Many people are convinced that allergies are worst during the spring and summer months; however, they can also occur in winter. As people tend to spend more time indoors at this time of year, people who are allergic to dust, mold, and animals have great difficulty coping with and controlling symptoms. The best way to manage winter allergies is to minimize allergen exposure and take medications to treat persistent symptoms as needed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Managing Indoor Allergies
Step 1. Minimize exposure to dust and its mites
Both are typical allergens of closed spaces; therefore, when winter arrives (and you spend less time outdoors) the symptoms can worsen. The best way to combat them is first of all to prevent (or minimize) exposure to these substances. Here are some methods:
- Buy a HEPA filter that purifies the air of dust and thus reduces allergy symptoms;
- Wash the sheets at least once a week in very hot water, to avoid the accumulation of dust and mites;
- Wrap the mattress and pillow with an anti-allergic cover, always with the aim of reducing the accumulation of dust and related mites;
- Vacuum rugs and carpets in your home at least twice a week and regularly clean all surfaces where dust accumulates. To proceed, you can use a damp paper towel or sponge - if you use the duvet, all you do is stir up the dust which then settles back.
Step 2. Eliminate mold throughout the house
This is another common allergen that can aggravate symptoms during the winter months (due to its presence indoors). Mold grows in humid spaces, such as in areas where there is water leaking from pipes or the roof, in the shower or bathroom, and wherever there is moisture. Among the strategies to reduce exposure consider:
- Throw away the shower curtain, rugs, or other household items that have grown mold on them. If you see it on some element, the best thing to do is get rid of it; the longer it stays in the house, the more likely it is that the spores will circulate in the air and aggravate the symptoms;
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the room to less than 50%; since mold develops mainly where there is a lot of humidity, the appliance prevents it from growing.
Step 3. Make sure the pet is thoroughly cleaned
In winter, animals, as well as people, spend a lot of time indoors and if you are allergic to cats or dogs, you may find that the symptoms worsen in the cold months. If you have a severe allergy, you should choose a hairless animal, such as a fish or a lizard; if you only have a mild allergy and are trying to manage it better, you can consider the following options:
- Wash your pet at least once a week; this is because, unlike popular belief, the most common allergen is not hair, but dandruff (ie dead skin cells that spontaneously detach from the body). For this reason, bathing him reduces the quantity and limits the allergic symptoms;
- Keep the animal out of the bedroom. Since you spend a lot of time in your room every night, in addition to the fact that there is often carpet in the room, leaving the pet outside prevents dandruff from accumulating in the environment, thus relieving allergic symptoms.
Step 4. Plan vacations
When the holiday season approaches, there are some additional steps you can take to better manage allergies and avoid losing control; among these it evaluates:
- Get a synthetic Christmas tree, as real ones can potentially develop mold; in addition, some people are allergic to their perfume as well.
- If you choose a real tree, wash it thoroughly in the garden using water before bringing it indoors and decorating it.
- If during the holidays you visit relatives who have an animal (and you are allergic), schedule the meeting appropriately, asking to stay in a room as far away from the animal as possible and remember to bring the medicines with you. antiallergic, if necessary.
- Be aware of the rebound effect that can occur if you don't spend the holidays with your pet. Some people, after spending several days away from their pet, on returning home find that their allergy has worsened; this is due to the reduced tolerance of the immune system that results from the lack of exposure.
- Keep in mind that stress can also trigger allergic symptoms, such as hives or asthma. Try to stay as relaxed as possible during the holidays and take steps to lighten your workload during these days (for example, prepare some dishes in advance for the big Christmas lunch).
Step 5. Know that outdoor rhinorrhea is not caused by allergy
Some people confuse mucus coming out of the nose when outdoors in winter with an allergic reaction, while the two are not actually linked. Cold rhinorrhea is a physiological vasomotor response and is associated with changes in temperature, humidity, windy weather, strong odors or smoke.
Method 2 of 3: Lifestyle Strategies and Natural Remedies
Step 1. Improve your nutrition
Naturopaths recommend eating a healthy diet as a way to reduce allergy symptoms. In particular, it is recommended to eat low fat and many complex carbohydrates (those with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains). Among the dietary tips to better manage winter allergies consider:
- Eat lots of vegetables (especially dark green leafy ones, carrots, beets, kale, and sweet potatoes), low-glycemic carbohydrates (such as quinoa and whole grains), and spices (garlic, ginger, cayenne, and horseradish)
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, red meat, sugar and wheat as much as possible;
- Maintain good hydration. In addition to following a healthy diet, it is important to drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water every day, but even more if you exercise regularly (to compensate for the fluids you lose by sweating).
Step 2. Get plenty of rest
It has been found that rest is able to effectively strengthen the immune defenses, as well as reduce the unnecessary stressful response related to allergies; the more you rest well, the more you can keep allergies under control. While not a guaranteed "cure" for winter allergies, it is still a step in the right direction and some naturopaths believe it is the first area to make changes.
Step 3. Talk to an alternative medicine practitioner
If you prefer natural remedies to those of traditional medicine, this is an excellent opportunity to make an appointment with a naturopath, acupuncturist or other professional who deals with alternative medicine, who can offer you more information and indicate specific strategies for manage the winter allergies that plague you.
Method 3 of 3: Medical Treatments
Step 1. Try antihistamines
These medications help reduce sneezing, the need to blow your nose, and the itchiness that comes with winter allergies. you can buy them for free sale at pharmacies and parapharmacies. Among the best known brands are Zirtec (cetirizine), Clarityn (loratadine), Telfast (fexofenadine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine); stick to the dosage described on the leaflet.
Keep in mind that many antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can have a sedative effect and slow reflexes; you should opt for those that do not make you drowsy, for example Clarityn, Zirtec or Telfast
Step 2. Take a decongestant
If you can't manage nasal symptoms (such as runny nose and constant congestion), you can try this type of medicine. Look for over-the-counter products based on phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine and follow the directions in the leaflet regarding the dosage.
If you experience symptoms of congestion due to winter allergies, the best treatment is a decongestant tablet
Step 3. Use a nasal spray
Typically, this drug works faster than tablets; you can get a prescription spray to treat congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat. You can opt for a salt spray, which is safer for daily use and can be used by both children and adults; alternatively, take spray antihistamines, corticosteroids, or spray decongestants.
- In the pharmacy you can find spray antihistamines such as azelastine (Rinazina) and olopatadine (Opatanol eye drops); they are effective but can cause drowsiness.
- Corticosteroids sprays are free for sale or by prescription and among these some of the most popular brands are Flixotide (fluticasone propionate) and Elocon (mometasone); they work by reducing swelling and are suitable for extended use - you can start taking them early in the season, as they take a few days or weeks to be fully effective.
- Alternatively, you can take nasal spray decongestants, such as Nasal Actifed or Vicks Sinex (oxymetazoline hydrochloride); however, they are only recommended for a short time - no more than three days - as prolonged use can cause the rebound effect, aggravating the symptoms of congestion.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about vaccines
If you have constant allergies, this can be a good option for you; it does not provide immediate symptom relief, but works in the long run, desensitizing you from allergens. First, the doctor defines through targeted tests which allergens, specifically, trigger your reactions, then gives you the vaccines by injection, gradually increasing the dose so that the body adapts and over time comes to no longer react. alike.
- Injections require a commitment of time and money; it may take up to 6-12 months to develop a tolerance / immune response to a specific allergen and another 3-5 years to maintain it.
- However, keep in mind that this treatment is not effective for food allergies.
