Do you have allergies during the non-winter months, say, in spring when the flowers first bloom and the trees pop open in full color? Or during the fall when it's super windy and the next day you are stuffed up?
Well, if you are like the millions of other people who suffer from allergies you probably suffer from a runny nose in the winter too. Read on to learn more.
Many people used to believe their allergies went away in the winter months because it is so cold outside during this time of the year.
Well, it is really not so cold on the inside and the irritants that offend your nose during other times of the year still reside in your home. The number one culprits for a runny nose are dust mites! Did you know that dust mites accumulate by the millions in your home during winter because the air is so dry?
It's true! Even in wet northern climates, the dust on the desk can be fuller than in summer or any other month.
Are Symptoms the Same in Winter?
Symptoms vary from person to person, but recently reports have been filling the clinics around here with a burning sensation in people's nasal passageways, due to cold and dry air. When this happens, you need to use a moistened wash cloth to add moisture back to your nostrils. You can also use a saline spray for your nose as well, but the salt may cause a small nose bleed.
Patients have reported being overwhelmingly tired, being unable to sleep at night, snoring, post nasal drip, headaches and even a low grade fever. If you breathe normally through your mouth and have dry mouth symptoms, then in winter it will be a little drier than normal.
All this sound too familiar? Keep in mind that irritants in a house can also play a large part in the symptoms listed above. Pet dander is also a key irritant - because people bath their pets less in winter (It's too cold out in the garage!). Even when you send your pet to the groomer, the dander from other animals may be coming home and onto your pet as well.
Are There other Allergens to be on the Lookout for?
In addition to dust, there is mold too. Mold affects people who suffer with all degrees of allergies in the worst way. A continual runny nose that will not go away is one example. Another, is having a difficult time with breathing normally. Mold is usually associated with a smell.
A rotten smell! You will know it is mold as soon as you smell it. Sometimes the smell is wet and old, other times it can be sweet and warm. Depending on what type of mold you have, your allergies will cause you to sneeze a lot. This is when you need to apply a strong type of chemical to remove it. Usually, a good spray-on cleaner made for the bathroom works well with this type of cleaning job.
Once the mold is removed, you will be on your way to lessening the irritants within your home. By keeping our bodies well stocked with defensive materials, we can lessen the affects of our allergies during winter, but we can't wipe them away.
You should still be cleaning your home and office the same way you would during warmer hotter months, helping yourself - stay well is a key factor to having a good time and being healthy.
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References:
WedMD
National Institute of Health
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