Introduction
If one thing characterizes winter, apart from the wet and cold climate, it is sniffles and coughs. We all expect to catch a cold or two over winter. Still, there could be other reasons for sniffs, coughs, stinging eyes, and generally feeling a little under the weather. Allergens. It might surprise you to learn that allergens can be just as potent in the winter as they can in the summer.
Today we'll show you ways to reduce winter allergens and some great ways you can breathe easier in your home.
Why Do I Have Bad Allergies in Winter?
Often, people associate allergens with the height of summer. After all, isn't that when most people get 'hay fever'?
While the above is true, winter can be just as fraught.
With the temperature being cold outside, people will open the windows less, preventing fresh air from entering their homes. As a result, things that will irritate your system can build up.
What's more, the drop in temperature prompts people to turn on their home or office heating system. While this gets a room nice and toasty, it also causes the mucus membranes of your nose, throat, and eyes to become dry, which makes them more susceptible to irritation. (It is also the reason why you are more prone to colds and viruses in winter).
What Allergens Are High in Winter?
There are plenty of allergens that are higher in winter than summer, especially in your home. Let's take a look at a few that are common causes of discomfort and irritation in sufferers:
- Pet dander
While you have a pet all year round, you may very well find that your allergies peak during the winter.
Why?
Whereas in summer your furry friends may spend more time outdoors, in the winter, there is every chance that they are in the home much more regularly. Pet dander is actually gross stuff. It is a mixture of dried saliva, fur, dead skin, and even urine and feces.
Yuck.
This is almost certainly something that you want to reduce.
- Dust
When spring cleaning, many open their windows to air the house. This might be something that you put off doing in winter. As a result, dust might build up.
- Mold
In many areas, winter brings damp conditions. Mold flourishes when moisture is present and can trigger severe allergic reactions.
- Smoke
You may have a solid fuel burner in your home. Combined with a lack of ventilation, this can make you feel rather chesty.
- Dust mites
With the presence of dust comes dust mites. These tiny creatures' feces can trigger allergic reactions, and there isn't the fresh air in your home to dislodge it and blow it away.
8 Ways to Quickly and Easily Reduce Winter Allergies
Don't despair too much if the above seems like a long (and potentially disgusting) list. There are quite a few ways to reduce winter allergies.
Here are some ideas.
1. Remove Potential Allergens
The first port of call should be to try and remove the source of the allergens. While things like mold could be easily dealt with, things like pet dander are not. You certainly will not want to part with your four-legged friends, so you might need another solution…
2. Cut Down on the Dust
Regularly cleaning and dusting will go some way to reducing allergens and the symptoms of allergies. However, during cleaning, there is always the possibility that you dislodge more dust into the air. As a result, you may simply be moving the problem from one place to another.
3. Let Some Air In!
Regularly airing your room is a great way to allow allergens to escape. The climate outdoors may mean that this isn't a good idea. Also, if you live in an area with heavy traffic, you might be swopping the air in your home for bad air outside.
4. Consider New Bedding
Getting new bedding will help to reduce dust mites. If you haven't got the opportunity, washing bedding can also remove the worst offenders. It is also worth giving your bare mattress a run-over with the vacuum cleaner occasionally.
5. Stay Hydrated
By staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water, you will prevent those sensitive areas of your nose and throat from drying out. This may reduce the symptoms of winter allergies.
6. Over the Counter Remedies
Consider seeking medical advice if your allergies become too bad. However, there are several over-the-counter remedies and anti-inflammatory medications that can help to stop you from feeling quite so bad.
7. Reduce Colds and Viruses
Talk about adding insult to injury. Sometimes colds and viruses can leave you feeling weak and run down, exacerbating allergies. Anything that prevents you from catching a bug is a good thing. This includes COVID-19.
8. Try Using an Air Purifier
The answer to all of the above can be easily provided by a good-quality HEPA air purifier.
Air purifiers can remove the following:
- Pet Dander
- Smoke particles
- Dust
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pollen
- Cooking vapors
- Bad smells
- Pollutants from outside
Essentially, an air purifier represents an 'all in one' package that will allow you to employ the vast majority of our list of ways to reduce winter allergies. Take, for instance, the simple act of opening the window to let 'fresh air' in.
You needn't worry about pollution from outside getting in as an air purifier will remove the pollutants leaving you with nice fresh air.
Clair Air purifiers are fitted with an extremely efficient HEPA purifier and have a UV light that kills viruses. They effectively remove allergens from the air in as little as 15 minutes. They are designed to be run continuously, providing a steady stream of fresh and really pure air.
Conclusion
The Clair air purifiers can work well to remove allergens and are approved by the European Center for Allergy Research. You can find out more about our products here.