How to cope with winter allergies

Often, we hear about people experiencing allergy season during summer, but many allergy sufferers continue to struggle during the colder months as well. Allergies might be more prevalent in summer, but some allergens cause sneezing havoc during the winter months.

“If you are someone who suffers from allergies you know that it can be a problem all year round,” explained Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for decongestant brand Karvol.

Also read: Medication Allergies

“During the colder months, allergies that usually flare up are not due to pollen but occur because of mould spores, mildew, dust mites and pet dander.”

With us spending more time indoors, where these allergy triggers are mostly found during the colder months, it is important to try and protect yourself as much as possible.

Also read: Four tips to banish allergies and breathe better

Ragavan suggested trying the following tips to help you cope with winter allergies:

• Wipe your feet when you come home, this ensures that outside allergens remain outside – including mould and dust. The allergens on your shoes can be spread throughout the house triggering sneezing and itchy eyes.
• Stay hydrated during this time. Drinking plenty of water can help to thin out the mucus and make it easier to clear your airways.
• Use a decongestant to help you feel and breathe better. Karvol’s Decongestant Room Spray can be sprayed in your rooms to help alleviate nasal congestion caused by the symptoms of allergies and colds and flu. Boasting the trusted Karvol formula which includes a combination of aromatic oils such as eucalyptus and menthol, when sprayed into the room the vapours work to help you breathe easily. At night a few drops of Karvol on a handkerchief next to your bed will keep you breathing easy during the night.
• Vacuum regularly to get rid of winter dust and pet dander. Both of these allergens can be found all around the house and when not kept on top of can build up over time becoming a constant irritation for allergies.
• Bedspreads need to be washed in hot water every week to get rid of dust and transferred allergens.
• Pets should be bathed regularly during winter (remember to use warm water and to bath them in a warm location so that they don’t get sick), to help lessen the spread of dander.

“Suffering from allergies is never pleasant, and often many would rather stay at home than go out. This doesn’t help when allergens are mostly found indoors during winter,” explained Ragavan.

Knowing your triggers and how to remove them, while following ways to alleviate allergic reactions, are simple ways to help manages your allergies during winter.