Coughing and Sneezing This Winter? It Might Be Allergies!

Published on:

Reviewed By Blake Gilliam, CRNP

Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you find yourself coughing and sneezing during the colder months, you might wonder if it is the flu or a common cold.

However, there is another possibility—winter allergies.

In this blog, you will learn about common winter allergy triggers, symptoms, and effective treatments to help you find relief.

Key Takeaway

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What Are Winter Allergies?

Winter allergies occur when the immune system reacts to allergens commonly present indoors during the colder months.

While many associate allergies with spring and summer, indoor allergens can trigger allergic reactions even when it is cold outside.

Common Winter Allergy Triggers

They can be found throughout homes, especially in warm and humid environments. Common triggers include:

  • Dust mites: Thrive in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets.
  • Pet dander: Skin flakes shed by pets, especially animals with fur.
  • Mold spores: Often found in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, and around shower curtains.
  • Indoor mold growth: Moisture in homes can lead to hidden mold behind walls or under floors.
  • Household dust: Contains a mix of dust mite droppings, dead skin cells, and other particles.

Symptoms of Winter Allergies

They often mimic cold and flu symptoms, which can make them hard to identify. Common symptoms include:

  • Nasal congestion and stuffy nose
  • Runny nose and itchy nose
  • Itchy throat and sore throat
  • Persistent coughing
  • Watery, itchy eyes
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin reactions, such as cracked or itchy skin

How to Tell the Difference Between Winter Allergies and a Cold

Colds are caused by viral infections and often last 7-10 days, while winter allergies can persist as long as you are exposed to allergens.

Key differences include:

  • Colds often come with fever, body aches, and muscle aches.
  • Allergies are more likely to cause itchy skin, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes without fever.

Check out this blog for more tips to stay healthy: Beat the Bugs: Tips To Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season.

Allergy Testing and Diagnosis

At our wellness clinic in Madison, AL we provide comprehensive allergy testing to identify specific indoor allergens that may be triggering your symptoms.

This includes:

  • IgG food sensitivity testing: To identify hidden food allergies.
  • Environmental allergy testing: For allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
  • Skin prick testing: Small amounts of allergens are introduced into the skin to observe reactions.
  • Blood tests: Measure IgE antibodies in the blood to detect specific allergies.

Treatment Options for Winter Allergies

We offer effective allergy treatments to help you manage winter allergies and improve your quality of life.

Options include:

  • Sublingual allergy drops: A needle-free treatment for environmental allergies taken at home.
  • Lifestyle adjustments: Recommendations on reducing indoor allergens.
  • Nasal sprays and oral antihistamines: For symptom relief.

Preventing Winter Allergies at Home

You can reduce exposure to allergens with these strategies:

  • Wash bedding in hot water weekly to kill dust mites.
  • Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
  • Vacuum frequently with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
  • Control indoor humidity levels to prevent mold growth.
  • Keep pets out of bedrooms and groom them regularly.
  • Seal cracks to prevent moisture and mold development.

Schedule Your Winter Allergy Testing in Madison, AL

If you are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, or itchy skin, it might not be the flu or a cold.

Get tested and find relief with personalized care at our wellness clinic in Madison, AL.To book an appointment, call (256) 325-0955 or visit us at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, Alabama.

Ready to take charge of your health?

Book an appointment today, call us at (256) 325-0955, or drop us an email at [email protected].
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