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Allergy to mold - animal dander - dust - Symptom

Alternative Names

Indoor allergies; Pet allergies; Dust allergies; Mold allergies; Animal dander allergy

Symptoms:

Coughing
Difficulty breathing
Hives
Itching of the nose, eyes, throat, or skin
Rash
Redness in the eyes
Runny nose
Sinus pressure
Sneezing
Tearing eyes
Wheezing

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. The history of symptoms is important in diagnosing allergies, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season and possible exposures such as having a pet in the household.

Allergy testing is done to see identify the specific allergens that are causing your symptoms. Skin testing is the most common and useful method.

If your doctor determines that you cannot undergo skin testing, a RAST blood test (to look for IgE antibodies to a specific allergen) may be helpful.

Having allergies may also alter the results of the following tests:

WBC count, particularly eosinophil count
Blood IgE levels

Allergy symptoms

Dust mite-proof pillow cover

HEPA air filter

Yeast and mold

Reviewed last on: 5/25/2009
Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bahls C. In the clinic. Allergic rhinitis. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Apr 3;146(7):ITC4-1-ITC4-16.

Sheikh A, Hurwitz B, Shehata Y. House dust mite avoidance measures for perennial allergic rhinitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD001563.

Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Cox L, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Aug:122(2).

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