501 N Graham, Suite 455, Portland, OR 97227

10330 SE 32nd Ave, Suite 320 Milwaukie, OR 97222

Spring time can be an absolute nightmare for people who have allergies. Pollen counts and allergens run rampant when the trees are in bloom and the weather starts to warm up. But did you know that winter can be just as difficult to get through if you have allergies?

Indoor allergens such as dust mites and mold can be stored up in your vents all spring and summer just to be shot into the air when you finally turn on the furnace, and they get stirred up every time it kicks on thereafter. They can get into your nose and trigger an Allergiesallergic reaction.

Common Symptoms

In the winter, it can be hard to distinguish allergies from a cold. If you’ve been coughing and sneezing for several months, suffering from itchy eyes and a runny nose, it may be due to indoor allergies.

You can test your sensitivity to allergies by doing a little housekeeping. Below are a few tips on how to reduce the number of allergens in your home:

  • Throw out anything that has developed mold (including shower liners and carpeting) and be sure to clean your bathroom surfaces and kitchen sink with a solution containing a small amount of bleach.
  • Since humidity levels tend to fluctuate in the winter, bring in a device to help you regulate the level of moisture in your home. We recommend keeping the humidity level below 50% to control an outbreak of mold.
  • Change your air filter regularly.
  • Wash and change your bedding in hot water once every week. You can also find hypoallergenic pillows and bedding at almost any department store.

If you try these things and your symptoms seem to improve or subside, there’s a good chance that you may have allergies. However, the only way to know for sure is to visit a doctor. He can administer a test to diagnose your symptoms.

Let Us Help You Combat Winter Allergies

Prevention can go a long way in keeping your allergies at bay, but it’s always good to have a backup plan. Many people have found relief from their allergies by taking over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. In the event these treatments are not effective, however, there are also a number of treatments that doctors can prescribe to treat allergies.

To learn more about how to combat winter allergies or to schedule an appointment with an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist in the Milwaukie, OR area, call NorthWest ENT & Allergy at (503) 513-8693 today!

About a home sleep study we offer

Watermark integrated home sleep technology is a fast, simple and cost effective alternative for the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. After identification of appropriate candidates for testing through a validated OSA risk questionnaire, home sleep testing equipment is provided to the patient by the provider. The Watermark sleep testing devices have been validated to be as effective as an in-lab sleep studies, yet with the convenience and simplicity of being performed in the comfort of the patients home at a fraction of the cost. Upon completion of the 2 night study, the information is uploaded to the WM Sleep Portal where the study data is auto-processed, undergoes a technical QA edit and professional interpretation by Dr. Adrian Varela, board certified sleep physician before being returned to the ordering provider for diagnosis, all within 48 hours.