Use A Humidifier To Reduce The Dryness In The Air
Humid conditions can significantly contribute to an increased level of allergens. High humidity levels are the best environment for most allergens such as dust mites and molds. On the other hand, low humidity levels can cause irritations to the nasal passages and mucous membranes. This is why it is important to have a humidifier to lessen the dryness in the air.
Humidifiers are one of the best tools that can combat allergens and make your life a little easier during winter. Humidifiers help allergies by making the environment non-conducive for allergens to thrive. This is the safest way to eradicate future reactions as well as keep your home environment clean.
How To Alleviate Winter Allergies
While there is no foolproof way to get rid of winter allergies completely, there are different ways to minimize your exposure to indoor allergens. Here are some of the most effective tips to alleviate winter allergies.
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting. Replace your carpets with linoleum, tile, or wood, and use area rugs instead.
Winter Allergies: What To Do To Avoid Them
Do your allergies hit harder than usual during the winter season? Winter allergiesare seasonal allergies, but not like what you experience in the summer. While most people associate allergies with pollen, in reality, you can still experience these symptoms even in the cold months. In this blog, well explore the causes of winter allergies, their symptoms, and the different ways to alleviate them.
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Improving Your Indoor Air Quality
Follow these tips below to improve the quality of life for everyone indoors this winter:
- Deep clean your house, bedding, clothes, and pets once a week.
- Keep humidity levels in your home below 50 percent this will help reduce dust levels.
- Take a shower before bed.
- Keep pets out of your bedroom.
- Eat before a holiday party or prepare your own food to eat there.
- Always bring an EpiPen to events.
Read More: Tips To Help You Fight Off Winter Allergies
S To Minimize Winter Allergies
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How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost
The cost of allergy shots varies based on a few factors, including how many things you are allergic to and how frequently you need shots to keep your symptoms under control. Shots begin on a weekly basis and over time, your doctor may reduce your shots to once per month. Typically, the cost is between $2,000 – $4,000 yearly, if you dont have medical insurance.
The good news is that insurance will usually cover some maybe even most of the cost of getting allergy shots. And depending on your plan, you may only need to pay your copay. But check your insurance so you know for sure.
What Are Winter Allergies
Many people think of allergies as seasonal, caused by grass, tree and ragweed pollen. Truth is, seasonal allergies can occur nearly year-round as trees release pollen in the spring, grasses in the summertime, and weeds go to work in the fall. And if you live in a warm climate, you might experience allergies in winter because some plants may not go dormant. For example, people who live in the Southwestern United States Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Missouri may experience whats called cedar fever if exposed to the Ashe Juniper tree during winter months.
If tree, grass and weed exposure trigger allergies in spring, summer and fall, then what could trigger allergy symptoms in wintertime? Winter allergies are less likely to be caused by outdoor triggers instead, they are triggered by exposure to allergens inside your home or office.
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Testing For Winter Allergies In Dogs
To get to the bottom of your dog’s symptoms of winter allergies, allergy testing is a must. Testing is used to identify specific winter-related allergens so that they can be avoided and appropriately treated.
There are two types of allergy testing blood testing and skin testing.
Blood testing looks for antibodies in a dog’s blood that is induced by antigens. The most commonly used tests for these antibodies are the RAST test or the ELISA test. Of the two tests, the ELISA is the more reliable option.
Skin testing involves a small antigen being injected into a dog’s skin to induce a possible allergic reaction. When your dog is allergic to an antigen, a skin response will be seen at the sight of the injection. When an antigen induces a reply, a test is positive for that allergen.
The average cost of skin allergy testing ranges between $195 to $250.
The average cost of blood allergy testing ranges between $200 and $300.
Can You Have Allergies In The Winter
If pollen counts drop to zero after the first frost, how can you have allergies in winter? Its a good question pollen 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 pollen .
