Sneezing: Causes and Treatments for Winter Allergies

Sneezing is our body’s mechanism of removing irritants that might have entered our nose or throat. Also, this powerful, involuntary expulsion of air can be annoying when it is a symptom of allergy and occurs as sneezing fits However, it’s not usually the result of any serious health problem.

Sneezing or sternutation occurs suddenly, and we are all used to hearing phrases like “May God Bless You” from people who happen to be with us at that moment. However, in some countries, including India sneezing is often considered a bad omen. 

In this blog, we shall explore the possible causes of sneezing including winter allergies, and treatment options. Read along to learn more about the causes of sneezing and treatments.

The Causes Of Sneezing?

Our noses have pathways through the nostrils to help us breathe in and out. Also, the nose helps us clean the air we breathe, ensuring it’s free of dirt and bacteria by trapping dirt and bacteria in mucus. Very often, dirt and other irritants make inroads to irritate the mucous membranes inside our nose and throat. Consequently, these membranes become irritated, causing us to sneeze.

Sneezing triggers:

• Allergens
• Viruses
• Common cold or flu
• Nasal irritants
• Corticosteroid inhalation through a nasal spray
• Withdrawal of drugs

Allergens

Allergens may include pollen, dust mites, or pet dander that are mistaken by the body as invaders. Therefore, when we come across these allergens, our immune system overreacts. Consequently, the body releases chemicals that irritate our nasal pathways. Moreover, the ensuing irritation triggers the trigeminal nerve. As a consequence, it sends signals to our brain, prompting an expulsion of air – a sneeze. This sneeze tries to clear the allergen from our airways.

Infections

Various infections due to common cold and flu viruses can also make you sneeze. Did you know there are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold? 

Know less common causes

• trauma to the nose
• withdrawal from certain drugs
• inhaling irritants
• breathing cold air

Sneezing Treatment at Home

The most convenient way to avoid sneezing fits is by staying clear of triggers that cause sneezing. Moreover, you can consider making simple decor changes and clearing clutter to reduce the presence of dust mites, dirt etc that are potential irritants in your home.

Also, consider changing chimney filters, air conditioning vents and regularly cleaning the accumulated dust in the home. Moreover, make it a habit to take your pets for regular grooming. This will ensure that their fur does not bother you too much.

Also, use hot water to banish dust mites from sheets and other linens. Periodically, place blankets and bedclothes in the sun which ensures that dust mites and bacteria disappear for good.

You may consider a professional inspection of your home, to check for mold spores, which may be causing your sneezing. 

How To Treat the Root Causes of Sneezing

Treatment of the root cause of sneezing involves understanding the reason and resorting to specific options as suggested by your ENT doctor.

• If you suspect allergies or infections as the root cause of your sneezing. Consider consulting an ENT doctor who can diagnose, and treat the cause to resolve your sneezing.
• After finding the allergen, religiously avoid all known allergens. Also, consult your doctor about ways to identify these allergens.
• For emergencies, you can consider taking over-the-counter and prescription medications called antihistamines.
• However, your ENT doctor may prescribe allergy shots in severe cases. Moreover, taking allergy shots will keep your body from reacting to allergens in the future.
• In case you have a common cold or flu, you have limited treatment options.
• However, you may get relief by using a nasal spray to relieve a congested or runny nose. In severe conditions, taking antiviral medication will speed up your recovery time. 
• Take rest and drink fluids to recover faster.

Decoding Winter Allergies

Allergies in winter allergy are equally irritating as their summer and spring cousins. Moreover, staying cooped up inside during chilly winter days leads to itchy eyes, a runny nose, and other allergy symptoms. Therefore, you have to identify triggers and know how to manage them during the colder months.

Did you know winter allergies are primarily due to dust, mould, or poor ventilation? Moreover, these indoor allergens accelerate symptoms including itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and coughing. Consequently, your cosy corner or bedroom turns into a potential allergenic hotspot.

Common Causes of Winter Allergies

Winter allergies are an outcome of indoor allergens and lifestyle factors.

Here are some causes:

1. Indoor Allergens

Microscopic creatures or dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments.

Skin flakes and cells from pets become airborne and cause allergies.

Damp areas like bathrooms and basements are breeding grounds for fungi.

Faeces and shells left behind by cockroaches can trigger allergies.

Urine, faeces, and saliva from rodents who seek shelter indoors

2. Outdoor Triggers

Less common but mildew and mould can trigger symptoms.

In some areas, tree pollen can be a factor in causing allergies in early winter

3. Lifestyle Factors

Closed windows and heating increase exposure to indoor allergens.

Allergens grow when there is less air circulation and higher humidity 

Pets spending more time indoors can increase pet dander exposure

Inadequate cleaning can lead to higher allergen concentrations

Symptoms of Winter Allergies

Recognising the symptoms of winter allergies helps in managing the symptoms and accelerating treatment. 

Symptoms include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes and throat
• Ear itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Dry coughing and phlegm 
• Skin rash
• Feeling sick 
• low-grade fever
• Chest tightness, wheezing, and rapid breathing

Medical Treatment for Winter Allergies

There are several treatments for winter allergies. Here are some common treatments for severe allergies:

• Antihistamines are successful in blocking histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. Consequently, reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching.
• Decongestants effectively reduce congestion and swelling. Therefore, they help in clearing the mucus in the nasal passages.
• Corticosteroids in nasal sprays or oral medications help reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses.
• Immunotherapy is a way to expose the body to increasing doses of the allergen through allergy shots or sublingual tablets. Consequently, it reduces long-term symptoms.
• Nasal Rinses are done by using nasal sprays to keep the nasal passages clear of allergens. Thus reducing the severity of allergic reactions.

Home Remedies for Winter Allergies

In addition to medical treatments, you can also treat winter allergies with some home remedies:

• Use nasal sprays to rinse allergens from your nasal passages
• You can take hot showers to clear nasal congestion and reduce allergen exposure.
• Periodically clean all the humidifiers at home to prevent mould growth
• Try using allergy-proof covers on mattresses, pillows, and comforters. Moreover, these minimise dust mite exposure.
• Clean surfaces with a bleach solution to reduce mould.

Preventive Measures for Winter Allergies

Did you know, you can prevent winter allergies? Here are some preventive measures:

• Try using HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaner and air purifiers. These can trap dust and allergen particles.
• Clean carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture periodically. Also,  wash bedding in hot water once a week.
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels below 50% to prevent mould and dust mite growth
• Ban cockroaches and allergens by sealing cracks in your home
• Restrict pets from entering bedrooms and living areas

Conclusion

After reading this blog, it must be clear that you can effectively manage allergies by understanding the root cause of your sneezing fits. Moreover, it is equally important to identify the triggers including dust mites, pet dander, or mould in damp corners. 

Also, you can avoid winter allergies by making simple lifestyle changes like improving indoor air quality or resorting to allergy shots.

However, for consistent sneezing fits and allergies, seek expert guidance. Consider consulting ENT doctors in Guwahati at Dispur Polyclinic and Hospitals. 

The ENT specialists can diagnose your specific triggers and develop a suitable treatment plan to help you.Therefore, schedule an appointment today and stop those endless sneezing episodes. Call +91 8822669275 to book an appointment