Allergy sufferers may associate spring and summer as the worst seasons. However, allergies can occur year-round as allergies can also happen during the winter months. You may begin to have reactions to indoor irritants, since you tend to be outdoors less. Allergy symptoms can also be exacerbated if you get a cold or the flu. When you recognize the signs, see your physician to discuss treatment options to help manage your condition.
Common Symptoms
Common allergy symptoms are similar to cold symptoms. They include a runny or stuffy nose, scratchy throat, dry itchy skin and your eyes may be watery and itchy. An allergic reaction causes symptoms to occur immediately after exposure, whereas cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. In addition, colds will usually get better within a few days to a week. In contrast allergy symptoms will continue as long as you are exposed to the irritant.
Additional Symptoms
Common irritants that set off winter allergies include dust mites, mold, mildew and pets. When exposed to these substances you may begin to sneeze, cough or wheeze. In severe cases you may have an attack that resembles asthma. The University of California Berkeley states that with an allergy, you may have a thin, watery mucus discharge versus a colored discharge that occurs with a cold. Another clue is that when you have a cold you may develop a fever. However, a fever is rare with an allergy.
Other Symptoms
According to the Allergy Associates of Utah, you may have a winter allergy if you have cold symptoms that linger for more then 10 days. During this period you may feel fatigued or experience sinus and nasal congestion. In addition, colds tend to cause all-over body aches, allergies do not. The Allergy Associates of Utah claim that "if you have three or more sinus infections, ear infections or upper respiratory infections per year, you should be checked for allergies."
