Indoor Winter Allergy Triggers
Most indoor allergy triggers aren’t unique to wintertime. You probably encounter them to some degree all year, but several aspects of winter may make them worse:
- You likely spend more time inside when it’s cold.
- The windows are probably closed a lot more.
- You have the furnace running, kicking things up and drying the air. Dry air means dry nasal passages that are prone to irritation.
A key to controlling indoor allergy symptoms is to figure out what’s causing them.
What Causes Winter Allergies
There is often not one particular answer. Winter allergies tend to flare up when we spend more time inside. What triggers one person might not pose a problem for another.
There are several common allergens found inside our homes, no matter how often you clean. Common indoor allergy triggers include:
- Cockroaches: feces and shells left behind
- Rodents seeking shelter from cold weather bring dander, droppings, urine and parasites that may trigger allergy symptoms
Constant exposure to these allergens causes your body to identify them as invaders. An allergy is an exaggerated response to a substance and is unique to each person. An allergy to dust mites, for instance, tells the immune system to produce antibodies that attach to cellsin the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and lungs. As inflammation occurs, there is more mucus, making it harder for the body to rid itself of allergens.
Tips To Tame Winter Allergies
Whether its summer, spring, or winter allergies stuffing you up, you can do a lot to manage or prevent allergy symptoms, including:
Youre not alone with winter allergies. More than 40 million Americans are allergy-prone year-round. If you arent getting the relief you need with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medication, it may be time to talk to an allergist.
Show Sources
Asriani Chiu, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine program director, allergy/immunology fellowship program,Medical College of Wisconsin.
Steven H. Cohen, MD, FAAAAI, associate clinical professor, Medical Collegeof Wisconsin. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:Allergies vs. Colds,Preparing Your Home For Battle: FightingIndoor Allergies.
Alan Goldsobel, MD, spokesman, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology physician, Allergy and Asthma Associates of NorthernCalifornia.
Read Also: Can You Take Allergy Medicine With Doxycycline
Dust Mold Pests And Pet Dander
Common indoor allergens include:
- Dust particles and dust mites: Dry skin and more time inside can lead to more dust, and that leads to more of the mites that feed on dust.
- Mold and mildew: Depending on the climate where you live, mold and mildew may be worse in the winter due to wetter weather.
- Pests, such as cockroaches and mice: Some people are allergic to cockroach shells and feces others may react to dander, urine, feces, and parasites left behind by rodents looking for a warm place to hole up.
- Pet dander: Your pets may spend more time inside when it’s cold, which leads to more dander. Dander is a protein on animal fur and it’s what most people are allergic to rather than the fur itself.
While these allergens may be in your environment year-round, winter can have you sealed inside with them. That could make your symptoms worse.
What Are The Treatment Options For Winter Allergies
Just like with other times of the year, there are many effective ways to prevent and treat your winter allergies.
Preventative measures include:
- Avoiding allergens: Stay indoors on windy days when the wind is stirring up damp, moldy leaves and plant debris. Mop and sweep your floors often.
- Washing out allergens: Before your symptoms get out of hand, make it a habit to regularly wash your pillows and bedding in hot water to rid them of dust mites and pet dander. Wash your hands frequently and take hot showers to wash away allergens. A showers steam is a bonus for soothing a stuffy nose.
- Using a saline solution: This simple, non-prescription remedy is gaining ground as an effective tool in eliminating allergy symptoms. Pick up a kit at your pharmacy or make your own solution by adding a teaspoon of salt to a cup of sterile water in a squirt bottle. The gentle irrigation of the nasal passages washes away mucus and allergens and can help you breathe easier.
- Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water and hot tea to stay hydrated to relieve nasal congestion.
- Taking allergy medications: Reduce your symptoms by taking over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines, and inhaled corticosteroids to alleviate your symptoms. Follow the directions on the package for safe use.
Don’t Miss: Can You Take Tylenol And Allergy Medicine Together
Winter Allergies Vs Seasonal Colds
Winter allergies can leave you miserable, sometimes with a runny nose or flu-like symptoms.So, how do you know if you have a cold or seasonal allergies?An allergic reaction is your bodys immune system fighting against something it falsely sees as a threat. Many times this will be caused by dust, mold or a pollen like ragweed.A cold is caused by a virus. You are more likely suffering from a cold if you have a fever or cough. Another distinction is your symptoms change over time. Some people may start with a sore throat and after a few days then have chest congestion and a cough.With an allergy you will more likely have clear mucus . Your symptoms will likely stay the same. You may feel achy and have a headache, however those symptoms may also be present with the common cold.Assuming you have winter allergy symptoms, take these 5 simple steps to feel better.Whether you write them down or bookmark this post, these will all help reduce year-round allergies.
Also Check: Symptoms Of Tree Pollen Allergies
What Triggers Winter Allergies
Mold and pet dander are the top allergens that cause a host of bothersome symptoms. During the winter, youre more likely to be stuck indoors in close contact with your pets, which can make symptoms worse.
