If Winter Allergy Symptoms Are Severe, Identifying the Cause Through Testing Is Important

Why are winter allergy symptoms worse?

Winter allergies tend to become more noticeable in winter due to cold air and increased indoor activity.

Exposure to temperature changes, dry air, and indoor dust or mites often leads to worsened nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy skin.

To understand these symptoms accurately, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy symptoms. Since the cause differs from person to person, allergy testing can be helpful.

Why do the causes of allergy symptoms differ from person to person?

The causes of allergy symptoms vary widely by individual. Some people react to certain foods, while others are sensitive to pollen, mites, or pet dander. This is because genetic factors, immune response characteristics, and the degree of environmental exposure all act together.

For example, continuous exposure to house dust mites or mold can worsen rhinitis or coughing, and people sensitive to certain nuts or dairy products may develop hives or abdominal pain after eating them. In addition, factors that disrupt immune balance, such as stress or lack of sleep, can make allergic reactions easier to trigger.

Because the substances encountered in daily life are so varied, it is difficult to determine on your own which allergens you are sensitive to. That is why, when symptoms recur or change with the season, testing is needed to identify the cause of the allergy symptoms.

Major conditions related to allergies

Allergies (atopic dermatitis, hives, etc.)
Allergic rhinitis
Asthma
Atopic dermatitis

1. Allergy

A hypersensitive reaction to a specific substance, which can appear differently depending on the affected area.

• Atopic dermatitis

• Allergic rhinitis

• Hives

• Asthma

2. Allergic rhinitis

A common condition experienced by about 20% of the population. It is sometimes mistaken for a cold, but if left untreated it can lead to reduced concentration, sinusitis, and decreased sense of smell, so it is important to identify the cause and manage it.

3. Asthma

A chronic allergic disease that occurs in the bronchi, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role. It can occur across various age groups and requires ongoing management.

4. Atopic dermatitis

It often occurs in infancy and early childhood and is characterized by itching and skin inflammation. Since symptoms tend to repeatedly worsen and improve, identifying the cause is important.

The key to managing winter allergies is identifying the cause

Winter allergies are more likely to worsen due to cold air, dryness, and changes in the indoor environment.

Therefore, if symptoms recur, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy symptoms and begin appropriate management.

In that process, the MAST test can be used as a relatively simple way to check various allergens at once.

It can help determine through allergy testing “in what environments the symptoms become severe” and “which foods or substances have an effect.”

What is the MAST test?

The MAST test is a blood test used to identify the cause of allergies. It has the advantage of being lower risk than skin testing and relatively high in specificity. It is also less affected by medication use or skin condition, which means it can be applied even when skin testing is difficult.

It is especially well known as a test that can be used for children aged 5 and older, even when their skin is sensitive or the risk of a reaction is high.

✔ Advantages of the MAST test

• High specificity

• Low risk

• Ability to test 107 allergens

• Performed with a simple blood test

✔ MAST test items

1. Food allergens

Grains, nuts, dairy products, seafood, fruits, vegetables, meat, and more

2. Inhalant allergens

Mites, mold, tree and weed pollen, animal dander, insects, eggs, poultry, and more

Because it can check such a wide range of allergens at once, it helps systematically identify the cause of allergy symptoms.

✔ Things to know before the MAST test

If you have recurring allergy symptoms, the first step in management is to identify what you are reacting to. In particular, winter allergies are influenced by a combination of indoor and outdoor environmental factors, so it can be difficult to predict accurately, which makes blood-based allergy testing helpful.

Among these, the MAST test is an efficient way to determine which allergens you are sensitive to because it can check multiple allergens at once with a single blood test. It is especially well suited for MAST testing because winter allergy management becomes easier when you can distinguish whether the cause is the indoor environment or food.

In winter, allergies are more likely to recur due to various factors, so it is helpful to check which environments or substances your body reacts to sensitively. Understanding the cause of allergies makes it easier to manage them in daily life and adjust lifestyle habits. If symptoms continue with seasonal changes, try to find a management method that suits you and follow it consistently.

This article was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. All procedures and surgeries may cause side effects and aftereffects depending on the individual, so please make your decision after sufficient consultation with medical staff.

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