Fall and Winter Allergies and How to Keep Them at Bay

Seasonal allergies are common to countries with four seasons. Because of the change in temperature and environment, a lot of allergen triggers arise which causes those with allergies to suffer.

In Canada, one out of six Canadians suffers from seasonal allergies. The most common allergens are the production of pollens from ragweeds, molds, and dust mites.

According to statistics, over 40 percent of those suffering from seasonal allergies are caused by pollens.

Because of climate change, the duration of every season has changed. This change brings a longer season and a longer exposure to seasonal allergens. There has been a pollen count rise in Canada over the years which brought people a lot of problems especially those suffering from allergies.

Allergies also affect the quality of work people give. Those suffering from allergies often call in sick for work in the fall and winter seasons.

Fall allergies

Fall and winter are two of the seasons that triggers allergies. During the fall season, pollens generated from ragweeds are the main allergen triggers for people. Pollen travels through the wind for miles and miles away. Because of that, people who don’t have ragweeds around their houses can still suffer from an allergic reaction because of the wind. Some fruits and vegetables can also be a trigger because of pollens that can stick around it.

Dust mites and molds can also be the cause of allergies during the fall season. One of the most common breeding ground for molds in the fall season are leaves that are piled outside of your homes. These molds may be inhaled by kids and adults and may trigger an allergic reaction.

Dust mites on the other hand can get into the air upon turning on the heaters or making the fireplace.

Here are some symptoms of fall allergies:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
•  Teary eyes
•  Itchy nose and eyes
•  Runny nose

To avoid allergies during the fall, minimize going outside. This will help you from being exposed to pollens and molds that are carried in the air. Closing your windows and doors to avoid these irritants from going into your home is advised.

Clean your surrounding especially difficult to reach places in your house. Take extra effort in tidying up the area under the couch and beds, your fireplace if you have one, the heater before turning it on, and the area behind your closets and cupboards. Maintaining a clean environment is a must for those who are suffering from seasonal allergies.

Steroids, decongestants, and antihistamine medicines are treatments for allergies. You can also get an allergy shot or oral tablets. The other term for these shots is immunotherapy. Most of these medicines for allergies are over-the-counter drugs and there is no need for a doctor’s prescription. But you should still make sure that you are taking these drugs properly. For example, decongestant sprays should be only used for 3 days and overuse of these drugs can cause more congestion in your breathing.

Winter allergies

Winter allergies on the other hand are triggered due to the colder temperature and longer exposure to indoor allergens.

The common allergens during winter are dust mites, mold, airborne dust particles, and pet danders.

Dust mites can get into the beddings, carpets, and furniture. Cleaning them once every few months is advised especially for carpets where dust particles reside.

Molds are usually in the basement, bathrooms, sinks, and other damp places.

Pet danders are from your pets like your dogs and cats. Since they roam around the house, dirt particles can reside in your furniture and many other areas of your house.

Here are some symptoms for winter allergies:

• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Dry cough
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Clogged nose
• Chest pain
• Wheezing

Here are possible treatments for winter allergies:

• Take over the counter drugs for allergies – Antihistamines
• Nasal sprays
• Allergy shots

Winter allergies can be prevented by regularly cleaning your house. Changing and washing your clothes, beddings, and furniture covers regularly to remove dust mites and dirt particles also work.

Putting protective covers to your pillows and mattresses to prevent dust mites from entering your beddings will also help in preventing your allergies.

Regular vacuuming your carpet, floors, and curtains will help eliminate dust particles.

Fix your leaking pipes or ceilings from your bathroom, basements, or roof to prevent the build-up of moisture inside your house that causes mold production.

Using a dehumidifier will help lessen the moisture inside your house. This will minimize the occurrence of molds in your bedroom and living areas.

Conclusion:

Allergies are common when seasons change. Over the counter drugs are easily available when you have symptoms of allergies. If your symptoms persist, contact your doctor. Want to get treated for your allergies fast? Contact an online doctor Toronto. If you have other treatments for illness before your allergies, it is important to consult your doctor to prevent complications with your medication as some drugs may affect your treatments for other illnesses.