Winter Allergies - Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction:

Due to the cold climate in the winter, people prefer to stay indoors and keep the windows closed. Homes are kept well-insulated, cozy, and comfortable in the winter to keep oneself warm. This atmosphere can entrap people inside the home with the allergens and increased exposure to these allergens can cause the allergy symptoms to flare up. What can be a triggering factor for one may not be a triggering factor for another.

What Are the Common Allergens That Are Present Indoors?

The following are a few allergens:

• Dust.

• Airborne dust particles.

• Dust mites.

• Mold.

• Pet dander.

• Excreta and shells of cockroaches.

Rodents that tend to take shelter in the homes during winter can bring droppings, urine, dander, and other parasites which may kickstart an allergic reaction. These allergens remain at home no matter how clean the inside environment is. Frequent exposure to these allergens alerts the body and the body identifies these as foreign invaders and initiates an allergic reaction.

Where Are the Common Indoor Allergens Found?

Indoor allergens can be found on the following surfaces:

• Pet Dander: Pet danders can be found on any indoor surface, especially on carpets, upholstery, and beds. Pet danders are skin flakes that carry proteins and are transferred from pets like dogs or cats and get adhered to indoor surfaces which increases the risk of exposure. The allergy can get worse if the pets spend more time indoors particularly in the bedrooms or in the living room.

• Dust Mites: Dust mites can be found on carpets, bedding, and furniture. They dwell in warm, damp environments and their excreta and dead remains can stick to the household dust. Dust mites can increase upon using indoor heating units and if the bedding is not washed properly and frequently.

• Mold: Dark and moist areas like the basements, bathrooms, and under-sink regions are the perfect places for molds to thrive. These are common since damp weather can facilitate their growth. The use of humidifiers and the presence of leaky faucets and pipes can increase their number.

• Cockroach Droppings: Damp weather can promote the growth of cockroaches and they are common in dark and moist areas like the kitchen cupboards, behind appliances, and under sinks. Any food crumbs or food that is spilled over can draw their attention.

How to Distinguish Winter Allergies From a Cold?

Winter allergies and colds can resemble each other in their symptoms. One can develop an allergic reaction even without a previous history of exposure or can become allergic to a particular substance in the same home even after years of not developing any reaction. If the symptoms tend to persist longer, then it can signify the presence of an allergy. The following are a few symptoms that help one to distinguish winter allergies from a cold:

• Colds are caused by viruses whereas allergies are due to the release of histamine by the body’s immune system in response to the allergens.

• Colds can result in fever but airborne allergens do not cause any change in the body temperature.

• A cold may be associated with pains and aches but allergy is not associated with such symptoms.

• A person suffering from a cold can experience pressure on the chest while those suffering from asthma and allergies complain of chest pain.

• Cold may be accompanied by a sore throat whereas sore throat in allergies is rare.

• Colds can resolve on their own while allergies can get better temporarily when the weather changes or if the individual spends more time outdoors.

• Colds are not associated with itchy eyes or rashes whereas allergies are linked with itchiness.

• Coughs can occur in allergies but are more common with colds.

What Are the Symptoms of Winter Allergies?

The symptoms of winter allergies include:

• Sneezing.

• Itchy eyes.

• Runny/stuffy nose.

• Itching in the ears.

• Itching in the throat.

• Difficulty in breathing, particularly if the nose is blocked.

• Skin rash.

• Feeling sick.

• Dry cough which may be accompanied by phlegm at times.

• Mild fever.

• Watery eyes.

• Puffiness around the eyes.

• Dark circles underneath the eyes due to nasal congestion which are called ‘allergic shiners’.

Severe allergies can lead to symptoms linked with asthma-like:

• Rapid breathing.

• Chest tightness.

• Whistling or wheezing sound while breathing.

• Feeling anxious and exhausted.

How Are Winter Allergies Diagnosed?

If the above-mentioned symptoms persist for more than one week, one must consult a physician. A detailed history regarding the symptoms and other health conditions will be asked by the physician. A skin test may be performed by injecting a small quantity of the allergen under the skin or scratching the skin with a small amount of allergen. A red and itchy area following the introduction of the allergen indicates an allergic reaction. A blood test may be suggested to identify certain allergies.

