While seasonal allergies often peak in the spring and summer, it’s still possible to experience allergy symptoms in the colder months. For anyone familiar with the congestion, coughing, and watery eyes that come with the condition, experiencing these symptoms year-round can be frustrating. Learn more about their causes and how to control them below.

Differences Between Allergies & Colds

Before treating your condition, you need to rule out the possibility of a cold. Allergies and colds share similar symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes. However, a cold may also be accompanied by other symptoms not seen in allergies, including aches, pains, and fevers. Moreover, colds should only last 10 days or fewer, while any allergy-related symptoms will persist until they’re treated or the allergen is eliminated.

Winter Allergy Causes

While seasonal allergies are often triggered by outdoor factors, such as pollen from weeds and trees, those experienced in winter are typically related to indoor causes. For example, your home or workplace could have dust mites or mold, which can lead to persistent symptoms. You may also be inversely reacting to pet dander, saliva, and urine.

How to Get Allergy Relief

Treatment for winter allergy symptoms depends on the cause. For example, if your home is experiencing mold, remediation may be necessary. In most cases, symptoms from issues such as pet dander and dust mites can also be treated through decongestants and antihistamines. If your symptoms persist, get tested to determine which allergens are aggravating you.

Whether you experience allergies exclusively in the winter or year-round, the team at Carolina Doctors Med Care can help you find relief. Serving the Sanford, NC, community, these primary care providers offer a broad range of services, including state-of-the-art diagnostics and urgent care walk-ins. See their full list of services online or call (919) 774-3680 to schedule an appointment.