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Triggers for indoor allergy symptoms
What's making you sneeze? Some common triggers for indoor allergy symptoms are dust mite droppings, animal dander, and mold spores. If you suspect that you suffer from indoor allergies, an allergist may help you identify what is triggering your symptoms at home, work, or school. That way, you can make changes to minimize your exposure to these allergens.
Surprising facts
- A typical mattress can be home to anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million dust mites
- There are no "allergen-free" breeds of cats or dogs
- A dust mite lives for 2 to 4 months. In that time, it can lay as many as 100 eggs
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are tiny creatures that can be seen only under a microscope. They can live almost anywhere, thriving in warm, humid conditions. They eat the tiny flakes of skin you shed each day. These flakes are everywhere: in your furniture, bedding, carpets, and even in your child's stuffed toys. The droppings of dust mites are what trigger allergy symptoms.
Animal dander can lead to a sticky situation
Animal dander is the dead skin that is shed by animals such as dogs and cats. Dander contains a protein that may trigger itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Dander is sticky. Petting and grooming sends dander into the air, where it can collect on clothing, walls, and furniture. It can be found in your home even if you don't have a pet, because it can stick to you.
Mold grows in damp environments
Mold is a fungus that reproduces by releasing spores—seed-like objects that are carried in the air. Breathing in these spores may trigger your allergies. Mold often lurks in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Get tips for avoiding indoor allergens. Go »
Important Safety Information
Do not take XYZAL if you are allergic to XYZAL, cetirizine or ZYRTEC®. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease. Children 6 months to 11 years of age with impaired kidney function should not take XYZAL.
Patients taking XYZAL should avoid operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Taking XYZAL with
alcohol or sedatives should be avoided. Take XYZAL at bedtime. Do not increase the dose due to increased
risk of sleepiness.
In patients 12 years of age and older, side effects may include sleepiness, tiredness, sore throat and dry mouth.
In children 6-12 years of age, side effects may include fever, cough, sleepiness and nose bleeds. In children
1-5 years of age, side effects may include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and ear infections. In children 6 months
to 11 months of age, side effects may include diarrhea and constipation.
Indications
XYZAL is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of year round allergies, as well as a treatment
for chronic hives and rashes of unknown cause (also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria) in patients 6 months
of age and older, and symptoms of seasonal allergies in patients 2 years of age and older.
Please see full Prescribing Information.