Three Myths and Facts About Indoor Allergies

Three Myths and Facts About Indoor Allergies

Winter is coming, and that means spending more time indoors. If you have outdoor allergies, you might be thinking that this is the time of year that you get a reprieve. Yet if you have any indoor allergies, those are likely to flare soon as you spend more time indoors. Here are some myths and facts about indoor allergies that you should know.

Myth: Indoor air is cleaner than outdoor air.

The truth behind this myth could be surprising. The indoor environment is 5 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. There are a number of allergens that circulate in closed environments. There are also some pollutants that you face such as smoking, cleaning products, and other sprays. The more time you spend indoors with these allergens, the more likely you will be to have a problem.

Myth: Older people can’t develop new allergies.

This is also false. People age 60 and over can easily develop new allergies due to overexposure, exposure to new allergens, or changes in body chemistry and the immune system. Anyone can develop allergies at any point in time, so if you have allergy symptoms you should see your doctor and get an allergy prick test.

Myth: Allergies don’t cause problems if untreated.

Unfortunately, this is also false. You may think that allergies are harmless, but left untreated they can turn into other health problems. Allergic rhinitis, a condition that causes nasal congestion among other symptoms, can develop into bronchial breathing problems if left untreated for a long period of time. In addition, about 30 percent of the cases of allergies left untreated turn into asthma.

If you have indoor allergies that are affecting your quality of life, we can help. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.