6 Things to Know About Winter Allergies

1. What are the most common winter allergens?

There are several common winter allergens, all revolving around the indoors. They include:

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic arthropods that inhabit household dust and are not visible to the naked eye. They are commonly found in soft furnishings such as bedding, blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. During the winter months, when people spend more time indoors and utilize their bedding more frequently, exposure to dust mites can increase. This heightened exposure can aggravate allergic reactions similar to hay fever, manifesting as symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. In severe cases, dust mite allergies can exacerbate asthma symptoms, including wheezing and difficulty breathing. Effective management of dust mite exposure involves regular cleaning and implementing allergen-reducing strategies to mitigate these symptoms.

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Mold

There are thousands of mold species, all of which require moisture for growth. Molds are prevalent both outdoors and indoors, posing a significant challenge for individuals with mold allergies. During spring, summer, and early fall, outdoor mold spores can trigger allergic reactions. However, in winter, indoor molds can become a more prominent issue. These fungi often thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as basements and bathrooms. While mold growth is most visible when it forms large colonies on dead organic matter, it can also exist in less noticeable quantities within your environment. Importantly, mold is not eradicated by cold weather, so if you experience allergy symptoms that do not align with typical seasonal patterns, indoor mold may be the underlying cause. Regular inspection and maintenance of indoor spaces can help mitigate mold-related allergies.

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Pet and Animal Dander‍

Allergic reactions to pets are often triggered by proteins found in animal skin cells, saliva, and urine. These proteins are present in pet dander, which consists of tiny particles shed from the animal’s body. When pets shed their fur, dander can become dispersed throughout the home, leading to increased allergen exposure. This exposure is further intensified if pets share your living space, such as sleeping in your bed, thereby increasing the concentration of allergens around you.

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Cedar or Juniper trees‍

While tree pollen is not typically associated with winter, certain trees such as Cedar (Ashe Juniper) and other Junipers actually release their pollen during the colder months, causing significant allergic reactions for residents in regions where these trees are prevalent, such as Central Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona. This type of allergy is often referred to as "cedar fever" and is most problematic from December to February, typically beginning shortly after the first winter freeze.

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Cedar fever can be particularly intense and sudden, mimicking flu-like symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and sore throat. However, unlike the flu, which is characterized by a fever, cedar fever does not involve a fever. Effective management of these allergies involves minimizing exposure to cedar pollen and seeking appropriate medical treatment to alleviate symptoms.

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2. Why do I have allergies in winter?

Winter allergies can feel especially severe due to the increased time spent indoors, where allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander thrive. Unlike the spring and fall, when outdoor allergens are more prevalent, winter triggers are predominantly found inside homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces. With windows closed to keep out the cold, there’s little ventilation to help clear out allergens, allowing them to build up and worsen symptoms.

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Central heating systems also play a major role. As heaters run, they can stir up dust and pet dander that have settled on surfaces, circulating them through the air and exacerbating allergic reactions. Heating can also dry out the air, irritating nasal passages and making the body more sensitive to allergens.

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Lastly, mold can become a hidden culprit during the winter. Humidity levels in certain areas of the home, like bathrooms and basements, can remain high, allowing mold to grow. Additionally, holiday decorations that have been stored in damp basements or dusty attics can introduce new allergens when brought into the main living areas, contributing to worsening symptoms during the winter months.

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3. What are winter allergy symptoms?

Winter allergy symptoms can closely resemble those experienced during other times of the year but are often triggered by indoor allergens prevalent in colder months. Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing: Frequent sneezing is a common reaction to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold. It occurs as the body attempts to expel these irritants from the nasal passages.
• Runny or Stuffy Nose: A clear, watery nasal discharge or nasal congestion can result from exposure to allergens. This occurs as the nasal membranes become inflamed and produce excess mucus in response to irritants.
• Itchy or Watery Eyes: Allergens like pet dander and dust mites can cause eye irritation, leading to itching, redness, and tearing. This reaction happens as the body releases histamines in response to allergens.
• Coughing: Persistent coughing can occur as a result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) or from irritation of the respiratory tract due to indoor allergens.
• Throat Irritation: A dry, scratchy, or sore throat can result from exposure to dry air and allergens, particularly when combined with coughing or postnasal drip.
• Fatigue: Chronic exposure to allergens and the body's ongoing immune response can lead to feelings of fatigue and brain fog as the body expends energy fighting off perceived threats.

Recognizing these symptoms and addressing the underlying causes can help manage and alleviate winter allergy discomfort.

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4. What helps with winter allergies?

Managing winter allergies effectively involves several strategies to minimize exposure to indoor allergens and alleviate symptoms:

• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly dust and vacuum your home using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens from carpets and upholstery. Washing bedding and curtains frequently in hot water can also help reduce allergen buildup.
• Use an Air Purifier: Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter to help capture airborne allergens and reduce their presence in your living space, providing cleaner air for easier breathing.
• Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% using a dehumidifier or humidifier as needed. This helps prevent mold growth and dust mite proliferation, both of which can worsen allergy symptoms.
• Ventilate Your Home: Even in winter, try to occasionally ventilate your home by briefly opening windows to allow fresh air circulation and dilute indoor allergens, provided it’s not too cold to do so comfortably.
• Groom Pets Regularly: Regularly bathe and groom pets to reduce the amount of dander they shed, and consider keeping them out of bedrooms to minimize allergen exposure while sleeping.
• Inspect and Clean Heating Systems: Have your central heating system inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent dust and mold from circulating through your home. Changing air filters in your heating system frequently can also help maintain cleaner air.

