Posted in Blog on December 11, 2025
Stop the Sniffles: How to Manage Your Winter Indoor Allergies
Reviewed by Curt Chaffin, MD
As pollen disappears, leaves fall off the trees and the time we spend outdoors naturally lessens, it’s easy to assume your allergy symptoms will fade with the season, especially here in the South. But if you find yourself battling sniffles that seem to never go away throughout the colder months, you may actually be dealing with winter indoor allergies.
The good news is that with the right approach, you can ease your symptoms and enjoy all the seasonal fun winter has to offer.
Jump to a Section
- Why Are My Allergies Worse Indoors in the Winter?
- How Can I Tell if I Have Winter Allergies or Just a Cold?
- What Can Cause Indoor Allergies?
- Where Are Common Indoor Allergens Found in My Home?
- Effective Ways to Ease Indoor Allergy Symptoms
- How Can an Allergist Help?
- Find Relief From Indoor Allergies This Winter
Why Are My Allergies Worse Indoors in the Winter?
Indoor allergies are present year-round, but you may notice more symptoms during the winter simply because you spend more time at home and indoors. With windows closed and doors shut to keep out the cold, indoor allergens become trapped inside and your heating system recirculates the same air.
Plus, the drier winter air, combined with running constant indoor heat, can quickly dry out your skin and nasal passages. This can make your indoor allergy symptoms feel more intense than usual.
You may be at a higher risk for winter indoor allergies if you have existing allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions.
How Can I Tell if I Have Winter Allergies or Just a Cold?
Winter allergies and colds often have similar symptoms but different causes. Colds develop from a virus and spread through human contact, while winter allergies occur when your immune system reacts to indoor allergens and releases histamine (a chemical response that triggers allergy symptoms as your body tries to clear out the allergen).
One major difference between allergies and colds is how long your symptoms last. Colds typically improve within a week as your body fights off the virus, while allergy symptoms can persist for as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.
What Can Cause Indoor Allergies?
No matter the season, several common triggers can worsen hay fever and allergy symptoms. However, these symptoms may intensify in the winter for various reasons. For example, you may have closer contact with your pets during the winter, spending more time around their thicker coats and keeping them indoors more often.
Common indoor allergens include:
• Dust mites (microscopic insects you can’t see or feel)
• Pet dander and saliva
• Mold
• Cockroaches
Where Are Common Indoor Allergens Found in My Home?
Dust mites are often found in:
• Bedding, mattresses, pillows and blankets
• Soft furniture
• Stuffed animals
• Carpets and rugs (especially wall-to-wall carpet)
Mold and bacteria often grow in humid or damp areas, such as:
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Basements
• Around leaks or areas with poor ventilation
Similarly, cockroaches tend to show up in moist, damp areas. They are also drawn to dark spaces.
Pet-related allergens are often found where your pets spend a lot of time, including:
• Their bedding
• Their toys
• Areas where they eat
• Areas where they relax (furniture, rugs, etc.)
Effective Ways to Ease Indoor Allergy Symptoms
• Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses and pillows to trap dust mites.
• Wash your bedding weekly on the hottest setting your fabrics allow.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms and consistently wash their bedding and toys. Even pets considered hypoallergenic can trigger pet allergies, so get tested if you notice symptoms.
• Bathe dogs and cats weekly.
• Vacuum and clean regularly, including tight and hidden spaces.
• Clean visible mold (like on shower curtains or leaky windows) with a diluted bleach solution. For mold inside drywall or ceilings, consider professional testing.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• See an allergist for testing and treatment, particularly if you are experiencing persistent symptoms, disruption to your daily life or have worsening asthma.
How Can an Allergist Help?
The board-certified allergists at The Allergy & Asthma Group of Galen can perform environmental allergy testing to identify what may be causing your symptoms. Once the allergens are determined, they can create a plan specific to your needs to help you improve your quality of life.
For example, even if you have a pet allergy, our allergists can help you manage symptoms so you can keep your pet, often using allergy shots as a treatment.
Find Relief From Indoor Allergies This Winter
Don’t let indoor allergies give you the winter blues. Our allergists are here to help figure out what’s causing your symptoms and create a treatment plan to help you feel your best! Find relief this season and schedule an appointment today.
See An Allergy Specialist Near You