Why do I have allergies after moving to a new place?

Dear Reader,  

It sounds like you’re getting to know your new neighbors—and not just the people next door. The symptoms you’re describing sound right in line with an allergic reaction, and it makes sense that you’ve developed them after moving. Relocating can bring you into contact with new outdoor and indoor allergens, leading to some itchy introductions.  

The good news is that your symptoms may be easily managed with over-the-counter antihistamines, regular cleaning, and controlling mold and dampness in your home. If your sniffles and snots don’t improve with these changes, a health care professional may be able to help you identify exactly what’s causing your sinus concerns and help you to develop a more targeted treatment plan.  

What causes an allergic reaction? 

An allergic reaction is basically a bodily overreaction: it happens when your immune system confuses something completely harmless for a toxic invader, producing a chemical called histamine to defend itself. Histamine is what causes classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, sinus issues, and itchiness.  

Outdoor allergies are often linked to seasonal changes in pollen levels from plants, trees, and grasses. When you’re in a new area, your body is exposed to a completely new ecosystem, with new sorts of pollen. All of a sudden, your body could be dealing with new irritants that it didn’t even know it was allergic to!  

Could indoor allergens be causing your allergy symptoms? 

Your new living space can also expose you to new indoor allergens. Common indoor allergens include:  

• Dust 
• Dust mites 
• Mold and mildew 
• Cockroaches 
• Candles 
• Cleaning supplies 
• Fireplace residue  

List adapted from Merck Manual and Healthline 

These are also called “year-round allergens” because they’re not linked to seasonal shifts in weather or pollen levels.  

Indoor allergies usually cause nasal symptoms (like a stuffy nose and sneezing) rather than eye symptoms (redness, itching, and swelling). However, eye symptoms can develop if you accidentally rub the allergen directly into your eye.  

How can you reduce your exposure to both indoor and outdoor allergens? 

Luckily, many prevention methods are the same, whether you’re responding to indoor or outdoor allergens. 

Some practices that can help to manage indoor dust allergies or remove outdoor pollen that’s settled into your house include:  

• Regularly vacuuming floors and surfaces.  
• Identifying where dust tends to build up in your house.  
• Swapping out dust-collecting items for easier-to-clean alternatives. For example, consider using rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpeting and blinds rather than curtains.  
• Using allergen-resistant mattress and pillow covers. 
• Frequently washing bedsheets, pillows, and blankets in hot water.  
• Using an air purifier to help filter out pollen, dust, and other allergens.  

List adapted from Merck Manual and Healthline 

One such allergen that falls into both the indoor and outdoor category is moisture. When it comes to moisture, it’s mold’s best friend, so keeping your home dry can prevent mold growth that might trigger an indoor allergy. Consider repairing any leaky pipes and dripping faucets as soon as possible, since those can become breeding grounds for mold. Running a dehumidifier can also help minimize moisture, especially if you live in a more humid climate.

As for outdoor allergens specifically, wearing a mask while cleaning could also help keep your symptoms at bay. Some people are allergic to the chemicals in cleaning products. A mask can keep you from breathing the dust and pollen released into the air during cleaning—it’s no fun when trying to prevent an allergic reaction triggers an allergic reaction itself.   

How are allergies treated? 

Unfortunately, there’s no way to rid yourself of allergies entirely, but many allergy symptoms can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medicine and practices, including:  

• Antihistamines, which prevent your body from producing a histamine response. Some eye drops contain antihistamines and are used to directly target eye symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling.  
• Corticosteroid nasal sprays, which reduce nasal swelling, treat stuffy noses and congestion.  
• Decongestants, which target sinus congestion.  
• Sinus irrigation, which may help flush out mucus and hydrate the irritated nasal passage.  

List adapted from Merck Manual and Healthline 

If your symptoms aren’t improving with over-the-counter treatment, a health care professional might suggest conducting an allergy testing to identify exactly what’s causing your symptoms. If you aren’t able to avoid your allergen, they might recommend allergy desensitization, a treatment where you’re given increasingly large doses of the allergen to teach your body not to react to it.  

Although you didn't choose to invite allergies to your housewarming, you might be able to kick them out (or at least live peacefully alongside them). Hopefully this information helped scratch your itch for allergy information!