Indoor Allergies
The last thing you want in your bed with you is an allergen. But allergens
do exist in many areas of your home. Here are some indoor allergens
you may not know about:
- Dust mites – These are very small organisms you can’t see that live in dust. Yuck! You can find them in your bedding, furniture and carpets.
- Furry or feathery pets – Although cute, your animal’s saliva and dead skin (commonly called pet dander) are common sources of allergies.
- Mold spores – This allergen loves to grow in warm, damp nooks and crannies in your home.
Learn how to prevent your allergies at home.
Outdoor Allergies
Depending on where you live, allergy seasons may be mild or severe. Before
you head out the door, you may want to check the local allergy
forecast.
- Pollen
Experts estimate that 35 million Americans suffer from allergies because of airborne pollen! Tiny particles that are released from trees, weeds and grasses are known as pollen. These particles are carried by the wind from tall treetops all the way to your nose.
But before you shrug off fancy flowers in fear of sniffles, remember that the types of pollen that most commonly cause your allergies are from plain-looking plants, such as trees, grasses and weeds. These plants produce small and light pollen, perfect for catching a ride on a gentle breeze.
- Mold
Spores
Similar to pollen, mold spores are a seasonal pest. If you are sensitive to mold spores, you may have symptoms from spring to late fall. Yet, even after the first frost of winter, some mold spores can continue to grow in freezing temperatures.
Location Makes a Difference
Depending on where you live, allergy seasons may be mild or severe. Before
you head out the door, you may want to check the local allergy
forecast.
There are certain times during the year when plants and trees release pollen into the air. The timing of these pollen seasons depends on your geographic location. Different regions have different types of plants that pollinate at different times.
Similarly, the severity of your mold spore allergies can depend on the climate that you live in. In the warmest areas of the United States, mold spores grow all year! But before you move to Antarctica, remember that mold spores also grow indoors, making it a year-round problem.
