Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Prevention
Airborne allergies are the allergies that occur when yourimmune systemhas an overreaction to an airborne allergen (aeroallergen). Anallergenis a substance (usually a protein) that isn’t harmful in itself but in some people it causes sneezing, itching, and other allergy symptoms.
Examples of common airborne allergens are spores or pollen that circulate in the air. Pets are a common source of airborne allergies, as are indoor dust mites and insects. There are steps you can take to limit exposure, but you may need a healthcare provider to treat airborne allergies.
This article explains the most common airborne allergies and their symptoms. It explains how these allergies are diagnosed and treated, and offers some tips on preventing airborne allergies.
What Are Common Airborne Allergens?
Depending on where you live, various airborne allergens may be in your environment. These are not harmful in themselves and do not cause a reaction in every person but may in some people. Some common sources of aeroallergens include:
Work-related dust exposure also can contribute to airborne allergies.
How Common Are Airborne Allergies?Some studies show that more than 40% of people are sensitized to inhaled airborne allergens across Europe and the United States. The most common ones that causeallergic rhinitissymptoms are pollen, spores, and dust mites.
How Common Are Airborne Allergies?
Some studies show that more than 40% of people are sensitized to inhaled airborne allergens across Europe and the United States. The most common ones that causeallergic rhinitissymptoms are pollen, spores, and dust mites.
How to Prevent Airborne Allergies
Animal Allergens
The majority of people who have animal allergies own pets. Almost 62% of United States households have pets, and more than 161 million of these pets are cats and dogs.
Pets are also likely to collect outdoor allergens (such as pollen) in their fur, which might cause an allergic reaction that is not from the pet itself.
An Overview of Cat Allergies
Fungal Spores
When those who are allergic to the fungal spores inhale them, their immune system triggers reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy mouth and lips, and watery eyes. However, not every type of mold causes allergies. The most common allergy-causing molds areCladosporiumandAspergillus.
How to Manage Mold Allergy Symptoms Year-Round
Pollen
Many people are allergic to specific tree or weed pollens. They may have seasonal allergies to these airborne pollens when pollen counts are high. Some studies find that people first are sensitized to indoor allergens as babies before developing allergies to pollen.
What Percentage of People Have Airborne Allergies?Hay fever affects up to 60 million people each year in the U.S. with symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Meanwhile, allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) has been found in as much as 30% of the population and in 7 out of 10 allergic rhinitis patients.
What Percentage of People Have Airborne Allergies?
Hay fever affects up to 60 million people each year in the U.S. with symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. Meanwhile, allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) has been found in as much as 30% of the population and in 7 out of 10 allergic rhinitis patients.
Pollen and Seasonal Allergies
Insect and House Dust Mite Allergens
Various kinds of insect matter can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions. These include their saliva, dried feces, scales, and wings.Cockroaches,flies, and even caterpillars can be sources of these allergens.
Dust mites are a common source of airborne insect allergens. They are microscopic insects that thrive in humid areas such as furniture, carpets, and bedding. When these are disturbed, the mite allergens can become airborne.
An allergy to dust mites can result inallergic rhinitis(runny nose), asthma symptoms, or aneczema flare(an itchy skin condition).
Dust Mite Allergies
Airborne Allergens in House DustWhile cleaning at home, it is a common occurrence for dust particles to be stirred up into the air. This results in a variety of airborne allergens, including allergens from dust mites, cockroaches, pets, molds, and pollen. This can cause symptoms such as:Red, itchy, watery eyesItchy and runny noseStuffy noseSneezing
Airborne Allergens in House Dust
While cleaning at home, it is a common occurrence for dust particles to be stirred up into the air. This results in a variety of airborne allergens, including allergens from dust mites, cockroaches, pets, molds, and pollen. This can cause symptoms such as:Red, itchy, watery eyesItchy and runny noseStuffy noseSneezing
While cleaning at home, it is a common occurrence for dust particles to be stirred up into the air. This results in a variety of airborne allergens, including allergens from dust mites, cockroaches, pets, molds, and pollen. This can cause symptoms such as:
Industrial and Occupational Allergens
Industrial allergens are also known as occupational allergens. In this setting, dust and a variety of allergenic substances can be airborne. They can trigger allergies or occupational asthma, which is the most common work-related lung disease in developed nations.
Inasthma, an allergen can trigger the airways to become inflamed, constricted, and produce excess mucus, leading to breathing difficulties. Non-allergenic substances can also trigger occupational asthma, such as chemical fumes.
If your family has a history of asthma, it is more likely that you will develop asthma due to the conditions your immune system is subjected to. Nevertheless, you can still develop occupational asthma, though your family has no one diagnosed with the allergy.
Airborne Allergies and Food
Food allergies are usually diagnosed in young children although they can also be seen in older children and adults.Eggs, fish, peanuts, and shellfish are some of the foods that cause most allergic reactions.
Is Food Considered an Airborne Allergy?Reactions to airborne food allergens are not common and are usually mild. They include a runny nose, wheezing, and hives. However, people with asthma may be prone to breathing problems from food allergens floating around in the air.
Is Food Considered an Airborne Allergy?
Reactions to airborne food allergens are not common and are usually mild. They include a runny nose, wheezing, and hives. However, people with asthma may be prone to breathing problems from food allergens floating around in the air.
Causes and Risk Factors of Food Allergies
Airborne Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of an allergy to airborne allergens can include:
Any allergic reaction that interferes with your breathing needs immediate medical attention.
If you have minor allergy symptoms, you might not seek professional treatment. But if your symptoms are reducing your quality of life or you use over-the-counter medication frequently for them, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
Your primary healthcare provider may be able to provide help or refer you to an allergy specialist. An allergist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. They can determine which allergens are responsible for triggering your allergic reactions.
An allergy specialist may also recommendimmunotherapy (allergy shots)to desensitize you to airborne allergens. They can assist you in preventing and controlling your allergy while you carry out your normal activities.
What Are My Allergy Treatment Options?
How to Stop Airborne Allergies
Some ways you can prevent airborne allergies and symptoms include:
Summary
Airborne allergies often occur when your immune system overreacts to an airborne allergen or such as spores, pollen, or pet dander. Symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, or dark circles under the eyes.
Airborne allergies may disrupt your normal daily activities. Avoid common allergens so that you do not expose yourself to allergic attacks. You can try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high or wear a mask in dusty places.
See your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and recommendations on which over-the-counter or prescription medications and therapy may help reduce your symptoms.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wheatley LM, Togias A.Allergic rhinitis.N Engl J Med. 2015 Jan 29;372(5):456-63. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1412282.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Pet allergy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Mold allergies.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Mold allergy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Allergens and pollen.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Dust allergies.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Occupational asthma.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.
MedlinePlus.Allergic asthma.
University of Michigan Health.Controlling dust, dust mites, and other allergens in your home.
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