What it is:
Proteins in pet saliva stick to fur and spread through shedding, clinging to carpets, furniture, and bedding.

How it builds up:
Symptoms may worsen when multiple allergens are present, even if each one alone wouldn’t normally cause a reaction.

Tips to reduce exposure:
Keep pets out of bedrooms, carpeted rooms, and upholstered furniture. Brush regularly or use professional grooming to minimize shedding.

When to seek medical care:
Watch for allergy symptoms affecting your lungs, skin, eyes, or digestion. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) may cause swelling, rash, stomach pain, low blood pressure, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Carrying an EpiPen may be lifesaving.

Treatment options:
Allergen immunotherapy (shots or tablets under the tongue) can retrain your immune system to tolerate pet allergens over time. Ask your doctor if testing is right for you.

What it is:
Dust mites live in bedding and carpets, releasing proteins in their droppings. Cockroach saliva, feces, and urine also carry allergens that spread through the air and on surfaces.

How it builds up:
Reactions may intensify when combined with other allergens.

Tips to reduce exposure:
Wash bedding in hot water weekly. Remove drapes and dust with a damp cloth. Change air filters in your home and car regularly. Store food properly, fix leaks, and reduce clutter like cardboard or plastic. Consider regular pest control if needed.

When to seek medical care:
Seek care for persistent allergy symptoms or severe reactions (anaphylaxis). EpiPens may be necessary for life-threatening symptoms.

Treatment options:
Allergen immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity over time. Discuss allergy testing with your provider.

What it is:
Mold grows in damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, spreading through airborne spores.

How it builds up:
Symptoms may worsen in combination with other allergens.

Tips to reduce exposure:
Clean bathrooms, kitchens, and showers weekly. Fix leaks quickly and remove mold around carpets and baseboards. Reduce indoor humidity and standing water.

When to seek medical care:
If symptoms escalate to severe allergic reactions, carry and use epinephrine as directed by your doctor.

Treatment options:
Allergen immunotherapy can lessen your body’s reaction to mold exposure. Allergy testing will determine if this is a good option.

What it is:
Pollen from grasses and weeds is a common seasonal trigger.

How it builds up:
Symptoms may worsen alongside other allergens.

Tips to reduce exposure:
Keep windows closed during peak pollen season. Shower and change clothes after outdoor activities. Limit time outdoors on high pollen or windy days.

When to seek medical care:
Seek care for persistent or severe symptoms. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention and epinephrine.

What it is:
Tree pollens (oak, birch, cedar, maple, etc.) travel long distances and can cause widespread symptoms.

How it builds up:
Multiple allergen exposures can intensify reactions.

Tips to reduce exposure:
Keep windows closed during tree pollen season. If possible, avoid planting high-pollen trees near your home. Wash skin and hair after being outdoors.

When to seek medical care:
Seek urgent care for severe symptoms such as swelling, rash, or breathing difficulty. Carry epinephrine if prescribed.

Treatment options:
Allergen immunotherapy can help your immune system tolerate tree pollen and ease seasonal allergies.