Indoor Allergy Solutions

Understanding Indoor Allergies: Common Triggers and Symptoms

Many people suffer from indoor allergies. These are triggered by allergens commonly found in the home/workplace/hotel or other indoor locations and include mould, dust mites, pet dander, and even, yikes, cockroaches! So, how do you know if you’re allergic to something in your house? If you've developed an allergy to something in your environment, you'll usually be experiencing a range of telltale symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and inflamed, swollen sinuses. Breathing through the nose can be challenging, and you might develop a cough. Those who have asthma might see a worsening of their symptoms. 

Better air quality in your home, office, school, and car can reduce allergies and asthma triggers. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can improve indoor air quality by:

• Controlling contact with indoor airborne allergens
• Ventilating indoor areas well
• Using air filters to clean indoor air

Keeping your home clean is also super-important if you suffer from allergies, and the same goes for keeping your carpets clean. In addition to regular vacuuming, seasonal carpet shampooing, steaming, and professional cleaning are all excellent ways to reduce the presence of allergens in the home and mitigate indoor allergy symptoms. 

Natural Supplements and Remedies for Combatting Indoor Allergies

Indoor allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, sinus congestion, stuffy nose, coughing and wheezing. Natural remedies such as nasal sprays and herbal extracts can help control symptoms. Supplements that modulate the immune response can also help mitigate indoor allergy symptoms. Some of the most potent herbals for indoor allergies include:

• Rosemary,
• Quercetin
• Lobelia
• Butterbur
• Goldenrod
• Mullein
• Stinging nettle
• Garlic
• Turmeric. 

Some very potent homeopathic drops and nasal sprays are also available that can effectively reduce indoor allergy symptoms.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Year-Round Allergy Management

Making a few tweaks to your lifestyle hygiene can go a long way to managing allergies year-round. 

1. Minimize exposure to inflammatory agents

Allergic reactions contribute to inflammation, leading to a host of other issues. Avoid foods that further contribute to inflammation, such as sugar and white flour.

    2. Eat the rainbow or fruits and vegetables

Research shows that eating a healthy diet full of colourful fruits and vegetables helps manage allergies by providing hefty anti-inflammatory support. 

    3. Exercise

As counterintuitive as it may sound to some, exercise is actually highly beneficial to managing allergies. Indeed, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends exercise to help reduce allergic symptoms. They prescribe approximately ten minutes of stretching and boosting cardio for full benefit and propose focusing on activities that promote proper breathing. Yoga and Pilates, which concentrate on deep breathing, are also helpful.