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Winter Allergies, Defined In regions of the country where winter weather becomes uncomfortably cold, individuals tend to spend the majority of their day inside. Subsequently, indoor ir- ritants trigger winter allergies. Our home environments can be burdened with hid- den layers of dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, insect fragments and, in certain situations, cockroach droppings. Once the weather turns, people tend to close their windows, which decreases home ventilation and exacerbates the accumulation of such debris. When it’s sufficiently cold outside, heating systems kick in, stirring up housebound allergens and sending tiny, often microscopic particles airborne — ultimately into the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasal passages. For some, this airborne assault goes unnoticed by the body. For others, the body becomes irritated and reactive, responding with telltale signs of an al- lergic reaction:
* Runny nose. * Congestion. * Sneezing, an occasional cough. * Watery, red eyes.
2. Colds last no more than 10 to 14 days; allergies often last for weeks or even an entire season. In general, your provider will be able to make the diagnosis after a quick conver- sation and targeted physical exam. In certain situations, especially for
severe symptoms, a provider may refer your child to an allergist. An allergist is especially helpful if it is necessary to understand precisely what your child’s allergic triggers are. In most cases, al- lergists identify these triggers by either drawing a sample of your child’s blood or by performing skin testing. Skin testing is the process during which small amounts of allergens are either applied to the skin and covered with a patch, placed just under the skin with a tiny prick or scratch, or injected deeper into the subdermal layer of the skin with a small syringe. The testing area is subsequently monitored for a reaction that reveals the allergens your child is sensitive to and the degree to which your child is reactive.
* Dark circles under the eyes, often called allergic shiners.
* Itchy, irritated throat. * Itchy skin, rashes and, in severe cases, hives.
* Exacerbation of asthma symptoms for those with underlying asthma.
How Allergies Are Diagnosed Because allergy symptoms are often quite similar to those of a cold, it frequently takes a healthcare provider to tell the dif- ference. There are two key differentiators to be aware of: 1. Allergies will never cause body aches or fever.
Ready, Set, Grow
Prevention The most effective way to treat an allergy is avoid it in the first place. Prevention is key. Keeping your home neat and tidy by frequent dusting and vacuuming is critical. If it’s possible, use a vacuum with a high- efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap allergens from being blown back into the air. It is also advisable to keep an allergic child out of the area you are cleaning both during the process and for at least an hour or two after it’s complete. This gives any stirred-up particulates time to settle. In some cases, kids are so sensi- tive to carpeted homes (even with regular vacuuming) that the only way for them to achieve full relief of allergy symptoms is for you to remove carpets altogether
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