TYPES OF ALLERGIES
The word “allergies” may bring to mind the itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing that springtime brings for some of us. But seasonal pollen allergies are actually just one of many different types of allergies. It’s possible for many different substances to cause allergies, and the allergy symptoms you experience can vary depending on the substance you’re allergic to. Allergies can be “seasonal” or “year-round” (“perennial”) depending on what the allergen is.
Take a look at the chart below to learn more about some common allergy types. Part of allergy prevention is understanding your allergy type, possible triggers, and to reduce exposure.
DUST
Possible Triggers
- Dust mites and their feces (poop)
- Mold spores
- Pollen
- Pet dander
Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny, itchy nose
- Sinus congestion/pressure
- Itchy throat
- Itchy ears
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Skin itch, hives
Management
- Use hard flooring, like tile or wood, instead of carpet
- Clean your house regularly, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Use a HEPA filter on your furnace or as a separate unit in your bedroom
- Keep pets out of the bedroom at all times
POLLEN
Possible Triggers
- Tree pollen (e.g., oak, elm, maple, alder, birch, juniper, olive)
- Grass pollen (e.g., Bermuda, timothy, sweet vernal, orchard, Johnson grass)
- Ragweed pollen
Symptoms
Pollen causes what doctors call “allergic rhinitis” [rye-NIGH-tiss]. Symptoms include:
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, eyes, mouth, and ears
- Red, watery eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
Management
- Limit time outdoors when pollen counts are high
- Start taking medication when pollen season begins and you notice your symptoms flaring up
- Bathe and shampoo your hair before going to bed
- Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week
- Dry clothes and bedding in a dryer, not outside on a clothesline
PET
Possible Triggers
- Proteins found in cat and dog dander
Symptoms
- Red, swollen, itchy eyes
- Itchy nose
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy skin
Management
- Remove the pet from your bedroom
- Remove carpets, use hard flooring like tile or wood and vacuum regularly with a certified filter-equipped vacuum
- When brushing the pet, do it outside
MOLD
Possible Triggers
- Spores of certain types of molds and mildew
Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny, stuffy nose
- Itching
Management
- Limit time outside when mold counts are high
- Wear a dust mask when gardening
- Use a certified filter on your furnace
- Lower your indoor humidity (if possible)
- Be aggressive about seeking out and destroying mold in your home
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I’M ALLERGIC TO?
An allergy skin test can tell you and your doctor what you are allergic to. It works best on air borne allergens, like dust mites, pollen and pet dander.
A skin prick test is done in your doctor’s office and can test for up to 40 different substances at once. Your skin is lightly pricked with the suspected allergen and then is monitored for a reaction. Generally, the reaction is an itchy, red bump on the skin that appears within 15 minutes of the test.
