Allergy Triggers and How to Avoid Them

For some people, just being at home or walking in the park can lead to itchy eyes, a rash, breathing difficulties and even anaphylactic chock.

Blocked nose and watery eyes, you know the drill. Some people are aware of what triggers their allergies and can avoid it or be prepared with an antihistamine. But not everyone knows the cause, and new research has found there are allergy triggers and irritants hiding everywhere inside and out. If you’re unable to pinpoint the cause, a patch test by a dermatologist or allergist will help, but here’s a guide to identifying and avoiding common allergens.

Cockroaches
These creepy-crawlies, which hide under fridges and around bins, can trigger allergies and asthma in many people. Allergic reactions are caused by their faeces, saliva and bodies. Symptoms of allergy include a chronic stuffy nose, skin rashes, constant sinus infections, repeat ear infections and asthma.

Play It Safe
Ban pets from bedrooms, keep them indoors and bath them often. Have pets control clear your home, use baits, never leave garbage or food uncovered and always sweep up crumbs that may attract roaches. Also reduce mildew by frequently cleaning shower curtains and windows and removing indoor plants. And minimize soft furnishings, leather or vinyl are best for covering furniture, as they don’t collect as much dust.

Touching Stuff
Contact dermatitis is another form of allergy. Some plants, perfumes, metals and even chemicals in rubber or leather goods can cause an itchy, weeping rash up to a few days after contact with them.

Pigeons
If you enjoy feeding birds during walks in the park, steer clear of pigeons, as they are an allergen to many people. Pigeon feathers and droppings are the common causes of allergic reactions, which include shortness of breath, a feverish illness and a cough.

Insects
For some people, itchy eyes, hives, breathing difficulties, a tight chest and throat or a dry cough can result from being bitten or stung by an ant, bee, wasp or mosquito. Even more serious side effects can include breathing difficulties, slurred speech and, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock.

Inside The Home
mould loves damp, wet areas, and the tiny spores can trigger allergies when inhaled. If you’re sensitive to pollens and pet dander there’s a big chance mouldy shower curtains and plants will cause symptoms too. If you sneeze when you enter a cinema or sit at your desk, you could be sitting on the cause. Many soft furnishings contain particles that irritate airways and harbour dust time.

Furry Animals
Cute they man be, but cats, dogs mice and guinea pigs can be a source of allergens, and often it’s not for the reasons you’d expect. The sweat glands in cats and the salivary glands in dogs, as well as skin cells (dander), are allergens for some people. Pets can also bring the outside in, transferring pollen or mould on their fur.