Winter allergies can take the joy out of this festive season! Let us provide information about common winter allergens, tips to reduce them in your home, and available management options.
4 Common Winter Allergens
Because you’re spending most of your time indoors due to the cold winter weather, you may be near allergens more often than usual. Simultaneously, indoor allergens have nowhere else to go! Consider these four common winter allergens:
- Dust mites snuggle into bedding like mattresses, fabric couches, and carpets. The best way to eliminate them is by washing your bedding regularly with hot water and vacuuming your couches and carpet.
- Pet dander refers to an allergen (dead skin, urine, sweat, and saliva) shed by a mammal. You can minimize pet dander in your home by vacuuming your home and washing your pet regularly. Read our helpful blog to learn more – How to Manage a Pet Allergy.
- Cockroaches can cause an allergy fit due to their droppings and skin shedding. The best way to combat their presence is by eliminating their source of food and water and implementing pest control measures.
- Mold spores can irritate people who suffer from winter allergies and asthma. Damp environments (or the weather!) can increase mold growth. To stop mold spores from thriving, fix leaks and use dehumidifiers.
Tips to Reduce Winter Allergens in Your Home
Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce winter allergens in your home, giving your immune system a much-needed break. Consider implementing some or all of these tips:
- Fix leaks in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Keep your pets out of your bedroom.
- Replace your carpet with hardwood or LVP flooring if possible.
- Run a dehumidifier to decrease moisture in the area in problem areas.
- Seal openings, gaps, or cracks near doors, walls, and windows.
- Use special casing on your mattresses and pillows.
- Vacuum your carpets and sweep your floors daily.
- Wash your bedding and remove furniture cases with hot soapy water weekly.
- Wipe your kitchen counters and appliances after each meal.
How to Manage Your Winter Allergy Symptoms
In addition to the above tips, you can help your immune system directly by taking allergy medicine and/or using nasal sprays as directed by Dr. Brauer. Or, for more long-term relief, you can take advantage of the benefits of immunotherapy. This treatment option can teach your immune system to stop overreacting to the winter allergen.