Sunday, November 27, 2011

Pets, Pollen And Mold Allergy Triggers

By Robert Adamson


Allergies, for many people this is just a word they use when they do not want people to think they have a cold. For twenty percent of people living in the United States, allergies caused by irritants in the air are real. Some signs to look for are itchy red eyes, swollen nasal passages, or a soar throat. People who suffer from asthma in addition to allergies are at high risk during allergy season. The affects of an allergy attack combined with asthma can be deadly.

One of the most difficult allergens for people to avoid are those released by animals and common products used by humans. Plug in home fresheners and other scented products often trigger negative reactions in allergy and asthmas sufferers. Pet dander is another common cause of allergy attacks. It is difficult to explain to a child why they can not have a cat or dog. There is hope for allergy prone families; some dog breeds skin does not contain the protein that causes allergic reactions. Make sure you do your research before committing to a pet. Other animals in your home that you do not invite in can also cause allergy attacks. Many people are unaware that even cockroaches can cause a reaction. Dust mites are another living organism that thrive in our homes and cause irritation.

If you notice that you feel sick at home and feel better every time you leave for an extended period of time, your home could contain mold. The spores produced by mold are extremely irritating to some people. Mold varieties can cause a wide array of problems. Some just cause nasal irritation while other varieties have spores that attach themselves to your lungs and in some cases can be deadly. Mold grows best in damp environments. Controlling the moisture levels in your home is the first step to reducing and then eliminating mold growth. If you suspect mold is growing in your home you may be able to visually identify it. Check any dark space that could have high levels of humidity.

Inside closets, basements, or bathroom walls are common places to find mold growth. If you are having trouble visually identifying mold in your home but still suspect it is present, there are simple test kits that can be easily obtained. If you discover mold in your home you should contact a professional to help you assess the problem and develop a long lasting solution. The best way to prevent mold growth in the first place is to install an air purification system to filter your air and control the humidity in your home.

Finally, the leading cause of allergy attacks in the United States is pollen. This dusty yellow substance is produced by plants and is a vital part of their life cycle. People who are affected by this common allergen will notice their symptoms are the worst during the seasons when plants are producing the most pollen. This is the type of allergies being discussed when you hear the term seasonal allergies.




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