The winter season is beautiful, but the cold air often forces us to stay indoors. While there’s nothing wrong with cuddling up by the fire, if you find that you are sniffling and sneezing into the winter and it has become a chronic problem, it may not be a cold. Many think allergy symptoms mainly strike during the warmer months, but you can be affected by allergens year-round. So, if you think you are exempt from the discomfort of allergies during the winter season, think again. While the air outside may be cold and crisp, being indoors for a prolonged period can expose you to a plethora of irritants. In fact, if you suffer from chronic sinusitis, you may find that your symptoms are worse during the winter. Luckily, there are winter allergy remedies you can try out that can help you manage your winter allergies.
Just because the air outside is cold, doesn’t mean you are safe from allergies. The winter months can be brutal on your sinuses, especially if you are sensitive to dust mites and mold spores. However, trying out these useful winter allergy remedies may help you get a handle on your symptoms.
Stay Hydrated– Staying hydrated is vital for a healthy body, especially during the winter when the air is typically dry. During the winter months, increase your intake of fluids. Staying hydrated can keep your nasal passages lubricated, help thin out mucus, and can help prevent congestion.
Leave Your Shoes by the Door– As soon as you enter your home, you should leave your shoes by the door. Outdoor irritants and allergens can easily travel into your home via your shoes and can get tracked throughout the house. The last thing you need is mold, mildew, pollen, and other irritants spread around your home.
Clean Regularly– Mold and dust mites need to be kept at bay, so make sure you clean regularly. Use a HEPA vacuum to clean your carpets, and regularly mop the floors to keep allergens at bay. To kill the dust mites on your linens, wash them in hot water and wash them often. Allergens can quickly collect on your blankets and sheets.
Watch the Humidity Levels– You can help prevent the growth of mites and mold by keeping the indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. You can purchase a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels. This way, you can bring back balance by using a dehumidifier or a humidifier to keep your humidity levels at the proper level. Just remember to change the filter and water regularly.
Clean Heating Ducts and Filters– Changing your heating filters every month and getting your ducts professionally cleaned can go a long way in reducing the number of allergens in your home. Your heating system is a breeding ground for irritants such as mold spores, dust mites, and dust. If your system isn’t periodically cleaned, all you are doing is spreading these irritants around your home.
Dr. Salerno’s Advanced Allergy Testing– Just like environmental allergies that can affect you during the winter, what you eat and drink may also play a role in your winter allergies. At the Salerno Center, we offer advanced allergy testing that does not expose you to the allergen, so there are zero risks of having an adverse reaction. Click here to learn more about our allergy treatment methods and allergy testing techniques, or contact us to learn more.
