As wonderful a time as winter can be, for many, it’s always dampened by the development of common allergy symptoms. From stuffy noses to sneezing to coughs and sore throats, it’s never easy to enjoy the time indoors when you’re feeling miserable. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help reduce these conditions, and it all starts by familiarizing yourself with their sources. These are some of the top causes of winter allergy symptoms and how you can mitigate them this winter.
Pet Dander
If you have any pets, one of the first factors you should consider is the amount of hair and dander they produce. Pet dander is a collection of shed skin cells from animals with hair, fur, or feathers. Depending on how often you groom your pet and clean your home, you can sustain a buildup of these particles that can affect air quality. When this happens, you’re more likely to experience seasonal discomfort from spending more time indoors.
Household Mold
Household mold is also a common contributor to seasonal allergies. Caused by excessive dampness in certain areas of your home, mold can grow without you even realizing it. As these organisms flourish, they release spores into the air, which both spreads it to other surfaces and can cause you to fall ill. So one of the best things you can do during the winter is to inspect for signs of mold, particularly in your bathrooms and basement, and take removal measures.
Dust
Another top cause of winter allergy symptoms is excessive amounts of dust around your home. Dust is mostly comprised of dirt and hair particles, though it also contains a lot of your own dead skin cells. This mixture can irritate the body with prolonged exposure, increasing your chances of developing a stuffy nose or watery eyes. For this reason, regular home cleanings are especially crucial during the winter months.
Now that you know some of the most prevalent factors contributing to your winter allergies, it becomes much easier to limit them in your home. Whether it be cleaning more often, grooming your pets, or simply remaining aware of your indoor air quality, you can find the best method that works for you. For additional help in reducing your symptoms, there are several homeopathic remedies that can also help. Taking the time to look after your health this winter can set you up for success in the new year and beyond.
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