Are Winter Allergies a Thing?

You may not normally associate allergies with the colder months since there is less pollen in winter. But once the temperature drops, cue the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes, because yes, winter allergies are actually a thing.

Lifestyle factors during the cold winter months, such as an office with the heater turned up, can make them worse. People with seasonal pollen allergies are often sensitive to indoor allergens as well. Find out what's causing your winter allergies, and then you can take steps to prevent them.

Causes of Winter Allergies

Less pollen in winter means outdoor allergies are not your main concern. You should focus your attention on indoor allergens (AAAAI/ACAAI rhinitis practice parameter). Spending more time indoors makes you vulnerable to common indoor allergens such as animal dander, dust mites, mold, and pest shedding and droppings.

• Animal Dander: Animal dander pertains to the dead skin flakes of household pets. Unfortunately, your dogs, cats, or rabbits could be triggering your chronic winter allergies.
• Dust Mites: According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, dust mites can trigger allergies all year round. An estimated 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mites. These microscopic bugs are relatives of the spider and live on mattresses, curtains, bedding, carpeting, and upholstered furniture.
• Mold: Mold is found in damp areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Breathing in mold spores can trigger winter allergies.
• Pest Sheddings and Droppings: Pests are a big problem in the winter. They not only carry diseases, but their saliva, skin shedding, and droppings can cause allergic reactions. Greater exposure to these can lead to asthma attacks.

How to Prevent Winter Allergies

To prevent winter allergies, reduce your exposure to the aforementioned allergens. Here are some tips to minimize indoor allergen exposure in the winter:

• Use a Humidifier: A humidifier reduces dryness in the air, which can help soothe sinus passages. However, relative humidity should be kept at or below 40 to 50 percent to prevent development of mold, which could only worsen your allergies.
• Get Rid of Thick Curtains and Carpeting: With thick curtains and carpeting, you are just providing a hospitable environment for dust mites.
• Clean, Dust, and Wash Regularly: Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and wash your sheets and pillowcases every week.
• Choose Hypoallergenic Linens: Hypoallergenic bedding, pillows, and mattresses are resistant to allergens that could cause you problems.
• Bathe Pets Every Week: A weekly bath will keep the pet dander down. It might also help to keep pets in a specific area of your home, so they don't spread dander around the house.

Treating Winter Allergies

Over-the-counter allergy medicines are the first-line treatment. Daily intranasal corticosteroid sprays (Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort) and non-drowsy antihistamines are recommended by the AAO-HNS allergic rhinitis guideline and are not addictive. The one product to limit is decongestant nasal spray (oxymetazoline), which causes rebound congestion if used for more than about 3 days.

Allergies themselves are treated with allergen avoidance, nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, and, for lasting control, immunotherapy. If allergies have led to chronic sinusitis, procedures such as balloon sinuplasty can improve sinus drainage, with results comparable to traditional sinus surgery for appropriate patients (Chandra et al, Laryngoscope 2016).

Balloon Sinuplasty

With balloon sinuplasty, the doctor puts a thin tube (at the end of which is a small balloon) into your nose and guides it to the area of the blockage in your nose. The balloon is then inflated, which helps clear the passageway and allows your sinuses to drain.

Balloon sinuplasty can relieve persistent sinus problems for many patients. It's a quick in-office procedure that lets you return to school or work on the same day.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can come in the form of allergy shots or sublingual drops. It exposes your body to incremental doses of an allergen. Eventually, it will curb your symptoms for a longer period of time, which can be more helpful than over-the-counter medications.

Allergy Experts in Austin

At Capital ENT & Sinus Center, our physicians can evaluate you with allergy testing and help you manage your allergies in the winter or throughout the year.

If you suffer from chronic allergies or recurrent sinusitis, you might be a good candidate for immunotherapy or balloon sinuplasty. Our practice was the first in Austin to offer balloon sinuplasty.