Winter Allergies in Missouri Explained

Allergies are often associated with spring and summer when trees, grass, and other vegetation are releasing pollen. However, winter allergies in Missouri can still be persistent in the winter months like December even when pollen counts are low. Winter allergies are caused by other sources like mold, pets, dust, or dust mites in your home or in other indoor environments that you frequently occupy. These allergies are often referred to as Perennial Allergies because they persist year-round.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Winter Allergy Symptoms

Winter allergy symptoms are similar to seasonal allergies. The most common winter allergy symptoms include any or all of the following:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red eyes
• Coughing
• Itchy mouth and lips
• Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness

It’s also possible for winter allergies in Missouri to trigger more severe symptoms, including:

• Wheezing
• Hives
• Worsening eczema
• Swollen eyelids
• Upset stomach

Every allergy sufferer’s experience can be unique, and it’s also important to understand that allergies share many symptoms with other common illnesses.

Winter Allergies vs Cold

Winter allergy symptoms are similar to the common cold, but there are a couple important distinctions. The first difference has to do with duration – a cold lasts three to seven days on average, although symptoms can last up to 14 days. If untreated, winter allergy symptoms will persist for longer than 2 weeks and can continue for as long as you’re exposed to whatever you’re allergic to. Another distinguishing feature between winter allergies and a cold is the color and consistency of the mucus. Colds typically cause thick, greenish-yellow mucus; but allergies tend to cause thin, clear mucus. Colds can also cause fever and sweats, which are atypical for winter allergy sufferers.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Winter Allergy Testing

A winter allergy diagnosis can usually be confirmed with a simple skin prick test, but Dr. Cajigal may order other tests as needed if a skin prick test is inconclusive or cannot be performed.

Winter allergies can be caused by one of many distinct allergens, which is why it’s important to get a formal diagnosis from a board-certified allergist.

Winter Allergy Treatment

When your allergist has helped you identify what you’re allergic to, winter allergy treatment will consist of allergy avoidance techniques, environmental modifications, and medications to relieve symptoms. Depending on what you’re allergic to, allergy shots may also be an option.

How To Prevent Winter Allergies

To work towards preventing winter allergies, the first step is to thoroughly clean your home to reduce your winter allergen exposure. Be mindful of mold, damp rooms, dust, and pets. Though not exhaustive, the list below provides some of the more common suggestions to minimize mold, dust, and pet dander allergens in your home.

• Steam clean carpets or remove carpets altogether.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander in your bedding.
• Keep pets off of upholstered furniture.
• Consider replacing upholstered furniture to minimize pet dander accumulation.
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce dust in your home.
• Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent frequently to reduce allergens.
• Use dust mite proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and box springs.
• Regularly clean garbage cans and refrigerator drip pans.
• Regularly clean your gutters and ensure drainage flows away from your home’s foundation.
• Quickly clean up any spills, leaks, or messes to prevent mold from growing.

Some of this advice only applies if you have a specific allergy. When you visit us at St. Louis Family Allergy, Dr. Cajigal will provide personalized advice for your unique circumstances.

Winter Allergy Medications

Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

References