Winter is typically the time when sufferers of seasonal allergies gain relief from allergens such as pollens and ragweed. KeepKidsHealthy.com points out that while these sources of allergy are dormant during the winter months, pet dander, mold and dust mites are not. The cold winter months lead to staying indoors more and running the household heating unit often. This can allow air and particles to recirculate through the home, providing continual exposure to allergens. Symptoms of winter allergies are just like any other seasonal allergy and include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes and/or a sore throat.
Mold
Dr. Michael Stewart, chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, points out that mold allergies may be more of a problem than other seasonal allergies as mold can grow anywhere. Mold exists in warm and damp areas such as basements and bathrooms. Household plants shed leaves that can later decay, causing mold. Seasonal plants, including live Christmas trees, can introduce mold to the home in this same manner or may already have mold on the stems or leaves. Dry, winter air leads to frequent humidifier use. Improper care of the humidifier can allow mold to develop and the spores to be dispersed into the air every time the machine is used. Preventing this type of winter allergy requires removing the source and ensuring the ideal living space for the mold is no longer available. This means keeping household surfaces clean and dry and removing any moldy items as soon as possible.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are found in the home throughout the year. General cleaning is helpful in keeping mites under control. In the winter, however, the house has been closed up for months. This means that the same dust with mites is recirculated throughout the home, especially with the use of a central heating system. Opening storage containers to bring out seasonal decorations or winter clothes can introduce more dust mites into the air, causing allergic reaction. Washing bed linens, drapes and vacuuming often are helpful in ridding the house of dust mites. Changing the household air filter, reducing the use of ceiling fans and prohibiting smoking in the home can also keep dust mites under control, suggests KeepKidsHealthy.com. Using an exhaust fan when cooking or showering might be helpful as well. Like mold, humidity is a preferred condition for thriving for dust mites. Medical News Today recommends using an exhaust fan to help reduce excessive moisture in the air.
Pet Dander
Anyone in your household who already suffers from pet dander allergies can experience an influx in symptoms during the winter months. This is the result of spending more time indoors. Pet dander, like dust, can rest on household surfaces and be recirculated by the household heating system. Ridding the house of dander is more difficult than the steps to remove dust mites, but many of the same techniques are used. Dusting, vacuuming, washing linens that are exposed to the pet and limiting the area of the home where the pet is allowed are just some of the ways to minimize the spread of pet dander.
