by H. Farhadian. M.D., F.A.A.P.
After pollination of the weeds in fall that are major affending factors, winter arrives. During the cold and rainy season, the pollens are reduced. Therefore, the typical allergic symptoms such as attack of sneezing, runny nose, and itching of the eyes are subsided. However, we cannot underestimate the effect of cold air on the upper and lower respiratory tract in allergic patients.
The cold air could directly stimulate the nerve endings, which exist in the nose, sinuses, and lungs. This stimulation results in symptoms similar to allergies such as sneezing, wheezing, and nasal congestion.
In common colds, the symptoms usually will improve within five to ten days, but in nasal allergy the symptoms might continue for weeks or even months.
Sinusitis is one of the most common complications of rhinitis. There are two types of sinusitis, acute and chronic.
In acute sinusitis, that usually follows the common cold, that the patient suffers of fever, face pain, eye ache, tooth ache, redness of the nose and eyes, stuffy nose, profuse nasal discharge, post nasal drip, and sore throat.
However, chronic sinusitis is the result of untreated or inappropriately treated nasal allergy. In this type, the patient does not usually have a fever or has a slight fever. The face pain is mild or does not exist, but patient might complain of chronic headaches. Nasal congestion is also milder and most of the time associated with discolors nasal discharge, postnasal drip, persistent sore throat, and bad breath. Unfortunately, the incidence of this condition has been increased in the past several years.
Cold and dry air also aggravates asthmatics during the winter month. They become more susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia in which case fever is added to the other symptoms.
As a result of the cold season, the patients stay indoors. Therefore, they receive less fresh air and exposed to more indoor pollutions. The indoor pollutions include smoke, house dust, pet hair and danders, aerosols, and the smoke from wooden stoves.
For treatment of winter allergy and asthma, the best approach is prevention. The following measures are recommended:
A). Keep animals outdoor if possible and wash them once a week.
B). Keep the house dust-free as much as possible. Vacuum the carpet once or twice a week. A good vacuum cleaner with HEPA-FILTER is very beneficial. The curtains and shades must be free of dust. No feather pillows and plush toys should be removed from children’s bedroom.
C). Smoking should absolutely be avoided.
For more information, call:
Santa Clarita Valley: (661) 259-6996
Antelope Valley: (661) 266-3322