Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesOther CausesSymptomsDiagnosisPreventionWhen to Seek Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Other Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Prevention
When to Seek Treatment
Other factors like mold can cause morning allergies, though. They includepollenandpet dander, but these sources tend to stay in the air, while dust mites (and their waste) settle on surfaces.Lifestyle changes, along with treatment, can help to improve your morning allergy symptoms.
This article explains morningallergies, and their causes and symptoms. It details how healthcare providers diagnose allergies, some of the treatment options, and how you can limit exposures.
What Are the Main Causes of Morning Allergies?
Whether you have hay fever or a dust mite allergy, it is common to wake up sneezing when you have allergies. There are several reasons that can happen, including:
Allergy StatisticsAllergies are common, affecting more than 50 million Americans every year.
Allergy Statistics
Allergies are common, affecting more than 50 million Americans every year.
Pollen
Pollen allergy, also known ashay feveror seasonalallergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies. In the United States, it affects 7.7% of adults and 7.2% of children.
Common pollen allergies include:
Symptoms of pollen allergies are often worse in the morning. In addition, pollen may stick to your clothing, which means you carry the allergen around with you throughout the day. Also, if you sleep with your windows open, you may be exposed to pollen all night long.
Dust Mites
As unpleasant as it sounds, allergies todust mitesaren’t actually an allergy to dust or the mite. Rather, it’s the feces of the dust mite that contain theallergen(the substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Unlike pollen allergies, dust mite allergies occur year-round because they live inside your home.
Dust mites can live anywhere, but they especially like carpeting, bedding, curtains, and upholstered furniture.It’s not possible to eliminate dust mites.
Symptoms of dust mite allergies are typically worse in the morning because you are exposed to the allergen while you sleep.
Pet Dander
Allergies to pets often occur in people who have other allergies orasthma. In fact, as many as 30% of people with allergies are also allergic to cat and dog dander.
Cats vs. DogsCat allergiesare twice as common as dog allergies.
Cats vs. Dogs
Cat allergiesare twice as common as dog allergies.
People with pet allergies react to proteins in a pet’s urine, saliva, or dander (dead skin cells). People often confuse pet hair or fur as an allergen, but it’s not. Pet hair or fur can be a carrier of allergens, though.
Symptoms of pet allergies can occur in the morning, especially if your pet sleeps in your bedroom with you. You may find relief from morning allergies if you keep your pet out of your bedroom and change your clothes before getting into bed.
Mold
Molds can be found both indoors and outdoors, which means you may havemold allergiesyear-round. When a source of mold is disrupted, spores are sent into the air. For the allergic person, breathing these in can set off a reaction.
Indoors, mold may be found in damp areas, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Common places to find mold outdoors include:
How to Manage Mold Allergy Symptoms Year-Round
What Are Other Common Causes of Morning Allergies?
Allergenslike dust mites aren’t the only cause of allergy symptoms. People diagnosed withnonallergenic rhinitisexperience the nasal congestion and sneezing for different reasons.
Environmental Conditions
Vasomotor rhinitishappens due to an environmental exposure, like perfume, that leads to a strong physical reaction. In one study, about 10% of the population experienced allergy symptoms due to smoke, spicy foods, changes in temperature or wind, and more.
How to Recognize and Treat an Allergic Reaction in Babies and Infants
Medications
Some medications can cause what healthcare providers call drug-induced nonallergic rhinitis. These drugs that lead toside effectsinclude:
Thyroid medications also can lead to symptoms. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience morning allergy symptoms that may be related to your drugs or their dosage.
Smoking Behavior
People who smoke are more likely to experience nonallergic rhinitis symptoms than those who don’t, and heavier smokers (measured inpack years) more so than current smokers at lower levels.For former smokers, the likelihood of symptoms common to morning allergies is comparable to never-smokers.
Other Causes of Morning Allergies
A 2022 study of 1,033 people looked at other causes of nonallergic rhinitis symptoms often seen with morning allergies, which included:
Exercise-Induced Rhinitis Causes and Treatment
Symptoms of Allergies in the Morning
Allergy symptoms in the morning are the same as allergy symptoms at any other time of the day. However, sometimes morning allergy symptoms are more severe. They may include:
In severe cases, you may experience asthma-like symptoms. These may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.
