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The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:2
Allergies happen when a body detects an allergen. The body produces antibodies, which produce allergic symptoms. The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:2
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy or watery eyes
First, see a doctor
If indoor allergies are making life uncomfortable for your child, start by making an appointment with their pediatrician or an allergist. A doctor will be able to run tests to see if your child has a sensitivity to one or more of the most common indoor allergens.
Eliminate allergy triggers and make things a little less sneezy
Once allergies are confirmed, here’s what to do: Clean house!
Allergens are practically everywhere. So the best way to get rid of symptoms is to get rid of the triggers. Here are the most common places to find them:3
Damp and humid areas
Indoor plants
Pets
Pillows and bedding
Plush furniture
Plush toys
Unsealed mattresses
Wall-to-wall carpet
What you can do about indoor allergens
Obviously, adding a bunch of new cleaning chores may not be practical. But you can use this list as a place to start:
Control dust mites3
- Use low-pile carpets, washable rugs, hardwood, linoleum, or tile
- Put sealed, allergen-resistant covers on pillows and mattresses
- Wash bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in water that’s at least 55°C; dry them in a hot dryer
Reduce mold1,3
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement
- Fix leaks quickly
- Remove mold from hard surfaces
Minimize pet dander3
- Before getting a pet, ask an allergist to determine if your kids are allergic
- Keep pets out of the bedroom
- Wash and change pet beds and toys often
Keep the air clean3
- Increase the flow of outdoor air
- Use air cleaners with certified allergy and asthma filters
- Vacuum frequently with certified allergy and asthma filters
Control cockroaches1,3
- Cover food, garbage, and recyclables; take things out quickly
- Wipe surfaces, vacuum, and sweep after meals
- Clean under stoves, refrigerators, or toasters where crumbs can accumulate
1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Editors. Allergy Facts and Figures, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America [aafa.org], 2021. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
2. Andrew Moore, MD, reviewed. Indoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [aaai.com], February 28, 2020. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 2021.
3. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Editors. Control Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality, Reviewed by Medical Scientific Council, 2015. Reviewed on Oct. 5, 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.
Adult Indoor Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
There’s no place like home … for allergies! Just stepping indoors — at home, work, or school — exposes you to numerous allergens. An allergen is any substance which produces an allergic reaction. Millions of people suffer year-round because of indoor allergens.
The most common sources of indoor allergies are dust mites, fungi (mold), mammals (both your pets and invasive rodents), and cockroaches.
So basically, the cleaner your home, the stronger your defense against indoor allergies.
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.