Dust mites are common house-dwellers. Invisible to the naked eye, these bug-like creatures thrive at 68–77°F and relatively high humidity levels of 70–80%. ⁵ Their main diet is dead skin from humans and animals, like your cat or dog. On average, adult humans shed 0.05 ounces (oz) of skin a day, which is enough to feed up to 1 million house dust mites. ⁵

Typically, dust mites live and shed their allergenic waste in mattresses and bedding, carpet, curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings, and even stuffed animals like teddy bears. ⁴

Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to dust mite allergens: ⁴

• Cover pillows and mattresses with impermeable layers, such as zippered dust-proof covers.
• Regularly wash bed linen on the hot cycle.
• Swap out wool blankets for more easily washable synthetic fibers.
• Look for washable teddy bears and other toys.

For more tips, read our article on Dust mite allergy.

Typically, dust mites live and shed their allergenic waste in mattresses and bedding, carpet, curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings, and even stuffed animals like teddy bears.⁴

Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to dust mite allergens:⁴

• Cover pillows and mattresses with impermeable layers, such as zippered dust-proof covers.
• Regularly wash bed linen on the hot cycle.
• Swap out wool blankets for more easily washable synthetic fibers.
• Look for washable teddy bears and other toys.

For more tips, read our article on Dust mite allergy.

They’re sticky, especially those from cats, and can trigger an allergic reaction up to six months after an animal has left that environment. ¹¹  

Other furry and feathered animals that can cause indoor allergy symptoms include rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and pet birds like parrots or parakeets.¹¹ Ideally, you wouldn’t have a pet you’re allergic to at home.

Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to animal allergens: ²

• Wash your hands after touching any animal you might be allergic to.
• Clean pet bedding and toys regularly.
• Brush your cat or dog outdoors. Better still, ask someone else to do it or take them to a groomer.
• Keep your bedroom pet-free and don’t let them sit on the sofa.

For more advice, read our articles on dog allergy and cat allergy.

Mold is a type of fungi. It needs four things to thrive: food, air, the right temperature and water.^1,3a And it loves humid places like bathrooms and kitchens. To reproduce, mold releases tiny airborne spores that are undetectable to the naked eye. Many of these spores become part of house dust.¹

• Wipe mold hotspots, including refrigerator drip pans and coils, washing machine seals and bathroom tiles. ²⁷
• As soon as you’re able to,get rid of anything that gets damp and moldy like carpet, insulation or drywall. ²⁸

For more advice, read our article on mold allergy.

Cockroaches are most active at night as they hunt for food. ¹³ In the US, about 11% of homes have reported sightings.²⁹ Proteins from cockroach body parts, saliva and waste materials can cause allergic reactions. Even a dead bug can be a trigger.¹³

Allergen levels are usually higher in the kitchen because cockroaches are drawn to food, particularly cooking oil, and water. Pillows can also store allergens and you could be breathing them in for several hours a night.⁶ That makes bedrooms a potential problem area too.

Here are some ways to reduce your exposure to cockroach allergens:⁴

• Store food in tight-lidded jars and keep garbage bins properly covered.
• Always do the dishes promptly and keep kitchen countertops and floors clean.
• Fill in any holes or cracks in the walls.
• Consider using pesticides and bait stations as soon as possible to stop an infestation.

Indoor allergies can lead to lower respiratory symptoms. You may have difficulty breathing, feel tightness and pain in your chest, and whistle or wheeze when you breathe out. These uncomfortable symptoms can interfere with sleep.^35,36 

The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start tackling your indoor allergies (if that’s the cause of your symptoms).

Your healthcare provider may suggest a skin prick test. This involves putting a drop of allergen extract on your arm, then gently pricking the skin. You would usually develop an itchy red bump or wheal within 15–20 minutes if you’re allergic to the substance.⁵ And the bigger the wheal, the more likely you are to have an allergy. ⁵

Another way to diagnose indoor allergies is with an allergy blood test. This will measure your levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies released in response to a particular allergen, for instance dust mites if that seems the likely trigger.¹⁷

Your healthcare provider will interpret the test results alongside your symptoms and your medical history. Allergies can be genetically inherited so they’ll ask about your family’s medical history too.³²

• Lower the humidity: Aim for a relative humidity level of 30–50%. ¹⁰ You can check it with a hygrometer. Fix leaking faucets, gutters and pipes. ³^b Use an extractor fan when cooking or showering. Make sure it and your tumble dryer are vented to the outdoors. Don’t hang wet clothes up indoors. Open windows to improve ventilation and use a dehumidifier if you need to.
• Keep on top of household dust: Wipe hard surfaces with a damp cloth. Choose a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter ⁴ and use it at least once a week on floors and furniture. If that makes you sneeze, wear a face mask while you do it and leave the room for 20 minutes afterwards to allow dust to settle. ^1,⁴
• Tackle allergen hotspots: Consider replacing carpet with wooden or laminate flooring ⁴ and curtains with wipeable blinds. Furnishing fabrics, like cushion or chair covers, should be easily washable. Look for dust traps in your home and declutter.

