Allergy symptoms indoors
Sneezing indoors in winter? Pollen is not the answer in January. Indoor symptoms usually trace back to a short list: dust mite, pets and mould. Our test measures IgE sensitisation to 300 allergens and allergen components, including common indoor ones such as dust mite, cat, dog and Alternaria.
Signs your symptoms are coming from inside
Indoor allergy symptoms tend to be steady rather than seasonal, often worse in autumn and winter when windows stay shut and heating is on. Many people notice them most in the morning, after cleaning, or when they come home. Symptoms that ease on holiday and return a day after you get back are a strong hint.
- Blocked or runny nose most of the year.
- Sneezing after making the bed or vacuuming.
- Itchy eyes in specific rooms.
- Night-time cough or wheeze.
The usual indoor suspects
House dust mites are microscopic and live in mattresses, pillows, duvets, carpets and sofas. Their droppings carry the main allergen, which is why symptoms peak in bedrooms.
Cat allergen (Fel d 1) is made in saliva and skin glands, is very light, and sticks to walls, furniture and clothes. It can stay in a home for months after a cat moves out and is found in places that have never had a cat. Dog allergens behave similarly, though usually in lower amounts.
Mould grows wherever moisture lingers: bathrooms, window frames, behind wardrobes on outside walls, and in houseplant soil. Its spores float through the air. Alternaria is mostly an outdoor mould but its spores get indoors too.
What the test shows
From a finger-prick sample, the lab checks IgE to 300 allergens and allergen components, from dust mite and pet dander to moulds. Your lab report gives each a measured value and class, from Negative to Very high.
That matters because the changes people consider are big: new mattress covers, rehoming a pet, dealing with damp. A result showing strong dust mite sensitisation and nothing raised for cat is a different conversation from the reverse. Sensitisation is not proof of cause, so discuss the result with a doctor before making big decisions.
Not every indoor symptom is an allergy
Dry heated air, cigarette smoke, gas cookers, scented candles and cleaning sprays all irritate the nose and eyes without involving IgE. If little or nothing comes back raised, irritants and ventilation are the next things to look at.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor if indoor symptoms disturb your sleep, come with wheezing, cough or shortness of breath, or don't improve when you are away from home. If you suspect damp or mould is affecting your health, a doctor visit is worth it alongside fixing the damp.
Allergens often linked to this
Related symptoms
300 allergens. One test.
A finger-prick sample at home, sent by post. A detailed lab report typically 5 days after the lab receives your sample, and our plain-English guide to reading it. €300, €1 per allergen.
Questions
Why are my allergies worse in winter?
Windows stay shut, heating dries the air and you spend more time indoors, so exposure to dust mite, pet and mould allergens goes up. Pollen is mostly absent in winter in central Europe, which makes indoor allergens the more likely suspects.
Can I be sensitised to cat allergen without owning a cat?
Yes. Cat allergen is carried on clothes into schools, offices and public transport. The test shows sensitisation regardless of where the exposure comes from.
Do I need to get rid of my pet if the result is positive?
Not based on the test alone. Sensitisation does not always mean the pet causes your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about what the result means for you before making that decision.
Does the test check for mould in my home?
No. It checks whether your blood has IgE antibodies to mould allergens such as Alternaria. Whether your home has a mould problem is a question for a damp survey.