What Are Allergies In The Winter

At What Point Should Parents Take Their Child Into An Allergist

The first thing you want to do is control your child’s symptoms by avoiding suspected allergens and irritants. Parents should keep windows closed, run central air or heat, take time to wash your child’s hands and face when they come inside, and use high-efficiency particulate air filters in bedrooms. It’s also wise to invest in dust mite covers, while making sure to wash sheets in hot water and taking care to keep pets out of certain rooms. Make sure your pediatrician is aware of the issue. They may prescribe medications such as oral antihistamines and nasal steroids. If medications and avoidance have not controlled your child’s symptoms, they should be evaluated by an allergist.

When To See Your Doctor

If youre experiencing the above symptoms of winter allergies for more than a week, or theyre affecting your daily quality of life, its probably time to call the doctor.

He or she may refer you to an allergist, who can perform a skin test that checks your reaction to specific allergens.

When you know what youre allergic to, you can minimize your exposure and get back to feeling better.

Where Can I Get A Consultation For Winter Allergies

At Lakeside Allergy ENT, we offer our patients of all ages state-of-the-art treatments for a wide variety of ear, nose and throat conditions including allergies, sinusitis, hearing loss, and much more. We offer minimally invasive treatments and have extensive expertise in surgical options when appropriate.

With three conveniently located offices in Wylie, Forney and Rockwall, we strive to deliver compassionate, personalized care to our patients in a caring, comfortable environment. Call us today at 972-771-5443 to make an appointment or visit our website to request an online appointment.

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Stuffy Nose During The Winter

Being in a cold environment does not cause a stuffy nose. Rather, stuffiness in the winter is usually the result of getting lots of colds or more active allergies during wintertime. During the cold winter months, people spend more time inside, which means more exposure to dust, allergens, and cold germs. A runny nose might be more common in the winter months, but that too many not be directly related to the season.

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

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Trapped Bacteria In Nose Throat And Lungs

Mucus production is very much normal and plays a lot of roles, even when a person is much healthy. It normally protects the tissue that normally lines the lungs, throat, as well as the nasal and also the sinus passages, thus keeping moist and thus preventing it from drying out.

It also traps any unwanted bacteria and also the allergens , thus preventing them from spreading through the body and also making an individual sick.

• Mucus has antibodies, or even the enzymes that are designed to get rid of or even neutralize the harmful allergens.
• As is the case with the mucus, phlegm that has a color like green may signal infection.

Any time that an individual observes blood that is contained in the phlegm when they cough up, then he should seek urgent medical attention. Mucus helps to protect the lungs through capturing of the dirt and also the dust as a person inhales.

A person is able to safely swallow the mixture, but many people dont like the sensation that is accompanied with swallowing of the large amounts. The body is able to reabsorb most of the mucus that is produced itself.

Dirt, dust, and also the debris are passed out of the system, and any other bacteria are then killed by the stomach acids.

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Types Of Allergies In Winter

To enjoy the comfort of any season, you have to be prepared to face the challenges that it brings along. Seasonal allergies are very common health issues that come along with each climate change.

Winter is not a happy time for those who suffer from allergies. There are some important things to know about winter allergies before the season hits you.

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Indoor allergies are the most common types that occur during the winter season. Since we spend more time indoors during winter, the risk of exposure to potential triggers increases. The major reason for your stuffy nose and watery eyes can be dust, animal dander or mites.

Differentiating common cold and allergy is important because winter can bring both of these. Common cold will subside within 7 to 10 days.

But, allergies will last for a longer period of time when compared to common cold. The symptoms of allergies depend on the type of allergy. This can vary from simple conditions like running nose to fatal conditions like asthma.

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Winter allergies generally do not occur due to a single allergen. They can occur due to multiple allergens that sensitise your immune system.

Knowing the different types of allergies in winter will help you to prevent allergic reactions. Here, we will discuss about some of the important types of winter allergies. Have a look.

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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 bodyâs 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.

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.

James Pollowitz, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI

The symptoms of winter allergies are fairly identical to those of spring, summer and fall:

• sneezing
• itchy eyes, nose and throat

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What Causes Allergies During The Winter

âYou donât have pollens in winter,â says Douglas H. Jones, MD, of the Rocky Mountain Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Group in Layton, Utah. So outdoor winter allergies arent such a cause for concern. âBut you still have the indoor . And if youre spending more time indoors during cold weather, you might notice an increase in allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, common indoor allergens include:

• Dander Its the dander , not the hair of household pets such as cats and dogs, that can cause acute or chronic allergic reactions in people.
• Dust Mites These microscopic bugs might be the most common cause of year-round indoor allergies, notes the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Dust mites thrive in bedding, carpeting, and the upholstered furniture inside your home.
• Indoor Mold We all breathe in mold spores, but for those with an allergy, exposure can trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchiness. Mold and mildew favor damp areas, like basements and bathrooms.
• Cockroach Droppings These persistent pests can live anywhere, and while theyre not a sign of an unhygienic or unsanitary household, its important to keep food well-contained and be vigilant about cleaning up crumbs. Fixing leaky faucets and pipes and sealing up cracks and crevices in your home can help keep cockroaches away.

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Mold Allergies In The Winter

Your mold allergy may make you miserable in winter. Airborne molds are well-known causes of allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. They can be present outdoors and indoors. Indoor mold contamination can be present year-round and often depends on moisture levels in the home.

In colder climates, molds can be found in the outdoor air starting in the late winter to early spring, especially during the rainy season. Additionally, indoor mold levels are higher when outdoor mold levels are higher, and the outdoor environment is a common source of indoor mold.

