Do your allergies get worse during the rainy season? Let's talk about indoor allergies

During the rainy season, you can't go out, it's wet and cold everywhere. So we spend most of our time at home. But when you're at home, have you ever suddenly started to feel nauseous, runny nose, or itchy eyes? Many people think, "Oh... it must be a cold." But it may not always be a cold. It's an allergy caused by things inside your home, meaning it's more likely to be an 'Indoor Allergy'.

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

Simply put, some people's bodies react to certain things in their home environment in an inappropriate way. We call these allergens. During the rainy season, we spend most of our time indoors with the windows closed, so our exposure to these allergens increases. Also, when we turn on a fan that hasn't been used for a while, or turn on an A/C, the dust and mold spores that have accumulated in it accumulate in the air throughout the house. It is when these things get into our noses that allergies begin.

There are several main things that cause indoor allergies:

• Dust mites: These are tiny insects that are too small for our eyes to see. Their favorite places to live are our mattresses, pillows, and bedding. It's not the mites themselves that cause allergies, but their body parts and droppings that get into the air.
• Mold: Mold is a type of fungus. It grows in places with high humidity and moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchen sinks, damp walls, and basements. This condition becomes worse during the rainy season. When the spores released by this mold enter the air, it can cause allergies.
• Pets: Many people think that they are allergic to dog and cat fur. But that's not the truth. The allergy is caused not by the animal's fur, but by a protein found in the animal's dander , saliva, and urine.

Is this an allergy? Is it a cold? How do you know for sure?

It's easy to confuse the two because the symptoms are so similar. But there are some clear differences between them. Let's look at this difference clearly so you can imagine for yourself.

Treatment and diagnosis of this condition

If your symptoms last more than a week, it's best to see your family doctor . He or she will ask you questions, examine you, and probably start you on allergy medication.

If those medications don't help, he or she may refer you to an allergist. They will do tests to find out exactly what you're allergic to. This may include a skin prick test, which involves pricking a small amount of the allergen onto your skin, or a blood test.

The following are commonly used as treatments:

• Antihistamines: These control symptoms such as hives, itching, and runny nose.
• Decongestants: These help relieve nasal congestion and clear mucus.
• Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. It involves giving your body very small amounts of the allergen, either as an injection or as a tablet under the tongue, to help it adapt to the allergen. This can provide longer-term relief than other medications.

What should we do to protect ourselves from allergies?

Although allergies cannot be completely cured, we can prevent symptoms from occurring by staying away from allergens. Here are some practical tips:

Dust and mold control

• If you have moldy shower curtains, wallpaper, or carpets, remove them.
• Wash the bathroom tiles and sink thoroughly with a 5% bleach solution and soapy water.
• Keep the humidity in your home below 50%. You can use a dehumidifier for this. Open the windows on sunny days to allow for good ventilation inside the house.
• It is very useful to use an air purifier or vacuum cleaner with a ``HEPA`` filter to clean dust particles in the air.
• Wash bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water (130 degrees F / 54 C) at least once a week .
• Use allergy-proof covers for mattresses and pillows that prevent dust mites from entering.

If there are pets

• If you have severe allergies, it's best to keep an animal like a hairless fish.
• If you already have a dog or cat, never let them into your bedroom . Bathe the animal at least once a week.

Special instructions for the festive season

When decorating your home for festive seasons like Christmas, consider these things:

• Use an artificial tree instead of a real Christmas tree. Real trees can contain mold and chemicals.
• When you take out decorations that have been removed from the closet, wipe off the dust thoroughly before using them.
• Glass or plastic decorations collect less dust than decorations made of fabric.

If you have an animal allergy and are going to a house with dogs or cats, take your allergy medication prescribed by your doctor before you go. It's also a good idea to bring your own pillow if possible.

Indoor Allergies, Dust Mites, Mold, Allergy Symptoms