Indoor Allergens in January: Mold, Dust, and Pet Dander Management

As the cold Atlanta winter settles in, many of us spend more time indoors—where allergens like mold, dust, and pet dander can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, and chronic rhinitis. For patients with allergies or chronic nasal issues, managing indoor allergens is key to staying comfortable and healthy. Dr. Ramie A. Tritt at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. shares practical tips to reduce indoor allergen exposure this January.

Common Indoor Allergens in Winter

1. Mold:
   Winter humidity and poor ventilation can lead to mold growth in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Mold spores can irritate nasal passages and worsen allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
2. Dust:
   Dust accumulates on furniture, carpets, and bedding, carrying allergens that trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
3. Pet Dander:
   Even if your pet is indoors only during winter, their skin flakes and hair can exacerbate nasal symptoms in sensitive individuals.

How Indoor Allergens Affect Nasal Health

Exposure to indoor allergens can cause:

• Chronic nasal congestion
• Sneezing and runny nose
• Postnasal drip and coughing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Worsening of asthma symptoms in children and adults

For those with chronic rhinitis or nasal obstruction, allergen exposure can make symptoms more persistent and harder to treat.

Tips for Managing Indoor Allergens in January

1. Keep a Clean Home: Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture with a HEPA-filter vacuum.
2. Wash Bedding Frequently: Hot water washes help remove dust mites and pet dander.
3. Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity between 30–50% to prevent mold growth.
4. Air Purifiers: HEPA air filters can reduce airborne allergens, including dust and pet dander.
5. Limit Pet Exposure in Bedrooms: Keeping pets out of sleeping areas reduces nighttime allergy flare-ups.
6. Fix Leaks Promptly: Address any water leaks or condensation to prevent mold from forming.

When to See an ENT Specialist

If managing indoor allergens isn’t enough to control symptoms, Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and the team at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C. offer specialized care for chronic rhinitis, nasal obstruction, and allergies. Services include:

• Allergy testing to identify triggers
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets)
• Minimally invasive procedures such as VivAer®, RhinAer®, ClariFix®, and Neuromark for nasal obstruction or turbinate hypertrophy

Locations & Contact Information:

Atlanta Office:
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 125, Atlanta, GA 30342

Author

Ramie A. Tritt, MD Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.