Winter Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

What is winter allergy?

Winter allergies are allergic reactions that occur during colder months, primarily because increased time spent indoors leads to greater exposure to concentrated indoor allergens like dust mites, mould, or pet dander. Unlike typical seasonal allergies caused by outdoor pollen, winter allergies are triggered by these indoor irritants, which thrive in poorly ventilated or humid, heated environments, leading to familiar symptoms like itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing [1].

Common Causes of Winter Allergies

Winter allergies are predominantly triggered by concentrated indoor allergens and accompanying lifestyle factors, as people spend more time indoors during colder months. Let’s explore these causes in more detail.

1. Indoor Allergens

• Dust mites: Microscopic creatures thriving in warm, humid environments, especially in bedding and carpets [2].
• Pet dander: Skin flakes and cells from pets become airborne, and their concentration rises when pets also spend more time indoors [3].
• Mould: Fungi growing in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and around leaky pipes.
• Cockroaches: Faeces and shells left behind can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals [4].
• Rodents: Urine, faeces, and saliva from rodents seeking shelter indoors, particularly during cold weather.

2. Outdoor Triggers

• Mould and mildew: Less common, but can still trigger symptoms in warmer climates or when spores enter a home and settle in a damp environment.
• Tree pollen: In some areas, early-blooming tree pollen can be a factor in late winter/early spring [5].

3. Seasonal Behavioral and Environmental Factors

• Closed Environment: Increased indoor time with closed windows and reliance on forced-air heating significantly increases exposure to existing indoor allergens [1].
• Humidity and Air Quality: Reduced fresh air circulation and improper humidity levels (often too high, favoring mould and dust mites) create an ideal breeding ground for allergens.
• Pet Exposure: Pets spending more time indoors directly increases the concentration of pet dander in living spaces.

Symptoms of Winter Allergies

Common allergic symptoms include:

• Nasal & Throat: Persistent sneezing, a clear, runny or stuffy nose (congestion), post-nasal drip, and an itchy throat or ears.
• Ocular: Itchy, red, or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis).
• Respiratory: Dry, persistent coughing; Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness in cases where the allergy triggers or exacerbates existing asthma.
• Skin & General: Skin rash (urticaria or eczema) may occur.

Note: Allergies rarely cause a fever or general body aches, which helps distinguish them from a cold or flu (This is a key differential point) [1].

Preventive Measures for Winter Allergies

Your winter allergy symptoms can often be managed or prevented through effective environmental control. Let’s go through a few measures you can take:

• Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in your vacuum cleaner and air purifiers to trap dust and allergen particles.
• Regularly clean carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture, and wash bedding including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) weekly to kill dust mites [2].
• Maintain humidity levels below 50% using a dehumidifier to prevent mould and dust mite growth [2].
• Seal cracks and openings in the home exterior and foundation to keep cockroaches and outdoor allergens from entering your home.
• Restrict pet access to bedrooms and living areas, and bathe them regularly to minimize dander shedding [3].
• Use allergy-proof or impermeable covers on mattresses, pillows, and comforters to minimise dust mite exposure.
• Clean damp or potentially moldy surfaces like bathroom tiles and basement walls with a mild detergent or a solution of water and vinegar. Avoid using bleach solutions, as they are often less effective on porous surfaces and can release harmful fumes.
• Use nasal rinses, such as a neti pot or saline spray, to physically clear allergens and mucus from your nasal passages.

Note on Facts and Figures: To enhance E-E-A-T, consider adding a specific fact here, such as: “Washing bedding at temperatures above 130°F (54°C) is necessary to effectively kill dust mites, a primary indoor allergen” [2].

Treatment Options for Winter Allergies

While preventive measures are crucial for management, over-the-counter and prescription treatments can provide relief from symptoms. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

• Antihistamines: These can help block histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction, reducing sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
• Decongestants: Available as oral tablets or nasal sprays, these help relieve nasal stuffiness.
• Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays: These are often the most effective type of treatment for controlling chronic allergy symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: For persistent or severe allergies, a doctor may recommend allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or sublingual tablets (sublingual immunotherapy) for long-term relief [1].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional (MD/DO) with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I get an allergy in winter?

You get allergies in winter due to increased exposure to a higher concentration of indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, mould, and rodents, which thrive in warmer, more humid indoor environments often created by closed windows and heating systems [4].

How do you manage winter allergies?

To manage winter allergies, the most effective approach is a combination of avoiding allergens (using HEPA filters, controlling humidity, washing bedding hot) and using appropriate medications like antihistamines and decongestants, as directed by a healthcare provider. Immunotherapy is also an option for long-term relief [1].

How to deal with seasonal allergies?

Deal with seasonal allergies by identifying and avoiding triggers, using HEPA air filters, washing bedding in hot water, and employing dehumidifiers to control humidity. Medications like antihistamines and decongestants can also provide relief for symptom management.

Which tablet is best for an allergic cold?

A qualified healthcare professional is best suited to determine the most effective treatment for you. For an allergic cold, over-the-counter antihistamine tablets such as a non-drowsy second-generation antihistamine (e.g., loratadine or cetirizine) are often recommended initially in reducing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose [1].

What is the best medicine for my winter allergy?

The best medicines for winter allergies vary by individual and severity. Options include antihistamines, decongestants, and prescription nasal sprays. Immunotherapy is available for long-term relief. Consult a doctor (MD/DO) for a proper diagnosis and the most suitable treatment plan.

How do you cure a dust allergy permanently?

There is no permanent “cure” for dust allergy, but you can manage it very effectively by using HEPA filters, washing bedding in hot water, using allergy-proof covers, and maintaining low humidity levels in your home to control the dust mite population [2].

References

[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). (2022, November 17). Do you have the winter sniffles? 5 ways you can manage indoor winter allergies. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/news/do-you-have-the-winter-sniffles-5-ways-you-can-manage-indoor-winter-allergies/

[2] Pomés, A., Chapman, M. D., & Wünschmann, S. (2016). Indoor allergens and allergic respiratory disease. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 16(6), Article 43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-016-0622-9

[3] Bergmann, K.-C., Berger, M., Klimek, L., Pfaar, O., Werchan, B., Werchan, M., & Zuberbier, T. (2021). Nonpharmacological measures to prevent allergic symptoms in pollen allergy: A critical review. Allergologie Select, 5(01), 349–360. https://doi.org/10.5414/ALX02294E

[4] D’Amato, G., Murrieta-Aguttes, M., D’Amato, M., & Ansotegui, I. J. (2023). Pollen respiratory allergy: Is it really seasonal? World Allergy Organization Journal, 16(7), Article 100799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100799