Environmental Allergies in Silver Spring, Maryland

Environmental allergens can cause symptoms at home, outdoors, at work, or during certain seasons. Our team evaluates children and adults with suspected pollen, dust mite, pet, mold, and other environmental allergies.

What Are Environmental Allergies?

Environmental allergies occur when the immune system reacts to airborne or indoor substances that are normally harmless. Exposure can cause nasal, eye, skin, or asthma symptoms.

Common Symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Postnasal drainage
  • Cough
  • Wheezing or asthma symptoms
  • Itchy skin in some patients

Common Environmental Allergens

  • Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds
  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander and animal proteins
  • Mold spores
  • Cockroach allergens
  • Other indoor or outdoor triggers based on exposure history

Indoor vs. Outdoor Allergies

Some environmental allergies are seasonal, while others can cause symptoms throughout the year. Dust mites and pet allergens often contribute to year-round symptoms, while pollen exposure is more seasonal. Mold exposure can vary by environment and weather.

How Are Environmental Allergies Diagnosed?

Our team reviews symptom timing, home and workplace exposures, pets, seasonality, medical history, and related asthma or sinus symptoms. Skin testing or other allergy testing may be recommended to identify relevant allergens.

How Are Environmental Allergies Treated?

Treatment is individualized based on the confirmed allergens and symptom pattern.

  • Practical environmental controls
  • Medication when appropriate
  • Nasal and eye allergy treatment
  • Asthma management when needed
  • Allergy immunotherapy for selected patients

When Should You See an Allergist?

Consider evaluation when symptoms are persistent, year-round, severe, affecting sleep or daily life, worsening asthma, or when you want to identify which environmental exposures are clinically relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about environmental allergies and treatments we offer at our office in Silver Spring.

Still have a question?

Call our office and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatments, scheduling, or anything else.

  • What are the most common environmental allergies?

    Common environmental allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet allergens, mold spores and cockroach allergens.

  • Can pet allergies happen even if I do not own a pet?

    Yes. Pet allergens can be carried on clothing and may be present in schools, workplaces and other environments.

  • Are dust mite allergies seasonal?

    Dust mite allergy can cause year-round symptoms because dust mites live indoors.

  • Can mold cause allergy symptoms?

    Yes. Mold spores can trigger nasal, eye, respiratory or asthma symptoms in sensitized patients.

  • How are environmental allergies tested?

    Testing may include skin testing or other allergy testing based on the patient’s symptoms and exposure history.

  • Can allergy shots help environmental allergies?

    Allergy immunotherapy may be appropriate for selected patients with confirmed environmental allergies.

Get Treatment for Environmental Allergies

If these symptoms or concerns are affecting you or your child, our team can help determine whether allergy or immunology evaluation is appropriate and create an individualized care plan.

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