Can You Get Allergies in Winter?

Trees are bare, the grass is brown, and flowers are few and far between. Now that winter is here, it seems like allergy season should be over. Yet East Tennesseans are still reaching for tissues and experiencing classic allergy symptoms from runny noses to itchy, watery eyes. Winter has its own allergy season, and it can be just as frustrating.

What are Winter Allergies?

Many people are surprised when their allergic rhinitis symptoms don’t improve in colder months. Winter allergies are not uncommon. In fact, they may be more common than you’d expect them to be.

“Allergies in winter typically have different triggers,” explains Nicholas Panella, MD, an ear, nose and throat specialist with Covenant Health. “If you’re highly allergic, you may still suffer from outdoor allergens, but the main issue (this time of year) is often indoor allergens.”

Most warm weather allergy symptoms come from plants, trees and grass. Dr. Panella explains that winter allergies usually come from what’s lurking in your workplace, your school or your home—dust mites, mold and even the pets you love.

Indoor Allergens

When the cold weather drives us indoors, exposure to allergens skyrockets. Here are the main culprits:

• Pet Dander: Tiny flakes of skin from pets stick to furniture and clothes.
• Mold and Mildew: Fungi thrive in damp places like bathrooms and basements.
• Dust Mites: The microscopic bugs thrive in bedding, carpets and upholstery.
• Insects/Rodents: With cold weather, they seek shelter indoors, bringing allergens with them.
• Wood Smoke: Fireplaces are cozy, but they release allergens and irritants into the air.

Outdoor Allergens

Trees and grasses may take a seasonal break for winter, but some outdoor allergens stick around.

• Pollen: Trees like cedar and juniper release pollen during winter.
• Mold Spores: Damp leaves and soil, heavy rain and melting snow help them grow.

Winter Allergy Symptoms

Expect allergy symptoms in winter to be similar to what you might experience in other seasons. Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Coughing
• Postnasal drip
• Scratchy throat

Winter Allergies vs. Common Cold

Wondering whether your symptoms are caused by winter allergies, a cold or the flu? Here’s how to tell the difference.

• You have an itch. “Allergies often cause itching,” says Dr. Panella. “That can be a rash, itchy eyes or an itchy nose, but colds and the flu don’t typically cause much itching.”
• Your body aches or you’re running a fever. Colds and flu often are accompanied by aches and fevers, which are rare (although not unheard of) with allergies.
• Your symptoms last. Colds usually clear up in 7 to 10 days, but allergy symptoms stay for as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.

When is Winter Allergy Season?

If you’re clutching tissues and counting the days till winter allergy season is over and done with, brace yourself. Allergy seasons don’t have a solid start or finish.

“As we all know, weather patterns are highly variable in this region, so it’s less about the calendar and more about the weather,” Dr. Panella says. When the weather warms up and East Tennesseans are ready to spend more time in fresh air, indoor allergens will have less of an impact. 

How to Avoid Winter Allergies

The best way to avoid suffering through an allergic reaction is, of course, to stay away from the allergen. When the allergens are in your own home, that’s harder to do. Dr. Panella has a tip to help patients get out in front of the problem. “One easy step is to ensure that your air filters indoors are clean and functioning well to filter the air within your living space,” he says.

Here are some other tips for minimizing allergy symptoms:

• Vacuum and dust often.
• Wash bedding and pillows in hot water once a week.
• Put allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Keep pets clean and keep them off furniture.
• Prevent or treat dampness promptly.
• Keep wet clothes and shoes outside.

Treating Winter Allergies

If avoiding allergens doesn’t do the trick, try these over-the-counter treatments:

• Nasal Sprays: “Saline sprays clean sticky allergens off the nasal lining and reduce inflammation,” Dr. Panella explains, adding that the spray can be used two or three times per day. “As a next step, I typically recommend a daily nasal steroid spray like fluticasone.”
• Antihistamines: These medications help reduce sneezing and itching.
• Decongestants: These can relieve nasal congestion and improve breathing.

When to See a Doctor

Allergens may come and go, but allergies are a reality all year. A primary care physician, allergist, or ear, nose and throat specialist can assess your symptoms and offer treatment that makes a real difference.

“I’d suggest trying the saline nasal spray and daily nasal steroid use first,” says Dr. Panella. “If these safe and easy remedies are not cutting it, it may be time to see a specialist to take the next steps, such as allergy shots or drops.”

Winter allergy season doesn’t have to be marked by endless suffering and discomfort. With a little planning and guidance from knowledgeable medical professionals, allergies can be tamed so you can enjoy East Tennessee life in every season.