conflicting stories for allergies - Allergies Message Board

singer1 · 12-20-2006, 11:57 AM

I have heard of year around allergies, but then I also hear that the first freeze kills all the allergens, so people with allergies should not have any problems in the winter, yet if there has been a freeze, then temps rise in the high 40's and rains, doesn't that bring up any allergens to those who suffer with allergies? I have heard that many people get headaches when the weather changes or it rains. Isn't that some sort of an allergy issue? Just wanted to clarify and get some info on that.

Sannah · 12-20-2006, 12:09 PM

I keep an eye on our local pollen and mold counts. In the US the mold counts are at the highest in July and the lowest in the winter. If it warms a little during the winter I do notice that the mold counts go up a little but no where near the level I see during the summer. Those who suffer from dust mites have more problems during the winter. Of course those who suffer from animal allergies do not see a seasonal change. You are correct about the hard frost killing all of the pollens. A short warmup is not enough time for the plants and trees to go through all of the stages that they need to go through to make pollen (I think that plants and trees respond to how many hours of daylight that there is also). I have heard of people getting sick with weather changes, especially where I live and it can be 20 degrees one day and 60 the next. Could it be the barometric pressure changes? Some molds become active when it rains.

singer1 · 12-20-2006, 12:59 PM

do you think when it rains after a frost has killed off everything, that enough mold can arise to cause allergy symptoms what do you think about people that seem to have allergy symptoms after a freeze? Do you think it is allergy related symptoms or possibly something else? I also wonder if barometric changes can effect the ears? I would love to hear from those who do suffer from allergies year around to see you feel in the winter, especially when it's a mild winter. Thanks everyone!

Titchou · 12-20-2006, 02:03 PM

I have some of both...pollens - which are better during the winter - and cats, dogs, dust mites,etc - which are not better in the winter. In fact, having the heat on makes them worse for me. I just got off the injections a year ago and am doing well. However, I know it won't last forever. And mold can be anytime - heat and water cause mold so that can be year round.
And some people are more sensitive to changes in barometric pressure - it's often a cause of migraines.

Alagaesia · 12-20-2006, 09:22 PM

I am allergic to practically everything except food so I have allergies all year round. Since I've been on allergy meds I've been fine. The only time I have a problem with my allergies is when its too humid. I just pop on the dehumidifier then. Before being on allergy meds I felt pretty much the same all year round. Same symptoms during the summer and the winter.