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With all the spring and summer allergies, winter may be a relief at first. But winter allergies sneak in when you least expect them. As the temperature becomes low, individuals susceptible to allergies in winter face distinctive challenges. Winter allergies are not very outdoorsy but can come from your home only. However, the outdoor triggers do not completely vanish. Winter allergies may affect both your respiratory and skin health.
Synopsis
What Are the Reasons Behind Winter Allergies?
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? If so, winter is no exception.
As fall comes to an end in November, the allergens start hitting you. Even though staying indoors may protect you from the chilly weather, the allergens in your home may start making you uncomfortable. Having an awareness of the reasons behind winter allergies may help you manage them easily. Let us briefly discuss the reasons here:
Indoor Allergens
- Dust Mites: Mostly found on furniture, carpets, bedding, and couches, dust mites flourish in warm, indoor environments. Touching these surfaces with microscopic bugs can lead to allergic reactions.
- Mold Spores: They thrive in damp areas and are primarily found in basements and bathrooms. These winter pollens float in the air and cause eye and throat irritation. Sometimes, indoor plants and soil can also harbour mould and release it into the air.
- Pet Dander: The dead skin flakes of your pet may cause allergic reactions at any time of the year. The risk increases as we spend more time indoors. These danders circulate in the air, affecting sensitive individuals.
- Cockroach Droppings: These are the most persistent pests in every household. They leave their faeces (stools) and shells behind. These can come into contact with your children or they can get mixed in your food. So, keep your food in airtight containers.
Outdoor Allergens
- Tree Pollen: Some trees and flowers release pollen during the winter season. These airborne particles can trigger allergic reactions in people with allergic conditions.
- Air Sensitivity: Cold air can itself be an irritant for certain individuals, causing respiratory issues like bronchoconstriction, especially in those with asthma.
Once you recognise the potential sources of winter allergies, you should be able to manage them.
What Are the Symptoms of Winter Allergies?
- Nasal Symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, sneezing;
- Respiratory Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest tightness;
- Skin Symptoms: Itchy skin, rashes, red skin or hives;
- Eye and Ear Symptoms: Itchy and watery eyes, dark circles, itchy ears;
Other symptoms include:
- Itchy throat
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- A sense of weakness
- Low-grade fever
- Feeling exhausted
- Headaches
- Feeling anxious
If you notice any of these symptoms persistently, consult a top pulmonologist in Millers Road for timely intervention.
Treatment for Winter Allergies
Seek proper medical advice to treat winter allergies. Early consultation will ensure fewer complications. Before prescribing you a suitable treatment plan, the doctor may recommend some allergy tests. It may include skin or blood tests that will be able to identify the specific allergens.
1. Medications
Certain medicines are the most beneficial in alleviating allergic symptoms.
- Sneezing, itching, and runny nose: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines.
- Nasal congestion: Decongestants, but they are not recommended for prolonged use, or else they may result in rebound congestion.
- Nasal inflammation, runny nose, and congestion: Prescription nasal corticosteroids.
- Nasal sprays can help in clearing allergens.
- Eye drops can relieve your itchy and dry eyes.
- Consumption of painkillers will help get rid of headaches and inflammation.
Another method to treat nasal congestion is neti pots. This nasal irrigation system uses distilled water. It flushes the allergens away. Talk to your doctor about correctly using this product.
We suggest you take these medicines only under your doctor’s supervision.
2. Immunotherapy
You may discuss taking allergy shots with your doctor. This method regularly exposes your immune system to small amounts of allergens. This approach strengthens your body’s immunity and weakens the severity. As an alternative, your doctor may also recommend under-the-tongue allergy tablets. These are called Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT).
Allergen Avoidance Strategies
| Indoor Tips | Outdoor Tips |
| Use allergen-proof pillow covers, sheets, and mattresses. | Plan your outdoor activities when pollen levels are low. |
| Do not carpet wall-to-wall, as it becomes a favourable environment for allergens. Instead, use area rugs. It is best to use wood, linoleum, or tiles. | Use sunglasses and masks to protect yourself. |
| Keep your carpets and curtains clean and dust-free with regular vacuuming. | Wear warm clothing when you are outdoors. |
| Wash your bedsheets weekly in warm water. | Look for mould growth in your surroundings and clean them. You can use a bleaching solution. |
| Use air purifiers (HEPA filters) instead of central heating systems; change its filter regularly. |
3. Lifestyle Choices
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Include a balanced diet rich in immune-supporting nutrients.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your immunity system.
Do not overlook the winter allergies this holiday season. Take good care of yourself and your family, and follow the treatment options given by your allergy specialist. Stay healthy to avoid further complications.
Our newly launched “Asthma and Allergy Clinic” is exclusive for patients suffering from allergic episodes. Visit Manipal Hospital Millers Road for specialised care and treatment for allergies and asthma.
FAQ's
Indoor allergies are the most common during winter, as you mostly stay in your home. To avoid the chilly wind, we often tend to keep our windows closed. So, the allergens build up in our rooms and affect those with a weak immune system the most.
Yes, indoor heating systems post being affected by winter allergies can enhance the risk of winter allergies. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and a balanced humidity can alleviate these issues.
Over-the-counter seasonal allergies in winter medicines are usually safe for allergic symptoms. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor once before taking these medications. They can tell if it is safe, depending on your health condition.
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