Just when you think the summer allergy months are over you may still have to deal with winter allergies. Winter allergies are caused by allergens found in your own home, like mold, dust mites, and pet dander. Most people keep their homes closed for most of the winter which allows for an accumulation of winter allergens. These allergens can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes as well as other discomforts.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to lessen the effects of common winter allergies including:
- Lowering the humidity in your home is key to preventing mold from forming. Mold easily grows within humidifiers and the more you use a humidifier, the more mold your humidifier may be creating. If you do need to use one then be sure to maintain your humidifier and wash its components on a regular basis.
- Consider getting an air filtration system. Using air purifiers or HEPA filters is an effective way to reduce the number of allergens in the air. There are numerous companies that make air purifiers built specifically for people with strong allergic reactions.
- Make sure to vacuum and dust your home regularly in order to prevent dust mites, pet dander and other allergens from accumulating.
- To reduce pet allergies, it’s best to keep furry friends away from your bedroom and off the couches and chairs. If your pets are used to spending time with you on your favorite furniture then make it a habit to clean those furniture pieces regularly.
- If you want to be extra safe, think about getting allergen-proof covers for your mattresses, pillows and box springs. We recommend that you follow the manufacturers cleaning guidelines and schedule to further reduce any material that may accumulate on them.
- If you take medication for your allergies then make sure you stick to the recommended schedule your medical professional has prescribed you!
Connecticut Residents, Need More Help With Your Allergies?
If you tried all of the steps above and continue to deal with winter allergies then please give our Connecticut Shoreline Allergy team a call! Our allergists will be happy to help and evaluate your current conditions and offer you other options to make life more comfortable! We treat patients from Connecticut and Rhode Island and would be happy to assist you.
