Most people suffer from allergic rhinitis, which is a reaction to materials in the air. Since the most common allergen is pollen, those suffering from allergies expect their symptoms to lessen in the winter. However, the winter season often brings its own set of seasonal allergies. 

What Are Winter Allergies?

Winter allergies are a strain of hay fever that worsens in the winter. Similar to pollen allergies, they cause an itchy, runny, or stuffy nose, watery, irritated eyes, sneezing, coughing, and an itchy mouth or throat. These symptoms will start when someone is exposed to an allergen, and will usually subside soon after exposure ends.

What Causes Winter Allergies?

People tend to spend more time indoors during the winter, breathing the air that circulates through their HVAC system. This air can be full of allergens, including mold spores, pet dander, and dust mites. During the warmer months, spending more time outside and airing out your home more often helps to alleviate symptoms, but in winter, there may not be an opportunity to do this.

How Can You Treat Winter Allergies?

Focus on reducing the number of allergens in your home. Keeping your humidity down, below about 50%, helps control dust mites and mold growth. Doing laundry frequently and cleaning your home prevents allergens you bring into the house from settling on surfaces. Be sure to use a HEPA filter on your vacuum, or you may put more of the allergen back into the air. If you want relief for your symptoms, an allergist can help you identify your specific allergens and provide antihistamines, immunotherapy, and nasal sprays.

For help treating seasonal allergies in West Chester, OH, visit Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. With 25 years of experience, Dr. Ahmad has received the title of Top Doctor in the Field of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology from Cincinnati Magazine, and he treats patients of all ages in Butler County and the surrounding areas. Call (513) 777-7097 today to make an appointment, or visit the website for a list of services.