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Winter Allergies: Why You Can Have Allergies in Winter and How to Get Relief

Many people assume allergies are a spring and summer problem, so a runny nose and sneezing in winter is blamed on a cold. In fact, winter allergies are common. When the weather gets colder, we spend more time indoors with closed windows and central heating, increasing exposure to house dust mites, mould, pet dander and other indoor allergens. This guide explains, from an ear, nose and throat (ENT) point of view, the causes of winter allergies, how to tell them apart from a cold and what helps.

Topic
ENT
Updated
Reading time
5 minutes
Reviewed by
Dr. Itziar Gotxi Erezuma · Medical doctor (ENT) · Bizkaia Medical Association no. 484809757

Why allergies can be worse in winter

In winter, homes are kept closed and warm. Ventilation falls, humidity from cooking, showers and drying clothes indoors increases condensation, and central heating circulates dust. People also spend many more hours indoors, often in the same rooms. This combination increases exposure to indoor allergens, while outdoor pollen is generally low.

Dry, heated air can also irritate the nasal lining and make it more reactive, so people with allergies may notice more congestion and nosebleeds in winter.

Common winter allergy triggers

  • House dust mites: microscopic creatures that feed on skin flakes in bedding, mattresses, pillows, carpets and sofas. Their droppings are a major cause of year-round and winter allergy.
  • Mould: grows in damp bathrooms, kitchens, around windows with condensation, in basements and on houseplants. Its spores are released into the air.
  • Pet dander: skin flakes, saliva and urine proteins from cats, dogs and rodents accumulate indoors when windows stay closed.
  • Cockroaches and rodents: in some homes, especially in cities.
  • Christmas trees and wreaths: can carry mould spores and cause symptoms in sensitive people.
  • Early tree pollen: in mild climates, some trees such as hazel, alder and cypress pollinate in late winter.

Symptoms of winter allergies

  • Sneezing, often in bouts.
  • Runny, itchy or blocked nose.
  • Itchy, watery or red eyes.
  • Postnasal drip, throat clearing and a tickly cough; see can allergies make you cough.
  • Symptoms worse in the morning, in the bedroom or when cleaning.
  • Dark circles under the eyes and poor sleep from nasal blockage.
  • In people with asthma, more wheeze and chest tightness.

Winter allergies or a cold?

  • Fever and body aches: common with colds and flu; not with allergies.
  • Itchy eyes and nose: typical of allergies; unusual with colds.
  • Duration: colds usually improve within 7 to 10 days; allergies continue for weeks as long as exposure continues.
  • Mucus: clear and watery in allergies; it may thicken and change colour in colds.
  • Pattern: allergies come back in the same places or seasons; colds come and go.

A blocked nose that lasts more than 10 days with facial pain and thick discharge may be sinusitis. For a persistent runny nose, see why is my nose always runny.

How to reduce indoor allergens

  • Wash bedding weekly at 60 °C and use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
  • Vacuum carpets and sofas regularly with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, and dust with a damp cloth.
  • Keep indoor humidity between about 40 and 50 per cent; open windows briefly every day to ventilate.
  • Dry clothes outdoors or in a ventilated room, and use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Wipe condensation from windows and treat mould patches promptly.
  • Keep pets out of the bedroom and wash them regularly if you are sensitive.
  • Reduce clutter and soft furnishings in the bedroom, and wash soft toys at 60 °C or freeze them.

Treatment for winter allergies

  • Saline nasal rinses: wash allergens out and moisten a dry nose; see neti pot sinus rinse.
  • Steroid nasal sprays: the most effective treatment for nasal blockage and postnasal drip, used daily.
  • Antihistamines: non-drowsy tablets or nasal sprays for sneezing, itching and runny nose.
  • Eye drops: for itchy, watery eyes.
  • Allergy testing: identifies the specific trigger, which helps target changes at home.
  • Immunotherapy: for persistent dust mite allergy, sublingual tablets or injections can reduce symptoms over time.

For congestion at night, see blocked nose at night; for an allergy-related sore throat, see sore throat from allergies.

When to see an ENT specialist

See an ENT specialist if your nose stays blocked despite regular treatment, if you lose your sense of smell, if symptoms are mainly on one side, or if you have recurrent sinus infections. A camera examination of the nose can identify nasal polyps, a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, which make allergic symptoms worse and may need specific treatment.

When to see a doctor

  • Wheezing, breathlessness or chest tightness.
  • High fever, facial swelling or severe facial pain.
  • Swelling around the eyes or changes in vision.
  • Symptoms on one side of the nose with bleeding or blockage lasting more than three weeks.
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing: call emergency services.

Key points to remember

  • Allergies can happen in winter, mainly because of indoor allergens.
  • Dust mites, mould and pet dander are the most common winter triggers.
  • Allergies cause itching and sneezing without fever and last longer than a cold.
  • Reducing allergens at home and using a steroid nasal spray usually help.

Questions about winter allergies

These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.

Can you have allergies in the winter?

Yes. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, mould and pet dander cause winter allergies, made worse by closed windows and heating.

What are the most common winter allergies?

House dust mites, indoor mould and pet dander. In mild climates, some early tree pollen appears in late winter.

How can I tell if it is a cold or a winter allergy?

Allergies cause itching, sneezing and clear mucus without fever, and last for weeks. Colds often bring a sore throat and aches and clear within about 10 days.

Why are my allergies worse in the morning in winter?

Dust mites in bedding and closed bedrooms increase overnight exposure, and lying down allows mucus to pool.

Does heating make allergies worse?

Central heating circulates dust and dries the nasal lining, which can increase symptoms.

What is the best treatment for winter allergies?

Reducing exposure at home plus a daily steroid nasal spray, saline rinses and antihistamines if needed.

Sources

  1. NHS · Allergic rhinitis
  2. NHS · Allergies
  3. NHS · Common cold
  4. NHS · Sinusitis (sinus infection)

This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.