Do You Have Winter Allergies?

If you’re allergic to pollen, you may get a break when the weather gets cold. But if you have indoor allergies such as mold and dust mites, you may notice your allergy symptoms more during winter, when you spend more time inside.

Causes

When it gets cold and your furnace kicks on, it sends dust, mold spores, and insect parts into the air. They can get into your nose and launch a reaction.

Some common indoor allergy triggers are:

• Dust mites. These microscopic bugs flourish in mattresses and bedding. When their droppings and remains become airborne, they can cause allergy symptoms.

• Mold. This fungus thrives in damp, humid areas such as basements and bathrooms. When mold spores get into the air, they can trigger allergy symptoms.

• Animals. Most people are not allergic to animal fur, but rather to a protein found in the pet dander, saliva, and urine.

Symptoms

Allergy symptoms caused by dust, pollen, or mold include:

• Coughing

• Dark circles under the eyes

• Itchy eyes and nose

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Watery eyes

How can you tell whether your symptoms are from a cold, the flu, or allergies? Allergies make you itchy or have a tickle in your throat. You'll want to rub your eyes, or your nose. Cold and flu don't cause itching. Colds don't tend to have a fever, but flu does--also body aches in flu.

A cold usually doesn't last for more than 10 days. Allergies can linger for weeks or even months. Also, colds and flu sometimes have a fever and aches and pains, which don’t usually happen with allergies.

Diagnosis

If your symptoms last more than a week, see your doctor. They will usually start you on allergy medications. If they don't help, and symptoms continue, they may refer you to an allergist for additional testing.

The allergist may do a skin test where they scratch your skin with a tiny bit of an allergen or injects it just under your skin. If the area turns red and itchy, you're allergic. There's also a blood test to diagnose some allergies.