Common Winter Allergies Research Paper

Common Winter Allergies

Winter is the time for hot chocolate, holidays, and allergies. For those of you that thought that winter would provide a reprieve from allergies, think again. Cranking up the furnace and staying in doors will not help save you from allergens that persevere through even the coldest months of the year.

The Most Common Winter Allergies

Winter doesn’t seem like the time for allergies but it is. When you crank on your heaters or furnaces, all those dormant allergens suddenly get circulated through the air. With the sudden influx of allergen particles, your body responds and causes an allergic reaction. Some of the most common winter allergens are:

• Dust mites: Dust mites strike again. These bugs live wherever they can

Decongestants take care of the congestion you sometimes feel in your face and chest.

• Allergy Shots: When your allergies are severe, your doctor might recommend that you receive shots for allergies. These shots gradually expose your immune system to the allergen in order to promote a healthier immune system. Allergy shots reduce symptoms for longer periods of time than over the counter medication.

How to Prevent Winter Allergies?

Sometimes there isn’t a way to prevent allergies, but there are ways to soften the reaction.

• Use household bleach to clean your house. A mixture of 5% household bleach will help you keep allergens in check.

• Throw out old shower curtains and rugs. Allergens can thrive in damp spaces and old shower curtains and rugs are the perfect haven for them. You should replace your shower curtain regularly to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

• Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers have been shown to safely lower the levels of humidity. This is great because allergens need humidity to grow. Take away their humidity things like dust mites will die out.

• Wash used linens in hot water once weekly. The water temperature should be roughly 130 degrees