Winter allergy relief: Essential tips for managing symptoms
|Published
Winter isn’t just for cosy sweaters and hot cocoa, it’s also a time when many people struggle with allergies. Unlike the seasonal allergies you might associate with spring or summer, winter allergies can hit at any time of the year.
Instead of pollen, which is common in warmer months, winter allergies are usually triggered by indoor allergens like mould spores, mildew, dust mites, and pet dander.
Most people think of allergies as something that only happens during specific seasons, caused by grass, trees, and ragweed pollen. However, the reality is that these allergies can occur throughout the year.
Trees release pollen in the spring, grasses in the summer and weeds in the fall. Even in warmer climates, some plants might not go dormant in winter, causing allergies to persist.
So, what causes allergies during the winter months? Unlike spring or summer, where outdoor allergens are a common trigger, winter allergies are more likely to come from indoor sources.
With the colder weather driving us indoors and homes being tightly sealed for better insulation, we can end up trapped with our indoor allergens. This means that increased exposure can make allergy symptoms worse.
This year, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in healthcare, is raising awareness about allergic rhinitis (AR), also known as hay fever. They want to highlight how AR affects the lives of millions of people around the world and provide support for managing this common condition.
Allergies can be a real troublemaker in our everyday lives, causing sneezing, a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes even an itchy roof of the mouth or a persistent cough. If you’re one of the many battling these symptoms, you’re not alone.
Allergies affect about 25% of children and 40% of adults worldwide, and the numbers have been rising steadily since the 1990s.
Common allergens include familiar foods like shrimp, soybeans, peanuts, and cow’s milk, as well as pet dander from cats and dogs and tiny dust mites that live in our homes.
The discomfort from these allergens can be particularly severe in the morning, often disrupting your day right from the start.
Why allergies are on the rise
The increase in allergic rhinitis (AR) cases can partly be attributed to global urbanisation. Studies show that AR is more common in cities than in rural areas, primarily due to higher pollution levels.
As our cities grow and pollution levels increase, our exposure to allergens becomes more intense. Additionally, climate change is extending the pollen season, making seasonal allergies more frequent and troublesome.
Simple strategies for managing allergies:
Keep your home clean and allergy-free: Regular cleaning can make a huge difference. Dusting your home often, using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and washing your bedding regularly can help reduce the presence of dust mites and pet dander.
Consider using air purifiers to filter out allergens from the air.
Manage pet dander: If you're allergic to pets, try to keep them out of your bedroom and other sleeping areas. Bathing your pets regularly and brushing them outside can help reduce the amount of dander they shed.
Control indoor humidity: Mould thrives in damp environments, so keeping your home’s humidity levels in check can help reduce mould spores in the air. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas and ensure proper ventilation.
Monitor outdoor allergens: During pollen season, keep windows closed and use air conditioning to filter the air. Check local pollen counts and try to stay indoors on high-pollen days.
The impact of AR on quality of life: Nasal congestion affects working adults’ job performance, and it has a negative impact on children's schoolwork. In addition, it may lead to disturbed sleep, exhaustion, frustration and irritability.
Poor sleep quality caused by hay fever can result in chronic tiredness, daytime sleepiness, and learning problems in children and make it difficult to participate in outdoor activities like sports.
Hay fever can also aggravate mood disorders like depression and decreased concentration.
Diagnosis and treatment of AR
Effective treatment of hay fever, along with counselling on the correct use of medication, can improve your quality of life.
Antihistamines: These are commonly used to relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
Nasal decongestants: These can reduce nasal congestion but should not be used for more than a few days to avoid rebound congestion.