A saline nasal spray or saline eye drops can help wash away indoor allergens and provide temporary relief from the symptoms of an allergic reaction. They're available at any pharmacy as over-the-counter products.^14,15

Certain medicines may help ease discomfort when your indoor allergy symptoms are more acute. These include:

• Antihistamines are used to relieve sneezing and itchy nose and eyes. These can be available as pills, sprays or liquid.⁵
• Nasal corticosteroids are an effective way to reduce swelling in the nose whilst blocking allergic reactions. These nasal sprays can be a useful way to help manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis and provide relief from congestion.⁵
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists help block one of the chemicals your body releases as part of an allergic reaction. These anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis and lower respiratory symptoms.^2,5
• Decongestants are helpful in shrinking the swollen lining inside the nasal passage. These are to be used for a short period only.⁵

Some are available as over-the-counter from the pharmacy. For others you’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider.² Talk to them if you're having trouble controlling your indoor allergies. They may also tell you about allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a long-term treatment available for some indoor allergens.

Certain medicines may help ease discomfort when your indoor allergy symptoms are more acute. These include:

• Antihistamines are used to relieve sneezing and itchy nose and eyes. These can be available as pills, sprays or liquid. ⁵
• Nasal corticosteroids are an effective way to reduce swelling in the nose whilst blocking allergic reactions. These nasal sprays can be a useful way to help manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis and provide relief from congestion. ⁵
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists help block one of the chemicals your body releases as part of an allergic reaction. These anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis and lower respiratory symptoms. ^2,⁵
• Decongestants are helpful in shrinking the swollen lining inside the nasal passage. These are to be used for a short period only.⁵

Some are available as over-the-counter from the pharmacy. For others you’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider. ² Talk to them if you're having trouble controlling your indoor allergies. They may also tell you about allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a long-term treatment available for some indoor allergens.

Certain medicines may help ease discomfort when your indoor allergy symptoms are more acute. These include:

• Antihistamines are used to relieve sneezing and itchy nose and eyes. These can be available as pills, sprays or liquid.⁵
• Nasal corticosteroids are an effective way to reduce swelling in the nose whilst blocking allergic reactions. These nasal sprays can be a useful way to help manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis and provide relief from congestion.⁵
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists help block one of the chemicals your body releases as part of an allergic reaction. These anti-inflammatory medicines are prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis and lower respiratory symptoms.^2,5
• Decongestants are helpful in shrinking the swollen lining inside the nasal passage. These are to be used for a short period only.⁵

Some are available as over-the-counter from the pharmacy. For others you’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider.² Talk to them if you're having trouble controlling your indoor allergies. They may also tell you about allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a long-term treatment available for some indoor allergens.

2. Vermeide die Verbreitung allergener Erdnussproteine

• Mache es dir zur Gewohnheit, am Tisch zu essen und einen Teller zu verwenden.
• Reinige Küchenoberflächen, an denen Erdnussrückstände vorhanden sein könnten, mit einem Einwegtuch.
• Dasselbe gilt für Pfannen und Utensilien, wenn du mit Erdnüssen kochst.

3. Und achte darauf, sie nicht versehentlich zu essen

• Teile weder Tassen noch Besteck, da Erdnussproteine im Speichel zurückbleiben können.
• Warne auch dein Date, dass du niemanden küssen kannst, nachdem er oder sie Erdnüsse gegessen hat.
• Lasse dich von den Hunden anderer Menschen nicht ablecken, es sei denn, du weißt sicher, dass ihre Besitzerin oder ihr Besitzer erdnussfreies Haustierfutter und Leckerlis kauft.

Indoor allergies can feel like hay fever but they strike at home and other indoor locations where you spend a lot of time. Symptoms tend mainly to affect the eyes and nose but dust mites can also cause skin reactions. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, mold and cockroaches. These all thrive in warm and humid environments.

In some cases, indoor allergies can progress to wheezing and other lower respiratory symptoms. So, it’s important to get an early diagnosis. Then you’ll know which indoor allergen to avoid and can find treatment to relieve or reduce symptoms that could affect your long-term health.