If you suffer from allergies, surviving winter might be a real challenge. This is because there are several allergens in the air at this time that can cause everything from a simple stuffy nose to headaches and fatigue.

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to survive the season. To help you out, here are suggestions for surviving the winter allergy season.

Find out if you have allergies or if it is just cold

You need to be sure that what you are experiencing is due to allergies rather than a cold or anything more serious.

You should know that several allergy symptoms resemble cold symptoms, but several key differences exist.

Allergies cause symptoms to appear unexpectedly. Colds, on the other hand, develop gradually, with symptoms steadily worsening over time.

Allergies can last for weeks or months if the allergen is constantly present. Colds usually clear up in a few weeks.

You should note that allergies increase a person’s susceptibility to upper respiratory infections.

If you aren’t sure about the condition you are suffering from, get the input of an allergist specialist. The professional will undertake a battery of tests to determine the condition you are suffering from and advise you on the best way to combat the condition.

Maintain the highest levels of cleanliness.

Cleaning the house may appear to be a simple taks, but it is one of the simplest ways to cope with indoor winter allergies.

Dust, mold, pet dander, dust mite, and cockroach droppings may all hide in the most inconvenient places and cause sneezing, coughing, and congestion.

You should maintain a regular cleaning plan to limit exposure to these indoor allergens.

Dust and vacuum regularly, especially beneath and behind furniture, where allergies can easily accumulate.

You also should wipe down counters and other frequently used surfaces. Wipe out seasonal decorations, especially if stored in places where dust and mold thrive.

Lookout for pets

As much as they are adorable, pets can make your winters unbearable. Your pets, like you, are spending more time indoors at this time, which increases your exposure to pet dander and saliva.

While you may like snuggling with your dogs before bed, you should avoid it. In fact, you should keep them out of the bedroom to prevent any nighttime allergies that may disrupt your sleep.

Keep the door to your bedroom locked during the day so your furry family members aren’t enticed to enter.

When caressing your cat or dog, wash your hands afterward to avoid accidentally touching your face and triggering an allergic response.

You also need to groom your pets regularly to reduce allergens in the air.

Find and fix indoor mold.

Did you know there are around 1,000 types of mold in the United States? Many molds are not visible to the naked eye, and when mold spores become airborne, they can induce allergic reactions.

Avoiding mold allergens can be challenging because mold can grow in almost any wet part of your house. You can find it in your basement, bathroom, under the sink, and any place with running water.

If you suspect you have indoor mold, contact a professional who can locate and remove any mold in your house.

Stop and clean up any leaks immediately to avoid mold from forming inside your home.

Also, keep moisture and humidity to a minimum in restrooms and kitchens. Consider getting a dehumidifier if humidity control is an issue.

Be cautious of your forced air systems.

This is one of the most crucial tasks you should undertake if you suffer from indoor allergies.

Allergens are physically blown throughout the house by forced air systems. They draw in air and force it via pipes and vents.

To avoid this, dust the vents regularly and have the insides of the air ducts professionally cleaned once a year.

Most individuals never do this, and the filth and allergy accumulation can be a major issue.

While at it, check the air filters. When did you last change the filter in your furnace or air conditioner? If you can’t remember, it might be time to do it.

When buying the new filter, get a high-quality one with a high energy star rating. Such a unit will last for a long time and give you excellent services.

Protect your bed from dust mites.

According to the ACAAI, dust mites dwell and breed in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in carpets, pillows, mattresses, carpeting, and upholstered furniture.

Even if your house is clean on the outside, dust mite allergen particles might still be hiding in these areas, and you keep developing allergies.

Use mite-proof zippered coverings for your mattress and pillows to reduce your exposure to dust mites.

You should also wash and change your sheets, blankets, and other bedding in hot water once a week to remove dust mite droppings.

You can do most of the cleaning by yourself, but if you are having problems keeping the bed clean, consider getting the services of an expert.

Consult an allergist

You should consult an allergist if the allergies are getting out of control or if you are experiencing serious symptoms.

Allergists are experts at treating allergies and asthma. They will help you get tested, treated, and feel better. As a result, you get to enjoy the holiday season and beyond.

Following a consultation, an allergist may administer tests to diagnose your allergies and determine potential causes.

An allergist will prescribe antihistamines and other medications to alleviate your allergic symptoms.

Parting shot

You may better manage your winter allergies by following these recommendations. By doing so, you will enjoy the comfortable, cooler months without allergies.

An allergy doctor Manassas VA is an important professional to have by your side at this time. For peace of mind, take your time and find a reputable one who is experienced and knows what they are doing.