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5. Winter allergies vs a cold

Distinguishing between winter allergies and a cold can be challenging since they share many symptoms, but there are key differences. Winter allergies, triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold, typically cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and throat irritation, which persist as long as you’re exposed to the allergens. Symptoms of allergies often appear suddenly and can last for weeks or longer, with flare-ups occurring when allergen exposure is high. In contrast, a cold is caused by a viral infection and generally comes on more gradually. 

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Cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes a low-grade fever, with additional symptoms like body aches and fatigue. Colds usually resolve within a week to ten days and often come with a general sense of being unwell, whereas allergy symptoms persist as long as the allergen is present and are less likely to be accompanied by fever or body aches.

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6. How to alleviate winter allergies

Effective management of cold weather allergies involves treatments that address the root cause rather than merely alleviating symptoms. At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, we design advanced therapies that provide long-lasting relief and help you combat your winter allergies more effectively.

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Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy): Allergy shots gradually desensitize your immune system to common allergens such as pollen and pet dander. Administered weekly or bi-weekly in our clinic, these injections work to retrain your immune response, reducing the severity of your allergic reactions over time.

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Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy): Allergy drops offer a convenient alternative to allergy shots. Instead of injections, you place a few drops under your tongue daily. This method also aims to desensitize your immune system to allergens, helping to mitigate allergy symptoms without the need for frequent clinic visits.

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ExACT Immunoplasty: ExACT Immunoplasty is a cutting-edge treatment designed to deliver rapid and effective relief. This innovative approach involves a series of targeted shots into the lymph node, providing a concentrated dose of allergens to quickly desensitize the immune system. This method aims to expedite the process of allergy desensitization, offering a potent solution for severe allergy sufferers.

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We tailor each of these treatments to address your specific needs and provide long-term relief from winter allergies, ensuring you can enjoy the season with greater comfort and fewer disruptions.

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Frequently asked questions about winter allergies

What is “Winter Itch”?

The term "winter itch" refers to the dry, itchy skin many people experience during the colder months, largely due to reduced humidity and increased indoor heating. The lack of moisture in the air can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. To prevent and treat winter itch, it’s crucial to maintain skin hydration. Use moisturizers frequently, especially after bathing, to help lock in moisture. Opt for thick, emollient-rich creams rather than lotions because creams can be more effective in preventing moisture loss. Installing a humidifier in your home can also help maintain an optimal level of humidity, reducing skin dryness. Additionally, taking shorter, lukewarm showers instead of hot ones and avoiding harsh soaps can help prevent further drying of the skin.

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Why do I feel like I have hay fever in winter?

Feeling like you have hay fever in the winter, despite the absence of traditional spring or fall pollen, is often due to indoor allergens that become more problematic during colder months. While hay fever is typically associated with pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, the symptoms — such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy eyes— can be triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Additionally, the onset of cedar pollen can also affect your allergies if you’re in an area where it is prevalent. 

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Who is susceptible to winter allergies?

Winter allergies often affect individuals who are sensitive to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander. People with a history of asthma or atopic dermatitis are particularly susceptible to allergies in the winter, as their immune systems may already be hyperreactive to allergens. Additionally, individuals who spend more time indoors during the colder months — such as those working from home or living in homes with poor ventilation — are at higher risk.

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Why are dust and dander high in the winter?

Dust and pet dander levels tend to rise in the winter because people spend more time indoors, creating an environment where these allergens can accumulate. Homes are often sealed tightly to keep the cold air out, limiting ventilation and causing indoor pollutants to become trapped. Pets may shed more dander in the winter as they spend more time inside, and with windows typically closed, there’s less opportunity for fresh air to dilute indoor allergens. Carpets, upholstery, and bedding can also harbor dust mites, which thrive in warm, humid conditions often created by indoor heating during the winter months.

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Can seasonal allergies make your skin sensitive? 

Yes, seasonal allergies can indeed make your skin more sensitive. When you are exposed to allergens, your immune system releases histamines, which can lead to inflammation and irritation not only in the respiratory tract but also on the skin. This can result in symptoms such as itching, redness, and rashes. Additionally, the body's allergic response can exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, making the skin even more reactive to irritants. During allergy season, increased exposure to pollen and other allergens can cause flare-ups in sensitive individuals, leading to heightened skin sensitivity. Moreover, the dry air often associated with seasonal changes, especially in the spring and fall, can further compromise the skin's barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions. Managing seasonal allergies through medications and avoiding known triggers can help alleviate these skin issues and reduce overall sensitivity.

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Does cold weather make allergies worse?

If you're wondering, "Why do my allergies get worse in the winter?" the answer is simple. Cold weather itself does not directly worsen allergies, but it can create conditions that exacerbate allergy symptoms. During colder months, people tend to stay indoors more, where allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold can accumulate in higher concentrations due to reduced ventilation. Additionally, the dry air produced by heating can irritate the respiratory tract, making individuals more sensitive to allergens. Winter weather also can lead to an increase in indoor activities that stir up dust and mold from stored items or old decorations.

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How long do winter allergies last? 

Winter allergies can often be confused with a cold, resulting in unclear starting and stopping of sickness. However, allergies can last up to a few weeks, typically through the entire season. 

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‍Trust Aspire Allergy & Sinus for Relief From Your Winter Allergies

Now that we've answered the question, "Can you get allergies in winter?" you're ready for the next step. Don’t let another allergy season keep you from enjoying life to the fullest — let us help you find the relief you need. At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, we are dedicated to identifying the root causes of your allergies and providing tailored treatment solutions that offer lasting relief. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward a more comfortable, allergy-free season.