Indoor Allergens

• What actually is house dust?
• What are dust mites?
• What do dust mites consider heaven?
• How do dust mites make you allergic?
• Cockroaches? You must be kidding!
• What about molds?
• What about pets?
• What about indoor pollens and houseplants?
• Indoor Allergens At A Glance

Your house may also be home to a variety of animal and plant life, most of which can become a source for allergens, the triggers of allergic reactions. Pollens are the main cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, if your nasal stuffiness, sneezing, watery eyes, and constant postnasal drip bother you year round, then you most likely have non- seasonal hay fever or perennial allergic rhinitis. This condition is typically caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroach parts, mold, and animal dander.

Understanding the nature and location of indoor sources of allergy is fundamental. The key to managing allergies that are caused by indoor allergens involves reducing your level of exposure to them or avoiding them, if possible.

What actually is house dust?

House dust is a mixture of components that can cause allergies. House dust is concocted of just about anything you can think of, including dried food particles, mold spores, pollen, fabric fibers, animal danders, and insect parts, especially those of dust mites and cockroaches. As is the case with other allergens, these particles contain proteins that are small enough to become airborne and inhaled. The main culprits in house dust that cause allergy symptoms are dust mite and cockroach particles.

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/indoor_allergens/article.htm