Why your indoor allergies may get worse in winter

Those of us with allergies are used to it A particularly cruel spring, followed by months of persistent feverish symptoms. But now that the temperatures are finally dropping, we’re going to have sunny skies for the rest of the year, right? Well, not exactly.

Outdoor seasonal allergies may be over for people who live in most of the country, but winter is typically the worst time of year for indoor allergens like dust, pet dander and mold. Our first instinct may be to dismiss any sniffling, sneezing or coughing as a winter cold, but that’s not always the case. It’s time to get serious about winter allergies: Start here.

What are some winter allergies?

The term “winter allergies” actually refers to indoor allergies, which are present year-round. That said, indoor allergies tend to be more problematic and noticeable in the winter.according to American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), for the following reasons:

• We generally spend more time at home and indoors

• Colder weather means we’re more likely to keep our doors and windows closed: This protects against the cold while also sealing allergens inside our bodies

• Forced air heating recirculates indoor air and any allergens it contains

• Forced air heating may also kick up dust that accumulates on walls, woodwork, cabinet tops, and other hard and soft surfaces that are not cleaned regularly

Also, as from Allergy and Asthma Network (AAN) notes that unlike steam heating, which is common in older homes and apartments, forced-air heating can worsen allergy symptoms by reducing the humidity of indoor air. On top of that, air dries out our nasal mucosa, causing it to break down, become sore, and make us more susceptible to secondary infections.

If that’s not enough, the more we are exposed to indoor allergens, the more severe our symptoms may become, According to AAN. As we spend more time indoors breathing dry, recirculated, allergen-laden air, our bodies recognize allergens like dust and hazards as invaders, prompting our immune systems to attack them. This exaggerated response to an invader may involve an increase in mucus secretion, for example.

Some of the most common indoor allergens include:

• dust

• Dust mites (tiny spiders that feed on and live in dust; technically we are allergic to dust mites) combination their waste particles and corpse fragments)

• Mold

• pet dander

• Cockroaches (technically, a combination of their droppings and the carapace of their dead)

• Dander, feces, urine and parasites brought in by rodents fleeing cold weather

What are the symptoms of winter allergies?

Winter allergies can bring about the same symptoms as outdoor seasonal allergies, and they can appear in various combinations that vary from person to person. These symptoms include:

• sneeze

• Eyes watery and itchy

• runny nose

• nasal congestion

• cough

• postnasal drip

• Sore or itchy throat

• Rash or dry, itchy skin

• Headache

• sleep disruption

• Wheezing and shortness of breath (in people with allergic asthma)

How to get rid of winter allergies?

While you can’t simply stop being allergic to something, there are several ways to manage winter allergies. These include:

• keep it clean: Don’t wait until spring.start with one Deep Cleaning Remove any build-up of dust, dander, mold, and other allergens, then clean, dust, and vacuum regularly.

• Use an air purifier:exist this postLifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki explains what to look for when buying an air purifier to help relieve allergy symptoms

• Change your HVAC filter often: replace Use a filter with a MERV rating of 13 or higher

• Minimize pet dander: if you have cat, puppyor other furry pets, do what you can to reduce the spread of dander, depending on what works best for your breed. This may mean bathing them more often, bathing them less often, and/or brushing them outside.

If you’ve done the best you can at home and you’re still having problems with your winter allergy symptoms, especially if you also have asthma or if you suspect your symptoms have progressed to sinusitis or other secondary infections, contact your doctor.