• Allergies are common in winters because of the colder and harsher weather.
• If you are spending more time indoors during winters, it increases risk of exposure to indoor allergens.
• Which then may bring about symptoms of winter allergies.
• Outdoor winter allergies aren’t such a cause for concern but indoor allergies can increase risk of getting ill.
• In winters, you might notice allergy symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes.
• House dust mites, animal dander and cockroach droppings are most common allergens that can be worse in winter season due to less ventilation

Following are commonest indoor allergens that can trigger winter allergies include:

• House dust mites
• mold spores
• cockroach droppings
• Airborne dust particles
• Fibers of woolen clothes
• Bacteria and fungi
• Food material
• Animal dander (skin flakes that carry proteins)+

SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY

• Sneezing
• stuffy/runny nose
• itchy eyes
• throat itching
• ear itching
• difficulty breathing,
• dry or wet coughing
• skin rash
• feeling sick
• low-grade fever
• feeling anxious

Preventive measures for winter allergies

The best way to get rid of winter allergies is to take preventive measures.

Some steps that can lower the severity of winter allergies and feasibly prevent them include:

• To remove dust and dander clean dusty areas
• Improve ventilation in the house
• Frequently clean toys
• Installing an indoor air filter
• Avoid touching eyes or face after contact with pets
• Wash your hands with soap or warm water after contact with pets
• Use encasings on pillows, mattresses, and box springs
• Keeps out pets from sleeping zone
• Wear a dust mask and gloves while clean dust areas
• Removing carpeting from the home or using fewer carpets and rugs
• Keeping humidity in the home to 45% or less
• Remove any mold growing in the house
• Remove cockroach droppings and exploring options for controlling cockroaches

Read Also: Treatment of Allergy in Ayurveda – Symptoms & Cause

A few lifestyle changes and home remedies can help you control winter allergies.

HOME REMEDIES

TULSI (HOLI BASIL)

• Holi basil is known to help reduce the symptoms of winter allergies, breathing problems and bronchitis.
• A couple of leaves can be consumed straightaway or in tea.

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa)

• This most popular herb helps to fight off inflammation.
• Taking ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with milk is helpful to combat all kinds of inflammation.

GINGER (Zingiber officinale)

• This herb help to relieves throat infection.
• Ginger mixed with black pepper and honey is a great reliever of breathing related allergies.
• In addition, it helps in clearing the nasal passage.

ASHWAGANDHA (Withania somnifera)

• This tremendous ayurvedic herb enhances the defense system of the person.
• A teaspoon of ashwagandha taken with a glass of warm milk during bed time boost immunity and prevents from winter allergies.

Read Also: ALLERGY CARE KIT

LIFESTYLE CHANGE

• Take herbal tea each morning.
• Drink plenty of water this helps the cleanse body system.
• Don’t eat foods high in spices during pollen season.
• Stay away from all the allergens that worsen the winter allergies.
• Follow the Mediterranean Diet.
• Get enough sleep as it repairs and rejuvenates the system
• Develop a healthy, sustainable diet to shed unwanted weight.
• Use less salt, this habit can improve lung function
• Moisturize the air around you
• Use a nasal saline solution.