Triggers

Where are allergens found?

Where are patients encountering these allergens? Some allergens are more obvious than others.

Some common allergens are¹:

Tree, grass, and weed pollen
Dust mites
Mold
Pet dander

Some less obvious allergens are²:

Dirty pillows
Carpeting
Back yard leaf piles

Allergen avoidance is the first line of defence against allergic rhinitis (AR)³

In addition to oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids, first-line treatment for allergies also involves the avoidance of triggers that may cause an allergic reaction.³

Avoidance strategies include³:

Use of allergen-impermeable covers for bedding
Keeping relative humidity in the home below 50% to inhibit mite growth
Reducing pollen exposure by keeping windows closed, using air conditioning, and limiting the amount of time spent outside during peak pollen season
Avoiding exposure to or ownership of pets

Unfortunately, while avoidance is ideal, it is not always realistic.