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It's Time To Take Your Winter Allergies More Seriously
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Those of us with allergies have already endured a particularly brutal spring, followed by a few months of relentless hay fever symptoms. But now that the temperatures are finally dropping, we'll be in the clear for the rest of the year, right? Well, not exactly.
Outdoor seasonal allergies may be over for people living in most parts of the country, but winter is typically the worst time of the year for indoor allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold. Our first instinct may be to write off any sniffling, sneezing, or coughing as a winter cold, but that's not always the case. It's time to take winter allergies seriously: Here's where to start.
What are winter allergies?The term "winter allergies" actually refers to indoor allergies, which exist year-round. That said, indoor allergies tend to be more problematic and noticeable during the winter. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), there are a few reasons for that:
We spend more time at home, and indoors in general
The colder weather means we're more likely to keep our doors and windows shut: This keeps the cold out, but also seals allergens inside with us
Forced air heating recirculates the indoor air and any allergens it contains
Forced air heating may also kick up dust that had accumulated on the walls, woodwork, the tops of cabinets, and other hard and soft surfaces that aren't cleaned regularly
Plus, as a resource from the Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN) points out, forced air heating—as opposed to the steam heating often seen in older houses and apartments—decreases the humidity level of indoor air, which can then heighten allergy symptoms. On top of that, the air can dry out our nasal membranes, leaving them cracked, sore, and more susceptible to a secondary infection.
If all that wasn't enough, the more we're exposed to indoor allergens, the worse our symptoms will likely get, according to the AAN. When we spend more time inside breathing in dry, recirculated, allergen-filled air, our body identifies allergens like dust and dander as invaders, then prompts our immune system to launch an attack against them. This kind of exaggerated response to an invader may involve increased mucus production, for example.
Some of the most common indoor allergens include:
Dust
Dust mites (the microscopic arachnids that feed on and live in dust; technically, we're allergic to a combination of their waste particles and dead body fragments)
Mold
Pet dander
Cockroaches (technically, a combination of their feces and the shells of the deceased)
Dander, droppings, urine, and parasites brought inside by rodents seeking shelter from cold weather
Winter allergies can bring on the same symptoms as outdoor seasonal allergies and can present in various combinations that differ from person-to-person. Those symptoms include:
Sneezing
Watery, itchy eyes
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Coughing
Postnasal drip
Sore or itchy throat
Rashes or dry, itchy skin
Headaches
Disrupted sleep
Wheezing and shortness of breath (for those with allergic asthma)
While you can't simply stop being allergic to something, there are a few ways you can manage your winter allergies. These include:
Stay on top of cleaning: Don't wait until spring. Start with a deep clean to get rid of accumulations of dust, dander, mold, and other allergens, then clean, dust, and vacuum regularly.
Use an air purifier: In this post, Lifehacker's Senior Health Editor Beth Skwarecki explains what to look for when purchasing an air purifier to help ease allergy symptoms
Change your HVAC filter regularly: Replace with filters with a MERV rating of 13 or higher
Minimize your pet's dander: Whether you have cats, dogs, or another furry pet, do what you can to reduce the spread of their dander, based on what's best for your breed. This might mean bathing them more often, bathing them less often, and/or brushing them outside.
If you've done what you can in your home, contact your doctor if your winter allergy symptoms are still problematic—especially if you also have asthma, or suspect your symptoms have progressed into sinusitis or another secondary infection.
What's Going Around: RSV, Strep Throat, Sinus Infections, Fall Allergies
Here's our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.
"Upper respiratory is the theme of the week (between common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and COVID)," said MinuteClinic family nurse practitioner Candace Wooten.
Wayne County – RSV, COVID, stomach viruses, colds, sinus infections, strep throat.Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Children's Hospital of Michigan pediatric hospitalist
"We're seeing a lot more RSV, and we're still seeing an increase in COVID cases. Also, we're seeing an increase in the "GI Bugs," gastroenteritis, with vomiting and diarrhea. And we're just starting to see some croup cases as well. Please keep immune-compromised or elderly family members in mind when travelling for the holidays. If kids are sick, it would be better to see them another time."
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Ascension St. John Hospital
"I'm seeing patients with sinus infections. Colds and seasonal allergies cause these infections. Patients should look out for a headache or facial pain, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It's important to see a doctor because it often requires treatment with antibiotics."
