Winter Allergies

A new report says your chronic colds and sniffles may be caused by irritants, not germs

Most people don't think of winter as an allergy season. But if you're allergic to dust--or more accurately the mold, pollen, mites and insect parts that linger in dust--winter can be the worst time of year. When the furnace kicks on, all the dust that has settled into your carpet, atop the bookshelves and under the couch gets stirred up and wreaks havoc with your eyes, nose, sinuses and throat.

You and your doctor may dismiss your symptoms as just another winter cold. But while a cold generally lasts as long as 10 days, continued exposure to dust, if you're...

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