When the doctor prescribes any medication, take it religiously and follow the right procedure.

Allergen immunotherapy, often known as allergy shots, treats common allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. They may also be beneficial if you are allergic to the venom of stinging insects such as bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.

As much as the shots are beneficial, some people have unpleasant reactions, which can be counterproductive.

To shed more light on it, here is why this occurs, what to look for, and how you may be able to avoid allergic reactions to allergy shots.

How allergy shots work

Allergy shots are an allergy treatment that involves the allergy doctor injecting small amounts of allergens into your body. Depending on your allergies, your allergy doctor will create a customized cocktail of allergens in the shots for you.

The shots help reduce or even stop allergy symptoms from coming about.

You develop a tolerance to allergens by exposing your body to tiny amounts in the shots. Then, when you encounter allergens, such as during allergy season, your body does not react as strongly to them.

This treatment necessitates numerous doses, usually weekly, over several years. Your provider gradually increases the amount of allergens in the shot.

You’ll need to have the shots less frequently once you’ve reached the maintenance phase (the greatest dose).

Reason for allergy shot reaction

Your allergy doctor always begins with extremely low doses of the allergens. The idea is to sufficiently excite your immune system to recognize allergens without causing a severe reaction.

While this is the case, you should note that unpleasant reactions to allergy injections may occur on occasion.

This is because you are being given things you are allergic to, and there’s always that risk of an adverse reaction.

When administered correctly, allergy shots desensitize you to the allergen trigger. Unfortunately, your body may sometimes overreact to the allergens in the shot.

Reactions might range from mild swelling at the injection site to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Swelling at the injection site is the most common reaction to allergy injections. This swelling can range from a pea to a golf ball, but it usually goes away within 48 hours. Itching and/or hives may also occur over vast areas of your body.

Thankfully, severe reactions to allergy shots are less common — generally considered less than 1%.

While these are some of the common reactions that might come about, other less common but more significant reactions that can come about include:

Breathing difficulties include chest tightness, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath.
A decrease in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness and/or fainting.
Hives that appear on the injection site.

Who is prone to allergy shot reactions?

Asthmatics are more likely to have an allergic reaction to allergy injections.

If you have asthma, you must stay on your asthma meds and ensure your asthma is well-controlled before having these shots.

You should have a peak flow test before each shot to protect yourself. This test measures how quickly air exits your lungs when you exhale. This test determines whether or not your asthma is under control.

If you take beta-blockers or other blood pressure medications, you may also be more susceptible to a reaction, so be ultra cautious when going for it.

While these are the most common people to develop a reaction, anyone can develop a reaction to allergy shots. There’s no way to predict that, so you should always take precautions before you get the shots.

Ways to avoid allergy shot reactions

There are several things you can do to avoid allergy shot reactions. These things include:

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have asthma. When giving your allergist your medical history, be detailed and exact. Mention any prior allergic reactions, medical conditions, or medications you are taking. This information will assist your allergist in determining the proper dosage and treatment plan.

Remember to take your meds as directed to keep your asthma under control.

If you have a cold or a respiratory infection, postpone getting your allergy shot until you feel better.

Avoid strenuous activities immediately after receiving an allergy injection. It’s even recommended that you avoid strenuous activities for an hour or two after injection.

Follow your doctor’s advice and take an antihistamine before your shot. You also should follow the specified allergy shot injection regimen. Your allergist will begin with a build-up period when the dose gradually increases. This gradual escalation allows your body to develop tolerance to the allergen.

When the doctor tells you to do certain things and avoid others, obey their word.

Remember that once you’ve reached the maintenance phase in your course of allergy shots, your risk of a reaction decreases significantly.

When you are looking for an allergy specialist to administer a shot, ensure that you use an experienced one who knows what they are doing.

Ensure a board-certified allergist or immunologist is treating you with allergy injections experience. They will carefully examine your allergies and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Don’t try to cut corners and hire a cheap allergist, as chances are that they won’t give you the service you want, and you will most likely be in more problems than you planned.

Take time to find an experienced professional. They might be a little expensive, but they will be worth it.

It’s a good idea to stay at the doctor’s office for at least 30 minutes after receiving an allergy shot. This allows medical professionals to keep an eye on you in case of an emergency. Serious responses are uncommon, but they might occur immediately after the injection.

Since you are already at the doctor’s office, you can get the medical attention you need if you react to the shot.

The success of allergy injections is dependent on consistency. Missing shots or delaying treatment might stymie your progress and increase your chance of adverse responses when you begin treatment.

So always be consistent with the allergy shots and get them at the right time as your allergist Germantown MD recommends.

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How to Deal with Allergies in Winter