Allergens can make your life miserableand they can basically hide in plain sight.
Few things are more frustrating than suspecting you have anallergy, but being unable to ID the source.
Luckily, experts already know of a few overwhelmingly common allergy-causing substances that hang out in peoples homes.
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(Like, literally your kitchen grill, among other spots.)
Ready for a disgusting (but kind of cool) science lesson?
If you think youre allergic to dust, you could actually blame invisible organisms called dust mites.
They feed off our dead skin cells.
Dust mites can live in places like your bedding and upholstered furniture.
There, they can die or excrete waste that causes allergy symptoms, Dr. Reisacher explains.
Finally, if you have a humidifier, especially in your bedroom, you may want toreconsider that.
It’s a common misconception that animal dander is just fur.
Its actually proteins found in sources like animals dead skin cells and saliva, according to theMayo Clinic.
Having spent most of your life around animals can make you less aware of this allergy.
If you suspect youre allergic to your pet, this doesnt automatically mean you better give them up.
Thats hugely important for your bedroom, since you spend a lot of time there.
Create your safe haven, Dr. Reisacher says.
That can help with an animal allergen you might be experiencing even if you dont have pets: mice.
Finally, a note on hypoallergenic pets:They dont quite exist.
Hypoallergenic really is a misnomer, Dr. Ogbogu says.
Its full-body shudder time.
Cockroaches are a huge allergen, Dr. Ogbogu says.
They can be there whether youre super-clean or not, Dr. Ogbogu says.
Both dead and live roaches pose a potential problem.
Live roaches can also leave behind waste that may cause anallergic reaction.
Its really a smorgasbord, Dr. Ogbogu says.
They don’t deserve it, they dont even pay rent.
Surprisingly enough,plantscan also contribute to mold, since their leaves and soil can harbor moisture.
Having a jungle inside your home is probably not good if you’re mold-sensitive, Dr. Reisacher says.
Thoughpollenis an outdoor allergen, you’re able to bring it home with you, Dr. Reisacher says.
Don’t put it on surfaces like your sofa or bed, where the pollen can stick around.
Things like anti-dust mite encasements and exterminator visits can add up.
It makes sense to get tested, Dr. Ogbogu says.
Dr. Reisacher agrees, adding that allergy testing isnt the colossal, uncomfortable undertaking many people assume.
(Here are a few ways tomake blood testing easier to handle, FYI.)
Also known as allergy shots, this can be a phenomenally good treatment," Dr. Reisacher says.
