It is a well-known fact that allergies are prevalent in the Spring. Hay fever, a type of allergic reaction that causes red, watery eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing, is often caused by pollen, and springtime is when many plants pollinate.
While many allergy sufferers get a reprieve during winter, there are many others who don’t. Winter allergies are a real thing. Let’s talk about common winter allergens.
What Causes Winter Allergies?
Winter allergies are a combination of different environmental allergens. The cooler weather makes people spend more time indoors with the windows closed, which can make allergies worse. Without proper ventilation (the heating system could keep circulating the allergens) and the use of a filtration system, those with winter allergies could be looking at a miserable winter.
Examples of allergens found in the home are dust mites, mold, pet dander, and insect shedding or droppings.
- Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed on dead skin found in dust. They can multiply in bedding, carpets, curtains, upholstered furniture, and clothes.
- Mold reproduces through spores, and these can float in the air and trigger an allergic reaction in some if they are breathed in. Mold usually develops from moisture or wet surfaces, most commonly in bathrooms, washrooms, and basements.
- Pet dander is the dead skin cells of pets.
- Household pests such as cockroaches shed and produce droppings that are well-known allergens.
The winter season is not typically pollination season, however, if you live in Central Texas, there is a type of winter allergen that many locals are familiar with. Mountain cedar is an evergreen Juniper tree that pollinates in the wintertime. It is a very potent allergen, and its pollen can be carried by the wind all over Texas. Allergy doctors in Texas are used to treating Mountain Cedar allergies.
During the winter months, it can be distressing to experience allergy symptoms. You may wonder if it’s the common cold, the flu, or worse, COVID-19. Now is the best time to get your winter allergies under control, so you can enjoy the good things about winter months, like curling up with a good book, enjoying the snow, and keeping warm under a blanket with a loved one.
Indoor allergens, combined with outdoor allergens can make it difficult to breathe and sleep well. You don’t have to suffer through another allergy season if you seek expert treatment for your allergies.
Allergy Doctors in Weatherford, TX
Our allergy doctors at Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas are highly experienced in treating common winter allergies that cause uncomfortable symptoms throughout the season. Your body could be overreacting to allergens. Our doctors can treat the problem itself and not just control the symptoms. Dr. Olusegun Oseni, our internal medicine provider, is trained in sleep medicine, which makes him uniquely qualified to help patients who have difficulty sleeping due to allergies.
Our doctors are friendly and take their time with each patient, making sure you understand your allergies and how to prevent them. With our highly customized recommendations, you can breathe and sleep better during the winter season.
To schedule an appointment with one of our allergy doctors, call our clinic today at (817) 594-9993, or use our online request form.
