Three out of four family members constantly congested...allergy testing is normal

[Anonymous]

DH, DD, and I have ongoing congestion, ear, and sinus issues that continue to resurface. We've all been tested, and the results reveal minimal outdoor allergies. We have a hypoallergenic dog and one cat. Our house has hardwood floors, and we have a weekly cleaning service (floors are swept and mopped every week, and sheets and comforters are stripped and changed). We change our air filters every two to three months. What could be causing this? We have a newer home build (2019) so I can't imagine there is mold growing anywhere unless there is a hidden source of mold. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Maybe you are reacting to an irritant, not an allergen.

Possible culprits:
-Scented laundry detergent
-Air fresheners
-Those awful air wick etc plug ins
-Cleaning solutions that are scented

Also, for how long have you lived in this house?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe you are reacting to an irritant, not an allergen.

Possible culprits:
-Scented laundry detergent
-Air fresheners
-Those awful air wick etc plug ins
-Cleaning solutions that are scented

Also, for how long have you lived in this house?

Oh, and for how long have you had these symptoms? New build could mean off gassing.

[Anonymous]

I change our filter monthly.

[Anonymous]

Do you use a dehumidifier? It was the only thing that resolved our allergies

[Anonymous]

Mold exposure

[Anonymous]

I’ve never heard of a hypo allergenic dog? I think maybe it’s the pets.

[Anonymous]

I posted the mold above. Ours was hidden in the walls, nothing visible. Mymycolab offers blood testing to see if this is source if you strike out with the other reasonable options the PPs are suggesting.

[Anonymous]

I’m having the same issue so will take notes.

[Anonymous]

Get a Fornuftig air purifier at IKEA. They aren't that expensive and work way better for me than the HEPA and other expensive ones. I have really bad allergies and find the do a great job of taking away congestion. You need it in the room you sleep in. Try one in your room for a few days and see if it makes a difference.

[Anonymous]

Test for mold. If you go on vacation do your symptoms go away? If so it could be your house.

[Anonymous]

I have that too. Acts like an allergy, but I tested negative for everything. I really don’t know, but would suspect the constant exposure to pollution and chemicals is ruining our noses.

[Anonymous]

My vote is for cat allergy or hidden mold

[Anonymous]

Cat

[Anonymous]

We have been watching how they take their time constructing these newer homes and how sometimes the builders run out of money and their partial builds sit in the rain. Months and even years go by with such slow progress on the house build. All the rain and snow and moisture goes into the wood frame. Things aren’t buttoned up for a long time as the builder gets more cash again. Finally the home is finished but the walls could hold all kinds of mold and the new owner wouldn’t see it.