Examples of common airborne allergens are spores or pollen that circulate in the air.
Pets are a common source of airborne allergies, as are indoor dust mites and insects.
This article explains the most common airborne allergies and their symptoms.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
It explains how these allergies are diagnosed and treated, and offers some tips on preventing airborne allergies.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Are Common Airborne Allergens?
Depending on where you live, various airborne allergens may be in your environment.
Some common sources of aeroallergens include:
Work-related dust exposure also can contribute to airborne allergies.
How Common Are Airborne Allergies?
The most common ones that causeallergic rhinitissymptoms are pollen, spores, and dust mites.
Animal Allergens
The majority of people who have animal allergies own pets.
The proteins present in their skin flakes, saliva, and urine, can trigger allergy symptoms.
Fungal Spores
Fungal spores are released by mold.
They float in the air and can be found outdoors and indoors.
Everyone inhales the air containing these particles.
However, not every jot down of mold causes allergies.
The most common allergy-causing molds areCladosporiumandAspergillus.
Pollen
Pollen is produced by plants as a part of their reproduction.
It is a yellowish powder carried in the air to fertilize plants.
It triggers allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to it.
They may experience symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing and runny nose.
Many people are allergic to specific tree or weed pollens.
They may have seasonal allergies to these airborne pollens when pollen counts are high.
Some studies find that people first are sensitized to indoor allergens as babies before developing allergies to pollen.
What Percentage of People Have Airborne Allergies?
Dust mites are a common source of airborne insect allergens.
They are microscopic insects that thrive in humid areas such as furniture, carpets, and bedding.
When these are disturbed, the mite allergens can become airborne.
In this setting, dust and a variety of allergenic substances can be airborne.
They can trigger allergies or occupational asthma, which is the most common work-related lung disease in developed nations.
Non-allergenic substances can also trigger occupational asthma, such as chemical fumes.
Is Food Considered an Airborne Allergy?
Reactions to airborne food allergens are not common and are usually mild.
They include a runny nose, wheezing, and hives.
However, people with asthma may be prone to breathing problems from food allergens floating around in the air.
If you have minor allergy symptoms, you might not seek professional treatment.
Your primary healthcare provider may be able to provide help or refer you to an allergy specialist.
An allergist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
They can determine which allergens are responsible for triggering your allergic reactions.
An allergy specialist may also recommendimmunotherapy (allergy shots)to desensitize you to airborne allergens.
They can assist you in preventing and controlling your allergy while you carry out your normal activities.
Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, or dark circles under the eyes.
Airborne allergies may disrupt your normal daily activities.
Avoid common allergens so that you do not expose yourself to allergic attacks.
you could venture to stay indoors when the pollen count is high or wear a mask in dusty places.
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