Most people do not associate allergies with the winter. As a matter of fact, many people who suffer from allergies tend to get a break during the winter months. Yes, it is true that most allergy sufferers will not have to deal with allergens from the environment when it’s cold outside. However, they still are at risk of contracting allergies from conditions that cold weather brings. Keep reading to find out how allergies take place during the winter months and how you can keep them from occurring.
Cold Weather Allergens and Where They Hide
During the cold weather months many indoor allergens hide indoors. According to WebMD, allergens such as mold and dust mites trigger many people’s allergies during the cold weather. Remember, most people stay indoors when it is cold outside. Dust is a byproduct of human skin, animal hair and other products that are considered waste material. These substances are shed into the environment. When people are indoors they tend to come into closer contact with these substances. This in turn triggers an allergic reaction. People typically experience allergies in the winter time from indoor conditions.
Indoor Mold and Cockroach Droppings Also Cause Winter Allergies
Once again, most people do not associate certain things with winter allergies. For example, if you tell people that mold and cockroach droppings are triggers for their allergies, they usually won’t believe you. According to the Everyday Health website, these two substances are also responsible for cold weather allergens within the environment. Indoor mold is a common problem for millions of homes across the country. Millions of homes are also infested with cockroaches. Some homes have both of these problems. People who live in conditions like these should have the mold removed and use some type of extermination technique to do away with these triggers.
Indoor Air Quality and Cold Weather Allergies
When most people are inside during the winter months they will need to have proper ventilation. This is because the air can quickly become filled with contaminants that cause people to have an allergic reaction. Opening the windows and letting the cool air in the home is a great way to get rid of contaminants that are floating around the air. Another thing for people to do is to use a good filtering system on their HVAC units. Running a fan in the home is a quick way to circulate air in the room to keep it from being stagnant. This will also reduce the amount of allergens in the air. Allergist Darien IL also recommends these steps.
Clean your Home in the Winter to Reduce Allergic Reactions
People should frequently clean their home during the winter months to help reduce the amount of allergens they experience. Dusting, mopping and keeping the environment free from dirt, mud and grime helps to maintain your environment as well. People should also keep the air cool enough to control allergens but warm enough to make the environment a livable place. Winter time allergies can be kept under control if you take the time to clean your place and keep the air fresh circulated and fresh.
