It’s Time to Take Winter Allergies More Seriously

Those of us with allergies have already endured a particularly brutal spring , followed by months of unrelenting hay fever symptoms. But now that temperatures are finally dropping, we’ll be safe for the rest of the year, right? Well, not quite.

Seasonal outdoor allergies may pass for people living in most parts of the country, but winter tends to be the worst time of year for indoor allergens such as dust, pet dander and mold. Our first instinct may be to chalk up any sniffling, sneezing or coughing to a winter cold, but that’s not always the case. It’s time to take winter allergies seriously: here’s where to start.

What are winter allergies?

The term “winter allergies” actually refers to indoor allergies that exist year-round. However, indoor allergies tend to be more problematic and noticeable in the winter. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), there are several reasons for this:

• We spend more time at home and indoors in general

• Colder weather means we’re more likely to keep our doors and windows closed: this keeps the cold out, but also keeps the allergens out inside us.

• Forced air heating recirculates indoor air and the allergens it contains.

• Forced air heating can also raise dust that has accumulated on walls, woodwork, cabinet tops and other hard and soft surfaces that are not cleaned regularly.

Additionally, as the Allergy and Asthma Network (AAN) notes, forced air heating—as opposed to the steam heating often found in older homes and apartments—reduces indoor humidity levels, which can then worsen allergy symptoms. Additionally, air can dry out nasal membranes, making them cracked, sore, and more susceptible to secondary infection.

According to the AAN , none of this is enough: the more we are exposed to indoor allergens, the worse our symptoms are likely to get. When we spend more time inside breathing dry, recirculated, allergen-filled air, our body recognizes allergens like dust and dander as invaders and then primes our immune system to launch an attack against them. This exaggerated response to an invader may include, for example, increased mucus production.

The most common household allergens include:

• Dust

• Dust mites (microscopic arachnids that feed on and live in dust; technically we are allergic to a combination of their waste particles and corpse fragments)

• Form

• Pet dander

• Cockroaches (technically a mixture of their feces and the shells of the dead)

• Dander, droppings, urine and parasites carried inside by rodents seeking shelter from cold weather.

What are the symptoms of winter allergies?

Winter allergies can cause the same symptoms as seasonal outdoor allergies and can occur in different combinations that are different for each person. These symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• Watery, itchy eyes

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• coughing

• After nasal drops

• Sore or itchy throat

• Rash or dry, itchy skin

• Headache

• Disturbed sleep

• Wheezing and shortness of breath (for patients with allergic asthma)

How to get rid of winter allergies?

While you can’t just get rid of your allergies to anything, there are several ways to manage winter allergies. These include:

• Stay on top of cleaning : Don’t wait for spring. Start with a deep cleaning to get rid of build-up of dust, dander, mold and other allergens, then brush, dust and vacuum regularly.

• Use an air purifier : In this post , Lifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki explains what to look for when purchasing an air purifier to help relieve allergy symptoms .

• Change your HVAC filter regularly : Replace with filters rated MERV 13 or higher.

• Minimize your pet’s dander . Whether you have cats , dogs , or other furry pets, do what you can to reduce the spread of their dander based on what’s best for your breed. This may mean more frequent bathing, less frequent bathing, and/or grooming outside.

If you’ve done everything you can at home, see your doctor if winter allergy symptoms are still causing problems, especially if you also have asthma or suspect your symptoms have developed into sinusitis or another secondary infection.

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