Winter Allergies in Palm Beach Gardens: Avoiding Common Triggers This Season

Palm Beach Gardens and surrounding South Florida communities are known for warm weather year-round. While this allows more people to bask in the sun and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s not all good news for allergy sufferers.

Florida’s weather creates ideal conditions for many allergens to thrive throughout the year, triggering allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals in Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding communities.

What Causes Winter Allergies: Palm Beach Gardens Should Know

Florida has a unique allergy season calendar. The state doesn’t have freezing winters or dry summers, allowing allergens to thrive all year round.

❄️During the winter months, the biggest allergens in Florida will be tree pollen, specifically oak and pine. Tree pollen will start spreading in the early months of winter and will likely continue into the spring season, causing issues for individuals with tree pollen sensitivities.

🏠In addition to outdoor allergens, indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold can cause widespread issues in individuals with such sensitivities, as people spend more time indoors than usual.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Winter Allergies in Palm Beach Gardens, FL?

Allergy symptoms during the Florida winter season will vary from one person to another, but common symptoms may include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Runny nose with clear, thin, and watery discharge
• Scratchy or irritated throat
• Coughing
• Post-nasal drip, or mucus dripping down the back of the throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue

⚠️These symptoms may be associated with other conditions as well. Consult with a healthcare provider for a more accurate diagnosis.

Managing Winter Allergy Symptoms and Relief Tips for Palm Beach Gardens, FL

✔️Reduce your exposure to potential allergens and irritants

• Start your day by monitoring daily pollen levels in West Palm Beach and nearby communities.
• On days with high allergen and pollen levels, use a dust mask, hats, scarves, and sunglasses to minimize your exposure to potential irritants.

✔️A clean home is a healthy home, especially during allergy season

• Vacuum, dust, and clean your home regularly to reduce indoor allergens. Wear a dust mask when cleaning to avoid triggering symptoms.
• Regularly wash bedding, rugs, and curtains in hot water.
• Run an indoor air purifier, as this can help reduce indoor allergens in your home.
• Use HEPA filters in your vacuum, air purifier, and HVAC system to trap potential indoor allergens.
• Clean holiday decorations before displaying them again for the holidays.

✔️Minimize pet dander

• Keep pets out of bedrooms and furniture.
• Groom pets more frequently.
• Clean them up before letting them back inside the house.
• Keep pet areas clean and free from pet dander and other irritants.

✔️Monitor and control humidity levels to address mold allergies

• Running an indoor humidifier may help some people counter sinus irritation caused by winter’s cool, dry air.
• Minimize moisture buildup inside your house to prevent mold growth.
• Keep indoor humidity levels between 30% to 50%.
• Regularly clean your humidifier to prevent mold growth.
• If you notice mold growth inside your home, remove it with a bleach solution.
• Ensure good air ventilation in your home by opening windows and doors briefly, allowing fresh air in.
• Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.

✔️Try over-the-counter medications for possible relief

Some individuals may find symptom relief with over-the-counter medications like:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays
• Pain relievers

⚠️Talk to a pharmacist or your care provider before starting any new medication, even if they are available over the counter.

✔️Seek professional allergy care in Palm Beach Gardens

• Allergy testing can help you identify your specific allergy triggers. This can also allow your doctor to tailor care and management plans based on your test results, medical history, and health goals.
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or allergy drops are FDA-approved for certain allergens such as ragweed, dust mites, and certain grass pollen. However, SLIT is not FDA-approved for all allergens. Use for other allergens beyond those approved is considered off-label–such use should only be pursued after discussion with your care provider about possible risks and benefits.

Winter Allergy Care With West Palm Beach Breathe Free

Here at West Palm Beach Breathe Free, our team offers in-office allergy testing and works closely with our patients in Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding communities to recommend evidence-based care plans tailored to your results, medical history, and personal health goals. ⚠️ Treatment outcomes vary per patient and are not guaranteed.

On the lookout for an allergy specialist near you? Schedule a consultation with our team today. Our ENT clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, serves patients in Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, and nearby communities.