Key takeaways:
- Winter allergies are triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander because people spend more time indoors.
- Symptoms may also include sneezing, a runny nose, itchy skin, watery eyes, coughing, and, in severe cases, shortness of breath.
- Individuals with asthma, eczema, or a family history of allergies are most likely to develop winter allergy symptoms.
- Antihistamines, nasal sprays, neti pot irrigation, and allergy injections can offer long-lasting relief options.
- Preventive measures such as reducing indoor humidity, regular cleaning, and avoiding pet exposure can significantly help manage symptoms.
What exactly are allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to foreign substances. When you come into contact with or ingest something you’re allergic to, your body perceives it as dangerous and reacts to remove it. This often leads to mild symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. In some instances, however, allergic reactions can escalate to severe, life-threatening conditions like airway swelling and low blood pressure, known as anaphylaxis.
Winter allergy season starts as temperatures fall and we spend more time indoors. You may begin to notice allergy symptoms in November during the fall-to-winter transition. Staying indoors during the heat can help you endure the coldest days, but it also increases your contact with pets and dust. Winter allergy symptoms are similar to typical seasonal allergies. However, colder weather often keeps you indoors more, increasing your risk of exposure to indoor allergens.
What are the common symptoms associated with winter allergies?
Allergies can lead to various symptoms you may experience, such as:
- Sneezing.
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Mucus that drains down the back of the throat, known as postnasal drip.
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Dry cough
- Swollen, bruised-looking skin under the eyes, known as allergic shiners.
- Itchy skin
- Skin rash or hives
The following symptoms may occur if you experience anaphylaxis:
- Swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Low blood pressure
Severe allergies can also cause more disruptive asthma symptoms, such as:
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing or whistling when you breathe.
- Breathing rapidly
- Feeling exhausted
- Feeling anxious.
Symptoms often differ based on how you are exposed to an allergen. For example, touching something you’re allergic to may cause an itchy rash. If you are allergic to pollen or pet dander, you usually get a runny nose or sneeze when you breathe them in. Food and drug allergies, as well as bee stings, can lead to more severe reactions, such as airway swelling and vomiting.
What are the causes of allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly recognizes foreign proteins, such as pollen, pet dander, medications, food, or other substances, as threats, just as it would viruses or bacteria. When you breathe in, eat, or come into contact with something you’re allergic to, your body activates immune responses to protect itself and remove the allergen. This reaction can lead to symptoms that, in some cases, could be life-threatening.
You generally need to be exposed to a substance more than once before you react to it. The first exposure causes your body to see it as foreign and produce antibodies against it (sensitization). The next time you encounter the same substance, these antibodies are activated. This prompts your immune system to attack, leading to your symptoms.
Some of the most common indoor allergens that can cause your winter allergies include:
- Dust mites: are tiny bugs that thrive in mattresses and bedding. When their droppings and remains become airborne, they can trigger allergy symptoms.
- Mold: This fungus grows well in damp, humid environments such as basements and bathrooms. When mold spores become airborne, they can cause allergy symptoms.
- Animals: Most people are not allergic to animal fur, but to a protein found in pet dander, saliva, and urine.
What are the risk factors for winter allergies?
You are more prone to allergies if you are:
- Having other allergies or asthma.
- Having a condition called atopic dermatitis or eczema, which causes the skin to become irritated and itchy.
- Having a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has allergies or asthma.
- Living or working in an environment that constantly exposes someone to allergens, such as animal dander or dust mites.
- Being exposed to smoke and strong odors that irritate the nasal lining.
- Having a mother who smoked during her child’s first year of life.
How are allergies during winter diagnosed?
If your symptoms last longer than a week, see your doctor. They will usually prescribe allergy medications. If these do not work and symptoms persist, they might refer you to an allergist for further testing.
An allergist might conduct a skin test by scratching your skin with a small amount of allergen or injecting it just beneath the skin. If the area turns red and itchy, it indicates an allergy. Additionally, a blood test can be used to diagnose specific allergies.
What are the treatment options for winter allergies?
