Common Allergy & Asthma Triggers

Common Allergy & Asthma Triggers

Sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, congestion, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of allergies and asthma. Some people experience allergy symptoms year-round, while others only experience seasonal allergies.

When you experience these symptoms, you want to do whatever you can to alleviate them. What are the most common allergy and asthma triggers?

Pollen

Trees and plants that bloom in the spring fill the air with pollen. Some people may experience fall allergies from ragweed, a plant that can trigger the same symptoms as spring allergies.

During spring and fall, you can keep your doors and windows closed to prevent allergens from entering your house. If you have allergies to pollen, there are supplements you can take to naturally support your body through the changing seasons.

Dust Mites

While dust can trigger allergy symptoms, dust mites can also be an issue. These little bugs are so tiny that you can’t see them with the naked eye, yet they can cause the same allergy symptoms as pollen, but people will find they get no relief throughout the year when they have a dust mite allergy.

Washing your sheets weekly and dusting can reduce the dust mite population. 

Mold

Naturally occurring in the environment, mold is a fungus with tiny spores that float through the air in the same way pollen does. Mold needs a food source, so decaying grasses and leaves are a perfect environment.

People with mold allergies experience them more during the fall as things decay. Because mold exposure can harm your health, It’s essential to ensure that your home doesn’t have a mold problem. 

Pet Dander

Dander is skin shed by birds, cats, and dogs that can trigger an allergic reaction. Some people who have allergic reactions to animals are actually sensitive to the proteins from the oil glands in the skin of an animal or to the protein in an animal’s saliva.

People can develop pet allergies at any time, but once developed, they may stick around until you are no longer in contact with the animal. 

Insect Stings

Most people know if they have a severe allergy to stinging insects, but it’s possible to develop an allergy over time. The most common insects to trigger a reaction are wasps, hornets, bees, fire ants, and yellow jackets. While it’s not difficult to avoid getting stung by an insect, sometimes it just happens, and you may need to take action.

If you experience anaphylactic reactions to insect stings, you may want to carry an EpiPen for safety. 

Latex

If you have a latex allergy, you may experience a rash, itching, or swelling when your skin comes in contact with latex. However, most people don’t have life-threatening latex allergies. 

Food 

Depending on the individual, food allergies can cause many reactions, from immediate to delayed. While food intolerances aren’t uncommon, they are not food allergies.

If you have a true food allergy, you typically experience a reaction quickly after consuming the food. Common food allergies include peanuts, wheat/gluten, dairy, soybeans, fish and shellfish, nuts, and eggs. Working with a doctor will help determine your particular allergen. 

Let’s Work Together

If you experience allergies and asthma, working with a knowledgeable doctor to get to the root cause of your allergies can help you identify allergens and eliminate symptoms. Call our office at (301) 770-6650 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Leo, who can help you with your allergies and asthma. We are located at 6321 Executive Blvd, Rockville, MD 20852, in the Executive office park. 

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Picture of Dr. L. J. Leo

Dr. L. J. Leo

Dr. Leo began his education at the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he earned his doctorate in osteopathy. He completed his internal medicine residency through the U.S. Army and had the honor of serving multiple overseas tours before retirement.

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