Has anyone ever said to you, “I can’t wait for it to frost over so my allergies go away”? Well, it turns out that their troubles may not end with the arrival of cold weather. For some people, dropping temperatures actually signal a rise in allergies.
When temperatures cool, more time is spent indoors. Inside, we experience an increased exposure to indoor allergens like mold, dust mites, pets, and household cleaning products and perfumes. This is why there are more prevalent incidents of runny noses and coughing during the winter. Sometimes we even mistake these allergy symptoms for a cold or flu. If you have prolonged sneezing, congestion, and other uncomfortable symptoms that just won’t quit, consider talking to the allergy specialists at JSC in Roanoke about winter allergies.
Some people notice symptom flare-ups around Christmastime. Many families put up a live tree in their homes, and the tree can carry mold, which triggers the production of antihistamine. And pulling holiday and winter decorations out of storage , especially items made of cloth, can also trigger mold, spore, or dust-related allergies.
Here are a few ways to help combat these pesky winter allergies:
- Make sure your pets get to go outside frequently. They’ll appreciate the exercise and you’ll experience reduced symptoms.
- Wash any clothing or linens that have been sitting in storage for a long time thoroughly.
- Consider purchasing a synthetic Christmas tree.
If your allergies persist, get the relief you need at the Jefferson Surgical Clinic. Our experienced ENTs will help you find the best solution for your symptoms. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.