Think you can escape your asthma and allergies by hiding inside all winter? While you'll stay warm, your home can actually be a haven for mold and dust, which, in turn, will only make your allergies worse.
If you've been struggling all season with allergies, you're not alone. This year has been one of the worst allergy seasons in quite some time. Unusual weather patterns are to blame, along with general pollution, which can increase the amount of pollen.
Many might assume that as winter hits, allergies decrease. Unfortunately, that's not true, meaning you must be prepared. Here are some general things you should know about winter allergies:
1. Understand triggers
Triggers cause us to sneeze, cough and have difficulty catching our breath. Cold air is a trigger, and it can make your allergies worse. Cold air causes mucus to thicken, causing it to be less effective at removing particles, such as dust and mold spores, from the air.
Worse, when cold air enters our lungs, it releases histamines. The body also releases histamines to combat allergies, causing us to sneeze or wheeze. As you can imagine, the cold air does the same thing.
2. Understand how to prevent attacks
Forget spring cleaning. Before winter arrives, make sure your home is dust free. Replace filters in home heating devices and, if needed, purchase a dehumidifier to prevent mold from forming
For more information on proper allergy management techniques and allergy control products, visit Allergy Be Gone today.