Q: Can you have allergy symptoms during the winter?
A: Yes. We often joke that when people talk about allergy season, it starts on Jan. 1 and ends on Dec. 31. If you have indoor allergens, your time spent indoors during the winter will tend to exacerbate those symptoms. The most prominent indoor allergens would include dust mites, pet dander and mold. Controlling allergy symptoms first begins with identifying exactly what may be triggering them, so allergy testing is needed. After these factors are identified, appropriate avoidance techniques and specific medications or other treatments can be used.
– Dr. Curt Chaffin, The Allergy & Asthma Group of Galen; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
Submit your health-related questions for a medical doctor to lwilson@timesfreepress.com.