Wet, decaying leaves and other yard debris make a perfect breeding ground for mold. Spending time in your yard gives mold the opportunity to find its way into your home by clinging to your shoes and clothes. Mold can also hitch a ride inside on damp firewood.
In mild climates like Texas, there are few hard freezes and frosts to kill plant and tree pollen, which is a major allergy trigger. Combine all these allergens in a closed up house with recirculating central heat, and youre likely to have all the components necessary for an allergy attack.
Other winter allergy triggers include:
- Dust mites microscopic bugs that live in pillows, mattresses, and other bedding. Their invisible droppings circulate through the air, leading to allergy symptoms.
- Cockroaches a big allergy and asthma trigger for those who are allergic to their saliva, feces and dried out shells.
You May Like: What Does A Flea Allergy Look Like On A Dog
When Is Winter Allergy Season
Winter allergy season effectively starts when the mercury falls and we gradually spend more time in our homes. You may begin to experience these allergies in November, as fall gives way to winter. Staying indoors with the heating turned up might protect you from the midwinter chill. But it means more hours spent in close contact with your pets and greater exposure to dust.
There are also outdoor menaces to consider, with mold and mildew potentially triggering winter allergy symptoms such as sneezing or a runny nose3.
The chances of experiencing seasonal allergies in winter triggered by pollen should be low. However, tree pollen could become an issue from early spring4 onwards and may even appear as early as January.
What Are Common Winter Allergies
Dust is everywhere. Dust contains skin flakes and hair from people and pets, tracked-in dirt, clothing fibers, crumbs, and insect parts. Carpets, furniture, window treatments, and bedding are dust catchers. Filters in your HVAC ducts get dirty or clogged, poorly sealed windows allow pollen and dirt in, and vacuuming releases dust into the air.
Dust mites feed on the very things that make up dust, such as skin cells, insect parts and animal dander. They are present in almost every home, lurking in bedding, furniture, and carpets. Their feces contain digestive enzymes that allow them to get energy from their waste, but this enzyme can be a cocktail of allergens for humans.
Mold is also lurking indoors. It thrives in dark, moist places like bathrooms, basements and under sinks. Mold spores float through the air and are found even if conditions arent favorable. In the right conditions, they will grow on fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic.
- Extra moisturizing use heavy lotion/oil and wear socks overnight
- Bathe with cooler water avoid stripping skin of natural oils
- Eat healthy fats may improve your skins moisture barrier
- Drink plenty of water for supple skin
- Use a humidifier if dry air is a trigger
- Gently exfoliate feet regularly to rid them of dead skin cells
- Avoid scratching or peeling flaky skin
- Wear comfortable shoes allow feet to breathe
You May Like: Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Fatigue
Whats Causing Your Winter Allergies
For many people, its normal to start sniffling as spring flowers bloomor as ragweed starts to circulate when summer turns to fall. But, when its cold enough to sip hot cocoa by a fire, it should mean allergens are goneright? Unfortunately, winter allergies dont take the holiday off.
How To Get Rid Of Winter Allergies
Once youve been diagnosed with winter allergies, there are several different ways to treat and prevent allergy symptoms. Though most will not cure the allergy, they can significantly reduce your reaction. Your healthcare provider can help you to decide which combination of strategies and medications could work for you.
You May Like: Is Prednisone Good For Allergies
Suffering From Winter Allergies Come See Us
If youre experiencing any of the allergy symptoms discussed above, or want to know how to better manage your allergies, please call 232-1919 to make an appointment with one of our Westchester Health allergy/immunology specialists. He/she will determine the best course of treatment and/or medication and order any necessary tests so that youll soon be able to enjoy this wonderful winter season. Whenever, wherever you need us, were here for you.
Winter Symptoms Similar To Spring/summer/fall Ones
Although specific data is hard to come by, I would estimate that roughly 5-20% of Americans suffer from some form of winter allergy, based on the number of patients I see in my Westchester Health practice.
The symptoms of winter allergies are fairly identical to those of spring, summer and fall:
- itchy eyes, nose and throat
You May Like: What Essential Oils Help With Allergies
What Should I Do Now That I Know What Causes Winter Allergies In Florida
Dealing with allergies during any season can be a miserable affair. Unfortunately, since allergies seem so ubiquitous and can disappear for months, its common to deem allergies as annoying but unavoidable.
However, visiting an ENT doctor can be transformational, especially for those with chronic allergies. Dr. Napoleon G. Bequer is one of the most experienced ENT and balloon sinuplasty doctors in the Tampa and West Palm Beach areas. He and his staff at Sinus Solutions of South Florida have helped thousands of patients get long-term relief from seasonal and/or chronic allergies in just a few short appointments.
Its never too early to get out in front of your winter allergies. For more information, call us at 561-790-7744 or request a consultation online today.
