Winter allergies triggered from inside homes can be prevented through tips that experts offered to help cope during winter.
This week, 18 to 24 June, marks World Allergy Week.
This global event aims at raising awareness around allergies and its serious health implications.
The theme for 2023 is “Managing Allergic Diseases amidst climate change” and focuses on educating people about the connection between worsening allergies and climate change. According to the United Nations (UN), the average temperature of earth’s surface is now about 1,1 °C warmer than at any time in the last 100 000 years – in fact, the last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record.
“All this warming is affecting our pollen seasons and causing allergy seasons to start earlier and last longer,” said Prof Mike Levin, chief executive officer of the Allergy Foundation of South Africa (Afsa), the organisation driving the awareness campaign in South Africa.
Awareness also aims highlighting the link between climate change and worsening allergies.
“During the colder months, allergies that usually flare up are not due to pollen, but occur because of mould spores, mildew, dust mites and pet dander,” explains Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for decongestant brand Karvol.
Ragavan suggests trying the following tips to help you cope with winter allergies:
- Wipe your feet when you come home, this ensure that outside allergens remain outside – including mould and dust. The allergens on your shoes can be spread throughout the house triggering sneezing and itchy eyes.
- Stay hydrated during this time. Drinking plenty of water can help to thin out the mucus and make it easier to clear your airways.
- Use a decongestant to help you feel and breath better. Karvol’s decongestant room spray can be sprayed in your rooms to help alleviate nasal congestion caused by the symptoms of allergies and colds and flu. Boasting the trusted Karvol formula which includes a combination of aromatic oils such as eucalyptus and menthol, when sprayed into the room the vapours work to help you breathe easily. At night a few drops of Karvol on a handkerchief next to your bed will keep you breathing easy during the night.
- Vacuum regularly to get rid of winter dust and pet dander. Both of these allergens can be found all around the house and when not kept on top of can build up over time becoming a constant irritation for allergies.
- Bedspreads need to be washed in hot water every week to get rid of dust and transferred allergens.
- Pets should be bathed regularly during winter (remember to use warm water and to bath them in a warm location so that they don’t get sick), to help lessen the spread of dander.
