Winter’s here, and so are your allergies. You may be allergic to them year-round, but winter may worsen them.
You don’t want to spend the winter constantly blowing your nose, wiping watery, itchy eyes, or covering a cough. Our board-certified allergists with Advanced Allergy and Asthma treat many patients with allergies that can worsen during the winter.
Some common year-round allergies can bloom in winter more than in other seasons.
Your skin is a living organ; it sheds all the time. The skin cells that remain on your sheets are food for dust mites. You can’t see dust mites, but they’re present in your bedding. They leave microscopic substances in the air that can produce constant sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms.
You’ve likely left some food in your refrigerator and had to throw it out because it became moldy. Mold is a fungus that loves damp places, such as bathrooms and basements. However, it has the potential to grow in many places in your house. This fungus likes wood, paper, carpet, and food.
Mold produces cells called spores that help it spread. Spores in the air can cause allergy symptoms.
Pets produce a protein that’s contained in their dander, saliva, and urine. You likely don't have a pet if you’re allergic to pet dander. But when you visit friends, their pets may overwhelm your immune system and produce symptoms that make you miserable.
Your house can become a breeding ground for allergies that worsen in winter. If you have a forced-air furnace, air containing dust, mite debris, mold spores, and animal dander blow through your rooms. In spring, summer, and fall, you may have the windows and doors open to let in fresh air. When your house is sealed shut during the winter, you breathe air containing more allergens.
You can take steps to reduce winter allergens in your home. The following are helpful tips.
If you haven't already, purchase dust-mite-proof pillowcases and mattress protectors. Avoid down material; choose synthetic instead. Wash your sheets and pillowcases every week in hot water to limit dust mite allergens.
Today, there are many options for carpet-free floor coverings. If you want room-size rugs, choose wool, nylon, or polyester with a low pile. Olefin is a moisture-resistant fiber that can help protect against mold. If you have drapes, be sure to vacuum them regularly. Other choices, such as shutters, are easy to clean.
Cleaning your house can trigger an allergy attack if you don't take precautions. If you can delegate the task and leave the house when it's done, that's great. If you need to be the cleaner, wear a medical-grade protective mask to protect yourself. Cleaning regularly helps limit winter allergens.
Use an old towel to wipe down surfaces you've cleaned in bathrooms and kitchens so mold doesn't have a chance to grow. Use a small amount of bleach with soap and water to wipe down the shower curtain. If you can, install glass in your shower and use a squeegee and a towel to dry it.
Insulating windows and doors helps prevent condensation from forming. On flooring, use a damp mop instead of a dry mop. Call a professional if you suspect your house has mold inside a wall.
Always use HEPA filters to protect against dust. Invest in a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your home under 50%. An air purifier in your bedroom at night may also benefit you.
If your allergies aren't under control with over-the-counter or prescription medication, you can start allergy injections. This allergy treatment is research-based, safe, and effective. It can prevent a life-threatening allergy attack.
Call Advanced Allergy & Asthma at one of our two convenient locations today if your allergies affect your quality of life.
