Indoor allergies (dust, pets, or mold)

Overview

The immune system overreacts to harmless things in the air.

Indoor allergies can make asthma worse.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sneezing or stuffiness indoors, or around pets, dust, or mold
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose

Less common

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing

When to get medical care

Causes

An allergy to dust mites, pet dander, mold, or cockroaches.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Family history
• Asthma or eczema

Possible complications

• Asthma
• Sinus infection

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional asks about triggers.

Questions you may be asked

• When symptoms are worse
• Pets and home

The exam

A nose and eye exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Allergy tests: Skin or blood tests.

Treatment

Reducing triggers and medicines work best together.

Self-care

• Use dust-mite covers on pillows and mattresses
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Keep pets out of the bedroom
• Keep humidity below 50 percent
• Use a HEPA filter

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Allergy shots can help long term.

Prevention

To reduce triggers:

• Wash bedding weekly
• Fix leaks to stop mold

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an allergist (allergy and asthma doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Education and online support for asthma, allergies, and eczema.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Symptoms can be well controlled.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should I get allergy tests?
• Would allergy shots help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Indoor allergies (dust, pets, or mold)