Winter may seem to be a long way away. But with a busy year ahead, it can sneak up on you. For many, the winter season brings about the year’s worst allergy symptoms, caused by indoor allergens.
If you experience indoor allergies, there are steps that you can take now to reduce your allergy symptoms this winter. You’ll thank yourself later for improving your home’s air quality, as it will make a big difference in your winter indoor allergies.
Indoor Allergens
As temperatures drop in the winter, people typically spend significantly more time indoors than during the rest of the year. This increases their exposure to indoor allergens.
Many people experience symptoms from indoor allergens, such as:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Cockroaches
These common allergens can cause symptoms including:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Runny nose
Indoor allergens can circulate in your home’s HVAC system. So when your furnace kicks in this winter, it may send pent-up dust and other contaminants into your living spaces. As these allergens float throughout the air in your home and settle on surfaces, the members of your household will be continually exposed to them, leading to allergy symptoms.
Improving Your Home’s Air Quality
By improving your home’s air quality, you can reduce the risk of allergy attacks. Steps that you can take for better air quality include regularly:
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Wiping down surfaces
- Washing bedding, curtains, couch covers, and other fabrics that can trap allergens
- Placing dust mite covers over your mattress and pillows
- Changing your HVAC filters, as dirty filters can cause your HVAC system to circulate allergens throughout your home
- Opening the windows every once in a while to improve air circulation in your home
For more information about indoor allergens and allergy treatment, contact Kratz Allergy & Asthma today.