Dr. Asha Shajahan -- Primary care physician, Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
"This week and leading up to it we are seeing people of all ages struggling with the common cold, COVID-19, pre-holiday depression and anxiety and grief and depression over the loss of loved ones."
OAKLAND COUNTY – Strep throat, RSV, influenza, upper respiratory infections, colds, fall allergies.Dr. Steven McGraw -- Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield Campus
"I'm seeing patients with strep throat and the flu. The flu can be very contagious. Now is the time to wash your hands a few extra times and stay vigilant. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is making its rounds this season. It typically causes mild symptoms similar to a cold."
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
"This week there has been an increase in respiratory conditions, specifically RSV patients. As a reminder, this virus is particularly harmful to children and the elderly. The RSV vaccine is now available so patients can check with their provider about their candidacy!"
Dr. Julie MacPherson -- Pediatrician, Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital, Troy
"We are still having lots of strep, and our cases of RSV are increasing. In addition, there are still lots of upper respiratory viruses going around."
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Bronchiolitis, RSV, colds, adenoviruses, influenza.Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children's Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
"We are seeing a bump in bronchiolitis patients from a few different viruses, including RSV and rhino-enterovirus. We are also seeing a lot of adenovirus infections which tend to cause prolonged symptoms like fever, cough, and conjunctivitis."
Washtenaw County Health Department
"Influenza activity in Washtenaw County is currently at low levels. Sporadic cases of Influenza A and B are being reported. Flu-related hospitalizations of Washtenaw residents are currently at low levels. Sporadic hospitalizations are being reported."
MONROE COUNTY – Respiratory infections, stomach viruses, pneumonia.Dr. Spencer Johnson, DO, FACEP -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
"Respiratory infections and viral GI infections are the majority of what we have been seeing, very typical for this time of the year. We have also had a significant uptick in infectious pneumonia. Aggressive hand hygiene is crucial this time of year to decrease spread of infectious organisms. People that are ill should seek medical attention, and refrain from social events until they are symptom free without fever for 24-hours. These actions alone will go a long way in keeping the community healthy."
MACOMB COUNTY – RSV, influenza, fall allergies, asthma flare-ups, pneumonia, croup.Dr. Brianne Waggoner -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
"The first cases of seasonal RSV have presented in pediatric patients, causing symptoms of a persistent cough and a runny nose. Patients testing positive for influenza have continue to arrive to the ER is low but steady volumes, with patients mainly experiencing body aches along with a fever and a cough. Weather conditions and certain allergens have caused asthma sufferers to experience worsening symptoms. Patients testing positive for COVID-19 remain steadily low, with the vast majority of patients experiencing mild symptoms not requiring hospitalization."
LIVINGSTON COUNTY -- did not report this week.Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Cryoablation May Significantly Alleviate Symptoms Of Non Allergic Rhinitis
A recent study found that cryoablation of the posterior nasal nerve is a potential game-changer in the management of allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). The outcomes were published in the journal of The Laryngoscope.
This comprehensive review of studies published up to June 2023 were included to look into the impact of cryotherapy on rhinitis symptoms. Pooling data from various sources including PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, the study encompassed 368 patients across seven studies. The findings revealed a significant improvement in rhinitis-related symptoms in individuals with both AR and NAR who underwent cryoablation. Key symptoms such as rhinorrhea and congestion exhibited the most notable enhancements.
Cryoablation demonstrated its prowess in enhancing the quality of life for patients, as assessed by the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS) showcased a substantial clinical improvement rate of 74%. Notably, NAR patients experienced a remarkable increase in TNSS scores over time, with the 12-month mark indicating a more pronounced improvement compared to AR patients.
The study underscores the efficacy of cryoablation in addressing the diverse spectrum of rhinitis, with a particular highlight on its superior long-term impact in non-allergic rhinitis cases. However, these findings also emphasize the need for caution and further exploration, especially considering the intricacies of different rhinitis types and the unique patient responses to cryotherapy.
This research marks a significant leap into making the treatment more effective and tailored against rhinitis, offering hope to millions worldwide grappling with the disruptive symptoms of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. As cryoablation gains attention as a potential therapeutic avenue, it needs further research by pushing the boundaries of the possibilities in rhinitis management.
Reference:
Kim, D. H., Kang, Y. J., Kim, S. W., Kim, S. W., Basurrah, M. A., & Hwang, S. H. (2023). Effectiveness of the posterior nasal nerve cryoablation in allergic and non‐allergic rhinitis. The Laryngoscope. Https://doi.Org/10.1002/lary.31163
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