As the weather warms up, more people enjoy outdoor activities. Of course, while some people are particularly excited to go outside, others are afraid even to open their windows. This is due to allergies caused by pollen and dust. These individuals suffer from sneezing all day long due to the pollen that comes in through the windows, even when they stay indoors. But what should you do if you can’t stop sneezing even if you close the windows and turn on the air purifier? Let’s find out the causes of allergies that can be found in the house today.
1. Cockroaches
If cockroaches frequently appear in your house, you might suspect cockroach droppings are the cause of frequent sneezing. The protein in cockroach droppings can trigger allergies. Cockroaches, which can penetrate even 2mm gaps, are difficult to eradicate once they appear because they prefer warm climates and environments like apartment buildings where they can easily move between neighbors. Therefore, it’s important to maintain cleanliness in the house, especially the kitchen, and repair any gaps or holes in the floors, walls, and windows. Also, when ventilating, it’s essential to install bug nets.
2. Dust Mites
Dust mites are the number one cause of allergies for Koreans. This is believed to be due to the characteristics of Westernized residential environments, such as apartment living. Like cockroaches, mites are hard to get rid of. To avoid trouble, it is important to maintain indoor humidity at 40%, keep the indoor temperature around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, ventilate frequently, and clean the house diligently. If you have children, washing clothes, toys, and bedding often in hot water above 131 degrees Fahrenheit is good.
3. Complex Food Allergies
Usually, people with food allergies react to one particular food. However, some individuals experience allergic reactions to multiple foods. According to data from Soonchunhyang University, various fruits such as apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, melons, bananas, watermelons, and avocados can all trigger allergies simultaneously. Among fish, salmon, yellowtail, and flatfish, along with crustaceans like shrimp, crab, and lobster, can also induce symptoms together.
In rare cases, people allergic to cherry blossom or ragweed pollen may also have allergic reactions to apples or peaches. Similarly, cow’s milk and goat’s milk can cross-react. Therefore, switching to goat’s milk should be done cautiously if a child is allergic to cow’s milk.
4. Latex (Rubber)
Latex, commonly used in disposable gloves, medical gloves, and condoms, can trigger various allergic reactions. These reactions can range from itchy, red skin to severe anaphylaxis accompanied by breathing difficulties. Typical symptoms include rash, hives, eye irritation, runny nose, nasal itching, and sneezing.
If you have a latex allergy, it is crucial to take precautions. Wear a medical alert bracelet before visiting the hospital, and always inform the doctor or nurse about your allergy in advance, even if you are wearing the bracelet. Always carrying an epinephrine kit for treating anaphylaxis is also a good practice.
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