Winter allergies may lead to more severe illnesses

Winter is not typically considered allergy season, but allergy symptoms may still flare up during the winter months, leading to more severe illnesses such as strep throat, sinus infections or even the common cold.

“Although allergies may not be as common or as severe during the winter months as they are during the spring and fall, many people have negative reactions to certain allergens or environmental conditions present during those months,” Dr. Don Wilber, physician with Generations Healthcare, said. “It’s important to treat allergic reactions early before they progress into something worse.”

Winter allergies may be triggered when cold temperatures have you turning on your home’s heating system, especially for the first time. The furnace most likely spent the summer collecting dust, mold, pollen and pet dander so when the heater is turned on, those particles are released into the air for everyone in the home to ingest. The body perceives the particles as irritating, causing the immune system to go into fight mode to fend off the invasion. The immune system releases a chemical called histamine that triggers sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and other allergy symptoms. This in turn produces mucus, which is a prime target for bacteria and growing viruses.

“People tend to spend more time inside during the winter months, which gives bacteria a better chance to find a host,” Dr. Wilber said. “Winter allergies can be avoided or reduced by changing or adjusting the person’s home environment.”

Some suggestions for fighting winter allergies are to keep pets out of bedrooms, purchase special dust covers for pillows and mattresses, regularly dust and clean heat ducts and filters, install a furnace filter and an air purifier and vacuum frequently.

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