In January, when frost alternates with warmth and indoor humidity can rise, the risk of developing mold and dust mite allergies increases, which can trigger stronger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Conversely, those allergic to pollen can breathe easier during this period as pollen counts are minimal in winter. Allergies in January can be tricky, as they can easily be mistaken for common viral infections. In this article, we will look at how to distinguish allergy from a cold and what the characteristic symptoms of mold and dust mite allergies are.
Most Common Allergies in January
For pollen allergies, January is a period of peace, but dust mites and mold can cause trouble as problems with higher humidity arise, combined with spending more time indoors, leading to intensified reactions to dust mites and mold.
Tip: How to Clear a Blocked Nose Without Nasal Drops and Sprays.
Dust Mite Allergies
Common symptoms of dust mite allergy include:
- Sneezing,
- Reddened eyes,
- Stuffy nose or runny nose,
- Itching in the nose, eyes, or throat,
- Dry cough.
These symptoms may worsen at night because dust mites prefer warm and humid environments, such as our beds.
Protection against Dust Mite Allergy
Effective defense against dust mites includes anti-dust mite bedding, including pillows, duvets, covers, and sheets. Other measures include regular cleaning and air purification using air purifiers with HEPA filters. Dust mites thrive best at relative humidity levels around 70 to 80% and temperatures between 25 and 30 °C. Moist air provides them with the water they need to survive since dust mites lack their own water regulation system and obtain it from the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is important to keep the bedroom, where dust mites are most abundant, cool and humidity below 50%.
Mold Allergies
Symptoms associated with mold allergies are often similar to those with dust mites. If your symptoms worsen at home or in environments where there is a moisture problem, it may be an indication of a mold allergy.
Dealing with Mold Allergy
For mold, it is crucial not only to remove it but also to prevent its recurrence. This is where dehumidifiers and ozone generators can help. It is also important to ventilate regularly and use air purifiers, which can eliminate mold spores.
Find more information in our article: Mold Allergies.
Preventing Allergic Reactions in January
To prevent and treat allergies, it is necessary to follow several basic rules:
- Systematic cleaning and removal of dust,
- using air purifiers and dehumidifiers,
- frequent ventilation,
- limiting exposure to allergens,
- in case of problems, consultation with a specialist and adherence to a treatment plan.
In more severe cases, immunotherapy may be necessary, which helps the body tolerate allergens better.
5 Tips for Dealing with Allergies in January:
Good news for all allergy sufferers, whether allergic to dust or mold, prevention is almost the same.
- Cleanliness of the bedroom is key: Remember to ventilate and clean the air regularly. With the help of air purifiers and occasionally an ozone generator, you can effectively fight both mold and dust mites. Keep the bedroom at a cooler temperature, ideally around 18°C, to minimize allergens.
- Prevent high humidity: You don't want to provide ideal conditions for dust mites and mold to live and grow? Keep humidity below 50%. You can achieve this with a dehumidifier.
- Protect your bed from dust mites: By using anti-dust mite pillows, duvets, and covers with nanofiber technology, you create an effective barrier against dust mites. Avoid using pesticides against dust mites, as they may have short-term effects and you certainly don't want to breathe them in during sleep.
- Forget about carpets and curtains: If you're highly allergic, it's advisable to remove carpets and heavy curtains, especially in the bedroom, which can be dust traps and therefore breeding grounds for allergens.
- Clean the air: Investing in a high-performance air purifier with a HEPA filter</strong is essential for every allergy sufferer. It will help you eliminate allergens floating in the air.
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Learn More About Allergies:
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common allergies in January?
In January, people are often troubled by allergies to dust mites and mold.
How to distinguish allergy from a cold in January?
Although the symptoms of a common cold and allergy may look similar, there are specifics that should not be overlooked in January weather. For example, with dust mite allergies, you may observe worsening symptoms with prolonged stay in the home environment, especially at night, as dust mites are most abundant in the bed. Conversely, symptoms associated with viral infections often include fever and overall fatigue, which are not typical for allergies.
What helps against dust mite allergy?
Dust mite-proof bedding, regular cleaning, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters can significantly help reduce symptoms of dust mite allergy.
What to do if I have a mold allergy?
It is important to remove visible molds and prevent their further spread using dehumidifiers and ozone generators, as well as maintain low humidity and good ventilation in the household.
Sources
- THOMAS, Wayne R., et al. Characterization and immunobiology of house dust mite allergens. International archives of allergy and immunology, 2002, 129.1: 1-18.
- FIALOVÁ, Ilona. Zima je obdobím zvýšené nemocnosti dětí s astmatem. Řízení školy: Speciál pro mateřské školy</i, 2013, 10.
- JANÍČKOVÁ, H. Alergie na roztoče a plísně. Pediatr. pro Praxi</i, 2009, 10.3: 163-166.
