12 Secret Allergy Triggers Revealed

Oct. 17, 2013— -- intro:You could blame weeds, trees, and grasses if you start itching, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. But the usual suspects aren't the only triggers. A host of household items—candles, chemicals, stuffed animals, and spices—may be the real culprits. "Many homes are filled with irritants, and if there's a high enough count of an irritant, you'll react," says Christopher Randolph, MD, an allergy expert at Yale University. Here, a rundown of 11 sneaky suspects—and how to stop them from bothering you.

quicklist: 1 category: Your Secret Allergy Triggers Revealedtitle:Lemons and limesurl:text:Limonene, a zesty compound in lime and other citrus fruits, gives many people watery eyes and a burning sensation in the nose, according to James Wedner, MD, chief of allergy and immunology at the Washington University School of Medicine. It might even irritate your skin, whether you touch, eat, or drink products containing limonene.

What to do: If you get a rash, treat it with topical hydrocortisone creams used for bug bites and poison ivy. And natch, skip the lemon or lime wedge with your drink or salad, and look out for lime in salad dressings, desserts, and marinades (it's used in numerous dishes).

Home Remedies for Allergies—What Works?

quicklist: 2 category: Your Secret Allergy Triggers Revealedtitle:Stuffed anything (even Teddy)url:text:Dust mites living in mattresses, plush toys, and pillows are a huge allergy trigger. Roughly 15% of the population is allergic to these microscopic bugs. Encasing mattresses and pillows with impen¬etrable covers and cases is a useful step—but it's not enough. The mites also love kids' favorite furry toys.

What to do: Wash, dry, then repeat—and use very hot water. "Toys should be washed at 140°, which will ensure that the mites are killed," Dr. Randolph says. After they're clean, store them on a shelf, not on the bed. What to do with the nonwashable toys? Every two to three weeks, put them in a plastic bag in the freezer for a couple of hours, which will also kill the mites.

How to Beat Cat Allergies

quicklist: 3category: Your Secret Allergy Triggers Revealedtitle:Candlesurl:text:You can't be allergic to essential oils—which make candles smell like autumn leaves or dune grass—but their odors can inflame your nasal cavities, says Dr. Wedner. "People with nasal allergies have a natural increased sensitivity, so they're likely to get a runny nose or watery eyes around candles," he says. "To the person with the sensitive nose, it's no different than cigarette smoke."

What to do: If you're very sensitive, avoid candles altogether. But if you love the smell and want to use them at home, buy candles that have few ingredients and feature just one scent, like pumpkin. By a process of elimination, you may be able to pinpoint which scent or ingredient bothers you. If you have a bad reaction to a scented candle, getting some fresh air should make you feel better.

Your 12 Worst Allergy Mistakes

quicklist: 4category: Your Secret Allergy Triggers Revealedtitle:Perfumeurl:text:Fragrances can contain hundreds of chemicals that are mostly untested on humans, Dr. Wedner says. When those chemicals bond with the essential oils in perfumes and are then sprayed into the air, sensitive people may take offense. Sneezing, congestion, and headaches can be the result.