While most people feel their allergies in spring and fall, when pollens counts are at their highest, some experience them year round.
If you have winter allergies, here are a few culprits that could be making you feel miserable.
Winter pollens. While many parts of the country get a reprieve from pollens when cold weather hits, Arizona’s warmer temperatures allow some plants to pollinate in winter months. Though grasses usually die down in fall, a warm winter can allow them to pollinate into December. Trees, such as acacia, olive, sumac, cottonwood, ash and juniper can pollinate in January or February.
Mold. As people spend more time indoors and keep windows closed, they have greater exposure to molds growing in poorly ventilated areas, such as bathrooms. Airborne mold spores lead to hay fever-like symptoms and respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing and full-blown asthma.
House dust. Dust is present year round, but people have increased contact with it during the winter when they are cooped up inside the house. Dust allergies are largely a reaction to dust mites—microscopic insects, which feed on the dead skin of pets and humans. Most people shed enough skin each day to keep a million dust mites fat and happy. Dust is composed of the decaying bodies and feces of dust mites. The proteins found in this dust mite debris cause allergic reactions. Mites commonly settle in mattresses, bedding and upholstered furniture, eliciting allergic reactions, including hay fever and asthma.
Since all of these winter allergens are airborne, it is impossible to avoid them, but here are a few ideas to minimize them:
Pollen—Avoid long stints outside and activities, such as mowing the lawn.
Mold—Use dehumidifiers and ventilation fans to minimize humidity. HEPA filters may be helpful, too.
Dust—Launder bedding at high temperature; encase mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof covers; and change filters regularly (try HEPA filters). Consider hardwood flooring instead of carpet.
Keep in mind that while these measures may help to some degree, it often is more effective to treat your allergy than to try to manage the environment. If you’re scared of allergy shots (or don’t have the time for them), under-the-tongue drops are another form of allergy immunotherapy. The drops have been shown to be highly effective and can be dosed at home.
Stuart H. Agren, MD, opened the Family Allergy Clinic in the East Valley in 1985. He has helped more than 15,000 patients overcome food and pollen allergies. Peers recently chose him as a Phoenix Magazine Top Doc. His offices can be reached at (480) 827-9945. Visit the website at www.FamilyAllergyClinic.com.