Indoor allergens are a source of respiratory symptoms in people with allergic asthma.
Common indoor allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen, insects, rodents, and pet dander.
By minimizing your exposure to these, you might reduce the chances of triggering anallergic asthmaattack.
Giselleflissak / Getty Images
Giselleflissak / Getty Images
1.
Dust Mites
Dust mitesare a significantindoor asthma trigger.They are too small to see with the naked eye.
To minimize dust mites:
2.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches proliferate in densely populated areas and warm climates like the southern United States.
you could minimize cockroach infestation by taking the following steps:
3.
Mold
Mold produces tiny spores that drift through the air.
To reduce the chance of exposure to mold in your home:
4.
Pollen
Pollen is a powdery substance made of tiny grains that plants release to propagate.
They float on the wind, so pollen will drift in if you keep your windows open.
Flowering houseplants also release pollen.Pollen is a notorious allergenfor triggering an allergic asthma attack.
Pollen counts increase on hot, dry days when the wind blows.
To avoid pollen triggers for your asthma indoors:
5.
Pet Dander
Proteins inanimal danderare common allergic triggers.
Dander is small pieces of skin that flake off and float away.
Dogs, cats, birds, and any animal with fur or feathers can shed dander.
Allergy-triggering proteins may also be present in pet saliva, urine, and feces.
To minimize exposure:
6.
Rodents can cause asthma symptoms year-round.
They cantest for allergiesto help narrow down what’s causing your asthma symptoms and recommend treatment.
Online checklists can help you investigate your home for sources of these allergens.
Keep track of areas and activities in the home that seem to trigger symptoms.
Write them down, noting where you were and when they happened.
This will help you identify patterns and take steps to address them.
Penn State Extension.Asthma, pests, and pesticides.
American Lung Association.Dust mites.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Dust mite allergy.
Do DC, Zhao Y, Gao P.Cockroach allergen exposure and risk of asthma.Allergy.
2016;71(4):463-474. doi:10.1111/all.12827
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Cockroach allergy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Mold allergy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergies.
American Lung Association.Pet dander.
National Center for Healthy Housing.Rodents.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to seal up to prevent rodents.
National Park Service.Identifying mouse and rat damage in museum collections.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Indoor allergens.
