“You don’t have pollen [in most of the United States] in the winter,” says Douglas H. Jones, MD, director of Rocky Mountain Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in Layton, Utah. So outdoor winter allergies aren’t such a cause for concern. “But you still have the indoor [allergens].”
And if you’re spending more time indoors during cold weather, you might notice an increase in allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, common indoor allergens (that might trigger symptoms in winter) include:
- Animal Dander It’s the dander (dead skin flakes), not the hair of household pets such as cats and dogs, that can cause acute or chronic allergic reactions in people.
- Dust Mites These microscopic bugs might be the most common cause of year-round indoor allergies, notes the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Dust mites thrive in bedding, carpeting, and the upholstered furniture inside your home.
- Indoor Mold We all breathe in mold spores, but for those with an allergy, exposure can trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchiness. Mold and mildew favor damp areas, like basements and bathrooms.
- Cockroach Droppings These persistent pests can live anywhere, and while they’re not a sign of an unhygienic or unsanitary household, it’s important to keep food well-contained and be vigilant about cleaning up crumbs. Fixing leaky faucets and pipes and sealing up cracks and crevices in your home can help keep cockroaches away.
Matthew A. Rank, MD, an allergy expert with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, says that although specific data is hard to pin down, roughly 5 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from some form of winter allergy.
There are some areas of the United States where pollen is a concern in the winter months. Pollen from mountain cedar trees (also known as junipers) can cause an allergic reaction known as cedar fever (though fever isn’t actually a common symptom). These trees are found in states like Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Allergic symptoms include a stuffy nose, cough or sneezing.
And while outdoor molds generally become inactive in the colder months, they can still cause allergies in regions with warmer, humid climates.
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