Winter Allergies: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Commonly, the spring and summer seasons cause an increase in allergic reactions. With pollen and dust particles suspended in the air, individuals with allergic rhinitis or hay fever have difficulty avoiding the allergens during this time.

However, not many people know that spring and summer are not the only seasons that can cause allergic reactions. During the winter, when individuals spend most of their time indoors, they might also notice an increase in allergy symptoms. This is due to winter allergies.

Winter allergies, although typically harmless, can cause complications in some extreme cases. To fight off such extreme scenarios, it is crucial to have in-depth knowledge about the different types of allergies and symptoms.

What are the causes of winter allergies?

A variety of allergens can trigger winter allergies. The following are some of the most prevalent causes of allergy:

1. Indoor Allergens: In winter, a person is indoors most of the time, which increases the probability of exposure to various indoor allergens. These allergens are the main culprits behind winter allergies. Indoor allergens generally include dust, pet dander, and mould.
2. Mould: A fungus mould thrives in damp, humid areas such as basements and bathrooms. When mould spores get into the air, they can trigger allergy symptoms.
3. Pests: Pests like cockroaches and rodents are more likely to seek refuge indoors during the colder months. The proteins in pest droppings, saliva, eggs, and shed skin can sometimes provoke allergic rhinitis symptoms.
4. Pets: Many believe their pets’ fur is the reason behind their allergic reaction. In reality, most people are not allergic to animal fur but rather to a protein. This protein, found in pet dander, saliva, and urine, can heighten allergic symptoms.
5. Evergreen Trees and Shrubs: Evergreen trees, like cedar and juniper, found in hilly or cold areas, can majorly contribute to elevated allergic symptoms. This is mainly because these trees are known to release a lot of pollen, a common winter allergen. When inhaled, one might experience signs and symptoms of an allergy, like sneezing or itchiness.

What are the common winter allergy symptoms?

Allergic rhinitis symptoms are usually quite similar to those of seasonal allergies. These include:

1. Sneezing: Sudden and prolonged sneezing episodes are often caused by winter allergens.
2. Runny or Stuffy Nose: Similar to cold, winter allergies can also lead to a runny and blocked nose. However, unlike colds, they are sudden and not accompanied by other cold symptoms.
3. Itchy or Watery Eyes: Sudden itchiness or watery eyes can also be associated with winter allergies.
4. Fatigue: Constant exposure to allergens, extended sneezing, and coughing episodes can cause exhaustion.
5. Skin Irritation: Some individuals also experience skin reactions, such as hives or eczema, upon contact with winter allergens.

What is the difference between winter allergy and cold?

How are winter allergies diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals might recommend any of the following allergy tests for proper diagnosis of allergies: 

1. Skin Prick Test: Also known as Puncture or Scratch Test, it is one of the best ways to check for all kinds of allergies simultaneously. Here, the patient’s skin is exposed to small amounts of common allergens. If there are any immediate changes in that region, it would mean that they are allergic to the introduced allergen.
2. IgE Blood Test: Immunoglobin E, or IgE, are antibodies, or protective proteins, that one’s immune system produces. When an allergen enters the body, these protective proteins bind to the allergens, ultimately causing an allergic reaction. If the IgE blood test reveals an increased presence of these antibodies, it can be concluded that the person has an allergy. The test does not tell what they are allergic to.

What are the Preventive Measures?

Allergic reactions can be best avoided by limiting exposure to allergens. The following preventive measures are a must for someone with winter allergies:

1. Clean Home: Houses should be spotlessly cleaned to reduce dust, pet dander, and mould.
2. Controlled Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels low, which can help prevent mould growth.
3. Sealed Cracks and Leaks: The house should be properly sealed, and cracks should be fixed. This prevents allergens from entering through cracks and leaks.
4. Limited Exposure to Pets: If allergic to pet danders, limiting exposure to pets during winter is advised.

If a person notices symptoms of winter allergies, it is advised to visit a doctor and get tested to know the right cause and line of treatment.

One can check for allergies through an Immunoglobin IgE Serum Test with Dr Lal PathLabs, which provides accurate results within a few hours.