Indoor and Outdoor Allergens and Pollutants

Indoor and outdoor allergen sources contain several allergens. The majority are proteinaceous, although carbohydrate epitopes, particularly α-Gal, may be significant. The most important outdoor allergens are derived from the pollens and fungal spores, and phylogenetically-related species produce similar spectra of allergens. Although no unifying structural feature determines allergenicity, the biochemistry of allergens, as well as their association with non-allergen derived components may be significant. Indoor allergens are derived from dust mites, pets, cockroaches and rodents. Submicronic allergen-containing particles will penetrate into the lung and remain airborne for longer periods compared with larger particles, which will be trapped in the upper airways. Allergen avoidance can be an effective countermeasure for asthma, perennial rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis but compliance and sufficient allergen reduction may be difficult. Air pollution may occur both indoors and outdoors and exacerbate asthma symptoms, as well as contribute to the development of disease through direct, non-allergic, effects or by interactions with allergens per se .