Both outdoor and indoor aeroallergens sensitize and exacerbate allergic asthma,

and more than 90% of the average person's time in developed countries is spent
indoors. Major indoor aeroallergens are derived from dust mites (see the image
below), cockroaches, cat, dog, and other furry-animal debris, and fungi.
Electron photomicrograph of Dermatophagoides farinae.
View Media Gallery
See All About Allergies: Be Ready for Spring, a Critical Images slideshow, to help
identify a variety of allergens and symptoms.
Avoidance Measures and Interventions
The physician has the following 3 treatment options for individuals with allergic
diseases, including allergic asthma:
Aeroallergen avoidance
Medications
Allergen immunotherapy
Avoidance of the offending agent is the first line of treatment for allergic disorders
and asthma. It is the most cost-effective treatment modality, and it sometimes results
in complete resolution of an allergic problem. Modification of the home environment
is the primary measure to reduce allergen exposure. A comprehensive strategy
should include determining the allergens to which the individual is sensitive and
implementing specific avoidance measures to reduce exposure to the offending
allergens.
Dust mites
Dust mite bodies and fecal pellets are the major source of allergens in house
dust. [1,2] More than 80% of homes in the United States and 85% of day care facilities
have detectable levels of dust mite allergens [3] ; half of US homes have levels higher
than the proposed threshold levels for sensitization, and about 25% have levels at or
higher than those required to induce
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Drugs & Diseases > Allergy & Immunology
Aeroallergens
Updated: Mar 09, 2017
Author: Bhumika Patel, MD; Chief Editor: Michael A Kaliner, MD more...

Practice Essentials
Both outdoor and indoor aeroallergens sensitize and exacerbate allergic asthma,
and more than 90% of the average person's time in developed countries is spent
indoors. Major indoor aeroallergens are derived from dust mites (see the image
below), cockroaches, cat, dog, and other furry-animal debris, and fungi.

Electron photomicrograph of
Dermatophagoides farinae.
View Media Gallery
See All About Allergies: Be Ready for Spring, a Critical Images slideshow, to help
identify a variety of allergens and symptoms.
Avoidance Measures and Interventions
The physician has the following 3 treatment options for individuals with allergic
diseases, including allergic asthma:
Aeroallergen avoidance
Medications
Allergen immunotherapy
Avoidance of the offending agent is the first line of treatment for allergic disorders
and asthma. It is the most cost-effective treatment modality, and it sometimes
results in complete resolution of an allergic problem. Modification of the home
environment is the primary measure to reduce allergen exposure. A comprehensive
strategy should include determining the allergens to which the individual is
sensitive and implementing specific avoidance measures to reduce exposure to the
offending allergens.
Dust mites
Dust mite bodies and fecal pellets are the major source of allergens in house
dust. [1,2] More than 80% of homes in the United States and 85% of day care
facilities have detectable levels of dust mite allergens [3] ; half of US homes have
levels higher than the proposed threshold levels for sensitization, and about 25%
have levels at or higher than those required to induce asthma. [3]
Avoidance strategies for dust mite allergens are as follows:
Use impermeable (woven) covers (on the pillows, box spring, and mattress)
Eliminate dust reservoirs when possible (carpeting, upholstered furniture,
stuffed animals, and drapery)
Vacuum weekly
Wear a pollen mask when cleaning
Wash bedding weekly
Reduce indoor humidity

Furry animals
Furry pets include, for example, cats, dogs, ferrets, and rabbits.
Avoidance strategies for furry animal allergens are as follows:
Remove the pet from the home or other dwelling
Restrict the pet's access (eg, keep the pet out of the bedroom)
Bathe the pet
Use impermeable covers
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) central air conditioning filters

Rodents
Avoidance strategies for rodent allergens are as follows:
Restrict access to the home, building, or other dwelling
Eliminate food and water supply
Use rodent predators
Use rodent traps

Cockroaches
Avoidance strategies for cockroach allergens are as follows:
Clean thoroughly
Use pesticides Preferably gel or baits, selectively placed in the kitchen after
thorough cleaning
Eliminate food and water supply

Fungi
Most of the fungi recovered from an indoor environment emanate from outside.
However, certain species, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus, can be found in
greater quantities indoors.
Avoidance strategies for fungal allergens are as follows:
 Reduce spore infiltration Keep windows and doors closed as much as
possible
Control moisture Decrease the indoor humidity level to less than 50%, if
possible
Cleaning A detergent solution with 5% bleach is useful for washable
wallpaper and paneling
Use central air conditiong HEPA filters
Wear masks when cleaning
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