Don’t let winter allergies get you down this holiday season.
You want to enjoy the holiday lights and the time with family, not worry about itchy, watery eyes, chest congestion and breathing issues. Our Cary, NC otolaryngologist, Dr. Pankaj Gupta, offer up some helpful tips for how to protect yourself from winter allergies so that you can enjoy all that the season has to offer.
While the cold weather and snow might not conjure up images of allergies they are still alive and well for some people. Think about it: with fireplaces going, indoor heating systems running at full speed, Christmas trees and other floral decorations in the house and poor holiday diets, all of these situations can seriously impact your asthma and allergies. Wintertime is when indoor allergens can wreak the most havoc.
Before bringing a Christmas tree inside the house wash it outside and leave it to dry. Once it is thoroughly dry, bring it in the house. This step alone tends to help a lot of people who suffer from pollen allergies.
With regards to heating: if you have a fireplace make sure it is always properly ventilated. Have a professional come to the home and make sure that everything is working as it should. When it comes to running central heat, all the pet dander and dust that it kicks up could also be exacerbating your allergy symptoms.
Some people may be able to turn off their central heat and opt for space heaters to prevent allergens from circulating around the house. Of course, if replacing the central heat with space heaters just isn’t enough warmth, then you may want to try adding humidifiers to your home to introduce moisture back into the air and prevent bloody noses, dried out sinus passages and sore throats. If you are experiencing severe allergy symptoms you need to visit our Cary ENT doctors as soon as possible.
It may also seem hard to believe but what you eat can also impact your allergies. Certain foods like wheat, dairy or sugar can make the body’s inflammatory response worse. Those with asthma may find that foods that contain nitrates and preservatives can make their symptoms worse. These inflammatory foods can run down your immune system and lead to illness. Therefore, maybe forgo that Christmas cookie or the second helping of eggnog.
If your allergy symptoms are affecting your quality of life, then turn to Wake Ear Nose and Throat Specialists in Cary, NC to get the relief you deserve. Don’t let allergies stand in your way!