Surviving Seasonal Allergies: A Guide for Winter

Surviving Seasonal Allergies: A Guide for Winter

Allergies in Ireland can be tough to live with and when the weather is damp, many people struggle with symptoms. Allergies that tend to appear in colder weather are usually a result of mould spores or dust mites, and these are often worse in the winter when people spend more time indoors. Closing the windows and doors might keep the cold out, but it also allows the allergens to flourish, and this can make for an uncomfortable winter.

Surviving seasonal allergies that affect you all year round can be especially problematic in the winter. For instance, allergies to pet fur and dander can be much more difficult to manage when you are indoors with your animals for longer periods of time during the winter months. The way we manage our allergies can have a huge effect on our health and it’s a good idea to spend some time preparing yourself and your living environment for winter to help you feel better at this time of the year.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

The symptoms of allergies can be difficult to live with and when you struggle with them on a daily basis, it can be extremely frustrating and even debilitating. Common symptoms include a runny nose, sore and itchy eyes, sneezing and sore throat, and the dry air in the winter often makes these symptoms worse.

The good news is that there’s no need to suffer as a result of allergies throughout the winter, as there are some great over-the-counter medications that can help relieve the symptoms and help you survive seasonal allergies. We know that everyone is different, and we can help you to find the best allergy solutions for you, based on your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

Allergy medications to relieve symptoms

The type of medication you choose to manage your allergy symptoms will depend upon how your symptoms affect you and how you prefer to take medication. Many people find that they experience relief from their allergies when they make lifestyle changes such as using a neti pot or nasal rinse to cleanse the nasal passages, and some prefer to use these in conjunction with over-the-counter medication. Some people find that the convenience of a daily tablet works better for them than a topical nasal spray or eye drops. If you’ve tried some of these options before, you will know what has been most effective and can compare this experience. However, it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the options and see if a more effective solution may be available to you.

Firstly, it can help to think about which of your symptoms are the most difficult to live with and focus on finding a medication that can effectively treat these first. For instance, if you experience symptoms that affect your eyes, causing redness and itching, this may be treated with eye drops such as Otrivine Antistin Eye Drops. These are ideal for allergies triggered by house mites and hay fever and can give fast-acting relief for your eyes. Some eye drops can be used regularly throughout the day but it is important to check the dosage of medication contained in your eye drops to ensure that you do not use them too often.

If you prefer to take tablets, Cetrine Allergy tablets, containing Cetirizine Dihydrochloride, are formulated to relieve allergy symptoms when taken once a day, and this might be the simple solution you are looking for. Zirtek Oral Solution contains the same medication but is in liquid form for ease. This is suitable for children from age 2 years and has a pleasant banana flavour. It’s effective in alleviating sneezing, itchy nose and eyes and runny nose, all of which can be very frustrating to live with.

It is vital to talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are treating a child for allergy symptoms, particularly if you wish to use over-the-counter medication to relieve irritation and sneezing. Some allergy medications are suitable for children but it is essential to use the correct dosage for your child’s weight and age, so read the package inserts carefully and discuss your options with a medical professional. Children often find it easier to take an oral solution than to swallow tablets, and while some children are happy to try eye drops or nasal sprays, others find these extremely unpleasant so it is good to be able to try a range of options to help alleviate your child’s symptoms.

Managing your allergies in Winter

It’s also a good idea to address the environment you live and work in, in order to reduce the irritants that cause your allergy symptoms. An indoor environment that is cold and damp is the ideal environment for mould spores to grow, and when the doors and windows are closed, you will find that dust mites and pet dander are more likely to cause a problem.  Here’s how to manage your environment to alleviate your allergies:

• Clean regularly. Keeping on top of your cleaning can really help to deal with your allergies, especially in the winter when you spend more time indoors. It’s a good idea to vacuum your carpets and hard floors daily if you have pets, and frequently even if you don’t, and to dust your surfaces on a regular basis. Check out your shelves and ornaments for dust and don’t forget that the Christmas decorations might be harbouring dust too, so give them a wipe before you put them up, especially if they’ve been stored in dusty cupboards or areas where mould might be present.

• Wash bedding. Dust mites love warm, humid environments, and your bed is a likely place for them to prosper. Dust mite particles are tiny, and can’t be seen without a microscope, but washing and changing your bedding and blankets on a weekly basis throughout the winter is an effective way to manage the risk of dust mite allergies. You can also vacuum other soft furnishings, such as sofas and chairs, and wash your curtains regularly to avoid dust gathering on them.

• Treat mould. There are many different types of mould and some of these can be extremely harmful to the health of humans and animals. It’s really important to identify any type of mould in your home, and you should take professional advice on how to treat it. Some kinds of mould will require you and your family to evacuate the house and will need substantial treatment work to resolve. Some moulds can be treated with over-the-counter products and even white vinegar, which is believed to kill some types of mould spores. It’s a good idea to avoid moulds by ensuring there are no leaks in your home, treating these quickly if they appear, and finding solutions to damp, humid bathrooms and kitchens either by opening windows, installing an effective fan or using a dehumidifier.

• Change your pet habits. If you notice that your allergies are triggered by your beloved pets, you may find that this is worse in the winter when you are indoors with your pets more often. Some people find that rehoming their pets is the only solution for their health, but many people find that they can manage the situation by keeping pets out of the bedroom, to avoid having sleep disrupted by allergy symptoms, and vacuuming areas where their pets live on a daily basis. It’s important to brush your pets regularly to remove as much loose dander as possible and wash your hands after you have touched your pets.

• Get professional help. There are many ways to treat allergies and if you’ve never seen an allergy specialist, you may find that there is a solution that will work well for you. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation and find an expert who may have a new approach for you to try. Alternative health practitioners may also experience some success with treating allergies, so it’s well worth exploring your options before resigning yourself to living with allergy symptoms forever.

Stay well this winter

Your health is important, and it can feel much harder to stay well during the winter so it’s worth taking the time to prepare and build up your immunity in advance. Treating and managing your allergies is just one way to do this, and you could also consider addressing any lifestyle changes – such as diet and exercise – and introducing a vitamin or mineral supplement at this time. Vitamin C and Vitamin D are essentials for winter health, and many people benefit from introducing them into their regime at this time.

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, we offer face-to-face and online pharmacy services, giving you the best of both worlds. We have an excellent range of health care, skincare and personal care products in-store and online, and we offer online prescription services, online doctor feedback and online shopping and delivery options. Browse our online store or visit our Irish independently-owned community Pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick, where we’re always happy to help you find the best solutions for you and your family.