Winter Allergies Getting the Best of You?

When you think of allergens, the first thing you probably think of is spring.  The flowers are blooming, the grass is growing, and many people are suffering.  The problem is that just because spring has come and gone, it doesn’t mean your allergies have too.  For many people, winter allergies can be just as annoying, or worse. 

Many people don’t worry about allergies during the winter.  Since the plants are all dormant, it’s true that you don’t have to worry about most outdoor allergens, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.  As you spend more time indoors, avoiding the cold, you’re also exposing yourself to more indoor allergies. 

The most common indoor allergy is dust.  While people aren’t actually allergic to the dust, many are allergic to the tiny organisms, mold, and other disgusting things living inside the dust.  If you or a family is allergic to dust mites, you should take care to dust and vacuum regularly.  Be sure to use a product that picks up particles rather than just spreading them around.   You may also try products that help keep you from dusting as often. 

While many people with dust allergies dust almost compulsively, they often find themselves still having allergy issues.  Many times, this is due to allergens that have worked their way into pillows and other bedding.  Be sure to wash your sheets and blankets regularly, along with using hypoallergenic covers on mattresses and pillows.

Another common winter allergy is pet dander.  While it may be great to have your best friend sharing your bed, this is the worst thing you can do for your allergies.  It’s best to limit your exposure to dander, especially at night, by making your bedroom off limits to pets.

Everyone knows the common symptoms or allergies:  itchy watery eyes, rashes, sneezing, headaches, runny nose, and a whole other host of symptoms.  But you may have an unknown allergy bringing you down during the winter. 

If you find yourself getting a lot of colds and other illnesses, the culprit may actually be allergies.  Allergies cause many people to produce excess mucus, which creates a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.  They stick around, making you get sick over and over again.  The good news is that by treating your allergies, you will find yourself getting sick less often.

   

If you do have allergies, asthma may also be a concern with you.  Many asthma sufferers will start to feel better during the summer and fall, but symptoms can resurface due to wintertime allergies.  Asthma can also be triggered by the flu and colds that come with allergy symptoms.  If is important to anticipate problems and treat your allergies as well as your asthma to avoid serious attacks.

While you can buy all kind of over-the-counter allergy medications and remedies, your first stop should be at your doctor’s office.  They can do allergy testing to make sure your issue is allergies and not another problem.  They can also determine what exactly you’re allergic to so your allergies can be avoided and properly treated.