News

Winter is often expected to bring relief from allergies. Cooler temperatures, fewer outdoor blooms, and the end of spring and summer allergy season should mean fewer symptoms.

But for many people in South Central Texas, that relief never quite arrives.

If you’re dealing with winter allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy skin, or trouble breathing well into the winter months, you’re not imagining things. Allergies in winter are common in this region, and for some, symptoms persist or even worsen.

Understanding why this happens is the first step toward finding relief.

Winter Allergies vs. Colds: Key Differences

One of the most confusing parts of winter is figuring out whether symptoms are caused by allergies or viral infections.

Both can cause:

• Runny nose or stuffy nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Sinus pressure

The key differences come down to duration and patterns.

Cold symptoms and other viral infections typically resolve within one to two weeks and may include fever or body aches. Allergy symptoms, including allergic rhinitis, tend to linger, fluctuate with allergen exposure, and return repeatedly — often without fever.

If symptoms persist, worsen indoors, or seem tied to specific environments, likely allergies — not a lingering cold — are the cause.

Why Allergies Persist During South Central Texas Winters

Unlike colder regions, winters in South Central Texas don’t eliminate allergens. Instead, several factors combine to keep allergy symptoms active.

More Time Indoors Means More Allergen Exposure

Cold weather leads to more time indoors, which increases exposure to common indoor allergens.

The most common winter allergens include:

• Dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells and skin cells found in bedding and upholstery
• Pet dander and animal dander, common triggers for pet allergies
• Indoor mold, which thrives in humid environments
• Cockroach droppings

Because homes are sealed more tightly during winter months, indoor air circulates allergens more efficiently, triggering allergic reactions and causing symptoms to persist.

Dust Mites Thrive in Winter Conditions

Dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens and a major cause of perennial allergies.

They thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in:

• Mattresses and pillows
• Blankets and bedding
• Carpets and upholstered furniture

Dust mites feed on dead skin cells and thrive when dust becomes trapped indoors. This ongoing exposure can trigger nasal congestion, itchy nose, itchy eyes, and a runny nose.

Washing bedding in hot water and using allergen-proof covers can help reduce exposure.

Mold Growth Continues Indoors

Many people assume mold disappears in winter, but indoor mold remains a major allergy trigger in South Central Texas.

Mold growth is encouraged by:

• Indoor humidity
• Too much moisture
• Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas
• Air conditioning and heating systems

Mold spores float easily through indoor air and can irritate mucous membranes, trigger allergic responses, and contribute to sinus infections and difficulty breathing.

Humidity control and preventing moisture buildup are essential steps to prevent mold.

Outdoor Allergens Don’t Fully Disappear

While spring and summer allergies are well known, outdoor allergens don’t vanish in winter.

Environmental allergies may continue due to:

• Mold spores outdoors
• Seasonal shifts that never fully stop
• Ongoing allergen exposure

For many people, this means allergy season simply changes rather than ends.

Common Winter Allergy Symptoms

Winter allergy symptoms vary but often include:

• Nasal congestion and irritated nasal passages
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy skin
• Sinus pressure
• Trouble breathing

If symptoms last for weeks, worsen indoors, or return repeatedly, allergies are often the underlying cause.

Why Allergies Can Feel Worse in Winter

It may seem counterintuitive, but allergies often feel worse during winter months.

Contributing factors include:

• Increased indoor allergen exposure
• Poor indoor air quality
• Air conditioning or heating systems circulating allergens
• Reduced ventilation
• Trapped dust and moisture

Unlike cold symptoms, allergic symptoms remain present as long as triggers are nearby.

Improving Indoor Air Quality During Winter

Improving indoor air quality can make all the difference when managing winter allergies.

Helpful steps include:

• Using air purifiers to trap dust and allergens
• Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter
• Maintaining proper humidity control
• Cleaning visible indoor mold promptly
• Replacing HVAC filters regularly

These steps help control indoor allergens and reduce symptoms, but they may not be enough on their own.

Allergy Testing and Treatment Options

If over-the-counter remedies and nasal sprays aren’t helping, allergy testing can help identify specific allergens and specific triggers.

An allergist can develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Allergy treatments tailored to your immune response
• Allergy shots to reduce sensitivity over time
• Strategies to prevent allergen exposure and reduce symptoms

Treating allergies effectively means understanding how your immune system reacts — not just masking symptoms.

Understanding Winter Allergies in South Central Texas

If you experience allergies year-round or notice that symptoms persist through winter, you’re not alone.

Between dust mites, indoor mold, pet allergies, and ongoing outdoor allergens, winter allergies are common in South Central Texas and often go undiagnosed.

With proper evaluation and care from Stone Oak Allergy, relief is possible — even during the winter months.

If symptoms are lingering, worsening, or interfering with daily life, it may be time to look beyond cold weather assumptions and get answers.