WINTER WOES: KEEP SEASONAL ALLERGIES AT BAY

What causes your allergies to Dust mites, mold, pet dander... find out flare up as the temperature starts to drop

Sneezing, congestion, runny nose — the onset of winter is not a breath of fresh air for many. While the nip in the air might indicate a much-needed break from the summer or fall allergy symptoms, as the weather gets colder, winter allergies rear their ugly head.

“Unlike autumn or spring allergies, which are often responses to outdoor allergens such as pollen, winter allergies are usually triggered by substances inside our homes. While these indoor allergens are present year-round, allergies can flare up during winters as you’re cooped up in the house with the windows closed,” says Dr Trupti Gilada, infectious disease specialist,

Masina Hospital, Mumbai.

TRIGGERS

Overexposure to indoor allergens is one of the main triggers for winter allergies. “During winters, staying indoors leads to higher exposure to dust on carpets, furniture, toys etc, insects like mites and cockroaches, and pets carrying dust and pollen on their furs. Those susceptible to allergies could be worst hit and conditions such as asthma, seasonal rhinitis, urticaria may worsen,” informs Dr Charu Goel Sachdeva, HoD and consultant of internal medicine at HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, Delhi.

Pollen from plants and air pollution do lend to the problem, too. With children and the elderly having been mostly confined indoors due to the pandemic, stepping out now would expose them to many outdoor allergens as well. “Climate, pollen, indoor dust and mites account for a large number of allergic conditions. Dryness of the skin during winter could predispose to urticaria,” adds Dr Sachdeva.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms, being similar to those of other allergies, can often be confused with an infection. But they tend to trouble for longer periods and may have a waxing-waning course unlike most respiratory infections. “Common symptoms include runny/ blocked nose, itchy throat, watery eyes, coughing, sore throat, slight fever, etc. Additional symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, exhaustion, and wheezing may arise in severe allergies,” opines Dr Farah Ingale, director of internal medicine, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Mumbai.

HOW TO TREAT THEM

The primary method to combat winter allergies is to learn how to minimise exposure to the allergens. “Nasal decongestants/ rinses to clear out mucus and relieve the swelling is recommended. You can opt for over-the-counter medication such as antihistamines and nasal steroids,” says Dr Ingale. Keeping the skin moisturised is another method. “When your skin becomes dry, use pH balanced moisturising soaps and body washes and just after bath, gently pat the skin with soft towel and do not rub it. Then a

moisturising body lotion needs to be applied to restore hydration,” says Dr Navjot Arora, (skin) consultant at Dermaheal Skin and Hair Clinic. Some can choose to build their immunity, too. “Immunotherapy or allergy shots where the person is gradually exposed to higher doses of allergens to create immunity within the body,” says Dr Ingale. Keeping humidity below 50 percent helps reduce dust mites. Dehumidifiers are very helpful for such individuals. Vacuum carpets and rugs frequently. “Clean regularly. Wet mopping is better than dusting that tends to cause allergens to get suspended in air,” says Dr Gilada. Furthermore, bathe your pets weekly, if possible, to wash away dander and other allergens from their fur.

While indoor present allergens are year-round, allergies can flare up during cooped winters as you’re the the house with up in windows closed. DR TRUPTI GILADA, specialist Infectious disease