Signs and symptoms of indoor allergies
An allergic reaction is the result of your immune system going on the defensive. When it detects an allergen, it produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). In response, your cells release chemicals to fight the allergens, which result in your allergy symptoms.1
The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:1
Runny nose and post-nasal drip*
Itchy, red, and/or watery eyes*
Sneezing
Coughing*
General congestion or sinus pressure
Hives, rash, or other types of skin irritation*
Here’s where most indoor allergens hide:3
Damp and humid areas
Indoor plants
Pets
Pillows and bedding
Plush furniture
Plush toys
Unsealed mattresses
Wall-to-wall carpet
The most common indoor allergy triggers — and what to do about them
Dust mites
More than 95% of the allergens associated with mites are inhaled. Mite-contaminated food can also be a source of allergic reactions.2
How to control dust mites:3
Keep surfaces clean and uncluttered
Avoid wall-to-wall carpet — use low-pile carpets, washable rugs, hardwood, linoleum, or tile
Avoid heavy drapes
Avoid overstuffed furniture
Use sealed, allergen-resistant covers on your pillows and mattress
Wash bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in water that’s at least 55°C; dry them in a hot dryer
Indoor mold
The common indoor mold and mildew that cause allergies thrive in dampness. You’ll find them in moist basements, bathrooms, or anywhere with leaks. Mold can cause a variety of allergic reactions, from minor irritation to severe asthma.*,1
How to reduce mold1,3
Reduce moisture in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement
Don’t run showers too long before hopping in
Use dehumidifiers
Limit the number of house plants, and ensure proper drainage
Fix leaks quickly
Remove mold from hard surfaces with water and detergent or, if necessary, 5% bleach; let them dry completely
Pet dander
There are no breeds of dogs or cats that are 100% allergen-free — not even the hairless ones. That’s because you don’t react to fur, but to allergens in saliva, dander (skin flakes), or urine.1
How to manage pet dander3
Avoid direct contact with pets
Keep pets out of your bedroom
Wash and change pet beds and toys often
Bathe and brush your pets often — and wear a mask when you groom them
Wash your hands after handling pets
Frequently wipe and vacuum spaces where your pets spend time
Before getting a pet, ask your allergist to determine if you are allergic to animals
Cockroaches
The World Health Organization identifies 12 distinct allergens carried by cockroaches.2
How to control cockroaches1,3
Cover food, garbage, and recyclables; take the trash out quickly
Use poison baits, boric acid, and traps instead of chemicals, which may irritate your sinuses and/or asthma
Block crevices, wall cracks, and windows where they enter
Fix and seal leaks
Keep food in lidded containers
Put away used pet bowls and uneaten food
Vacuum and sweep after meals
Wash dishes immediately after use
Clean under stoves, refrigerators, or toasters where crumbs can accumulate
Wipe off the stove, cupboards, and other kitchen surfaces regularly
A couple extra tips to minimize indoor allergens
It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid indoor allergens. But there are ways to reduce them.
Keep the air as clean as possible3
- Increase the flow of outdoor air
- Reduce humidity
- Use air cleaners with certified allergy and asthma filters
- Vacuum frequently with certified allergy and asthma filters
Wear a mask while doing housework3
- Leave the house for several hours after cleaning it.
Telfast® is here to help fight indoor allergies
Telfast® helps you live your best life by relieving many common indoor allergy symptoms. If you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes or an itchy nose or throat, Telfast® can help.4 And if you also have nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, or swelling of nasal passages, check out Telfast-D®.5 Now you can feel more at home — at home.
No matter which product you choose, you can feel good knowing Telfast® is the #1 allergist-recommended medicine brand for non-drowsy relief.*
1. Andrew Moore, MD, reviewed. Indoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [aaaai.com], February 28, 2020. Reviewed on May 20, 2021.
2. Anna Pomés, Martin D. Chapman, Sabrina Wünschmann. Indoor Allergens and Allergic Respiratory Disease, PMC/US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, June 2016. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Ed. Control Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality, Reviewed by Medical Scientific Council, 2015. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
4. Telfast Gulf PIL – last revised November 2020
5. Telfast-D Gulf PIL, last revised July 2021
Recommended Reading
Adult Outdoor Allergies Triggers, Symptoms, and Relief
Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, affects 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children.
The most common outdoor allergy trigger is pollen, a powdery substance released for fertilization by trees, grass, and weeds.
In early spring, tree pollen gets blown around. In late spring and early summer, it’s grass pollen. And in late summer/early fall, it’s weed pollen. But that all depends on your location, climate, and the local greenscape. In temperate climates, pollination can happen year-round.
Helping Children with Outdoor Allergies
Nearly 5.2 million U.S. children under age 18 experience hay fever and 7.1 million have respiratory allergies.1 Generally, if a child develops allergies, it’s by the age of 10.
Respiratory problems caused by sandstorm
Though severe sandstorms are rare, milder sandstorms often accompany seasonal weather changes. Aside from sand, these storms carry with them dust, bacteria, fungi and viruses, all which can have an impact on your health.
The most vulnerable to the effects of sandstorms are often the elderly, children, allergy sufferers, particularly those with allergic rhinitis, people with respiratory conditions like asthma, and those with weakened immune systems.
Helping Children with Indoor Allergies
For kids dealing with indoor allergies, home can mean an extravaganza of uncomfortable symptoms. That’s because allergic triggers can be tucked into just about every nook and cranny. No exaggeration: the kitchen, bathroom, closets, beds, pets, and even toys can all be sources of allergens.
*Among oral antihistamines.