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Those of us with allergies already endure a variety of symptoms. particularly harsh spring, followed by months of unrelenting hay fever symptoms. But now that the temperature has finally dropped, the rest of the year will be sunny, right? Well, not exactly.
While outdoor seasonal allergies may be over for people living in most parts of the country, winter is usually the worst time for indoor allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold. Instinctively, we may dismiss sniffling, sneezing, and coughing as a winter cold, but that’s not always the case. It’s time to get serious about winter allergies. Let’s start here.
What are winter allergies?
The term “winter allergies” actually refers to indoor allergies that exist all year round. That being said, indoor allergies tend to be more problematic and noticeable during the winter months.by American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), for several reasons.
We spend more time at home and indoors in general
When the weather gets colder, we tend to keep our doors and windows closed. This not only prevents the cold from entering, but also traps allergens inside your body.
Forced air heating recirculates indoor air and the allergens it contains.
Forced air heating can also kick up dust that builds up on walls, woodwork, cabinet tops, and other hard and soft surfaces that aren’t regularly cleaned.
Additionally, as a resource from, Allergy and Asthma Network (AAN) points out that forced air heating, as opposed to steam heating often found in older homes and apartments, can worsen allergy symptoms because it reduces indoor air humidity levels. In addition, the air dries out the nasal mucosa, causing it to crack and become sore, making it more susceptible to secondary infections.
If that’s not enough, your symptoms can get worse the more you’re exposed to indoor allergens. According to AAN. The longer we breathe dry, circulating air filled with allergens indoors, the more our bodies recognize allergens such as dust and dander as invaders and trigger our immune system to attack them. This type of exaggerated response to an intruder may include, for example, increased mucus production.
Some of the most common indoor allergens include:
dust
Dust mites (microscopic spiders that feed on dust and live inside it. Strictly speaking, we are allergic to the following: combination waste particles, corpse debris, etc.)
mold
pet dander
Cockroaches (strictly speaking, a combination of cockroach feces and dead shells)
Dander, feces, urine, and parasites brought indoors by rodents seeking shelter from the cold.
What are the symptoms of winter allergies?
Winter allergies can cause the same symptoms as outdoor seasonal allergies, and they can appear in different combinations that vary from person to person. Those symptoms include:
sneeze
watery eyes, itching
snot
Nasal congestion
cough
postnasal drip
sore throat and itching
rash or dry, itchy skin
headache
sleep interruption
Wheezing or shortness of breath (for people with allergic asthma)
How can winter allergies be cured?
Although you can’t just stop being allergic to anything, there are ways to manage winter allergies. These include:
Always remember to clean: Don’t wait until spring.Please start from deep clean Clean, dust, and vacuum regularly to remove accumulated dust, dander, mold, and other allergens.
use an air purifier: in this mailboxBeth Squarecki, Lifehacker’s senior health editor, explains what to look for when purchasing an air purifier to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Replace the HVAC filter regularly: Exchange Use filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher
Minimize pet dander: whether you have it or not Cat, dog, or other furry pets, do everything you can to reduce the spread of dandruff based on what’s best for your breed. This may mean bathing them more often, bathing them less often, or brushing them outside.
If you’ve done everything you can at home and your winter allergy symptoms are still a problem, especially if you have asthma or you suspect your symptoms are progressing to sinusitis or another secondary infection. If so, please consult your doctor.