Other factors like mold can cause morning allergies, though.
This article explains morningallergies, and their causes and symptoms.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
What Are the Main Causes of Morning Allergies?
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
In the United States, it affects 7.7% of adults and 7.2% of children.
Plants release pollen to fertilize other plants of the same species.
Common pollen allergies include:
Symptoms of pollen allergies are often worse in the morning.
Also, if you sleep with your windows open, you may be exposed to pollen all night long.
Unlike pollen allergies, dust mite allergies occur year-round because they live inside your home.
Pet Dander
Allergies to pets often occur in people who have other allergies orasthma.
Cats vs.
Dogs
Cat allergiesare twice as common as dog allergies.
People often confuse pet hair or fur as an allergen, but its not.
Pet hair or fur can be a carrier of allergens, though.
Mold
Molds can be found both indoors and outdoors, which means you may havemold allergiesyear-round.
When a source of mold is disrupted, spores are sent into the air.
For the allergic person, breathing these in can set off a reaction.
Indoors, mold may be found in damp areas, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Common places to find mold outdoors include:
What Are Other Common Causes of Morning Allergies?
Allergenslike dust mites aren’t the only cause of allergy symptoms.
People diagnosed withnonallergenic rhinitisexperience the nasal congestion and sneezing for different reasons.
Medications
Some medications can cause what healthcare providers call drug-induced nonallergic rhinitis.
These drugs that lead toside effectsinclude:
Thyroid medications also can lead to symptoms.
However, sometimes morning allergy symptoms are more severe.
They may include:
In severe cases, you may experience asthma-like symptoms.
These may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
Diagnosis of Morning Allergies
Doctorsdiagnose allergiesbased on your symptoms and tests that confirm an allergic reaction.
Morning allergies are diagnosed when your symptoms present most prominently in the morning.
Diagnosis may include:
The length of time morning allergies last depends on what is causing them.
It can offer a clue into the allergen causing symptoms.
Skin Tests
Skin tests are considered the gold standard for determining what a person is allergic to.
These tests are done in an allergists office.
They specifically look for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to allergens.
IgE is a key in of antibody that is produced when someone is sensitized to an allergen.
A specific IgE test can identify what you are allergic to.
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Often, morning allergies are a mild, sometimes seasonal, nuisance.
Other times, they are more severe.
In that case, making an appointment with your doctor is important.
Your doctor may recommendintranasal corticosteroids, some of which are available over the counter.
Immunotherapy(known as allergy shots) can also help control allergies when it is difficult to avoid triggers.
Your allergy doctor will formulate these to help desensitize you to allergens.
They are especially useful against the common triggers of morning allergies.
2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi:10.3390/ijerph18084277.
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