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Steer Clear Of Allergens
Considering the most prominent winter allergens are quite common in our everyday routine, staying indoors to avoid them is easier said than done.In certain parts of the United States, like the South, the winter is a time for some serious tree pollen allergies. For example, in Austin where some of our employees are located, the pollen from cedar tress causes widespread allergic reactions in January.If you cant avoid the outdoors, regularly wash your hands and face to keep pesky pet hair or mildew spores from being breathed in.Other winter allergies arise from pet dander from dogs and cats. These indoor air pollutants that originate inside your home.In this case it is important to frequently clean your home. A good HEPA vacuum cleaner will help in picking up animal dander and large dust particles.
What Causes Winter Seasonal Allergies
Winter allergies are caused by an immune response within the body. If you have seasonal allergies, your body mistakes allergens in your environment as harmful invaders. When exposed to allergens, the immune system overreacts and releases histamine and other chemicals to try to protect itself.
The release of these chemicals causes the symptoms of an allergy attack, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchiness. Winter seasonal allergies are most commonly caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Outdoor allergens like pollen are less of a problem in winter because there are fewer plants blooming in the colder months. However, certain types of plants primarily release their pollen in winter, so you can still experience pollen allergies during this time of year.
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Why Do I Have Allergies In The Winter And What Can I Do About It
Dust and Allergens
Furnaces force the circulation of airborne dust that contains lint, fabric fibers, bacteria, food particles, and animal dander. The most common types of winter allergies are dust mites, animal dander and mold.
Dust Mites
Dust mites thrive in humid environments and are more prevalent in bedrooms, mattresses, pillows and bedding. Fecal particles from dust mites become airborne, and patients can suffer from symptoms of allergies year-round.
Pets
Our cats and dogs can be a huge cause of allergy problems in the winter. Cats and dogs have many identified allergens. These allergens are found inside homes, workplaces, and schools even when there are no pets living there.
Molds
Indoor molds are another big cause of allergies in the winter. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments. Especially basements and bathrooms. Specific outdoor molds that are prevalent outdoors can also be brought inside.
Causes Of Allergies In Winter
Dust Mites
Dust mites 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 allergen .
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
Mold can shed spores all year. Since mold thrives in damp spaces, mold allergy symptoms may be worse in rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms or crawl spaces. Outdoor mold can form in shady, damp areas.
Pollen
In warmer climates, pollen allergies can be a problem all year round. Additionally, during mild winters, pollen season can start as early as January or February. Learn more about how to alleviate pollen allergy symptoms.
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Signs Your Child May Have Seasonal Allergies
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, cough, and dark circles under the eyes.
Seasonal allergies can be more than just a mild annoyance. Some of the consequences of allergies in children include:
- Fatigue and poor concentration in school due to lack of sleep
- An increase in ear and sinus infections
- Asthma exacerbations
- Behavioral issues from discomfort and lack of sleep
Which Allergens Trigger Symptoms In December
There are several types of allergens that commonly trigger allergy symptoms in the winter. While the allergens in season will depend on where you live, indoor allergens can cause issues regardless of the climate you live in. Indoor allergens like dust mites and mold commonly cause allergies in winter.
Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. If you keep your home warmer in the winter, it can create an ideal environment for dust mites to thrive. You might also have worse dust mite allergies in the winter simply due to spending additional time indoors during the colder months. Dust mites are most commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets.
Mold is another common allergen that can cause problems in the winter. This is because mold loves damp, dark places – and there are plenty of those in the average home during the colder months. Mold can be found in various areas, including basements, attics, and bathrooms.
While dust mites and mold are some of the most common allergens in the winter, it’s important to remember that they are not the only ones that can cause problems. Other potential triggers include pet dander, cockroaches, and even certain types of pollen.
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Treatment Options For Winter Allergy Symptoms
To treat allergy symptoms, Dr. Jones cautions against older over-the-counter medicines, which, he says, can do more harm than good.