Allergy symptoms in winter can be managed effectively at home, but long-term clinical treatments may also be beneficial. Here are some options your doctor might suggest:
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines: Antihistamines like cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec) or fexofenadine (Allegra) can effectively reduce symptoms when taken consistently. OTC options such as Zyrtec-D may also help with associated issues, such as nasal decongestion, as they contain pseudoephedrine hydrochloride.
- Use a neti pot or nasal irrigation: to clear allergens from your nasal passages by flushing them with clean, distilled water.
- Use nasal sprays: Prescription-strength steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort) can help lower inflammation and alleviate symptoms like a runny nose. These are now available over the counter.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy): If you have persistent and severe allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor about this option. Allergy shots involve gradually introducing small doses of allergens to help your body develop immunity. After several years, this treatment can considerably lessen your symptoms.
Which preventive measures need to be implemented?
Try these tips to reduce your exposure to common winter indoor allergens.
- Cover your bedding items, such as pillows and mattresses, with a special protective cover to prevent dust mites from entering.
- Wash your clothes, bedding, and removable upholstery covers in hot water regularly to lower dander and dust mite buildup.
- Use a dehumidifier to lower the moisture in your indoor air. The ideal humidity level is about 30-50%.
- Vacuum your home regularly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove most allergen particles from various surfaces.
- Remove carpeting and install linoleum, tile, or wood.
- Clean any moldy areas using water and a 5% bleach solution.
- After you or your pets finish eating, tidy up any crumbs or leftovers in your kitchen or dining area.
- Fix leaks in your bathroom, basement, roof, or pipes to prevent moisture buildup and discourage dust mites, mold, or roaches from thriving.
- Seal cracks or openings in your doors, windows, and walls where roaches can enter or outdoor air can flow in.
- Limit the time your pets spend indoors. If they cannot stay outside, keep them away from areas where you spend a lot of time, like your bedroom, living room, or kitchen.
Living with allergies in winter
Winter may bring chilly winds and festive cheer, but it also increases indoor allergens that can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding what triggers winter allergies, recognizing early warning signs, and taking proactive steps to reduce exposure can significantly improve how you manage the season. By controlling dust mites and mildew and ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment, genuine allergy relief is attainable. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional provides personalized care and long-term solutions. Educate yourself, protect your indoor environment, and aim to make winter more about warmth than stuffiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are allergies worse during the winter?
Allergy triggers vary depending on your body’s reactions. When pollen causes your symptoms, you usually stay indoors to feel better. Winter allergies might seem worse because many triggers are indoors, at home, or at work, making them harder to avoid. Dry air worsens allergy symptoms, especially during winter when heating dries out indoor air. This can lead to dry, sore, or cracked skin and nasal membranes. Cracks in the skin or nosebleeds, common in dry winter air, can increase the chance of secondary infections.
How can you tell the difference between winter allergies and a cold?
Winter allergies and colds share similar symptoms. However, colds are caused by viruses and spread through contact with an infected person. Allergies, on the other hand, are triggered by an allergen or irritant and cause a histamine response. The immune system releases histamine, leading to sneezing, tearing, or itching, all of which help remove the allergen from your body. Antihistamines are often prescribed for allergies to reduce this reaction. A helpful clue is timing: colds usually last several days or a week and go away as your body fights the virus, while allergies tend to last much longer as long as the allergen is present.
How long do allergies typically last?
Your allergies will continue as long as you’re exposed to the allergen. Some symptoms appear within minutes of exposure, while others may not show up for hours or days. Once you’re no longer exposed, your symptoms typically fade after a few hours. Specific allergies, like poison ivy rashes, can last for several weeks.
What should I expect if I have allergies?
The symptoms of allergies vary depending on their type. Seasonal and pet allergies generally cause annoying symptoms but are not life-threatening. However, food allergies, drug allergies, and bee stings can lead to more serious, potentially life-threatening reactions. If you have these allergies, you will likely need to carry an epinephrine injector.
Do allergies worsen with age?
Allergies can evolve as you get older, influenced by your exposure levels, immune system changes, and other factors. They may worsen, reappear after disappearing, or improve, such as when an allergy to cats lessens despite frequent contact. Additionally, some adults develop new allergies over time.
