Winter

If you have indoor allergies — such as mold and dust mites — spending more time indoors over the winter months may upset your allergy symptoms.

Causes

Some common indoor allergy triggers are:

  • Dust mites. These microscopic bugs show in mattresses and bedding. They can cause allergy symptoms when their feces and leftovers become airborne.
  • Mold. This fungus blooms in moist, steamy areas such as bathrooms. They can trigger allergy symptoms when mold spores get into the air.
  • Animals. Furthermost people are not allergic to animal fur, nevertheless quite to a protein found in the pet dander, saliva, and urine.

Symptoms

Allergy symptoms caused by dust, pollen, or mold consist of:

  • Coughing.
  • Dark circles under the eyes.
  • Itchy eyes and nose.
  • Runny nose.
  • Sneezing.
  • Watery eyes

Diagnosis

If your symptoms precede more than a week, see your doctor. He may state you to an allergist who will inquire about your health history and symptoms.

The allergist may do a skin test where he scrapes your skin with a tiny bit of an allergen or injects it just underneath your skin. You’re allergic if the area turns red and itchy.

There’s as well a blood test for allergies diagnosis.

Treatments

Treatments for winter allergies comprise:

  • Antihistamines - sneezing, sniffing, and itching reduction.
  • Decongestants - mucus clearance for congestion and swelling relief.
  • Allergy shots uncover your body to slowly increasing allergen doses. They can lessen your symptoms for an extended time period than allergy drugs.

Prevention

Here are guidelines for allergy symptoms control:

  • Fling out shower curtains, carpeting that have mold. With a solution having 5% bleach and a little detergent rinse showers and sinks.
  • To aid regulate dust mites and mold, use a dehumidifier in your home to keep the humidity below 50%.
  • Use a HEPA air filter to clean dust from the air.
  • Rinse sheet in hot water (130 F) each week. Use allergy-proof shields on beds, cushions, and comforts.