Adult Indoor Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Make indoors more comfortable by reducing allergy triggers
There’s no place like home … for allergies! Just stepping indoors — at home, work, or school — exposes you to numerous allergens. An allergen is any substance which produces an allergic reaction. Millions of people suffer year-round because of indoor allergens.¹
The most common sources of indoor allergies are dust mites, fungi (mold), mammals (both your pets and invasive rodents), and cockroaches.²
So basically, the cleaner your home, the stronger your defense against indoor allergies.
In this page you will find information about
Signs and symptoms of indoor allergies
An allergic reaction is the result of your immune system going on the defensive. When it detects an allergen, it produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). In response, your cells release chemicals to fight the allergens, which result in your allergy symptoms.¹
The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:¹
Runny nose
Itchy eyes
Sneezing
General congestion or stuffiness
Here’s where most indoor allergens hide:³
Damp and humid areas
Indoor plants
Pets
Pillows and bedding
Plush furniture
Plush toys
Unsealed mattresses
Wall-to-wall carpet
The most common indoor allergy triggers — and what to do about them
Dust mites
House dust mites are a major source of allergies worldwide. Mite-related allergens are more commonly airborne and inhalation of these allergens is the most common way of exposure. Not as common, but mite-contaminated food can also be a source of allergic reactions.2
How to control dust mites:³
Keep surfaces clean and uncluttered
Avoid wall-to-wall carpet — use low-pile carpets, washable rugs, hardwood, linoleum, or tile
Avoid heavy drapes
Avoid overstuffed furniture
Use sealed, allergen-resistant covers on your pillows and mattress
Wash bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in water that’s at least 130°F; dry them in a hot dryer
Indoor mold
The common indoor mold and mildew that cause allergies thrive in dampness. You’ll find them in moist basements, bathrooms, or anywhere with leaks.1
How to reduce mold¹,³
Reduce moisture in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement
Don’t run showers too long before hopping in
Use dehumidifiers
Limit the number of house plants, and ensure proper drainage
Fix leaks quickly
Remove mold from hard surfaces with water and detergent or, if necessary, 5% bleach; let them dry completely
Pet dander
There are no breeds of dogs or cats that are 100% allergen-free — not even the hairless ones. That’s because you don’t react to fur, but to allergens in saliva, dander (skin flakes), or urine.¹
How to manage pet dander³
Avoid direct contact with pets
Keep pets out of your bedroom
Wash and change pet beds and toys often
Bathe and brush your pets often — and wear a mask when you groom them
Wash your hands after handling pets
Frequently wipe and vacuum spaces where your pets spend time
Before getting a pet, ask your allergist to determine if you are allergic to animals
Cockroaches
The World Health Organization identifies 12 distinct allergens carried by cockroaches.2
How to control cockroaches1,3
Cover food, garbage, and recyclables; take the trash out quickly
Use poison baits, boric acid, and traps instead of chemicals
Block crevices, wall cracks, and windows where they enter
Fix and seal leaks
Keep food in lidded containers
Put away used pet bowls and uneaten food
Vacuum and sweep after meals
Wash dishes immediately after use
Clean under stoves, refrigerators, or toasters where crumbs can accumulate
Wipe off the stove, cupboards, and other kitchen surfaces regularly
A couple extra tips to minimize indoor allergens
It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid indoor allergens. But there are ways to reduce them.
- Keep the air as clean as possible3
- Increase the flow of outdoor air
- Reduce humidity
- Use air cleaners with certified allergy and asthma filters
- Vacuum the home frequently using a certified asthma and allergy friendly vaccum.3
- Wear a mask while doing housework3
- Leave the house for several hours after cleaning it
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Allegra® is here to help fight indoor allergies
Allegra® helps you live your best life by relieving many common indoor allergy symptoms. If you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes or an itchy nose or throat, Allegra® Allergy can help. And if you also have nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, or swelling of nasal passages, check out Allegra-D®. Now you can feel more at home — at home.
No matter which product you choose, you can feel good knowing Allegra® is the #1 allergist-recommended medicine brand for non-drowsy relief.†
References
- Andrew Moore, MD, reviewed. Indoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [aaaai.com],
February 28, 2020. May 20, 2021. - Anna Pomés, Martin D. Chapman, Sabrina Wünschmann. Indoor Allergens and Allergic Respiratory Disease, PMC/US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health,
June 2016. Oct. 5, 2021 - Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Ed. Control Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality, Reviewed by Medical Scientific Council,
2015. Oct. 5, 2021.
Recommended Reading
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Causes, Symptoms, and Advice for Mold Allergies
Mold is a diverse group of fungi that lives just about anywhere. Certain types can cause allergic reactions and tough allergy symptoms.
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Dust Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Dust mites are nasty little buggers that feed off of the everyday dust found in most homes. And dust allergies can make being indoors almost unbearable.
Pet Allergies: Symptoms and Symptom Management
Pet allergies are common. But they don’t have to stop you from sharing life with your fuzzy friends.
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Adult Outdoor Allergies Triggers, Symptoms, and Relief
Don’t let outdoor allergy symptoms get you down. Learn about adult outdoor allergies and how to control the symptoms.
†Among OTC oral antihistamines.