The Ultimate Winter Allergies Care Guide

While those of us who suffer from allergies may be experiencing tremendous relief from autumn allergy triggers right about now, this does not mean we’re out of the gate just yet. Winter is just a few weeks away, and our allergies will soon flare up again.

The most common allergens in winter are associated with indoor toxins and pollutants. And sometimes, the biggest dangers lurk inside your home during holiday festivities. The best way to prevent any allergic reactions this season is to be prepared.

Keep reading to learn how to avoid an allergy attack this winter from our board-certified experts at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia.

Winter Allergy Triggers

It’s sometimes hard to distinguish whether or not we suffer from winter allergies, a winter cold, or a viral infection, such as COVID-19 or the flu. Your first thought should be to think if you’ve been exposed to any of these common winter triggers:

Holiday Decorations

Christmas trees and other holiday decorations can cause major allergy issues. While the actual tree doesn’t cause allergies, your tree may become host to mold spores that cause allergic reactions. The tree sap from Christmas trees can also irritate your symptoms.

For those opposed to an artificial tree, it’s essential to dry out the real tree in an enclosed space for at least a week and shake it out well before it’s brought indoors. Be careful with other holiday decorations as well, such as artificial snow spray and real wreaths.

Holiday Food

Regardless of the season, people with food allergies are always on high alert. The holidays can be a particularly troubling time due to a large number of holiday parties and family gatherings.

Most hosts will have food on their menu to suit all dietary preferences and food allergies, but the problem is often caused by cross-contamination — for instance, not washing the knife they cut nuts with before they use it to chop veggies.

Read More: Managing Food Allergies During the Holidays

Mold

When environments become damp, mold can grow. This allergen can be found outdoors and indoors, in places such as window seals, roof tiles, bathroom areas, kitchen areas, and much more.

Part of the problem is turning on a heater that hasn’t been used for the past few months. Furnaces only used during the winter often send dust, mold spores, and insect parts into the air. This debris can get into a person’s nose and trigger an allergic reaction.

Animal & Pet Dander

Did you know that your warm-blooded, furry friends carry dead skin cells called animal dander? That’s right. Your small, fuzzy family members may be adorable, but they can be the reason you’re sneezing so much. You may find you become more allergic to pets in the winter since they are indoors much more than usual.

Indoor Pollutants, Such as Smoke

When the cold months come around, many people build fires both outdoors and indoors. The burning wood found in fires can discharge irritating smoke and other pollutants in the air, causing allergy-prone people to suffer from asthma or allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Dust-mites

Dust-mites may be in more places than you suspect. They can be deep within your mattress, bedding, furniture, and even your carpets. These dusty little creatures can make it hard to breathe with ease.

Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

Follow these tips below to improve the quality of life for everyone indoors this winter:

• Deep clean your house, bedding, clothes, and pets once a week.
• Keep humidity levels in your home below 50 percent — this will help reduce dust levels.
• Take a shower before bed.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom.
• Eat before a holiday party or prepare your own food to eat there.
• Always bring an EpiPen to events.

Read More: Tips To Help You Fight Off Winter Allergies

Winter Allergy Treatment Options

Seeking a diagnosis and treatment for your allergies can help put you at ease, knowing that you haven’t contracted a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

Our highly-qualified team at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia offers comprehensive diagnoses and treatments for a wide variety of allergies, including:

• Animal Allergies
• Food Allergies (Including shellfish, peanuts, lactose, and other common food allergens.)
• Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
• Latex Allergies
• Skin Allergies
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema

Speak to one of our board-certified allergy specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia to see if one of our following treatment options can help improve your symptoms:

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots and allergy drops)
• Biologic treatment options
• Antihistamines
• Nasal sprays

Visit a Board-Certified Atlanta Allergist for Allergy Relief

Don’t let winter allergies ruin your holiday season or the time spent indoors with friends and family. Clean the house regularly, and be mindful of food presented at events and gatherings to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Schedule your same-day or next-day appointment with our board-certified allergists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia via phone at (770) 459-0620 or online through our patient contact form. Our Metro Atlanta allergy & asthma locations offer a no-wait appointment policy for new and existing patients.