The Symptoms of Allergies

Allergies (or allergic rhinitis, also known as “hay fever”) occur when there are high pollen or dust counts in the air. Symptoms associated with allergies are comparable to flu-like symptoms including itching of the nose and roof of mouth, the back of throat and the eyes. Sneezing is also frequent, as well as a general stuffiness in the ears, and swollen, red eyes.

For an allergy sufferer, there is a lot of preparation involved in trying to avoid the situations that are triggered by pollens, mold and other allergens that appear during the year. During the winter months, it’s normal to stay more indoors in order to avoid the elements. However, staying indoors may not provide full relief from allergy causing elements.

An Uncommon Allergy Season

Most people do not associate the winter months with being an allergy season. However, with all of the pollen, mold, mites, and insect parts that linger in the dust, it can be one of the worst allergy seasons. To stay warm, most people will seal up their energy efficient homes, effectively trapping allergens and other pollutants inside.

Using a furnace during the cold months can stir up all of the hidden allergens into the air, and using a fireplace or stove creates burned wood particles and ash, causing equally troublesome effects. What may be confused for getting a cold and feeling under the weather for ten days or so can last for weeks or months due to an allergy attack.

Pets in the Winter Time

While pets are known to be constant and loyal companions, they can make house life difficult for those suffering from allergies. A common misconception about pet allergies is that the pet’s fur that can cause an allergic reaction. This is a myth. It is not the fur that causes the allergic reaction; it is the allergen that clings to the fur.

Pet dander (or skin flakes) are microscopic and float through the air, clinging to fur, carpeting and furniture. These microscopic flakes can linger in the air after a pet has left the area. Other pet allergens can be found in the animal’s saliva or urine.

Working to Remedy the Issue

There are things that can be done to combat extra allergens in the home. While attempting to make a pet “non allergenic” is not really possible, providing weekly baths can help to reduce dander in the animal’s fur.

In addition, air purifiers can be used to decrease the amount of “dirty” air, removing fifty to seventy percent of contaminants. Other filters, such as HEPA filters, will remove up to 99 percent of airborne materials, allowing for better quality control of an individual’s indoor air quality.

Surviving the Season

Though the winter months can be a difficult time for allergy suffers, there are means to prepare for and reduce the effects of the season. Taking preventive steps can allow for a more tolerable living situation between you and your pet, and avoid allergen problems.

Sources:
http://healthandenergy.com/winter_allergies.htm
http://www.achooallergy.com/preparingforwinter.asp
http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/allergy.html
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/how-pets-allergies-can-go-hand-in-paw