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Winter Allergies: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

4 min read

By Rhiannon Ball

Medically Reviewed by Patty Weasler, RN

Allergies are a common issue for many people. In fact, more than 50 million Americans have allergies of some type every year, making it the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. While allergies are more commonly associated with the spring and fall seasons, many people also experience symptoms in the winter – something that may seem puzzling.

To help you better understand and identify if you or someone in your household is suffering, we’re breaking down what winter allergies are, the signs and symptoms, treatment options, and tips for prevention.

What are Winter Allergies?

If you’re only allergic to pollen, then you likely won’t be afflicted. Winter allergies are exasperated during the colder months when the furnace turns on and people are spending more time inside and less outside, which increases exposure. They’re generally indoor allergies found in houses and include:

child with allergiesSource: Shutterstock

Signs and Symptoms of Winter Allergies

Common signs and symptoms of winter allergies are very similar to allergies experienced in the spring and fall. These include:

woman with allergiesSource: Shutterstock

Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing winter allergies, there are a number of easy treatment options available through your local pharmacy or at your health clinic. Some of the most popular options include:

woman using nasal spraySource: Shutterstock

Prevention and Tips to Manage Winter Allergies

There are a number of things you can do to prevent winter allergies or lessen their effects. Most of the actions you can take involve improving the state of your home. They include:

cleaning bed sheetsSource: Shutterstock

Talk To Your Doctor

If you are suffering from winter allergies, talk to your doctor to determine what you may be allergic to and review available treatment options. They may also refer you to an allergist who can perform detailed tests to determine exactly what indoor (and potentially outdoor) allergies you suffer from.

talking to your doctor

BSN, CCRN

Patty is a freelance health writer and nurse (BSN, CCRN). She has worked as a critical care nurse for over 10 years and loves educating people about their health. When she's not working, Patty enjoys any outdoor activity that she can do with her husband and three kids.

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