Winter Sniffles
By Desirina Boskovich, Thu Dec 8th

Winter Sniffles: Allergies, or the Common Cold?

The cold days of winter bring most of us indoors for the year -and then the sniffles start up. Symptoms like sneezing,congestion, and sore throat are common during the winter months.These unpleasant symptoms can be evidence of a winter cold, butthey can also mean indoor allergies. What are the causes ofthese winter ailments, and how can they be identified (andtreated)?

Winter weather can indirectly cause both colds and indoorallergies. Colds increase in winter because people spend moretime inside, confined to small spaces where viruses and germscan be easily passed around. Also, the viruses which cause coldsthrive in low-humidity environments, which are typically foundin the cold dry months of winter. Low humidity, combined withair blowing from indoor heating systems, causes drying of thenasal passages, which can increase susceptibility to infection.

With indoor allergies, it's a similar story. Indoor allergiesare caused by dust, which contains a wide variety ofallergy-causing particles like animal dander, mold spores,pollen, dust mites and dust mite waste. Spending more timeindoors means increased exposure to these allergens. Plus,indoor heating systems circulate air through the house, knockingloose many causing particles on carpets, furniture, anddusty shelves. Then, these allergens are circulated through yourhome, right along with the warm cozy air.

Colds and allergies also show themselves in very similar ways,making it difficult to tell them apart. Symptoms of coldsinclude congestion, stuffy nose, swelling of sinuses, sneezing,scratchy sore throat, headaches, aches and pains, fever, and acough. symptoms include stuffed or runny nose, sneezing,wheezing, sore throat, watery and itchy eyes, and sometimesheadaches. The main difference between cold and symptomsis that colds usually come with body aches and pains andpossibly a low-grade fever, while allergies do not. In addition,colds usually last 7-10 days, while allergies will persist aslong as the exposure to the offending allergen continues. If youhave cold-like symptoms which persist for more than two weeks,it's a good guess that you're dealing with an allergy,

not acold.

Complicating matters, frequent colds may in fact result fromallergies. Your body responds to tiny allergens by producingmucus, in an attempt to expel them. However, nasal mucus is alsoa breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, which can causecolds and sinus infections. Treating allergies will help preventthese, which is why it's a good idea to identify allergies earlyand treat them accordingly.

It's important to distinguish between colds and allergies, inorder to give appropriate treatment. Cold viruses thrive in lowhumidity, and nasal dryness can lead to increased susceptibilityto colds, so running a humidifier in cold dry winter months maybe helpful. However, dust mites thrive on high humidity, so ifyou're suffering from indoor allergies, the low humidity is yourally. And while rest and plenty of fluids may cure a cold,allergies will persist as long as exposure continues.

To treat and prevent indoor allergies:

1. Visit an doctor who can help you identify theoffending indoor allergens

2. Maintain low indoor humidity to kill dust mites and mold

3. Vacuum using a HEPA filtered vacuum and run a HEPA airpurifier to remove airborne allergens

4. Encase mattress, pillows, and bedding in allergen-barrierencasings to protect from dust mite allergies

5. Dust and clean frequently

To treat and prevent winter colds:

1. Wash your hands frequently and disinfect surfaces

2. Get plenty of exercise and rest

3. Eat nutritiously, with lots of fruits and vegetables

4. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and excess stress

5. Relieve cold symptoms with nasal decongestants and coughsuppressants

When treating a cold, remember that medicines may relievesymptoms, but they will not cure the cold. Only giving your bodythe proper care it needs - rest, proper nutrition, and plenty offluids - will cure the cold. And with allergies, the best way totreat symptoms is to remove the offending allergens fromthe environment.

About the author:Desirina Boskovich is a writer, sufferer, and a memberof the achoo! &Air Products team. achoo! ALLERGY providesproducts and tips for relief and environmental control.Sign up for our monthly newsletter!