What Are The Most Common Environmental Allergies?

Environmental allergies are the immune system’s response to certain triggers you come into contact with in your surroundings or inhale during your daily activities. Symptoms of such allergies vary from person to person, but mostly include sneezing, coughing, and fatigue. Here’s a look at the most common environmental allergens that could be affecting you.

Dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens. They are microscopic organisms that are found in mattresses, pillows, couches, and carpets. Although they do not bite like bed bugs, they can cause significant issues such as nasal congestion, sinus infections, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

Pollen is an airborne allergen that is very difficult to avoid. In people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the pollen as a dangerous intruder, giving rise to an allergic reaction. Symptoms usually comprise of sneezing, watery eyes, and an itchy throat.

Pet dander are minute particles of skin that have been shed from an animal’s fur or feathers. People who are allergic to pet dander will experience sneezing, itching, and hives when they are near an animal or a person who has dander on their clothing.

Mould and mildew are fungi that reproduce by producing spores. These spores, like pollen, are airborne. Inhaling these spores causes allergic reaction in people resulting in coughing, sneezing, and itchy skin.

Cigarette smoke is considered to be more of an irritant than an allergen, but it can still cause problems for people with allergies. Nasal congestion and headaches are some common complaints of people who experience an allergic reaction to smoking or second-hand smoke.