When you think of seasonal allergies, winter is probably not the season that first comes to mind. However, seasonal allergies can happen at any time of the year. So if you have prolonged sniffs and sneezes during the colder winter months, you may be experiencing winter allergies.
What Causes Winter Allergies?
Everyone is different, but winter allergies are most often caused by irritants found indoors. Since we are inside more often during the winter, we are more susceptible to the triggers in our home. The most common triggers are:
- Dust
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mould
- Pests like rodents and cockroaches
Even if you have never been allergic to these substances before, continued exposure to them can lead to your body viewing them as irritants. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, a rash, sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes.
Is It Allergies or a Cold?
The symptoms of allergies often mimic those of colds and viruses so many people confuse the conditions with each other.
When you have an allergic reaction, it’s your immune system responding to a perceived threat. The sneezing, congestion, and itchiness you experience is the way your body tries to fight off the allergens. The symptoms will continue as long as you’re exposed or until you take allergy medication or treatment.
Colds, on the other hand, are caused by viruses. Cold symptoms typically last for from a few days to a week and stop once the virus has run its course. If it has been at least a week and you’re still experiencing cold-like symptoms, it may be allergies.
Allergy Testing
Allergies are on the rise in the UK so if you suspect that you have an allergy, Touchwood Pharmacy can help. We offer online booking for reliable, safe, and easy allergy testing at convenient locations. Our compassionate and knowledgeable specialists can administer several different types of allergy testing to help determine the cause of your symptoms. These include, but are not limited to, skin prick tests, blood tests, patch tests, and food challenge tests.
Touchwood Pharmacy
Our comprehensive clinics offer more than just allergy testing. We also administer COVID-19 tests, flu vaccines, and travel vaccines like the yellow fever vaccine. Whatever your need, Touchwood Pharmacy is here for you. Book your appointment online today.
