• Allergies

How to Stop Winter Allergies

Medically reviewed and edited by Jessica Davis, FNP-BC

Contrary to popular belief, seasonal allergies don’t just occur during the spring and summer.

As winter sets in and the temperatures begin to drop, many people may experience a flare-up of allergy symptoms caused by various factors.

Winter allergies are slightly different from other seasonal allergies, but can still significantly impact daily life with uncomfortable symptoms.

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What are Allergies?

Allergies occur when the body mistakenly identifies a substance — like pollen, pet dander, mold, or certain foods — as harmful.

This triggers an immune response where the body produces antibodies for protection.

These antibodies are called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), and they attach to cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream. It’s these chemicals that cause the symptoms of allergies to appear.

Common symptoms of allergies

The severity of the symptoms of allergies can vary, depending on the type of allergen and the individual’s immune response. Common symptoms may include:

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Itchy and watery eyes

• Coughing and wheezing

• Hives, red patches, or other forms of skin irritation

In some cases, you may also experience digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Some people may also develop anaphylaxis — but this is a rare response to seasonal allergies. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction that can affect your breathing and send the body into shock.

Individuals who suspect that they have anaphylaxis should seek emergency medical care right away to prevent serious complications.

Are Allergies Seasonal?

Many allergic reactions are seasonal in nature, varying based on the specific allergen and individual sensitivities.

The most common seasonal allergy is hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which tends to flare up during spring and summer when plants release more pollen.

Common winter allergens

Some people may experience allergies during the winter months. These are primarily caused by indoor allergens in spaces like your home or office.

Common winter allergens often arise due to temperature shifts, like indoor heating, and increased time spent indoors. These allergens may include:

• Dust mites

• Pet dander

• Mold

Winter allergy symptoms are similar to those of other allergic responses and their severity typically depends on individual sensitivities.

Treatment Options for Winter Allergies

Winter allergies are highly treatable, with various options available to alleviate discomfort.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

OTC medications are usually the first-line treatment for most mild to moderate cases of allergies. This may involve using one or a combination of the following:

• Oral antihistamines

• Decongestants

• Nasal sprays

These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms and reduce any discomfort. They can also be effective in minimizing inflammation that can worsen your symptoms.

Prescription medication

If you experience frequent, severe or chronic allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend prescription medications. These may include:

• Antihistamines with a higher dosage

• Nasal sprays that contain more potent corticosteroids

• Leukotriene modifiers

Your doctor may adjust your dosage depending on your reaction to these medications.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy — or allergy shots — is a long-term treatment approach that gradually reduces your sensitivity to allergens. It involves regular injections of increasing allergen doses over several years.

This treatment is beneficial for those who don’t respond well to medications or have severe symptoms.

Alternative therapies

Some people may find symptomatic relief from winter allergies with alternative remedies, like:

• Nasal irrigation: Using a saline solution to flush out the nasal passages can help alleviate congestion and irritation.

• Herbal remedies: Certain herbs and supplements are believed to help with allergy symptoms, but their effectiveness and safety vary.

Keep in mind that these remedies are typically used alongside medications and you should consult your doctor if you’re considering any of them.

How Can You Avoid Allergies in the Winter?

Maintain a clean environment

A key strategy in combating winter allergies is keeping your indoor environment as clean as possible.

This involves regular cleaning — including dusting and vacuuming to remove allergens from your spaces.

Minimizing clutter is essential, as your home can become a breeding ground for dust and allergens.

Other strategies involve using allergen-proof covers on your mattresses and pillows and giving your bedding a weekly wash in hot water.

This can significantly reduce dust mite populations and other common winter allergens.

Control indoor humidity and air quality

6The humidity level in your home impacts the number of allergens in the air — especially when it comes to a mold or dust mite allergy.

Using dehumidifiers to maintain indoor humidity levels can inhibit the growth of these allergens and remove them from your spaces.

Proper ventilation — particularly in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms — is also essential to prevent mold accumulation.

You can also use air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap airborne allergens.

Regularly changing the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems is crucial to ensure the effective removal of allergens from the air, especially if you rely on these systems.

Prevent mold

Mold prevention is another critical aspect of managing winter allergies. This involves quickly addressing leaks and dampness in your home to eliminate mold breeding grounds.

Regularly cleaning areas prone to mold growth — such as bathrooms and basements — is also essential. You can use mold-killing cleaning products to help.

Lifestyle adjustments

Incorporating personal care habits, such as showering before bedtime, can help remove allergens from your body, reducing night-time symptoms.

Wearing a dust mask while cleaning can also help you avoid inhaling dust and other allergens that may trigger symptoms.

Can Winter Allergies Be Prevented?

Preventing winter allergies largely involves minimizing exposure to the allergens that are more prevalent during the colder months.

While complete prevention might not be possible, implementing the strategies mentioned in the previous section can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

You can also consult your doctor for recommendations on specific adjustments you can make to safeguard yourself from allergies during the winter.

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Allergies?

Allergies are usually mild and won’t typically require professional medical care. However, there are some cases where it might be a good idea to consult your doctor, including:

• Experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms that don’t improve with treatment

• Struggling with sleeping or breathing difficulties due to nasal congestion

• If your allergies are interfering with your daily life

• Getting frequent headaches or sinus pain

It’s also recommended to seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• Chest tightness

• Wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

These symptoms may indicate a more severe condition like asthma which requires professional care.

Where Can You Learn More About Seasonal Allergies?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about treating winter allergies, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on managing your allergies this winter, and beyond.

Make an appointment today to get started.

Jessica Davis, FNP-BC

Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UMASS and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of San Diego. Jessica is a happily married mom to a 4-year-old girl — and is passionate about animal rescue, travel, cooking, and outdoor life. She’s also a lover of exercise including half marathons, Lagree pilates, and Barry’s Bootcamp.

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