Environmental allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to typically harmless substances like mold, dust mites, or pet dander. This article explores the various types of environmental allergies, their effects on your body, and strategies for managing them.

What are environmental allergies?

Allergy is when the immune system reacts to substances that are harmless to most people.¹

When substances in your environment cause your immune system to overreact, we’re talking about an environmental allergy. Things like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and insects can trigger this reaction. Because of that, they’re called allergens.¹

How common are environmental allergies?

If you live with an environmental allergy, you’re not alone. Environmental allergies are quite common – they affect approximately 24 million people in the U.S. ²

How do environmental allergies affect your body?

The first time you're exposed to an environmental allergen, your body produces a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE).²

These antibodies are designed to recognize that specific allergen and attach themselves to mast cells (immune cells that contain histamine) in areas like your skin, airways, gut, and mucous membranes.²

After this initial exposure, your mast cells become sensitized. So, the next time you come into contact with the same allergen, the IgE reacts by triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergy symptoms.²

Symptoms 

Symptoms of environmental allergies can include:^1,2

·      Sneezing

·      Runny or stuffy nose

·      Itchy or watery eyes

·      Itchy throat or ears

·      Postnasal drip

·      Coughing

·      Fatigue

·      Headache

·      Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)

·      Worsening of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath

What causes environmental allergies?

There are various substances in the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Common types of environmental allergies include:^1,2,3

·      Pollen – Pollen is a fine, powdery substance produced by trees, grasses, and weeds as part of their reproductive process. These microscopic grains are released into the air to fertilize other plants. Pollen levels are typically highest in the morning and can increase on warm, windy days, which facilitate the dispersal of pollen grains.³

·      Molds – Molds are microscopic fungi that release spores into the air, which can be inhaled and may trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. Indoors, mold grows in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Outdoors, it can be found in environments like leaf piles, grass, mulch, hay, and beneath mushrooms. Mold spore levels tend to be highest during hot, humid weather, as these conditions promote mold growth and spore dispersal.³

·      Dust mites – Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that live in bedding, mattresses, carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture. They feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets. Proteins found in their feces, secretions, and decomposed bodies can become airborne and, when inhaled, may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.³

·      Pet dander and saliva - Pet dander is tiny skin flakes shed by animals with fur or feathers, such as cats, dogs, and birds. They contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Proteins found in pet saliva and urine can contribute to allergic reactions, too.³

·      Cockroaches and mice – Proteins found in the feces, saliva, eggs, and decomposed bodies of cockroaches can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Proteins in the skin, saliva, and urine of mice are also potential allergens.³

·      Insect venom – Insect venom can cause an allergic reaction in some people. The most common insects to cause an allergic reaction are yellow Jackets, hornets, paper wasps, bees, and red ants.

·      Smoke and air pollution - Exposure to various types of smoke, such as tobacco, marijuana, and scented candles, can cause non-IgE-mediated reactions. These reactions occur when chemical irritants in the smoke directly stimulate mast cells, leading to symptoms similar to those of allergic responses. Air pollution increases airway inflammation, making it more difficult to breathe and worsening symptoms of respiratory conditions.

How to manage environmental allergies

You can’t completely eliminate environmental allergies, but you can manage them with medication. Antihistamine medication such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), Clemastine (Dayhist®), and Hydroxyzine (Atarax®) can help alleviate the symptoms.²

How to prevent environmental allergies

Preventing environmental allergies involves minimizing exposure to common allergens. Here are some effective strategies^:2

·      Minimize pollen exposure -Limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times, take a shower and change into clean indoor clothing after spending time outdoors, and maintain closed windows in your home and car during high pollen seasons.

·      Control indoor allergens - Encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in allergen-resistant covers to reduce dust mite exposure, dust, and vacuum your home frequently, focusing on areas where dust mites and pet dander accumulate, such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedding.

·      Manage Pet Allergens - Designate certain areas, especially bedrooms, as pet-free to reduce allergen accumulation. It’s also recommended to bathe and groom pets frequently to minimize shedding of dander.

·      Address Mold and Dust Mites - Repair leaks and ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold growth.

·      Limit Exposure to Irritants - Ensure that no one smokes indoors, use household cleaners and chemicals in well-ventilated areas, and consider natural alternatives when possible.

Implementing these measures can significantly reduce exposure to environmental allergens and help prevent allergic reactions. If you continue to experience allergy symptoms despite these precautions, consult with an allergist for personalized advice and potential treatments.

Key takeaways

Environmental allergens can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Managing these allergies involves minimizing exposure to known triggers, maintaining a clean indoor environment, and using medications like antihistamines to alleviate symptoms.

Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you determine the most effective strategies for managing your environmental allergies.

Do you struggle with environmental allergies? Share with our community what works for you! Or perhaps any Daiwa products that have helped you with your allergies?

References

1-    A complete Guide to Allegies. Allergy and Asthma Network. https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/

2-    Environmental Allergies. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8611-environmental-allergies

3-    5 Environmental Allergies (and How to Manage Them). National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/5-environmental-allergies/