How to Prevent Seasonal Allergies from Ruining Your Winter

Winter sniffles are pretty common for individuals with sensitive sinuses and for those suffering from seasonal allergies.

If left to their own devices, seasonal allergies and winter sniffles can quickly impact your mood and ruin what is supposed to be a festive and fun winter season.

‍

Seasonal Allergies During Winter

Winter allergies are common, and you may find yourself surrounded by people sniffling their way through the day.

While pollen is the most common source of springtime allergy, the winter season finds flowers and plants dormant and a new type of sniffle trigger makes itself known: indoor allergens.

As outdoor air gets colder and harsher during the winter season, many people find refuge and warmth indoors. This results in increased exposure to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. The more time people spend indoors, the more at risk they are of exacerbated allergy symptoms due to these indoor allergens.

Preventing Winter Allergies

Limit allergic reactions this winter season with these tips:

Maintain a clean home

Indoor allergens are the prevalent cause of winter allergies so you will want to keep your home clean. As you spend more time at home, of course, you will want to be in a clean environment.

Regularly vacuum around your home–including floors, carpets, and furniture. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is your best choice. Dust around your home with a damp cloth instead of something dry. This will prevent stirring up dust that can trigger your allergies.

Additionally, regularly wash and change your bed sheets to ensure you sleep somewhere clean every night. Remember to use a protective face mask whenever you’re cleaning your home to minimize your exposure to allergens.

Ensure proper ventilation

As you spend more time indoors, you need to make sure your home gets proper ventilation. This regulates proper humidity levels, preventing mold and dust mite growth–two common indoor allergens.

You might also want to consider running an indoor dehumidifier to help reduce moisture in indoor air.

Well-kept pets are healthy pets

If you have pets, they are more likely to spend more time with you indoors as well come wintertime. Pet dander is a common allergy trigger during winter seasons. If you can’t keep them outside due to the cold, make sure they are well-kept instead. Brush them regularly outside to reduce dander in your home’s furniture and air.

Treating Winter Allergies

Here’s how you can treat winter allergies if you find them bothering your sinuses:

Allergy medications

When allergies strike, medications can help manage the symptoms and nip them in the bud. Antihistamines help reduce inflammation and manage allergy symptoms while decongestants aid in breaking down mucus to get rid of nasal congestion. Allergies can be painful and uncomfortable and pain relievers can help manage that.

Nasal irrigation and nasal sprays

Nasal irrigation with saline nasal sprays or a neti pot sends clean, distilled water through the nasal passages. This breaks down mucus buildup and gets rid of congestion. They also moisturize dry and irritated sinuses.

Allergy shots and drops

Allergy shots and drops are immunotherapy treatment options for allergies. They work best for severe and chronic allergies. By introducing very small amounts of your allergens to your body, you can start building up an immunity to them, resulting in less severe allergic reactions.

Consult with an allergy specialist

Allergies can quickly impact one’s quality of life. A combination of symptoms like runny nose, frequent sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, headaches, and fatigue can render you unable to perform simple everyday tasks.

If your allergy symptoms seem to be getting worse or if your allergy medication stopped working, consulting with an allergy specialist at Capitol Breathe Free might be in your best interest. Get in touch with our team of experts today and find relief from annoying winter allergies!

‍