While most people associate allergies with springtime, for many they persist year-round, even in the winter months. It’s important to recognize that winter allergies have different causes and therefore must be managed differently than how you may manage your symptoms of hay fever. Below is an overview to help you identify and prevent your winter allergies.
Causes of Winter Allergies
Rather than pollen triggering your allergies, winter allergy culprits are typically indoor allergens. If you have winter allergies, you’ll notice an uptick in symptoms like sneezing, wheezing and itchy, watery eyes during cold months when you spend most of your time inside with the windows shut. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, common indoor allergens during winter include:
- Pet dander. It is the dead skin flakes rather than the fur/hair of household pets that triggers allergic reactions.
- Dust mites. It’s a common misconception that dust causes allergens; it is actually the waste of dust mites that feed on dust that triggers symptoms. These microscopic critters thrive in bedding, carpet and upholstered furniture.
- Indoor mold. Not everyone has a reaction when they breathe in mold spores, but those who are allergic tend to experience symptoms mostly in basements and bathrooms.
- Cockroach droppings. It’s important to keep food well-contained, be vigilant about cleaning crumbs and spills, fix leaky pipes and faucets, and seal up cracks and crevices in your home to keep cockroaches away.
Tips for Preventing Winter Allergies
While it’s not possible to remove all allergen triggers from your home, there are ways to reduce exposure and minimize symptoms. We recommend…
- Maintaining less than 50% humidity in your home. Dust mites thrive in environments that are over 60% humidity and between 60- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit. Mold also grows faster when humidity is high.
- Avoiding wall-to-wall carpeting. Dust mites thrive in carpeting, which is why we recommend investing in hardwood and rugs, which are easier to clean and replace as needed.
- Cleaning, dusting and vacuuming often. Make sure to use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and replace it regularly.
- Washing bedding in hot water. Water over 130 degrees Fahrenheit kills dust mites.
- Using hypoallergenic cases for mattress and pillows. These can be purchased easily online.
- Bathing pets once a week. This minimizes pet dander. Don’t bathe them more frequently than this, as this can dry out their coat and skin.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Athens today.