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Winter is supposed to be a break from allergies. Fewer blooms, cooler temperatures, and a pause from spring and summer allergy season — at least in theory.

But in Central Texas, many people find that allergy symptoms persist well into the winter months, and sometimes even feel worse.

If you’re dealing with a runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, or difficulty breathing long after cold weather sets in, you’re not imagining things. Allergies in the winter are very real in Austin and throughout Central Texas.

Let’s break down why winter allergies happen here, what triggers symptoms, and how to tell the difference between allergies, colds, and flu symptoms.

Winter Allergies vs. Colds: Key Differences to Know

One of the most common challenges during winter is figuring out whether symptoms are caused by allergies or viral infections.

Both can cause:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Sinus pressure
• Fatigue
• Trouble breathing

The key differences come down to duration and pattern.

Cold symptoms and flu symptoms usually improve within a week or two and may include fever or body aches. Allergic symptoms, on the other hand, tend to linger, fluctuate with exposure, and often return again and again.

If your symptoms persist, improve briefly, then flare back up — especially indoors — undiagnosed allergies may be the real cause.

Why Allergies Persist During Central Texas Winters

Unlike colder climates, Central Texas winters don’t eliminate allergens. In fact, several factors combine to make allergies worse during the colder months.

Time Indoors Increases Exposure to Indoor Allergens

When temperatures drop, people naturally spend more time indoors — and that increases exposure to common indoor allergens.

The most common indoor allergens include:

• Dust mites, which feed on dead skin cells in bedding and upholstery
• Pet dander, a major trigger for pet allergies
• Indoor mold, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas
• Cockroach droppings

Because homes are sealed more tightly in winter, allergens circulate through indoor air more easily, triggering allergic reactions and causing symptoms to persist.

Dust Mites Thrive During Winter

Dust mites are a major cause of perennial allergies, and winter conditions often make exposure worse.

Warm blankets, heavy bedding, and reduced airflow allow dust mites to thrive. Since dust mites feed on dead skin cells, they are commonly found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture.

This ongoing exposure often leads to nasal congestion, itchy skin, itchy or watery eyes, and a runny nose that doesn’t resolve.

Mold Growth Continues Despite Cold Weather

Another major contributor to allergies in winter is mold.

Mold spores float easily through indoor air and thrive in environments with:

• Indoor humidity
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• HVAC and heating systems
• Poor ventilation

Even during colder months, mold growth remains a concern in Central Texas. Mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinus infections, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Outdoor Allergens Don’t Fully Disappear

While spring and summer allergies get most of the attention, outdoor allergens don’t vanish in winter.

In Central Texas:

• Winter pollen, including mountain cedar, can be a major allergy trigger
• Mold spores remain active outdoors
• Environmental allergies can continue year-round

For many people, this means allergies worsen instead of improving once summer allergies fade.

Common Winter Allergy Symptoms

Winter allergy symptoms vary, but often include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nasal congestion and irritated nasal passages
• Itchy eyes or watery eyes
• Sinus pressure or headaches
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Fatigue
• Itchy skin

If symptoms continue for weeks, fluctuate with exposure, or worsen indoors, allergies — not a lingering cold — may be responsible.

Why Allergies Can Feel Worse in the Winter

Many people assume cold weather should calm allergies. In reality, allergies in the winter can feel more intense because allergen exposure never truly stops.

Contributing factors include:

• Increased time indoors
• Poor indoor air quality
• Reduced ventilation
• Heating systems circulating allergens
• Ongoing exposure to indoor mold and dust mites

Unlike cold symptoms, allergic symptoms remain present as long as triggers are nearby.

Improving Indoor Air Quality During Winter

Managing indoor air quality is one of the most important steps in reducing winter allergy symptoms.

Helpful strategies include:

• Washing bedding in hot water to reduce dust mites
• Using air purifiers to filter indoor air
• Maintaining proper humidity control
• Replacing HVAC filters regularly
• Cleaning visible mold promptly

Reducing allergen exposure can help, but it may not be enough if symptoms persist.

When to Consider Allergy Testing and Treatment

If over-the-counter medications and OTC remedies aren’t helping, a proper diagnosis is essential.

An allergist can:

• Identify specific allergens through testing
• Determine what is triggering symptoms
• Create a personalized treatment plan

Treatment options may include:

• Targeted allergy treatments
• Nasal sprays
• Allergy shots to reduce allergic reactions over time

Treating allergies effectively means understanding how your immune system responds to specific triggers — not just masking symptoms.

Understanding Winter Allergies in Central Texas

If your allergy symptoms don’t ease once winter arrives, you’re not alone.

Between indoor allergens, mold growth, winter pollen, and indoor air quality issues, allergies persist throughout Central Texas winters — and often go undiagnosed.

The good news? With the right evaluation and care, relief is possible.

If symptoms are lingering, worsening, or interfering with daily life, it may be time to look beyond cold weather assumptions and get answers.