ALLERGENS WHICH ARE MORE PROLIFIC DURING THE WINTER MONTHS

The bulk of allergens which have higher levels during winter are indoor allergens, including house dust mite, moulds, cockroaches, and pet dander. The reason for an increased exposure to such allergens during winter months is a reduction in indoor ventilation and an associated increase in indoor humidity levels, and a greater amount of time spent indoors in contact with such allergens.

Those with an allergy to pet dander can have symptoms all year round, but winter may be associated with more flare ups than usual. Reduced ventilation in the home (fewer open windows and doors), as well as increased time spent by pets indoors during winter, may contribute.

Patients with a pet dander allergy should take the following steps during winter:

• Vacuum regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter (high efficiency particulate air filter).
• Discourage dogs from sleeping in bedrooms and on couches.
• Dogs should be groomed and washed regularly, but not inside the house

House dust mites are perennial allergens, but exposure levels do tend to peak over winter with reduced household ventilation and increased time spent indoors. Fluffy blankets, down duvets, and thick coats which have been taken out of storage cupboards all trap house dust mite, increasing exposure even more during winter.

During winter, those suffering from a house dust mite allergy should take the following steps to reduce allergen exposure:

• Vacuum regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
• Reduce fluffy toys and blankets. Wash bedding and blankets at 60 degrees or higher, if possible. Air thick blankets and duvets outside on a sunny day. Fluffy toys and blankets can also be placed in the freezer overnight then washed at normal temperature to reduce dust mite carriage.
• Wet-mop floors instead of sweeping, especially in bedrooms.
• Consider use of house dust mite impermeable mattress covers, pillow covers, and duvet encasings.

Mould thrives in warm, damp regions and is prolific in coastal areas, both inside the house and outside in the garden. Like dust mite it is a perennial allergen, but with reduced household ventilation during winter, excess mould can grow in bathrooms, kitchens, and cupboards during winter months.

Some tips for reducing mould allergen levels in the house during winter include:

• Ventilate the house daily, even if the air is a little cold.
• Limit indoor plants and firewood as they can encourage mould proliferation.
• As much as possible avoid hanging wet washing inside the house.

Cockroaches

Cockroach droppings can cause allergic symptoms and levels may increase during winter. Inhalation of cockroach droppings can worsen allergic rhinitis and asthma. Cockroach levels can be reduced by keeping food well contained and diligently cleaning up crumbs. Fixing leaky pipes and sealing cracks in the home can also help.

WORSENING OF ALLERGIES DUE TO WINTER VIRUSES

Cold and flu viruses, which are prolific during winter, can mimic allergic symptoms and simultaneously exacerbate rhinitis and chest symptoms. Pre-existing allergies can, in turn, also lead to prolongation of cold and flu symptoms. Frequent use of nasal saline rinses and diligent use of allergic rhinitis and asthma control treatment such as intranasal/ inhaled corticosteroids can lessen the impact of viral illnesses. Brief use of nasal vasoconstrictors, which exert a decongestant action on mucous membranes of the nasopharyngeal cavity can provide relief of nasal congestion due to the common cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and hay-fever.

WORSENING OF ALLERGIC SYMPTOMS BECAUSE OF THE COLD AIR ITSELF

Cold-induced airway irritation or damage can cause rhinorrhoea or bronchospasm. This is worsened by rapid decreases in temperature and is particularly manifest during exercise in cold weather, when the normal compensatory nasal humidification is bypassed during exercise-induced hyperventilation.

OTHER FACTORS

Further factors such as an increase in use of indoor fires, higher pollution production, increased use of air-drying indoor heaters can all worsen respiratory allergies.

CONCLUSIONS

Winter carries several risk factors for an exacerbation in respiratory allergies. Patients and healthcare providers should ensure that allergic rhinitis and asthma medication plans are up to date and being adhered to, and that indoor allergen exposure is reduced as much as possible during winter. Additional measures such as frequent use of saline sprays may be helpful in counteracting the drying effects of indoor heaters, and in reducing the impact of upper respiratory viruses.