Chronic Cold or Sinus Infection Could Be Symptoms of Winter Allergy

If you have been suffering with a chronic cold or sinus infection that has lasted longer than a week, chances are you have a winter allergy.

My worst winter ever was the year I bought a featherbed. First I experienced nose congestion, then it developed into a reoccurring sinus infection. I had frequent visits to the doctor, and multiple prescriptions of antibiotics. But my sinus infection kept returning. Since my symptoms seemed to be worse at night, I started to suspect I had an allergy to my new featherbed. After removing the featherbed, my sinuses finally returned to normal.

There are many allergens that specifically occur during the winter months when our houses are sealed up tight. Here are some of the most common winter allergens:

Bedding
The winter months are generally colder, which means people often bring out extra blankets, comforters and featherbeds. Feathers are often found in comforters, featherbeds and are commonly used in pillows. Wool can be found in quilts and wool blankets. Some people may react to the flannel sheets they use only during the winter months.

Holiday Decorations
I have a family member who cannot go into craft stores during the Holidays because of the eucalyptus scent that is often sprayed on holiday crafts. Real Christmas trees and wreaths can also be troublesome for anyone with a pine or mold allergy. Getting the dusty bins of Christmas ornaments out of storage, or putting up a dusty fake tree can cause a reaction in a person with a dust allergy.

Coats, Hats, Mittens, Scarfs and Boots
Check the labels of your hats, mittens and scarfs since they often contain down or wool. If you have a rubber allergy, your winter boots may be causing your sinus troubles.

Indoor Pollution
If you have done any painting, staining, remodeling, installed new carpet, put up a new shower curtain, or used harsh cleaning chemicals, you may be reacting to the chemicals in the air. People with dust allergies may be reacting to the dust that gets stirred up every time the furnace turns on.

Clothing
In my family, there are many members who cannot wear wool clothing without experiencing sinus congestion. If you have a pet allergy, your coworker's clothing may be exposing you to their pet's fur since fur tends to stick more to clothing worn during the winter months.

Foods
During the winter months, many of us eat foods we don't normally eat during the summer months. Think about which foods you crave in the winter. These foods may be the cause of your sinus troubles. Try eliminating these foods for a while to see if your symptoms improve. Be aware that many foods contain Monosodium Glutamate, which can cause headaches and other physical symptoms. MSG is often found in snack chips, ramen noodles, soups, spices and Chinese food.

Wood Burning Fireplace
There's nothing more cozy than a wood burning fireplace in the wintertime. But to many, the burning wood can cause physical problems with breathing, coughing, throat pain, runny eyes, sinus pressure and headaches.

You may have to become your own health detective to discover what is causing your chronic cold symptoms. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. When did the symptoms first appear?

2. What time of day are my symptoms worse?

3. What are things I am eating, wearing or surrounded by that could be causing my sinus troubles?

4. Is there a certain time when my symptoms felt better? (Such as at work, sleeping at a hotel, eating different foods, etc.)

5. Is there anything new in my house, such as new carpet, rugs, furniture or shower curtains that could be causing my symptoms?

If you are unable to figure out the culprit, try keeping a journal. Keep track of your symptoms and take notes on what you did, ate and wore on that day. You may find a pattern to your symptoms that you hadn't even realized existed.