If you are suffering from allergy symptoms year round, you may have indoor allergies. Common indoor allergy triggers include dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander. An Allergy Doctor in Louisville KY can conduct a skin test to check for indoor allergies. Indoor allergies are treated through prevention, medication, and injections.
The best way to prevent allergic symptoms is to avoid the triggers. In the case of a dust mite allergy, a change in decor may be the best option. Carpet, drapes, stuffed animals, and bedding can harbor dust mites. Changing the flooring to hardwood or tile can improve allergic symptoms dramatically. If the expense is too much for the entire home, taking the carpet out of the bedroom is the priority. Special allergy covers can be bought to enclose mattresses and pillows. Dust mites can be killed through placing bedding or toys in the freezer and washing the allergic residue away in the washing machine. Some washing machines have special allergy cycles which use high heat to kill dust mites. An air purifier may also help remove allergens from the air and improve health.
If allergy symptoms are due to a beloved pet, re-homing the animal may not be a realistic sacrifice. Taking oral and nasal allergy medication can help treat indoor allergy symptoms, including symptoms due to pet dander. Removing carpet, which can harbor dander and other allergens, and keeping pets out of bedrooms can also help lessen the severity of allergic symptoms.
Allergy injections are shots that are used to develop an immunity to allergic triggers. Treatment through injections can take 3 to 5 years and will require weekly or even biweekly trips to the allergy office. Although inconvenient, allergy injections can provide long-term relief for indoor allergy symptoms.
The first step to treating indoor allergy symptoms is seeing an Allergy Doctor in Louisville KY to determine specific allergens that are triggering symptoms. The next step is to avoid triggers by making the necessary home adjustments. Medication and allergy injections should be considered for long-term symptom relief. Visit Drsmithallergy.com to get more information about allergies and treatment options.
