While food allergies don’t actually change with the seasons, plenty of common culprits can cause allergic reactions year-round, including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Many of my patients tell me that their food allergy symptoms seem worse during the winter. Could that be true, or is it just a fluke?
Resource: allergyasthmanetwork.org
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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
How Food Allergies Work
If you have a food allergy, your immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. When you eat it, your body thinks the protein is harmful and releases chemicals like histamine.
That can cause symptoms like:
- Hives or skin rash
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Anaphylaxis in severe cases
The intensity of a reaction is often determined by how much of a food was eaten, the degree of sensitivity of the person, and the state of that person’s body at the time.
Resource: nhs.uk
Why Your Symptoms May Feel Worse in Winter
While seasonal variations don’t affect the symptoms of food allergies, there are several reasons why reactions may seem worse in the winter.
Dry Air Inside the Home
Most people spend more time inside when it’s cold, and they have the heat on. Heat causes dryness, which can make the nasal passages and skin dry. Dry skin is more sensitive, so hives and rashes may appear more dramatic. Dryness also irritates the throat, so it may seem more intense when you have an allergic reaction.
Higher Rates of Respiratory Disease
During the winter months, colds, flu, and other respiratory infections are at their height. If a person with a food allergy is congested, coughing, or has inflamed airways because of a respiratory infection, it is possible that a food allergic reaction that involves the respiratory system may seem worse. Airways that are inflamed are also more sensitive and may react more dramatically.
Asthma Attacks
Asthma and food allergy often go hand in hand. Cold air alone can cause symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath. If someone has asthma and has an allergic food reaction in the winter, their breathing symptoms can become more severe and more rapid. Uncontrolled asthma is a risk factor for more severe allergic reactions.
Diet Changes
The holidays bring different foods and recipes. There may be hidden ingredients in baked goods, sauces, and other store-bought holiday foods. You may eat more of a dish or more dishes at a holiday meal, making it more likely you’ll accidentally eat something you’re allergic to.
Reduced Sunlight and Vitamin D
The reduced amount of sunlight throughout the winter may contribute to immune system function. There is some evidence that vitamin D helps regulate the immune system. While a vitamin D deficiency does not cause food allergies, alterations in immune function may impact the way the body reacts to an allergen.
Seasonal Overlap with Other Allergies
While you might think of winter as a time out from pollen and seasonal allergies, you may actually notice your dust mites, mold, and pet dander are worse because you are sealing up your home. The stuffiness, throat clearing, and cough associated with allergies can exacerbate reactions or make them more confusing. Since many symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of environmental allergies, diagnosis is often difficult without testing.
Are Food Allergic Reactions Really Worse During the Cold Winter Months?
It’s not that food allergies are inherently biologically more potent in winter. The immune system doesn’t respond more aggressively to a particular food protein simply because it’s colder outside. And the context around the allergies can shift. Low humidity, colds and flu, asthma attacks, and being around new foods are some of the possible explanations for why reactions may seem worse. For some, it may also mean a higher risk of severe reactions, especially if asthma isn’t well managed.
When to Consult an Allergist
If your symptoms are more severe or if they are happening more often during the winter months, don’t dismiss them. A board-certified allergist can:
- Determine if the symptoms are a true food allergy, to rule out coexisting asthma or other allergies, to go over an emergency response plan, to write a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector, and to demonstrate how to use it correctly.
- Give a proper diagnosis. In some cases, food intolerances or a viral illness could be mistaken for an allergic reaction.
Staying Safe This Winter
Food allergies are a constant concern. Here are some tips to keep in mind during the winter months:
- Be sure to check ingredient labels, particularly on seasonal items
- Always ask about ingredients when you are at holiday parties or at restaurants
- Keep your asthma in check by taking the medications prescribed to you by your doctor
- Always carry your epinephrine injector with you
- Use a humidifier if necessary to keep the humidity levels in your home comfortable
- Proper planning and knowledge go a long way to minimizing the danger
Schedule an Allergy Evaluation
If you suspect that your food allergy symptoms are more severe during the winter months or if you’re having trouble pinpointing exactly what’s causing your symptoms, you can get answers with a thorough assessment. Our professionals can help you determine the cause of your symptoms, address any underlying conditions like asthma, and more, so don’t wait any longer to find relief from allergy medications. Contact Asthma & Allergy Associates, PC to schedule your appointment and begin living a life with more control over your allergies.