Cats and Asthma AttacksCats can trigger a severe asthma episode in up to 30% of people with existing asthma.
Cats and Asthma Attacks
Cats can trigger a severe asthma episode in up to 30% of people with existing asthma.
Diagnosis of Morning Allergies
Doctorsdiagnose allergiesbased on your symptoms and tests that confirm an allergic reaction. Morning allergies are diagnosed when your symptoms present most prominently in the morning. Diagnosis may include:
The length of time morning allergies last depends on what is causing them. It can offer a clue into the allergen causing symptoms. Your morning allergies should subside when the pollen counts go down if you have a seasonal pollen allergy, or if you stop taking a medication that leads to symptoms.
Skin Tests
Skin tests are considered the gold standard for determining what a person is allergic to. These tests are done in an allergist’s office. There are two types of skin tests:
Blood Tests
With a blood test, aphlebotomistdraws your blood, and a lab professional evaluates it. They specifically look for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to allergens.
IgE is a type of antibody that is produced when someone is sensitized to an allergen. A specific IgE test can identify what you are allergic to.
How to Prevent Morning Allergy Symptoms
The good news is that there are steps you can take to limit your morning allergy symptoms. Some things to try include:
Keep in mind thatgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) can cause some of the symptoms that are similar to morning allergies. Elevating the head of your bed can help to prevent acid from leaving your stomach and entering the throat, but you should see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Some people use treated bedding, with anti-mite pillows and sheets to reduce exposure to dust mites and prevent morning allergy symptoms.
Natural Allergy Relief: 12 Remedies to Try
When to Seek Professional Treatment
Often, morning allergies are a mild, sometimes seasonal, nuisance. Other times, they are more severe. In that case, making an appointment with your doctor is important.
If lifestyle adjustments,natural remedies, and over-the-counter (OTC)antihistaminesdon’t help, you may want to see your doctor for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. Your doctor may recommendintranasal corticosteroids, some of which are available over the counter.
Immunotherapy(known as allergy shots) can also help control allergies when it is difficult to avoid triggers. Your allergy doctor will formulate these to help desensitize you to allergens. They are especially useful against the common triggers of morning allergies.
Immediate Medical AttentionIf you ever haveasthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away.
Immediate Medical Attention
If you ever haveasthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention right away.
Summary
Allergy symptoms experienced in the morning may be due to pollen, dust mites, pets, or mold. An allergy specialist can help identify the source of your allergy and recommend lifestyle adjustments and medications that may help manage it.
16 SourcesVerywell 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.Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi:10.3390/ijerph18084277.American Lung Association.Dust mites.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts and figures.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pet allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats?.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Mold allergy.Ciprandi G, Passali GC, Passali D.Vasomotor Rhinitis: an Italian survey in clinical practice.Acta Biomed.2022 Dec 16;93(6):e2022296. doi:10.23750/abm.v93i6.13218.Alromaih S, Alsagaf L, Aloraini N, Alrasheed A, Alroqi A, Aloulah M,et al.Drug-Induced Rhinitis: Narrative Review.Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Nov 15:1455613221141214. doi:10.1177/01455613221141214.Avdeeva KS, Fokkens WJ, Segboer CL, Reitsma S.The prevalence of non-allergic rhinitis phenotypes in the general population: A cross-sectional study.Allergy. 2022 Jul;77(7):2163-2174. doi: 10.1111/all.15223American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Signs of allergies.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergies: Testing and diagnosis.MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.American Lung Association.What Is Pet Dander?Bumbacea RS, Corcea SL, Ali S, Dinica LC, Fanfaret IS, Boda D.Mite allergy and atopic dermatitis: Is there a clear link? (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2020 Oct;20(4):3554-3560. doi: 10.3892/etm.2020.9120.Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084277.MedlinePlus.Allergy shots.