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Lockdown Could Be Making All These Allergies Worse

As many Canadians hunker down throughout the pandemic, coughing and sneezing due to indoor allergies may become more prevalent. Your sealed up home could lack the proper ventilation you need in order to alleviate indoor allergens. Here are some quick steps you can take in order to help improve the situation:

• Change home air filter
• Clean crumbs and dirty dishes off countertops immediately
• Limit time pet food is on the floor
• Brush pet often and outdoors if possible
• Protect pillows and mattresses with mite proof covering
• Keep humidity levels between 30-50 %
• Medicate yourself with allergy products when necessary

Why Does Your Body Overproduce Mucus

Mucus has an important role in the body. It lines many of your tissues. Its slippery consistency helps protect and moisturize, and it also traps potential irritants.

Your body can go into overdrive creating mucus and phlegm when you:

Have a cold Have allergies Are exposed to smoke or pollution

Environmental allergies can cause excess mucus or phlegm, as can food allergies, but the latter is harder to diagnose based on this symptom alone, Dr. Bryson says.

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How To Get Rid Of Winter Allergies

Here are some things you can do to help minimize your symptoms if you have allergies in the winter:

• Check firewood. Prevent mold from entering the house by brushing off firewood before bringing it in, and only bring in what you plan to immediately use.
• Avoid smoke. Smoke can be tough on winter allergies. So, have your chimney cleaned each year and replace your fireplace screen with a fireplace door.
• Wipe your feet. Clean your shoes before stepping inside so wet leaves and other potential winter-allergy carriers stay outside.
• Be smart with storage. Store seasonal items in air-tight containers when not in use to help prevent dust and mold build-up.

Tips For Dealing With Winter Sinus Allergies

First use the ideas above to try to lessen your exposure to causes of winter sinus allergies. If you still have winter sinus allergy symptoms, you may want to try some of the solutions I suggest below. Keep in mind, I am not a doctor and you should consult a qualified physician with any health concerns.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water helps keep everything working properly and flushes your system.

Neti Pot

A neti pot will helps you perform a nasal flush and help remove irritants from your nasal passages. My mom swears by her neti pot but I find it very awkward.

Stinging Nettle Tincture or Tea

If you love natural remedies, you may love stinging nettle since it is supposed to work as a natural histamine. I havent tried it but you can read all about it here.

Quercetin

Another natural treatment for allergies is Quercetin, a natural plant-derived bioflavonoid and antioxidant. Quercetin helps stabilize mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. You can read more about it here.

Essential Oils

You may find essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus help clear your sinus and make it easier to breathe. You can diffuse them in the air, put a few drops in coconut oil to make a chest rub, or you can make DIY shower melts. I personally love essential oils for relieving allergy symptoms.

Antihistamines

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What Are Winter Allergies Know Their Symptom Treatment And Prevention

Most people tend to associate allergies with a change of seasons. The winter season is not typically associated with allergies. However, there are many types of allergies that persist well into and throughout the cold months. It is essential to understand that winter allergies post somewhat different symptoms and problems as compared to allergies during other seasons. Knowing how to identify and avoid the triggers and how to manage your symptoms can help you remain in good health all winter long. Heres everything you need to know about winter allergies.

Can You Have Allergies In The Winter

If pollenX pollen A fine, powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower called stamens or from the male cone of a tree. counts drop to zero after the first frost, how can you have allergies in winter? Its a good question pollenX pollen A fine, powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower called stamens or from the male cone of a tree. is in fact less of a problem in winter. However, when its cold outside, you spend more time exposing yourself to indoor allergens. These substances can be just as allergenic, if not more so, than spring and summer pollenX pollen A fine, powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower called stamens or from the male cone of a tree..

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Causes Of Allergies In Winter

Dust Mites

Dust mitesX Dust mites A common trigger for indoor allergies. They are microscopic mites that live in the fibers of pillows, mattresses, blankets and carpet. They live off of our dead skin cells. Inhalation of their droppings can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. are microscopic bugs that live on dead human skin and pet dander. These pests are found anywhere dust particles collect. Even if youre a neat freak, its impossible to rid your home entirely of this common indoor allergenX allergen A substance that your body perceives as foreign and harmful initiates the allergic reaction..

Pet Dander

The proteins found in animals skin cells, saliva and liquid waste cause the symptoms of pet allergies. These particles are so light that they can become airborne with the slightest breeze and can stick to your shoes, clothes, skin and hair.

Mold

Pollen

In warmer climates, pollenX pollen A fine, powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower called stamens or from the male cone of a tree. allergies can be a problem all year round. Additionally, during mild winters, pollenX pollen A fine, powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower called stamens or from the male cone of a tree. season can start as early as January or February. Learn more about how to alleviate pollen allergy symptoms.

Find Relief By Visiting One Of Our Office Locations

Our allergy specialists at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia are committed to helping patients improve the quality of their lives and find freedom from symptoms that can reduce their enjoyment of the winter months and performance at work or school. From testing to treatment, our team is able to provide comprehensive care and get you back on your feet. Call today to learn more about our services ormake an appointment online!

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Whats Your Winter Allergies Risk

It hardly seems fair, but if youâre prone to summer allergies, chances are youâre at risk for allergies when the weather turns cold, too.

The reason is simple: Many of those warm weather irritants are around all year, like pet dander, mold, and mildew. And once you settle indoors for the chilly holiday season â the windows closed, the heater on â your exposure to these allergens spikes, says Asriani Chiu, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine , at the College of Wisconsin.

The best way to handle winter allergies is to understand whatâs triggering them and why. To help you do that, WebMD went to the experts and got their tips on what causes the allergies of winter, and how you can take control.