Related Resources
Can You Have Allergies In The Winter
In the winter, cold weather and shorter days drive us inside. Our windows are closed, and many homes are built tighter, with better insulation and fewer drafts. This is good for energy savings but can lead to allergy symptoms. In effect, winter seals us into our homes with our allergens, and increased exposure may make symptoms flare.
You May Like: When Does Cow’s Milk Allergy Go Away
How To Fight Winter Allergies
You survived spring pollen and summer hay fever. Now that the weather has cooled off, youre due a break from allergies, right?
Maybe not. There are no pollens during the winter, but you still have indoor allergens things that can cause an allergic reaction. And since you spend more time indoors during the winter, you may be affected more by these allergens than at other times. The big four home allergens are:
- Dander, the dead skin flakes of household pets such as cats and dogs
- Dust mites, tiny creepy crawlies found in bedding, carpeting and upholstered furniture
- Mold spores: Mold grows in damp areas like basements and bathrooms
- Cockroach droppings: These icky critters can live and poop anywhere.
Winter allergy symptoms can be confused with cold symptoms: sneezing, wheezing and itchy, watery eyes. However, cold symptoms usually pass in a week or two, so if your symptoms persist, you may have winter allergies.
Allergies At Home
It may not be possible to get rid of winter allergies entirely, but you can reduce your exposure to allergens at home:
Courtesy Baylor Health Care System
Treating Winter Allergies
If you take steps to reduce allergens in your home, and still suffer from allergies, you have two options for treatment:
Dr. Kimberlee Adkins is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and sees patients in MPCPs Columbia office.
What Causes Allergies In Winter And How Do I Manage My Symptoms
There is no complete cure for respiratory allergies, but there are things you can do to help manage symptoms, regardless of the time of year. This includes something called exposure reduction, which is exactly what it sounds likeâreducing exposure to known allergic triggers. Here are the most common year-round allergens along with exposure reduction tips:2
â¯Animal danderâ¯
- Confine the pet to a room with a polished floor and furniture you can wipe down.
- Restrict the animal from the bedroom and keep him or her off the furniture.
- Use high-efficiency particulate air filters and vacuum cleaners.
- Wash your pet weekly in warm water and soap.
- Consider rehoming the pet or keeping it outdoors.
Cockroaches
- Keep food and garbage in closed containers take out the garbage regularly.
- Donât store paper bags, newspapers, or cardboard boxes in your home.
- Place bait traps or call a professional exterminator to eliminate cockroaches.
- Seal plumbing openings, cracks, and crevices.⯠â¯
Dust mites
- Encase mattresses, pillows, and box springs in allergen-proof coverings.
- Wash bedding weekly in water 130 F or more.
- Vacuum and reduce clutter in the home.
- Wear an appropriate mask while cleaning and avoid the area for 20 minutes thereafter.
- Change furnace and air conditioner filters.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your home.
Indoor mold
- Clean furnace filters, the refrigerator, and the dehumidifier .
- Dry clothes thoroughly before storing.
Rodents
Don’t Miss: How To Know If You Have The Flu Or Allergies
S To Minimize Winter Allergies
Winter Allergies Vs Cold
Now that you know what causes winter allergies in Florida, how can you be sure that your runny nose, congestion, and sneezing are caused by allergies and not a cold? At Sinus Solutions of South Florida, we look out for the following signs that your symptoms are caused by allergies:
- An increased itchiness in the nose and eyes. Winter eye allergies are triggered more by mold than ragweed and can be accompanied by swelling of the eyelids.
- A reduction in symptoms with the use of antihistamines. Antihistamines provide relief for sinuses irritated by allergies but not by sinuses irritated by the cold virus.
- A reaction to allergy testing. Sometimes its difficult even for professionals to suss out whether your symptoms are created by allergies or a cold . Allergy testing can provide much-needed clarity.
Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Cause Throat Congestion
Whats Causing My Winter Allergies
You might think that allergy symptoms only occur during the warmer months, and something like winter allergies doesnt exist, but that statement could not be further from the truth. Allergy symptoms can rear their ugly head during the winter, and depending on where you live, many experience their worst allergy symptoms during the wintertime. But even if your surrounding area is not a problem, being inside can also trigger an allergic reaction. Indoor triggers such as mold, dust, and even indoor Christmas trees can also cause a person to experience allergy symptoms.
When we think of something that causes an allergic response, especially during the winter, we usually would think of mold and dust. However, the cold can also cause a condition called cold urticaria, a skin reaction to the cold that can cause the skin to develop hives and swelling of the lips and hands. A true winter allergy, this reaction can occur from cold weather, cold water, and from consuming cold food and drinks. While some people experience a minor reaction to the cold, others can have a severe reaction. Anaphylaxis and shock can occur, as well as severe swelling of the throat and tongue, making it difficult to breathe.
If your winter allergies are severe, and you need medical intervention, contact us today. Our specially trained sinus doctors at the New York Sinus Center work hard to find you the most appropriate solution to your sinus problems.
