Dr. Songhui Ma and Empire Allergy of New York City specialize in common indoor allergies that many suffer from and do not even know what is the cause. Pet, dust and mold are common indoor allergies. These allergies occur year round and can cause many problems, especially if they are caused by something in your home or workplace.
Symptoms
People with indoor allergies have difficulty breathing. They have nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, shortness of breath, cough and/or asthma. If the allergies are caused by something at home or at work, they can feel like they have a permanent cold or are constantly tired. In addition, indoor allergies can lead to depressed mood, difficulty concentrating at work or sleeping at night.
Dust allergy
Dust contains many different allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and molds. Most people who are allergic to dust are allergic to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic bugs which accumulate in beds, rugs and upholstered furniture. Dust mite allergy is the most common indoor allergy.
If you have dust mite allergy, things you can do at home to minimize symptoms include:
- Get dust mite allergy covers for your pillows and mattresses. These are special encasements which go under your regular sheets. You can get them anyplace that sells bedding.
- Wash sheets in hot water once a week.
- Minimize large rugs and carpets. Polished floors which can be wiped clean are best.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Minimize overstuffed furniture, cushions and heavy drapes.
- Keep indoor humidity levels below 50%.
Pet allergy
Animal allergies are caused by substances in their dander, hair, saliva or urine. These allergies can be very emotional because pet owners are often very attached to their pet. In fact, even though it is recommended that pet owners allergic to their pet should find a new home for their pet, at least 75% choose to tolerate their allergy problems rather than give up their pet.
If you have pet allergies and want to keep your pet, things you can do at home to minimize symptoms include:
- Keep the pet out of your bedroom at all times.
- Get a HEPA air filter. It should run continuously in your bedroom.
- Minimize direct contact and wash hands after touching your pet, especially after getting ready for bed.
- Follow the recommendations above for dust allergy.
Mold allergy
Molds are common indoor and outdoor allergens. In the home, molds are commonly found in bathrooms and basements. Mold contamination can follow water leaks from pipes or around window sills and flooding. Outdoors, higher counts are found in the fall as well as during damp weather.
If you have mold allergy, things you can do at home to minimize symptoms include:
- Keep bathrooms clean and free of mold and mildew. Avoid carpets in bathrooms and use only washable throw rugs.
- Use cleaning agents containing bleach whenever possible.
- Repair water leaks. Watch carefully around pipes and air conditioning units.
- Keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, below 40% is even better.
- Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- Don’t overwater houseplants and keep humidifiers clean.
When to see Dr. Ma and Empire Allergy
If your allergies are making you miserable or you are having asthma, difficulty breathing or sinus problems, you should see an allergist. You can find out exactly what is causing your allergies and come up with an individualized plan to get better. This includes assessing your home and work environments and which medications, if any, you should be taking. You may even be able to cure your allergies with immunotherapy, otherwise known as allergy shots.
