Winter Allergies - 1/21/2003

The winter season is not often thought of as a prime time of the year for allergy problems, since the notorious seasonal pollens are months away. Remember, some allergens occur every month of the year--dust mites, indoor mold spores, and pet allergens, for example. Since we spend more time indoors in the winter months, persons with allergies to these things sometimes are more bothered at such times. Respiratory infections are much more frequent in winter and confuse the picture of nasal allergies. Such infections also are potent triggers to asthma flares. Finally, people with eczema frequently find that they suffer much more as skin dries out with lower humidity in the winter months.

So, what can you do to stay well? Indoor relative humidity's in greater Annapolis will typically run around 25-35%. Centrally installed humidifiers on forced air systems can make the air more comfortable for everyone in the home, especially those with respiratory problems. If dust mite allergy is your problem, be sure not to exceed 50% relative humidity. This is hard to do in the depth of winter but more plausible as spring approaches. Be sure you are using all appropriate, prescribed preventive medications for nasal allergies and/or asthma. Your best chance at avoiding an asthma flare lies in using your maintenance medicine(s), even when you feel well. You should be well versed in what you will do in the event of worsening asthma symptoms--what we call a contingency plan. It is the provider's responsibility to make sure you are prepared. Some people are particularly prone to sinusitis, and early treatment with antibiotics and related measures might be necessary. However, most individuals' acute upper respiratory infections are viral in nature. If such infections aren't clearly improving over 7-14 days, sinusitis should be suspected.

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