Winter Allergies: The Allergies You Didn’t Know You Could Have

Seasonal allergies don’t just happen in fall and spring. In fact, you can end up dealing with allergy symptoms during wintertime. If you’ve been sneezing or experiencing other symptoms of winter allergies, it’s important to learn more about this condition. Keep in mind that treatment is available when you need allergy relief.

Common Winter Allergens

What kinds of allergens are around during winter? At this time of year, you’re most likely spending more of your time inside. This means you’re exposed to common indoor allergens that can trigger adverse reactions. Some common winter allergens that might affect you include the following:

• Dust, including airborne dust and dust mites on surfaces around your home

• Dander from pets, such as dogs and cats

• Mold and mildew in bathrooms or other humid areas of your home

Causes of Winter Allergies

When you have allergic reactions during winter, this means your body regards allergens as harmful particles or pathogens. When you breathe in dust, mold, or pet dander, your immune system targets these particles for destruction. Your immune system does this in order to protect you from illness. This immune system response involves releasing histamines, which trigger allergy symptoms. (Read “It’s Not Just You: Seasonal Allergies Are Worse Than Ever — Here’s What You Can Do”) 

Allergy Symptoms in Winter

What kinds of symptoms do you have with winter allergies? When you’re exposed to these allergens, you might have any of the following symptoms:

• Itchy eyes, ears, or throat

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Sneezing

• Dry cough or a cough with phlegm

• Trouble breathing due to nasal congestion

• Low-grade fever

• Rash

How can you tell if you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, especially during flu and cold season? While symptoms of allergies are similar to cold symptoms, there are some differences. Allergy symptoms can last for many days or even months, while cold symptoms usually only last for a couple of weeks. Allergy symptoms also usually show up soon after you’re exposed to allergens. These symptoms usually don’t produce body aches, a higher fever, or a sore throat, which are common cold and flu symptoms.

Winter Allergy Treatment

What can you do if you winter allergies are affecting your day-to-day life? If you need relief from these symptoms, there are treatments and self-care measures available. You can try taking over-the-counter medication for allergies to relieve some of your symptoms. Keep in mind that these medications only provide short-term relief. You might also be able to reduce allergy symptoms by using nasal irrigation treatment to clear congestion.

If you need stronger treatments, prescription medications are available, such as nasal sprays. You might also look into getting allergy shots, which help your body adjust to allergens instead of trying to fight them. Allergy shots can help reduce winter allergy symptoms on a more long-term basis.

Whether you or a family member are suffering from allergies and avoiding the outdoors, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider. Access world-class virtual care via Carbon Health app or by visiting carbonhealth.com.