FAQs
Woman with spring allergies sneezes and wipes her nose while in the park.

The Difference Between Spring vs. Winter Allergies: Allergens and Symptoms

The first bloom of spring can prove quite exciting after a long and dreary winter. But that first bloom also brings with it the beginning of spring allergies. Similarly, while the holiday season may be full of cheer, you might feel the sting of winter allergies trying to drain your batteries. But is there any difference in the symptoms of winter vs. spring allergies? And why do seasonal allergies tend to flare up at a certain time?

We are going to talk about some of the allergens that may impact you during the spring or the winter, and why both indoor and environmental factors can contribute to allergies. We’ll also discuss whether seasonal allergies can get worse over time and discuss ways to get fast relief from your allergy symptoms.

Dissecting Winter Allergens

The allergens that tend to be most common in winter are somewhat evergreen in that they are present year-round. Things like mold and mildew spores may present themselves throughout the year but can seem worse in the winter because they thrive in warm, humid environments. And it’s probably safe to say your home or apartment is toasty during the winter if you have the heat on and take lots of warm showers.

Pet parents may discover that increased exposure to pet dander has made sniffling and sneezing more common during the winter months. You may also have heightened exposure to dust, which comes from people and pets, clothing fibers, and more. Plus, things like carpets, furniture, windows, and bedding can catch a lot of dust.

Winter allergens may be of a different variety for people in warmer climates. For example, while pollen rates might decrease overall, the Ashe Juniper tree (found in parts of the Southwest United States) releases cedar pollen in December. This results in “cedar fever,” which can impact people who have a sensitivity to pollen.

Why are My Allergies Worse in the Winter?

Allergies can feel more prevalent and cause more issues during the winter months because you are spending more time indoors. And because there’s less insulation, you are susceptible to winter allergens like mold and dust.

Home and office environments may become dusty and stuffy during the winter. Since you likely have your windows closed and the heat blasting during cold-weather months, the reduced ventilation can help increase the concentration of certain allergens.

Or, you might have experienced a milder winter. While that may serve as a pleasant surprise for people who dislike chilly temperatures, it can also mean that certain pollens are circulating earlier than anticipated. Thus, you might experience symptoms.

The Scoop on Spring Allergens

You might consider spring allergies as “seasonal” or “hayfever” season. Most states see spring allergies begin in early February and last through early summer. The allergen most commonly associated with spring is pollen. But “pollen” is a more encompassing term.

Tree pollen, grass pollen, and ragweed are all considered “pollens.” But tree pollen and grass pollen are the ones more commonly associated with spring and summer, whereas ragweed rates tend to rise in late summer and early fall.

Additionally, as we just discussed, some of the allergens that may seem more prominent during the winter may also come to irritate you during the spring. Rainy springs can help accelerate plant growth in a myriad of climates. This, in turn, can result in increased mold growth during the season and may lead to a rise in allergies.

Man with allergies itching around his nose and eyes.

Symptoms of Winter vs. Spring Allergies

Allergies can cause a host of symptoms, from runny or stuffy nose to sneezing and more. But are there any real differences between the symptoms of spring allergies vs. winter allergies? In short, the answer is no.

As we’ve already discussed, the allergens that can trigger a reaction may change throughout the year. However, your body will likely have the same response and you may feel any or all the following symptoms, including:

  • Runny nose & sneezing: You might also experience itchiness around your nose.
  • Itchy, watery eyes: People with pollen allergies may have seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) that may loom large in the spring. Cold air and high winds may lead to dry eyes and discomfort in the winter.
  • Nasal or sinus congestion: Having a stuffy nose or sinus pressure may stem from allergies.
  • Cough: Allergies may bring about a dry cough. If you’re experiencing a wet cough, you may have a cold.

Allergies may also cause you to have postnasal drip, which is when excess mucus from the nasal passages runs down the back of your throat. This might cause soreness and a scratchy feeling in your throat.

Can Allergies Make You Tired?

Allergies can indeed make you tired and cause fatigue to set in, regardless of the season. This can happen in multiple ways, both direct and indirect.

Congestion that causes pressure in your upper airways or sinuses can signal to your brain that you feel tired. Alternatively, you may feel worn down from the sniffling and sneezing you’re doing. If you’re experiencing frequent symptoms at night, your allergies might disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue during the day.

Do Seasonal Allergies Get Worse with Age?

Certain allergic disorders may become more prevalent in old age. However, reactions and symptoms brought on by seasonal allergic rhinitis tend to peak during childhood and adolescence.

Strategies for Spring Allergies

If tree or grass pollen is an issue for you during the spring, take some of the following steps to help reduce irritation from spring allergies:

  • Limit your time outdoors on windy days, when pollen is transported en masse.
  • Refrain from physical activity early in the morning and around midday, when pollen counts are high.
  • Try to close windows and doors at night, when some plants release pollen.
  • Use a nasal cleanser, like Zicam® Nasal AllClear™, which helps cleanse and moisturize nasal passages, and also complements allergy symptom relievers. It offers a patented swab technology that helps clear pollutants, irritants, and excess mucus.

Helpful Tips for Winter (Year-Round) Allergies

Hunkering down for the winter months? You can do multiple things around your home or office to help limit your exposure to potential allergies, including:

  • Clean bathrooms more regularly. Mold and mildew spores can thrive in dark and damp environments like bathrooms. So, keep an eye on your bathroom surfaces and curtains and try to clean them often.
  • Wipe down counters, desk spaces, and furniture to help prevent dust from building up. You may also want to clean holiday decorations when you first put them up, as they may have accumulated dust in storage.
  • Wash bedding frequently. Keeping your sheets and other bedding clean can help prevent dust mites and get rid of any pet dander, particularly if your dogs or cats sleep with you.

Although it’s especially important to check these boxes to reduce exposure to winter allergens, these are also things you should be doing regularly all year long!

Relieve Your Allergy Symptoms with Zicam® Nasal Sprays

Whether you’re experiencing sneezing fits from springtime pollen or have a stuffy nose on a cold winter’s night, try the following Zicam® nasal sprays for symptomatic relief:

Find the non-drowsy Zicam® nasal care product that can help relieve your allergy symptoms, whenever they might arise.

The content provided on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

`

Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.