Common Causes of Allergies

What Are Airborne Allergies?

Airborne allergens include pet dander , dust mites , mold spores, and pollen from grass, trees, weeds and flowers.

These different types of allergy -causing particles are so small and light that they travel easily through the air and stick to your clothes, skin and hair. Allergy sufferers are often allergic to multiple allergens, although some people are allergic to just one allergen .

TYPES OF ALLERGIES

GRASS POLLEN

Not all grass species cause allergic reactions. Unfortunately, grasses that can trigger allergies are common on lawns and in fields. They include:

• Bermuda ¹
• Johnson Grass ¹
• Alabang X (Dichanthiumaristatum)²

Grass Pollen Tip

Keep your garden grass cut short to help prevent grass from flowering and releasing pollen.

MOLD SPORES

Mold or fungal growths can be found indoors or out. They grow anywhere they can have moisture, air and organic compounds to eat. Mold spreads by releasing fine spores into the air that trigger allergies. Common types of allergenic mold include:

• Alternaria³: This mold is involved in the decomposition of organic material. It is found in the soil, plants, atmosphere, and indoor spaces ⁴
• Aspergillus³: This is a common type of mold that people breathe in everyday⁵. However, it may cause health problems in people with weakened immune systems⁵.
• Cladosporium³: These are commonly found in soil, plants, food, as well as textiles and paint⁶.
• Rhizopus³: This is commonly known as bread mold, although it can also be found in other kinds of food, such as fruits.⁷

Mold Spores Tip

Use mold-killing cleaners regularly in damp rooms such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

ANIMAL DANDER

The proteins in an animal’s skin flakes, saliva and urine trigger allergies⁸. Animal with fur or feathers can produce these allergens, but the most common are species people tend to keep as pets, or are otherwise found at home:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Rabbits
• Hamsters
• Birds
• Cockroaches¹

Pet Dander Tip

Being exposed to pets at an early age may help you avoid pet allergies.

DUST MITES

Dust allergies are caused by microscopic spider-like mites that eat dead skin flakes. They are present in almost every home and are harmless — unless, of course, you are allergic. 

In the Philippines, common dust mites include:

• European house dust mite (Dermatophagoidespteronyssinus)¹
• American house dust mite (Dermatophagoidesfarinae)¹

Dust Mites Tip

Dust mites “drink” by absorbing moisture through their skin. Keeping your home’s humidity low will reduce their numbers.

WEED POLLEN

Weeds are everywhere, and wind can carry their pollen for hundreds of miles. Here are some of the most common allergenic weeds:

In the Philippines, common dust mites include:

• Makahiya / Mimosa plant (Mimosa spp) ²
• Uray / Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) ²
• Coronitas / Baho-baho (Lantana camara) ²
• Artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) ²

Weed Pollen Tip

Removing weeds in your yard helps, but weed pollen is everywhere. Monitor pollen forecasts before going out.

TREE POLLEN

Many common types of trees reproduce by releasing vast quantities of pollen into the air. Just like with weeds, it can be next to impossible to escape a tree pollen allergy. Stay indoors and keep windows closed when the pollen forecast is high. 

Common allergenic trees include:

• Acacia1 (Acacia auriculiformis)
• Mango (Mangifera indica)²

Tree Pollen Tip

Replace allergy-causing trees on your property with fruit trees that rely on insects for pollination.

Relieve Your Allergy Symptoms with Loratadine (Claritin®)

Loratadine (Claritin®) provides allergy relief in a variety of forms and flavors. Get much-needed relief from your runny nose, itchy eyes and other troublesome allergy symptoms. Use as directed.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor. 
ASC Reference XXXXXXXX