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Seasonal Allergies in Winter - What Allergens to Look For

If you experience seasonal allergies, then I'm sure you know all about seasonal allergies in winter. If not, consider yourself very blessed.

For many including myself, seasonal allergies in winter can be just as worse as allergies during the fall, spring and summer months.

The thing with winter allergies is that they are mostly experienced indoors although there are times experienced outdoors as well.

Outdoor Winter Allergens

Outdoor winter allergies can consist of mold spores, camp fires, and certain trees depending on the area you live in.

Mold Spores

So when the leaves fall and are left on the ground, mold can build up on the leaves causing mold spores to disperse in the air.

If it rains, this can make the mold worse and causing it to spread more in the air.

Additionally, if there are heavy winds, the mold spores can spread even worse.

For myself, I pretty much always have a bad reaction when it rains or when we have heavy winds.

I tend to get:

sinus headaches
and a bit of congestion

Back Yard and Camp Fires

For the longest time, I could never figure out why my nose would always start to become runny when sitting by a campfire and then it dawned on me that it was because of my allergy towards trees.

When the wood burns, it emits smoke from the wood which is almost like directly inhaling the pollen.

Someone who has allergies to trees may notice some discomfort while sitting by the fire.

If this is the case, one should try sitting upwind of the smoke to see if this will help.

For me, regardless if I sit upwind or even have my nose and mouth covered, I still find myself effected.

Oh well, I just know what I need to do afterwards since I'm not going to turn down a nice warm fire. Smores please!

Indoor Winter Allergens

Indoor winter allergens can consist of

dander,
dust mites
as well as mold spores from pine.

Dander and Dust Mites

During the winter months, we of course spend a lot of our time inside.

And with that being said, dander can linger around if you have a pet as well as dust mites from those pesky spring, summer and fall allergens.

I know you love your furry family member - they are the cutest but try not to have him/her lay on your furniture if you're highly allergic.

Mold Spores from Pine

If you purchase a real Christmas tree each year, you or someone in your home could be effected from the mold spores that are on the pine tree.

This also goes for any pine garland or bundles that you may purchase for your home as well.

We have not purchased a real Christmas tree in some years but still purchase the garland and bundles which could have some spores on them as well.

To minimize the spores brought into your home:

Shake the pine tree or garland before bringing it into your home

You'll want to shake your garland before you put it into your car

When shaking your pine, be sure to cover your mouth, nose or eyes. If you're extremely allergic then have someone else do it or think about purchasing a fake tree

Let your pine tree or garland sit outside for a couple of days before bringing it into your home

Seasonal Allergies in Winter Treatment

To remedy your seasonal winter allergy symptoms some of these may work:

Antihistamines

Allergy eye drops

Nasal irrigation like the Neti Pot

Nasal Decongestant Spray

Decongestant

Anti-inflammatory Supplementation

Seasonal Allergies in Winter Prevention

In order to prevent having an allergic episode it's best to avoid the allergen that you know you'll react to. I know it's easier said than done but here are some tips that may be helpful.

Change your indoor filters regularly

Use a Hepa filter air purifier and vacuum

Use hypoallergenic pillow cases and mattress

Dust regularly

Wear a mask and goggles when dusting and/or vacuuming

Wash your bedding in hot water regularly

Check your home for damp areas to prevent mold

Use a dehumidifier in the basement

If you can, avoid going outside on very windy and rainy days to avoid mold spores

Summary

Winter allergies can consist of both indoor and outdoor allergens.

The key is to avoid them as much as possible while also following certain preventative protocols are being taken.

Some winter allergens consist of

mold spores
dust
dander
and Christmas trees

When assessing your symptoms, keep note when you are not feeling well. Also keep note when other people in your home are not feeling too good as well.

Because everyone in my home has allergies and everyone was experiencing somewhat similar symptoms, I knew for us it was the mold spores causing us to either have

headache
stomach ache
running nose
congestion
and sneezing

A few days prior there were heavy winds followed by rain which all made sense.

And in doubt, always contact your physician.

I hope this information has helped you. Please comment and share if it has. xo, V❤️

About Me

I am a mom of two and wife who looks for natural options and who knows a thing or two about the neti pot as well as resolving my stomach pain. I love mine and can't imagine life without it. Sounds funny, huh? But so true!! Read more about me..