Most people think of spring and summer when they consider allergy season. Sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and other irritating symptoms are the norm for millions of individuals during this time of year due to the pollen that is emitted from flower buds and flowering trees. Even though spring and summer pollen are eliminated by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, many people find that their allergies are worse in the winter.
Why?
The most frequent allergens that cause unwelcome symptoms don’t exist outside. Instead, they originate from enclosed spaces with less ventilation. The ins and outs of indoor winter allergies will be covered in this article, along with some of the most effective treatments.
What’s in the Article:
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What Leads to Seasonal Allergies in the Winter?
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4 Typical Indoor Winter Allergy Causes
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Wintertime Allergy Symptoms
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How to Control Winter Allergies Indoors
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Medication for allergies can significantly reduce indoor allergies
What Leads to Seasonal Allergies in the Winter?
Wintertime allergies are typically referred to as indoor allergies since they are typically brought on by common indoor allergens. Indoor allergens are a year-round problem, but winter is the worst season for them. This is due to the fact that most people prefer to stay indoors during the colder months, increasing their exposure to the most prevalent allergens. Since there is less ventilation when doors and windows are kept closed while your heating system circulates inside air, allergens can quickly accumulate.
4 Typical Indoor Winter Allergy Causes
Winter allergies inside have many different causes. Instead, a number of common allergens that are present in our homes cause symptoms to worsen as soon as we start spending more time inside. The four most typical reasons for allergies are listed below.
Dust mites in homes
One of the worst causes of developing winter seasonal allergies is dust mites. Although they can trigger allergies all year long, you can start to notice them more in the winter. These tiny insects consume dead skin cells that individuals shed and dwell in household dust. Allergies during the winter might be brought on by the body parts and droppings that dust mites release.
The warm, dust-attracting settings that dust mites enjoy can be found in your pillows, thick winter blankets, mattresses, box springs, and carpeting. These are the best conditions for them to feed and procreate. Additionally, you might be accelerating their growth if your humidifier is set to a humidity level of more than 50%.
Molds
Molds are parasitic, microscopic fungi with airborne spores (like pollen). Outside, mold spores and mildew thrive in the decaying leaves and common yard detritus. When you spend time outside, your shoes and clothing give these wet, sticky irritants a simple entrance into your home, which can exacerbate your allergies in the winter[3]. It is difficult to avoid their consequences because mold can grow in your basement, bathroom, the sink, or any place there is running water.
Animal & Pet Danger
Unfortunately, allergies are frequently made worse in the winter by our pet pals. If your cat or dog spends a lot of time outdoors in the spring, summer, and fall, you might not notice it as much if it causes your allergies. Your exposure to pet dander (hair, dead skin, and dry saliva) increases after the chilly air drives everyone inside. During the winter, pet dander accumulates quickly in carpets and bedding, leading to some rather severe indoor allergies.
Insect droppings
Cockroaches can also cause allergies throughout the winter in urban areas. According to research, cockroach allergens are found in 85% of all inner-city residences in the United States.
Cockroaches can enter your home through windows, crevices in the walls, or doors as they search for a warm place to live during the chilly winter months. Similar to dust mites, their body parts, saliva, feces, and shed skin can cause allergies during the winter. Long-term cockroach contact might even cause ear or sinus infections.
Wintertime Allergy Symptoms
How can you know if you have winter allergies indoors? You’ll probably need to keep a careful eye on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. Morning headaches, congestion, itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, post-nasal drip, and a sore or scratchy throat are typical winter allergy symptoms to watch out for.
You can mistakenly believe you have a cold or the flu when these symptoms arise during the winter months. When compared to indoor allergies, which persist as long as you are exposed to the allergen (trigger) without treatment, cold and flu symptoms only linger for about seven to ten days. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that, unlike winter seasonal allergies, colds, and the flu frequently accompany a fever.
How to Control Winter Allergies Indoors
There are a few things you may take to control your allergies more effectively if they are particularly bad in the winter. Winter allergy exposure can be considerably decreased by keeping your home clean. It might be difficult, but not impossible, to maintain your home free from cockroaches, mold, dust, and dander.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) has provided some advice on how to effectively manage indoor allergies.
- Cover pillows and mattresses with mite-proof zipped cases or hypoallergenic covers.
- Regularly wash your drapes, bedding, and blankets.
- To reduce indoor dust and dander levels, periodically vacuum any rugs or carpets in your home. Don’t forget to sweep below couches and mattresses as well.
- If you have a pet, try to keep them out of the bedroom as much as possible.
- Bathe your dog or cat, and clean their cages or bedding frequently.
- To lower the amount of dust and dander in your home, use a superior air filter in your heating system.
- If you believe you have cockroaches, call an exterminator. Maintain tight seals on all food, and wipe up spills and crumbs.
- Take care of any leaks or wet spots in the house. Cleaning wet places helps stop the growth of mold and mildew.
Medication for allergies can significantly reduce indoor allergies
You might need to take allergy medication if you feel like you’ve tried everything to treat your indoor allergies but you’re still experiencing symptoms. Fortunately, there are several allergy drugs and treatments available that could provide you with relief from indoor allergies.
For treating seasonal indoor allergies, the following over-the-counter and prescription allergy drugs work great:
- Antihistamines: These medications can assist with watery eyes, runny or stuffy noses, sneezing, and itching. Zyrtec and Allegra are two popular antihistamines used to treat indoor winter allergies.
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These can relieve sinus pressure, nasal stuffiness, and congestion brought on by seasonal allergies. Typical corticosteroids are Nasocort and Flonase.
- Allergy eye drops: These can soothe itchy, dry, or irritated eyes. Patanol, Optrex, and Pataday eye drops are popular allergy eye drops used to treat indoor allergies.
- Nasal saline solution: This can treat nasal dryness brought on by cold weather as well as the persistent nasal congestion brought on by wintertime allergies.
Winter Allergies in Indoor Spaces: Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the answers to our most commonly asked questions below if you still have questions about why allergies can get worse in the winter or simply want additional information about dealing with indoor winter allergies.
For indoor allergies, should I use an air purifier or a humidifier?
A quality air purifier is a superior option for allergy relief indoors. During allergy season, humidifiers can help with some symptoms, but air purifiers can actively eliminate allergens from the indoor air you breathe.
Why Do Dust and Dander Levels Rise in the Winter?
Because there is less ventilation in the winter, forced-air furnaces circulate more airborne dust at high levels that contain lint, animal dander, and bacteria. When cleaning, try to leave some windows open to let some fresh air into your house.
Take control of your winter allergies and find relief with the right medication and prescriptions from Better You Rx pharmacy. Indoor allergens can be especially troublesome during the winter months, but our wide range of allergy medications can significantly reduce your symptoms and improve your well-being.
Whether you’re dealing with dust mites, mold, pet dander, or other allergens, our expert pharmacists can guide you in selecting the most effective medications, including Ozempic Canada Online, to combat indoor allergies. From antihistamines to corticosteroid nasal sprays and allergy eye drops, we have the solutions you need to alleviate watery eyes, congestion, itching, and other irritating symptoms.
