Winter in Pennsylvania often means cozying up indoors, but for those with allergies and asthma, the indoor environment can present unique challenges. When we seal our homes to keep the heat in, we also trap indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. At Pure Allergy & Asthma, we utilize a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you navigate these seasonal shifts with confidence.

Why do symptoms flare in winter?

It is a common misconception that allergy season ends with the first frost. In reality, shifting from open windows to closed-circuit heating creates a "snow globe" effect inside your home.

• The Circulatory Trap: Your heating system can recirculate settled dust and pet dander throughout every room.

• The Dry Air Trigger: Cold, dry outdoor air is a major trigger for those requiring respiratory relief. Dry air strips the protective moisture from your airways, causing them to narrow, which leads to wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath.

• Hidden Mold: High indoor humidity from steaming showers or humidifiers can lead to mold growth in window sills and basements, even while the rest of the house feels dry.

Empowerment through Understanding

Our practice is built on the pillar of empowerment: helping you gain better control over your health through education. By understanding your triggers, you can transition from reactive treatments to proactive prevention.

Here are several proactive steps you can take today:

• Master the "Scarf Trick": When heading outdoors, wrap a light scarf over your nose and mouth. This simple step helps warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs, significantly reducing the risk of a cold-induced asthma flare.

• Balance Your Humidity: Aim to keep your indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. This range is high enough to soothe dry nasal passages but low enough to prevent the growth of mold and dust mites.

• Upgrade Your Filtration: Use HEPA-certified air purifiers and vacuum cleaners to trap microscopic allergens rather than releasing them back into your living space.

• Protect Your Sleep: Use dust-mite-proof covers for pillows and mattresses, and keep pets out of the bedroom to ensure your "sleep sanctuary" remains allergen-free.

Personalized Results for You

If you find yourself relying on your rescue inhaler more than three times a week, or if your "winter cold" simply won’t go away, it may be time for a formal evaluation. A "winter cold" that lasts longer than ten days is often actually untreated allergic rhinitis.

Whether you are interested in our specialized RUSH/Rapid Immunotherapy to reach relief faster or need a comprehensive asthma management plan, we are here to be your patient champion. We focus on long-term desensitization rather than just masking symptoms.

Note: If you have questions regarding your symptoms, testing, or the latest 2026 treatment options, the best way to move forward is with a formal consultation. We offer both in-person and telehealth visits to accommodate your needs.

Contact Pure Allergy & Asthma

• Phone/Text: 267-396-7873

• Website: www.pureallergyasthma.com

• Email: office@pureallergyasthma.com

• Location: 104 Pheasant Run, Suite 105A, Newtown, PA 18940

Wishing you well,

Neetu Dhawan, DO, FACAAI & the staff of PURE Allergy & Asthma