Do your allergies get worse during the winter months? For many people in Atlanta and beyond, winter can be a difficult time due to the effects of many types of allergies. But it’s not just the impact of allergens you need to worry about, with chilly weather and time indoors helping to spread colds. If you want to control your symptoms over the coming months, a good start is to understand the cause of winter allergies.
What Are the Main Causes of Winter Allergies?
There is no single cause of winter allergies, but many problems are exacerbated by the amount of time spent indoors. Most people retreat indoors as temperatures fall, and this naturally exposes them to a range of allergens. It can be helpful to examine whether you have a lot of exposure to some of the following allergens.
Dust
Even if you clean frequently, you won’t get rid of all dust and dust mites in your home. Dust is a common cause of allergies and can result in sinus problems.
Mold
Mold can be found in damp areas like a bathroom or basement. During winter, you may find that mold spores increase your allergy symptoms.
Pet Dander
Skin cells and other materials shed from a pet can become airborne and travel throughout the house. If you spend a lot of time at home, you can experience allergic symptoms.
Pollen
While pollen is not normally associated with winter, in warmer places like Georgia winter can still cause problems with pollen allergies for some people.
Clothing
Warm fabrics like wool may lead to skin rashes or hives. Additionally, chemicals in soaps, laundry detergents, dryer sheets and fabric treatments can cause allergic reactions.
Why Does Cold Weather Cause Sinus Issues?
Cold weather can cause ear, nose and throat (ENT) issues, but the temperature is not usually the main problem. Winter sees the spread of many viruses that may lead to infections in the sinuses, throat and ears. For allergy sufferers, being close to allergens for long periods causes sinus inflammation and subsequent ENT problems. If your symptoms clear within around 10 days, you probably had a cold or viral infection. When symptoms extend for longer periods, this can indicate allergy issues.
Effective Treatments for Winter Allergies
If you are dealing with winter allergies, it can help to get professional allergy testing. With the right diagnosis you can receive effective ENT treatment options that improve your condition. In many cases, over-the-counter remedies can relieve mild symptoms such as sinusitis and help make the issue more tolerable. If you suspect you are dealing with a mold problem, examining mold-prone areas and cleaning your air conditioning unit (for example) may bring improvement. However, if problems persist, allergy shots or oral immunotherapy might be your best option.
Get Professional Treatment for Winter Allergies
If you are suffering from any type of allergy, contact Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for help. We have allergy treatment center locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek, and provide our patients with first-class treatment. For an appointment, call (678) 668-4688 or request help now.