Hidden Allergens around the House

Ever wonder why you suddenly got that rash upon waking up in the morning?  Or why was it that you were coughing so much the night before? Do you often have swollen cheeks? Each individual has a unique medical situation handed to them when they come into contact with certain substances. These substances cause their body to stimulate a reaction that is painful in severe cases and mildly discomforting in other cases. Whether it is your skin turning red or you getting the pink eye, you can be sure that it is due to an allergen.

What are Allergens?

An allergen is a substance that causes the body to adversely react to it. People have different allergic reactions to the same allergen, which could be due to several medical reasons. They can be found anywhere, from pollen to the food that you eat, to animals and even dust. Most of the allergens travel through the air and can cause congestion and breathing problems once inhaled. They can also get into your eyes and on your skin, cause uncomfortable irritations.

There are a lot of allergens present at our homes that we don’t know about. You will only be able to take the necessary precautions proper once you identity the allergen. Here are some hidden household allergens:

    Dust:

Let’s face it, no matter how much you keep your house clean, dust will always find a way to get in. House dust is a combination of many allergens such as food particles, bacteria, viruses and pollen. But the most lethal dust particle is the waste product of the dust mite. This small organism thrives in humid conditions. Did you know that there are millions microscopic organisms living on your bed? It is scary, but true. All you can do is wash your bed once or twice a year and use fresh beddings twice every week.

    Perfume:

This is one of the most common allergens in household products. It can contain a variety of fragrances, both natural and synthetically made. Nowadays, most of soaps, shower gels and even shoe polishes we use contain perfume, which can be harmful for a lot of people. It is important to talk to a reputable dermatologist to help determine whether or not you have perfume allergy.

    Pets:

One out of every three households in the US has pets. Both dogs and cats are preferred in majority and that speaks volumes on how some people get allergies early in life. Because pets shed their fur, they can carry bacteria and other allergens, ticks and whatnot. A lot of people cannot even stand next to pets without sneezing or coughing.

Bottom Line:

With allergens everywhere, one has to take necessary precautions and use anti allergic medication. Spring is known to be the worst for people with allergies as pollen travels everywhere through the air. Keep a respirator or a mask to steer clear of allergic reactions and similar medical complications

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.