergic to. In the case of indoor allergies, your allergist may test for multiple allergies, including dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander, etc. depending on your medical history.

A skin test involves using a small, sterile needle to prick the skin. The needle coated with an extract of the suspected allergen. If you’re allergic to the substance, the tested area will swell into a small red welt.

Your allergist may also order a blood test if additional confirmation is needed.

in St. Louis, Missouri

How to Reduce Indoor Allergens

Remove Indoor Allergens From Your Home

• • Where possible, install wood flooring rather than carpeting, especially in bedrooms.
  • Remove curtains and drapes, especially in bedrooms.
  • When you clean, use a central vacuum or a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  • Use “mite-proof” cases on your mattresses and pillows.
  • Keep a HEPA air cleaner running in your bedroom, and any other high-traffic areas.
  • Keep pets out of the bedroom, and preferably out of the house entirely.
  • Install a high-efficiency media filter with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 in the furnace and the air conditioning unit.
  • Leave the fan on to create a “whole house” air filter that removes particulates.
  • Change media filters at least once every three months to keep the air clean year-round.
  • Have your heating and air conditioning units inspected and serviced every six months.
  • Use a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home, and do what you can to keep the humidity level below 50 percent. A dehumidifier may be necessary.
  • Use a vent fan to remove moisture in bathrooms and kitchen.
  • Repair water leaks to help manage moisture.

Clean Your Home Regularly

• • If your allergies tend to flair while cleaning, wear an N95 filter mask while dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming.
  • Wash all bed linens regularly using hot water.
  • Keep all unrefrigerated food covered and dispose of food waste in a tightly sealed garbage can.
  • If cockroaches are a known problem, use roach traps and schedule regular visits by a professional pest control service.

Best Medicine for Indoor Allergies

References