What Is the Treatment for Winter Allergies?

Various treatment methods for winter allergies are as follows:

• Over-The-Counter Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamine medications for allergies include Fexofenadine and Cetirizine. Other medications containing Acetaminophen can offer relief from headaches.

• Decongestants: Decongestants can help clear the mucus and offer relief from nasal congestion and swelling.

• Neti Pot or Nasal Irrigation: When clean, distilled water is introduced into the nasal passages, the allergens get flushed out in this method.

• Nasal Sprays: Steroid nasal sprays like Fluticasone and Triamcinolone are effective in relieving inflammation and runny nose. These are now available as over-the-counter sprays. One must consult a physician before using these.

• Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): If one suffers from severe, long-term allergy symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor and get allergy shots. The mechanism of action of allergy shots is that one gets exposed to a minimal amount of allergens regularly to boost the body’s immunity against these allergens. This minimizes the allergic symptoms for a few years.

• Treatment of Asthma: The severity of allergies can be reduced by treating asthma. Asthma can be treated by using an inhaler, or medications, or by bringing about certain lifestyle changes.

What Other Conditions Can Mimic Winter Allergies?

Other conditions that can mimic winter allergies are:

• Non-allergic Rhinitis: In this condition, the nasal passages can be irritated by dry air, pollutants, and strong odors.

• Wood Smoke Irritation: Wood smoke can result in non-allergic rhinitis as well as serious respiratory problems, particularly in those with lung conditions like asthma.

How Can Winter Allergies Be Prevented?

Winter allergies can be prevented in the following ways:

• Pillows and mattresses should be covered with special mite-proof protective casing to keep the dust mites away.

• Beddings, removable covers, and clothes should be washed frequently in hot water to eliminate dust mites and dander.

• The humidity level should be maintained ideally at 30 to 50 percent. A dehumidifier should be used to reduce the moisture if it exceeds the ideal level.

• The home should be vacuumed regularly with a vacuum containing HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air filter) to eradicate the allergens from the surfaces.

• Carpets should be replaced with tiles, wood, or linoleum.

• Areas with mold growth should be cleaned with a 5 percent bleach solution and water.

• Any leftover food or food crumbs should be cleaned thoroughly after eating to prevent infestation by cockroaches.

• Any leaky faucets or pipes in the bathroom, basement, or roof should be repaired since damp environments make it favorable for roaches, dust mites, and mold to dwell.

• Any cracks or openings in the windows, walls, or doors should be sealed to prevent the entry of cockroaches.

• Pets should not be allowed in areas where one spends a lot of time like the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Hands should be washed after touching the pets so that the allergens do not gain entry through the nose when accidentally touching the face.

• Pets should be bathed weekly to remove the dander and other allergens present in their fur.

• Wet surfaces should be mopped off to prevent the growth of molds.

• Mold-infested wallpaper, curtains, and wallpaper should be disposed off.

• Sinks and showers should be cleaned with a small amount of detergent and 5 percent bleach.

• Those who are allergic can have an artificial Christmas tree since the real ones can have molds and chemicals on them.

• Glass or plastic ornaments are preferable over plastic since they can hold more dust.

• The fireplace should not be filled with wood unless necessary so that molds and pollens stay outside.

• An exterminator should be called to get rid of rodents and cockroaches.

When Should One Consult an Allergist?

Allergists are trained professionals in treating allergies and asthma. One must consult an allergist when:

• The symptoms of allergies interfere with daily activities.

• Symptoms persist for more than one to two weeks.

• A newborn has difficulty in breathing or has wheezing, cold, or allergy symptoms.

• A person is not aware of what they are allergic to or whether they have any allergies.

• The allergic treatment no longer works or is ineffective.

Conclusion:

Winter allergies can be distressing since indoor allergens are the culprits and there is no way for one to escape outdoors due to the cold weather. On the other hand, one also need not suffer from allergic reactions triggered by indoor allergens. By following certain preventive measures, taking certain medications, or getting allergy shots, one can easily traverse the winter without being much affected by allergic reactions.