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Allergy to mold - dander - dust
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| Allergy to mold - dander - dust |
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Definition:
Allergy-related symptoms can occur after exposure to mold, particles of animal skin usually found on animal hair (dander), dust, or other substances. These substances are usually in found indoors and do not cause symptoms for most people. (See also asthma and allergic rhinitis.) The symptoms are identical to those of hay fever sufferers, who are sensitive to pollen. Text Continues Below
Alternative Names:
Indoor allergies; Pet allergies Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Allergies are caused by an oversensitive immune system, leading to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response.
An allergy to airborne particles most commonly leads to allergic rhinitis (symptoms in the eyes, nose, and throat). Hay fever is the term used for an allergic reaction to pollen. However, people may develop an allergic reaction to other particles in the indoor or outdoor environment that leads to symptoms virtually identical to hay fever. - Mold -- Mold spores are carried in the air and may be present all year long. Mold is most common indoors in damp locations such as swamp coolers, basements, bathrooms, or washrooms. Fabrics, rugs, stuffed animals, books, or wallpaper can harbor mold spores if they are frequently in contact with water or kept in a damp place. Outdoors, mold lives in the soil, on compost, and on damp vegetation.
- Animals -- People who are allergic to certain animals are, in fact, rarely allergic to the animals' fur or feathers themselves. They are actually allergic to the small scales of skin (dander) that the animal sheds. Some people are allergic to the animal's saliva, particularly cats (whose saliva contains a protein known to cause allergy). Saliva exposure occurs if the animal licks the person. It may also occur from petting the animal after it has groomed itself or from touching an object that the animal has recently licked or chewed.
- Dust -- House dust contains microscopic particles of pollen, mold, fibers from clothing and other fabrics, detergents, and microscopic insects (mites). Dust mites, including small fragments of dead mites, are the primary cause of dust allergy and are found in the highest numbers in bedding, mattresses, and boxsprings.
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