It seems like there’s always something in the air that makes people cough, itch, sneeze, or wheeze. We’re talking, of course, about allergens that can affect you all year round. We’ll explore some common cold-season irritants and ways to fight them off.
Winter Allergy Irritants
Most people spend a lot more time indoors in the winter, so prolonged exposure to something that doesn’t bother you in the summer might make for an allergy problem in the winter.
Dust and Dust Mites
Dusty air can be a source of irritation, and the same goes for dust-filled carpets, upholstery, and the like. Tiny dust mites live in the grime, and they often cause red and itchy skin, as well as respiratory distress if the dust is allowed to build up. Tips to control dust include:
- Change your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning filter every month.
- Consider buying a home air purifier with a HEPA filter; some can take up to 99% of dust and mold out of the air.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture on a regular basis.
- Get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter; these are more effective at capturing dust and pollen than regular vacuum cleaners are.
- Empty your vacuum cleaner outside or in the garage, rather than inside the house. Wear a mask when using or emptying the vacuum if dust bothers you, and wash your hands after you complete the work.
- If you're already suffering from the effects of dust-related allergies, your doctor may be able to recommend some medications that could help reduce your symptoms.
Pet Allergies
Dogs and cats shed both hair and dead skin. The dead skin, also called dander, is responsible for many pet allergies. If someone in your home is allergic to a family pet, and you are unwilling or unable to remove the animal from your home, there are several management alternatives you can use to minimize effects. They include:
- Inspect appliances and electronics for dander buildup and clean as needed. You may have to remove an access panel to get a good look.
- Keep the pet out of the allergic person’s bedroom and frequently wash their bedding.
- Don’t allow the pet on furniture, and do what you can to keep it out of carpeted areas. This step may not always be practical — do what you can.
- Vacuum and clean common areas on a regular basis; do not allow pet dander or dust to accumulate.
- Consider purchasing an air purifier.
Mountain Cedar or Juniper
Mountain cedar is prevalent in the southern plains, especially from Texas northward to Oklahoma, and from Missouri westward to New Mexico. Cedar pollen usually reaches its peak in midwinter. It is released in bursts, so the count is quite high after each cycle.
An allergic reaction to juniper or cedar is sometimes called “cedar fever” because the person feels hot and flushed. Symptoms include headaches, a runny nose, watery eyes, and congestion. Here are a few tips for dealing with this airborne nuisance:
- Monitor the allergen forecast for your area and plan on staying inside on days with expected high cedar counts.
- Wear a mask if you must be outside on high-pollen days. Pollen particles are larger than the COVID-19 virus, so your regular mask works well to block pollen.
- Use a clean mask each time; pollen sticks to masks, and reusing them without washing will make them less effective.
Mold
Mold may be more prevalent in the fall and winter because water evaporates slowly in cooler air. The key to controlling mold is simple: maintain healthy humidity levels to keep moisture from collecting and ensure unobstructed airflow. Here are some steps to take:
- Keep a temperature and humidity sensor in your home to monitor moisture levels.
- Inspect appliances and electronics for dander buildup and clean as needed.
- Remove wet shoes in the garage to refrain from tracking mud and leaves into the home.
- Repair leaky door or window seals to keep rain and snow out of the home.
- Make sure laundry rooms have adequate ventilation.
- Ensure basement drains are working properly. Consider putting a dehumidifier in the basement, as condensation tends to be a problem there.
- Inspect gutters and downspouts to make sure they aren’t leaking and causing water to collect next to the structure.
- Clean tubs and showers with bleach or other antibacterial substances on a regular basis; mold tends to form in them no matter how careful you are.
Winter Allergies Quiz
There are two steps to easing winter allergy discomfort: identify the culprit and then take steps to reduce exposure. Since most allergy symptoms are similar — runny nose, watery eyes, congestion, itching, feverish feeling — it can be tough to figure out the irritant. Here’s a quick quiz to help you determine which allergen is affecting you:
| Ask Yourself | Allergen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dust and Dust Mites | Pet Dander | Mountain Cedar or Juniper | Mold | |
| Do I experience symptoms when cedar or other outdoor pollen is high, or do existing allergy symptoms get worse? | X | |||
| Do my symptoms increase after a windstorm or when dust has been stirred up by lots of guests in the home? | X | |||
| Do I notice any connection between wet weather and my symptoms? Are my tubs and showers mold-free? How about my air-conditioning ducts and filter? | X | |||
| Do I notice any connection between wet weather and my symptoms? Are my tubs and showers mold-free? How about my air-conditioning ducts and filter? | ||||
| Does close exposure to my four-legged friends give me an allergic reaction? | X | |||
Reducing Winter Allergies
In most cases, there isn’t a 100% effective solution for eliminating winter allergies. However, you can try out these tips and also invest in an AcuRite AIR™ indoor air quality (IAQ) sensor to identify potential airborne irritants in your home. By monitoring your IAQ, you can manage air filtration and maintenance more accurately.
In some cases, over-the-counter remedies can provide relief for winter allergy symptoms, but they should be used in addition to rather than in place of other preventative measures. Additionally, severe symptoms might require a consultation with a medical professional to fully ease the pain.
Steve LaNore is a certified broadcast meteorologist with more than 30 years’ forecasting and technical experience. He has provided meteorological consulting for everything from insurance adjusters to court cases and is a nine-time award-winning author and broadcaster. LaNore has authored two books, available on Amazon. He resides in north Texas near beautiful Lake Texoma.