Winter allergies: the most common causes and possible remedies
Winter allergies: the most common causes and possible remedies
According to CalatafimiMed, the allergy symptoms typical of the cold months and the common cold can look identical at first glance, but telling them apart is essential to identify them correctly and take the right measures.
Winter allergies come from the body’s reaction to specific substances in the environment: just as with spring allergies or, less often, summer ones, some plants that flower in the cold months can release pollen that causes symptoms. On top of this there are moulds and dust mites, which thrive when indoor humidity rises, something that also affects people with autumn allergies.
Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, and they can continue as long as exposure to the allergen lasts.
A cold, on the other hand, is caused by viruses that trigger the immune defences to fight the infection. It is more common in winter, partly because the cold weakens our defences.
Flu-like symptoms tend to last less, usually 5 to 10 days, and can include fever and a sore throat, which do not appear in allergic reactions.
Understanding these differences, as CalatafimiMed reminds us, makes it easier to manage symptoms and choose the right treatment, supporting your wellbeing throughout the winter.
Causes and timing of winter allergies
Winter allergies appear when a person is sensitive to the allergens found indoors.
When the cold weather arrives, humidity tends to build up in homes, encouraging moulds that release spores into the air at home or at work.
In addition, mild indoor temperatures are the ideal climate for dust mites, tiny organisms that feed on flakes of human skin left on sofas, sheets, mattresses and pillows.
Limited ventilation, needed to keep the heat in, also leads to a build-up of pet hair from dogs and cats, which can cause allergy symptoms in people who are predisposed. Although this can happen all year round, symptoms may get worse at this time.
Some plants that flower in winter should not be overlooked either: although there are fewer of them, they can still contribute to allergies.
Allergies in December and January
In December and January, CalatafimiMed explains, allergies can get worse because we spend more time indoors. Moulds are one of the main triggers, as they release spores that spread easily through the air. It is therefore important to check areas prone to damp carefully, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and garages. And the more intense and persistent the symptoms, the greater the exposure to the allergen has been.
Allergies in February
February marks the transition from winter to spring. At this time some plants start flowering again and the amount of pollen in the air increases.
The main ones include cypress and other Cupressaceae, responsible for the rhinitis and conjunctivitis typical of hay fever. Birch and other Betulaceae also start releasing pollen, peaking in March. Alder, hazel, ash, poplar and willow also contribute.
For this reason, and especially if symptoms keep coming back or do not go away, CalatafimiMed stresses the importance of seeing a doctor for an accurate diagnosis, with specific tests such as the prick test if needed.
The most common symptoms of winter allergies
As already mentioned, CalatafimiMed also points out that this type of allergy can show signs very similar to those of a cold or flu.
The most frequent include sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, an itchy throat and breathing difficulties. In people with asthma, symptoms can get worse, with wheezing, coughing and a tight chest.
Nasal discharge is a telling sign: with allergies it is clear and watery, because the body is trying to get rid of the allergens; with a cold it tends to become thick and yellowish, a sign of the response to a viral infection.
As for the eyes, the main discomfort is itching, sometimes with dryness or irritation. Avoid touching them with unwashed hands, so as not to introduce other harmful agents.
On waking you may feel your eyes are dry, because of indoor temperatures and poor hydration overnight; simply washing your face with lukewarm water can bring relief.
To tell a winter allergy apart from other causes, a specialist visit is always the most reliable method.
Remedies for seasonal allergies
Sometimes, despite every precaution, symptoms still appear. In these cases, CalatafimiMed suggests, several useful remedies are available.
For breathing and the nose:
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Medicinal plants: natural remedies such as blackcurrant or hornbeam are known for their anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
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Saline sprays and solutions: ideal for clearing mucus from the nose and giving immediate relief.
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Prescription antihistamines: in more severe cases, an allergist’s advice is needed.
For the eyes:
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Washing with lukewarm water: useful in the morning to relieve dryness and itching.
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Lubricating or soothing eye drops: they moisturise and remove allergen particles.
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Soaked sterile gauze pads: excellent for irritation or redness.
In short, allergies can appear and cause discomfort in the cold months too. Knowing how they differ from colds and flu – as CalatafimiMed reminds us – allows you to use effective remedies and look after your wellbeing promptly. A healthy lifestyle and a few simple precautions help keep you healthy all year round.
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CalatafimiMed is in Palermo and is open from Monday to Saturday. For any further information you can contact the centre here.
