Winter Sniffles - Allergies or the Common Cold

Introduction

As the cold weather of winter starts, the winter sniffles also start. The winter season and the winter sniffles compel people to stay indoors. Symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and a bad throat are commonly experienced during the chilled winter months. These symptoms are suggestive of cold winters. However, these unpleasant symptoms can also indicate indoor allergies.

What Are Winter Sniffles?

The word "sniffles" indicates a runny nose that might be stuffed. It may also suggest the common cold that might lead to a stuffy nose. Either the common cold or dust allergies commonly cause nasal discharge and nasal congestion. The winter allergy symptoms appear more like seasonal allergy symptoms, compelling the residents to stay indoors. However, the people staying indoors are then exposed to a number of indoor allergens.

What Are the Causes of Winter Sniffles?

A plethora of allergens can trigger unpleasant symptoms during the winter season.

These include:

• Dust Mites- They usually prefer warm and damp environments. They are mostly found in carpets, bedding, and upholstery. It is important to wash the bedding regularly to prevent these dust mites.

• Dead Skin Flakes of Pets- It is known as a pet dander. Pets like dogs and cats shed dead skin flakes that can initiate an allergy. Pets that spend more time in the bedrooms can worsen the allergy.

• Airborne Dust Particles- They can be caused by thunderstorms or cyclones. They can irritate the lining of the respiratory tract or lungs. The bigger dust particles can cause nasal allergy.

• Mold- Usually, moist or damp weather promotes the growth of mold. Leaky pipes, bathroom tiles, and areas under the basin are common media for mold growth.

• Cockroach Litter- The droppings from roaches can cause allergy. They can be found under the sinks or kitchen cupboards, or areas where food is present.

What Are the Symptoms of Winter Sniffles?

Some of the clinical symptoms of winter sniffles include,

• Sneezes (a strong expulsion of air from the mouth and nose caused due to irritation of the mucous membranes).

• Nasal discharge leads to a runny and clogged nose.

• Scratchy eyes.

• Frequent headaches.

• Scratchy sore throat.

• Itching in the ears.

• Unable to breathe properly due to a stuffy nose.

• Rashes on the skin.

• Dry cough, sometimes in the form of phlegm.

• Feeling of illness.

• Watery eyes in a few cases.

• Low fever.

• Body pain.

Sometimes severe allergies can cause alarming symptoms like

• Tightness in the chest.

• Whistling sound while breathing (wheezes).

• Taking quick breaths.

• Feeling tired.

• Anxiety and stress.

How to Differentiate Between Allergies and Common Cold?

• The most important differentiating factor between the common cold and allergies is that a common cold will last for not more than a week to ten days, while allergies will occur periodically throughout the entire season. If the winter sniffles occur at the start of the winter season, and the patient has periodic symptoms that never seem to subside, he might suffer from a seasonal allergy.

• Other symptoms suggestive of an allergic reaction are scratchy eyes or an itchy nose.

• The presence of colds will usually be found in common colds but is rarely seen in allergic reactions.

• Body aches, malaise, and weakness are typical symptoms of a common cold that can be present occasionally, but these symptoms are never found in allergies.

• A common cold will almost always begin with a sore throat, leading to a fever. However, allergies will have a scratchy throat and scratchy eyes. Allergies will rarely have symptoms of body pain or fever.

• However, symptoms like sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, along with weakness and exhaustion, are commonly present in both common colds and allergies.

• Also, the source origin of allergies and colds is entirely different. Common colds usually result from a viral infection or infectious droplets from an infected person. Allergies occur as a result of the immune response of the body to various allergens by releasing histamine. The production of an inflammatory mediator is in response to several allergic irritants, thereby causing an inflammatory reaction.

How to Control the Recurrence of Winter Sniffles?

• Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene- It is important to clean the house regularly to keep away dust particles, cockroach droppings, and mold growth. Proper vacuum cleaning, mopping twice to thrice a week, and dusting the surfaces is very important to keep the indoors clean. It is also important to ensure that the bathroom and kitchen slabs are also free of dirt.

• Avoid Triggers to Pet Allergies- Try to keep the furry animals out of the bedroom. It is important to groom pet animals regularly. After snuggling with the pets, it is important to wash their hands with soap and water.

• Protection of the Furniture and Bedding from Dust Mites- Dust mites may usually multiply in pillows, mattresses, and upholstery. It is beneficial to use mite-proof mattresses and sofa coverings. The bed sheets should be changed every week and washed in warm water.

• Mold Prevention- Molds are not visible to the naked eye. So, it is important to get professional help to get rid of the mold. One can even get a dehumidifier installed to prevent their growth.

• Consult a Healthcare Professional- It is always best to contact a specialist doctor to treat winter allergies.

What Is the Treatment of Winter Sniffles?

• Over-the-Counter Medicines- It is important to consult the specialist if the symptoms persist for more than three to four days. Meanwhile, antihistamines can be taken to provide relief to allergic symptoms.

• Steam Inhalation- Inhalation of steam can help to clear the clogged and stuffy nose. Steam should be taken regularly in the morning and evening.

• Nasal Irrigation Treatment- Clean and distilled water is sent through the nostrils to clear out the allergic dust particles.

• Use of Steroid Nasal Sprays- Nasal sprays can be used to reduce inflammation and other clinical symptoms like a runny nose.

• Allergy Shots- The doctor can prescribe allergy shots to reduce the recurrence of allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Winter sniffles are a common finding during the winter season. It is important to differentiate between an allergic response, a common cold, or signs of sinusitis. Once the differentiation is made, the condition should be treated accordingly. It is always advisable to consult a specialist doctor to know what works best for an individual. Prevention is better than cure. Always try to prevent the occurrence of the condition by keeping a clean and healthy environment.