How to Overcome Fall and Winter Allergies

Fall and winter are the worst time of year for allergy people. With all the rain, mold spores start to grow, pollinating plants release pollen into the air and people spend more time indoors, which leads to a higher concentration of allergens in the home. All these factors make it challenging to maintain healthy respiratory health during this season. But there are plenty of ways you can stay clear of your allergies while still enjoying the best months of winter and fall.

Have Special Protection Casing Over Your Bed

Allergy symptoms are generally worse in the fall and winter. The symptoms can result from indoor or outdoor allergens, such as dust mites or pet dander. One of the most effective ways to combat allergy symptoms is through proper bedding protection. Having a mattress encasement, pillowcases and box spring cover will help to protect you from allergens that contribute to allergies. These items are also effortless to clean, so they will last a long time.

A good mattress encasement is impermeable and waterproof. It can help prevent dust mites from invading your bedding by creating an airtight seal around the mattress that prevents any allergens or other particles from entering it. You should clean mattress covers regularly and as they will keep your bed fresh for a more extended time. Mattress covers can also provide some insulation to prevent heat loss during the winter months, which will help you save money on heating bills.

Regularly Wash Your Clothes

Regularly wash your clothes in hot, soapy water. If you notice an allergy-producing substance in your clothes and cannot avoid it, rewash the garment with vinegar rinse to neutralize its effects. If you have a front-loading washing machine, run water through it for about 20 minutes to clear out any residue that may have built up. Then add the clothes and your usual amount of detergent or soap. Washing your clothes regularly is a great way to prevent you from developing a clothing allergy.

Use a Dehumidifier

It is essential to consider getting a dehumidifier during the drying months of fall and winter when allergies are at their worst. A humidifier can help moisten your dry air and provide relief from congestion and other allergy symptoms. In addition, getting rid of excess humidity in your home will make it much more comfortable for everyone living there, especially those affected by allergies.

Take Allergy Medication

Allergy medications deal with seasonal allergies. Antihistamines are one common form of medication that helps relieve symptoms associated with various respiratory problems. Some people also turn to decongestants, which help reduce the swelling of nasal tissues and open up the bronchial airways.

Avoid Allergens

Avoiding allergens is a crucial step to take for managing fall and winter allergies. This can include avoiding dust, pollen, molds, trees, grasses or animals that may be the root of your reactions. Additionally, you should consider staying indoors when possible, during high allergy times. If you are outside, avoid windy days and keep yourself covered to limit pollen exposure. Staying indoors during high allergy times will help minimize the number of allergens that enter your home and airways.

Avoid Ragweed Outside

If you have pollen allergies, then fall and winter might be difficult for you. Ragweed is most common during these seasons, so if that’s what triggers your allergies, try to avoid it as much as possible. If you like your doors and windows open throughout the day or night, keep them closed when ragweed levels rise to keep them out of your home.

Avoiding outdoor exercise during high pollen counts is also a good idea, as you’ll be breathing in the allergen that way. It might not seem like much, but ragweed can cause sinus congestion and sneezing if you’re outside for too long when there’s an abundance of it around.

Get Allergy Shots

Allergy shots offer a great way to reduce allergy symptoms. It involves receiving small doses of allergens from the substances that cause allergies, such as pollen, dust mites and animal dander. With each injection, you will gradually receive increasing amounts until your body gets used to them.

Allergy shots are usually given once a week for several months. After that, you will receive injections less frequently to maintain the improvement of your allergy symptoms. The benefits of getting allergy shots include better quality of life as well as more energy and motivation.

If you want to learn more about your treatment options, contact the professionals at ENT Specialists by calling us today at (402) 983-9948.