The indoors can cause more allergies than the outdoors.
Does winter weather make you want to hibernate? If so, you’re not alone. But if you’re staying indoors to avoid those seasonal coughs and colds — not to mention chilly temps — then you might want to try allergy-proofing your home because you may be vulnerable to some of the most common indoor allergens. Allergies can strike in winter, too. And when allergies do flare up this time of year, they can be mistaken for common colds, leading to incorrect treatment and overmedication. Beyond that, untreated allergy attacks can lead to sinus infections (also called sinusitis), a leading cause of missed work and school.
To help stay healthy at home, watch out for the most common indoor allergens.
- Dirty bedding and pillows. It’s not a pretty thought, but we shed skin everywhere we go. That makes a prime meal for dust mites. Wash linens, including pillowcases, in hot water every week to 10 days, and wash pillows every three months.
- Pet dander. Speaking of animals, the real kind can trigger some people’s allergies, too. It’s not pet hair that causes allergy trouble, but rather things like dander. Be sure to regularly vacuum if you have pets at home, and wash surfaces where your pet commonly rests (pet beds, blankets and so on).
- Shoes in the house. You wouldn’t want to track in winter slush…but you also probably wouldn’t want to track in pollen, either. Leave shoes in an entryway closet or designated area near the door, if possible.
- Coats all around. Similar to shoes, coats can tote unwanted outdoor allergens. Keep coats in a closet until they’re needed, and clean them regularly. When it comes to your workspace you could get Toronto office cleaning company to assist you as well.
- Cockroaches. It’s an unfortunate reality for many city-dwellers, but roaches know no seasons. Roach saliva and excretions contain common allergens, so be sure to close off cracks and crevices where roaches could enter, keep food put away and keep counters and trash areas clean to help avoid the pesky bugs. If you get commercial cleaners, who can help with deep cleaning your entire house, it can be beneficial to get rid of roaches as well.
If you’re dealing with allergies — or if your allergies have gone further to a sinus infection — then call us. Our expert team can help find the right allergy and sinusitis treatment for you, and give you personalized tips to help keep symptoms in check in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, indoor environments often harbor common allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and cockroach allergens, which can cause more severe allergy symptoms during winter when people spend more time inside. Indoor allergens can trigger reactions similar to colds, leading to misdiagnosis and improper treatment.
Bedding, including pillowcases, should be washed in hot water every week to 10 days to remove dust mites and shed skin. Pillows should be washed every three months to minimize allergen buildup effectively.
While pet hair itself does not cause allergies, pet dander—tiny flakes of skin shed by animals—can trigger allergic reactions. Regular vacuuming and washing of pet beds and surfaces where pets rest can help reduce exposure to pet dander allergens.
Shoes and coats can carry outdoor allergens like pollen and dirt into your home, worsening allergy symptoms. Keeping them in entryway closets or designated spots and cleaning them regularly helps limit the introduction of these allergens indoors.
Cockroach saliva and excretions contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions and asthma. To prevent this, close cracks where roaches enter, store food properly, keep counters clean, and consider professional deep cleaning services to eliminate infestations.
Untreated indoor allergies can worsen symptoms and may lead to sinus infections, known as sinusitis, which cause pain and missed days from work or school. Proper allergy management and treatment are important to avoid these complications.
Professional cleaning services can perform deep cleaning that removes dust, pet dander, cockroach allergens, and other irritants more thoroughly than regular cleaning. They can also assist in maintaining cleaner workspaces to reduce allergy triggers.
If your allergy symptoms persist or worsen and lead to sinus infections, it’s advisable to consult an allergy and sinusitis specialist. They can provide personalized treatment plans and preventive tips to manage your symptoms effectively throughout the year.