16 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.Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi:10.3390/ijerph18084277.American Lung Association.Dust mites.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts and figures.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pet allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats?.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Mold allergy.Ciprandi G, Passali GC, Passali D.Vasomotor Rhinitis: an Italian survey in clinical practice.Acta Biomed.2022 Dec 16;93(6):e2022296. doi:10.23750/abm.v93i6.13218.Alromaih S, Alsagaf L, Aloraini N, Alrasheed A, Alroqi A, Aloulah M,et al.Drug-Induced Rhinitis: Narrative Review.Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Nov 15:1455613221141214. doi:10.1177/01455613221141214.Avdeeva KS, Fokkens WJ, Segboer CL, Reitsma S.The prevalence of non-allergic rhinitis phenotypes in the general population: A cross-sectional study.Allergy. 2022 Jul;77(7):2163-2174. doi: 10.1111/all.15223American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Signs of allergies.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergies: Testing and diagnosis.MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.American Lung Association.What Is Pet Dander?Bumbacea RS, Corcea SL, Ali S, Dinica LC, Fanfaret IS, Boda D.Mite allergy and atopic dermatitis: Is there a clear link? (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2020 Oct;20(4):3554-3560. doi: 10.3892/etm.2020.9120.Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084277.MedlinePlus.Allergy shots.
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.
Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi:10.3390/ijerph18084277.American Lung Association.Dust mites.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts and figures.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pet allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats?.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Mold allergy.Ciprandi G, Passali GC, Passali D.Vasomotor Rhinitis: an Italian survey in clinical practice.Acta Biomed.2022 Dec 16;93(6):e2022296. doi:10.23750/abm.v93i6.13218.Alromaih S, Alsagaf L, Aloraini N, Alrasheed A, Alroqi A, Aloulah M,et al.Drug-Induced Rhinitis: Narrative Review.Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Nov 15:1455613221141214. doi:10.1177/01455613221141214.Avdeeva KS, Fokkens WJ, Segboer CL, Reitsma S.The prevalence of non-allergic rhinitis phenotypes in the general population: A cross-sectional study.Allergy. 2022 Jul;77(7):2163-2174. doi: 10.1111/all.15223American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Signs of allergies.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergies: Testing and diagnosis.MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.American Lung Association.What Is Pet Dander?Bumbacea RS, Corcea SL, Ali S, Dinica LC, Fanfaret IS, Boda D.Mite allergy and atopic dermatitis: Is there a clear link? (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2020 Oct;20(4):3554-3560. doi: 10.3892/etm.2020.9120.Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084277.MedlinePlus.Allergy shots.
Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi:10.3390/ijerph18084277.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pollen allergy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Pet allergy: Are you allergic to dogs or cats?.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Mold allergy.
Ciprandi G, Passali GC, Passali D.Vasomotor Rhinitis: an Italian survey in clinical practice.Acta Biomed.2022 Dec 16;93(6):e2022296. doi:10.23750/abm.v93i6.13218.
Alromaih S, Alsagaf L, Aloraini N, Alrasheed A, Alroqi A, Aloulah M,et al.Drug-Induced Rhinitis: Narrative Review.Ear Nose Throat J. 2022 Nov 15:1455613221141214. doi:10.1177/01455613221141214.
Avdeeva KS, Fokkens WJ, Segboer CL, Reitsma S.The prevalence of non-allergic rhinitis phenotypes in the general population: A cross-sectional study.Allergy. 2022 Jul;77(7):2163-2174. doi: 10.1111/all.15223
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Signs of allergies.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Allergies: Testing and diagnosis.
MedlinePlus.Allergy blood test.
American Lung Association.What Is Pet Dander?
Bumbacea RS, Corcea SL, Ali S, Dinica LC, Fanfaret IS, Boda D.Mite allergy and atopic dermatitis: Is there a clear link? (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2020 Oct;20(4):3554-3560. doi: 10.3892/etm.2020.9120.
Matsumura K, Hamazaki K, Tsuchida A, Inadera H,The Japan Environment And Children’s Study Jecs Group. House Dust Avoidance during Pregnancy and Subsequent Infant Development: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 17;18(8):4277. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18084277.
MedlinePlus.Allergy shots.
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