Some of these drugs have too many side effects, he notes, and people dont really understand how to match their symptoms to the product. They just know they feel bad and want to feel better.
For example, some OTC allergy drugs contain decongestants, like pseudoephedrine, which can raise a users heart rate. The active ingredient in the antihistamine Benadryl diphenhydramine causes some tissues to dry out and promotes urinary retention, Dr. Jones says. So people with prostate problems, who may have trouble urinating, find that that condition worsens when they take diphenhydramine.
Dr. Jones says that better options are allergy medications that contain loratadine and cetirizine , two drugs that moved from prescription to OTC status in recent years. Prescription steroid nasal sprays tend to be more effective than antihistamine tablets when used regularly, adds Dr. Rank, though individual responses vary and the two types of drugs are often used in combination.
Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medication, to discuss whether its appropriate for your symptoms and potential side effects.
Topical Treatments For Itchy Swollen Watery Eyes
For itchy, swollen eyes, oral medication does not tend to work as effectively as topical eye drops. Allergy eye drops generally contain topical antihistamines. Avoid the use of any product that contains a vasoconstrictor for more than two to three days to avoid rebound redness. Rebound redness is the recurrence of symptoms and can lead to eyes becoming dependent upon eye drops. Artificial tears will also help soothe irritated eyes.
Ask your pediatrician or nurse practitioner if you are interested in exploring other medication options or in long-term treatments such as immune therapy .
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What Causes Indoor Allergens
Dust mites: These are typically found in bedding and furniture, but they are aggravated by indoor heating. They also can get out of control if the bedding isnt washed enough, so its important to be on top of that during the winter.Pet dander: Because pets spend more time inside during the winter, those whose allergies are aggravated by pet dander have a tough time. Try to vacuum as often as possible, especially in areas where your pet spends the most time. Dont forget to change your air filters, too.
Mold: Leaky pipes or faucets can cause mold build-up, so it is very important to get your home checked for mold damage. Also, using a dehumidifier will reduce moisture levels in the air. However, that can cause your sinuses to become painfully dry, so your mileage may vary.
Identify Seasonal Allergy Patterns
Some allergens like pollen occur seasonally, making them easier to pinpoint. However, some allergens like dust mites and mold occur year-round.
Pay attention to what is around you when you have symptoms. If you feel fine in your home office but suddenly experience symptoms after doing laundry or taking a bath, there may be hidden mold in those areas triggering symptoms. If you function just fine at home with your cat but have symptoms at your friends house who owns a dog, youre probably allergic to dog dander.
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Treatments For Winter Allergies
The most effective way to treat winter allergy symptoms is to prevent them by avoiding allergens whenever possible. However, avoiding allergens can be challenging, especially when youre allergic to common airborne substances like mold and dust mites. Dr. Qureshi may recommend one or more of the following options to relieve your symptoms:
During The Winter It Can Be Difficult To Distinguish An Allergy From A Cold Both Share Symptoms Such As Sneezing Runny Nose And Congestion Here Are The Most Common Winter Allergies
Written by Editorial Team | Updated : December 17, 2018 12:04 PM IST
In the winter, some are left tormented by the allergies of this season. Winter does not allow pollutants to settle down thus giving rise to winter allergies. During the winter, it can be difficult to distinguish an allergy from a cold. Both share symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. But colds are viral infections, while an allergy is your body’s immune system response to an irritant or trigger. A cold usually doesn’t last for more than 10 days. Allergies can linger for weeks or even months. Also, cold and flu sometimes come with fever, aches and pains, which don’t usually happen with allergies.
Common winter allergies
Skin allergies: “Skin allergies like eczema, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are common during the winter season. Itching and redness are common in areas that come in direct contact with the allergens,” explains Dr RSK Sinha, Internal Medicine Specialist, Jaypee Hospital, Noida. Skin allergies can occur immediately after the exposure or a few days after the skin contact.
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