Posted on: January 28, 2022
Did you know that allergies occur year-round and winter allergies can be as severe as spring and summer allergies? In Charlotte, North Carolina mild winters and sizzling summer days are no relief for allergy sufferers during the winter months. It’s pretty much always allergy season around here.
What Are the Triggers for Charlotte, NC Winter Allergy Sufferers
Pollen may not be a factor for winter allergy sufferers, but there are a lot of other triggers. The following are some of the top triggers in Charlotte, NC for winter allergies.
- Pet Dander may cause worse allergies in winter than in summer as your pets most likely spend more time indoors than during other seasons. This means you or your child’s exposure to pet dander is heightened which, in turn, leads to worsening symptoms like rhinitis.
- Damp Wood is a great attraction to mold spores. Cut wood that you keep outdoors quickly becomes damp and becomes a perfect environment for mold spores to collect in. Bringing the wood indoors, even briefly before burning, is a sure way to bring indoors a classic winter allergy trigger.
- Mold and Mildew round out the top three triggers for Charlotte’s winter allergy sufferers. Dead leaves and other winter yard debris are the best breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Mold and mildew cling to your clothing and shoes making them the perfect transportation system for these allergens to come into your home.
Many homes in Charlotte have fireplaces which give rise to the question do indoor wood fires cause allergies? It is not likely, but, the smoke from a fireplace can be an irritant when allergies are flaring.
Winter means Christmas and many allergy sufferers wonder if a live Christmas tree can trigger their allergies? It is unlikely the tree will do so, but it can increase your allergy discomfort due to the mold it is hiding. Unfortunately, dust and mold can hide in artificial trees as well, especially if they have been packed away for the year. Also, be aware that scented candles can trigger allergy-like symptoms. Bottom line, if you notice more allergies around the holidays, Carolina Asthma &Allergy Center suggests touching base with your allergist about changes to your home environment.
Tips to Help You Fight Winter Allergies
There are many ways to fight winter allergies. The following are proven ways to reduce allergy suffering during winter.
- A threat for winter allergy sufferers is dehydration, thanks to a person having to blow their nose often if a furnace is going. Charlotte residents tend to overheat their homes as they are not accustomed to chilly weather. Drink lots of water and eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Hot drinks are very helpful as the steam that rises from your cup helps reduce nasal congestion.
- Wash your bedding and/or your child’s bedding frequently. Pets love to lay on human bedding, but, they leave behind pet dander and dust mites. Wash bedding of allergy sufferers at least once per week – be sure to use hot water.
- Avoid allergy triggers. One example of doing this is to stay indoors when gusting winds send moist leaves in your front or backyard twirling around.
- Bathe often, which will wash allergy triggers from your face and hands. A nightly bath or shower goes a long way in keeping allergy symptoms in check.
- When you or your child is suffering from allergy-related nasal congestion, try using a saline solution that is readily available at your drugstore without a prescription. Irrigating your nose with salt water helps keep your nasal passages clear.
- Consider adding a moisturizer to your heating system. Putting more moisture into your home during dry winter spells helps with allergies – but don’t overdo it, as too much moisture fosters the growth of mold and mildew.
- Take over-the-counter allergy medication. Today, there are many non-drowsy allergy medicines. If they don’t keep your or your child’s allergies at bay, it is time to see an allergist.
Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center has multiple locations for you and your family’s convenience. Our team has provided outstanding allergy and asthma medical care since 1952. Today, all our locations are manned by board-certified allergy doctors. Call us at 704-372-7900 for more information about winter allergies or to schedule an appointment. You may also use our online contact form.
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