Indoor allergies are a type of environmental allergy that occurs when your immune system reacts to an otherwise harmless substance in your indoor environment. Indoor allergies can be caused by physical contact with the substance or by inhaling the substance during indoor activities.
The allergy specialists at UPMC offer diagnostic testing and treatment for children and adults with indoor allergies.
On this page:
What Are Indoor Allergies?
Indoor allergies are a type of environmental allergy that occurs when your body reacts to an otherwise harmless substance found indoors. Indoor allergies can be caused by physical contact with the substance or by inhaling the substance during indoor activities.
What are common triggers of indoor allergies?
Substances that trigger these immune reactions are called allergens.
Common indoor allergens include:
- Dust mites.
- Molds.
- Pets.
How common are indoor allergies?
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, indoor allergies are common and affect millions of people.
What causes indoor allergies?
Indoor allergies occur when your immune system becomes oversensitive and overreacts to harmless foreign substances called allergens. When your immune system overreacts, your body releases chemicals called histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms.
Indoor allergy risk factors
You may be at higher risk for indoor allergies if one or both of your parents have allergies.
Other factors that increase your risk for allergies include:
- A personal or family history of asthma, eczema, or another allergic condition.
- Exposure to allergens.
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
Complications of indoor allergies
Indoor allergies can cause complications, including:
- Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Asthma flare-ups and breathing problems.
- Medication side effects, such as drowsiness.
How can I prevent indoor allergies?
Being exposed to certain allergens early in life may reduce your risk of developing allergies later. However, once allergies have developed, you can reduce the frequency and severity of reactions by following your allergy treatment plan and avoiding triggers.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Indoor Allergies?
Symptoms of indoor allergies are caused by your body’s immune reaction to the allergen and usually continue for as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
Symptoms may include:
- Chronic sinusitis.
- Eye problems, such as redness, watering, itching, or swelling.
- Itchy skin or nose.
- Post-nasal drip.
- Rhinitis/nasal congestion.
- Sneezing or a runny nose.
- Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.
When should I see a doctor about my indoor allergy symptoms?
If you are having severe indoor allergy symptoms that are affecting your quality of life and are not well-controlled with over-the-counter allergy medications, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you have a severe allergic reaction, dial 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
How Do You Diagnose Indoor Allergies?
To diagnose indoor allergies, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order skin and/or blood tests.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects indoor allergies, they will:
- Perform a physical exam.
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order skin and/or blood tests.
Tests to diagnose indoor allergies
Your doctor may order tests to diagnose indoor allergies, including:
- Blood tests — Blood tests measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that are specific to certain allergens. Although blood tests are not as exact as skin tests, your doctor may use them in combination with skin tests to diagnose and treat your allergy.
- Skin testing — Also called scratch testing, skin testing exposes your skin to small amounts of allergens (allergy-causing substances). It can identify indoor allergy triggers, such as dust mites, pets, and mold.
Indoor allergy prognosis
Indoor allergies and related complications can be successfully treated with medication, allergy shots, and allergy drops.
How Do You Treat Indoor Allergies?
The goals of indoor allergy treatment are to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life.
Treatment options for indoor allergies may include:
Patient education for indoor allergies
Our specialists provide the education and information you need to manage your indoor allergies, including recommendations for avoiding triggers and preventing allergic reactions.
Lifestyle changes for indoor allergies
Your doctor may recommend making lifestyle changes to minimize your exposure to indoor allergy triggers, such as dusting and vacuuming frequently or keeping pets out of your bedroom.
Medication for indoor allergies
Medications may help control your allergy symptoms or prevent symptoms from occurring. Before taking any allergy medication, ask your doctor if it is safe for you.
Allergy medications include:
- Antihistamines — Block the effects of histamine and are available over the counter or by prescription. Your doctor may recommend pills, eye drops, injections, liquid medication, or nasal sprays.
- Corticosteroids — Treat inflammation and are available as creams, lotions, ointments, eye drops, nasal sprays, inhalers, pills, and injections.
- Decongestants — Treat a stuffy nose and are available as nasal sprays and pills.
- Leukotriene inhibitors — Prevent allergic responses.
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) for indoor allergies
Allergy shots are injections containing a small dose of specific allergens or substances that trigger allergic reactions. They are given at regular intervals to prevent or reduce allergic reactions.
With each shot, your health care provider will increase the dose of allergens. This helps your immune system become accustomed to the allergens and may eventually reduce your allergy symptoms.
Sublingual immunotherapy treatment (SLIT) for indoor allergies
An alternative to allergy shots, SLIT involves placing liquid drops containing small amounts of allergens under your tongue. This treatment, also known as allergy drops, can be used to treat certain indoor allergens.
Why Choose UPMC for Indoor Allergy Care?
When you choose UPMC for outdoor allergy care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class allergy and immunology expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat all types of allergies using the latest approaches and therapies.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer evidence-based allergy treatments that improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with primary care providers, ear, nose, and throat specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your quality of life.
