WASHINGTON — This is the sick time of year when a lot of people are walking around with runny noses and watery eyes.
Many have the common cold, or perhaps the flu. But a lot of winter sufferers don’t have a virus at all — what they really have is a winter allergy.
These are allergies that occur year-round, but they become more pronounced in winter because we tend to spend a lot of time indoors.
Pet dander, dust and mold are the main culprits. And right about now, Christmas trees are adding to that witches’ brew of winter allergens.
“A live Christmas tree is actually a source of mold,” says Dr. Rachel Schreiber, an allergist in Rockville, Maryland.
She says an artificial tree can create a different problem, because when you bring it out of storage, “it can be dusty and you are getting dust all over the house.”
If you have seasonal pollen allergies during the warmer months, that doesn’t mean you’ll have indoor allergies in the winter. But the symptoms tend to be similar — and those symptoms are the best way to differentiate a cold-weather allergy from — well, a common cold.
“Itching is the No. 1 symptom of allergy,” says Schreiber. “A runny nose and watery eyes are also common, but the drainage is clear, unlike the mucus usually seen with a cold.”
Another tell-tale sign: a fever. If you have one, it’s a cold or flu, because that is not a sign of an allergy.
Those prone to winter allergies need to take extra steps to make their home as allergen-free as possible. Schreiber says air filters can be a big help, but they must be changed regularly. She advises you to step up the dusting and vacuuming, wash bedding in very hot water once a week to prevent dust mites and make sure pets are bathed regularly to help eliminate some of the dander.
Humidifiers can help make your home more comfortable, because dry heated air irritates nasal passages and makes allergies feel worse. But it is important to clean them daily and don’t overuse them because humidity over 50 percent generally creates a breeding ground for dust mites.
Schreiber says one alternative is to use a nasal saline spray without preservatives. She says the spray, which is basically salt water, helps to keep nasal passages humidified and moisturized.
Of course, plenty of over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants are available. But Schreiber says it’s a good idea to check with a doctor before taking them: “[Just because] these medications are over the counter and accessible does not mean they are without side effects.”
Follow @WTOP on Twitter and WTOP on Facebook.
