Windows Closed to Allergy Sufferers

Trying to escape the summer heat by sleeping with open windows and a fan?

While this might provide temporary relief from the heat, it can cause allergy sufferers to have stuffy noses, itchy eyes and sneezing throughout the night.

"By sleeping with your window open, you’re inviting every type of pollen into your home," says Richard Weber, MD, a physician at National Jewish Health in Denver. "Pollination may occur at all hours of the night, so people with hay fever and other allergies should close their homes and use an air conditioner to filter allergens."

Using a fan to keep cool may actually add to the problem by keeping allergens suspended and circulating through the air. "If windows need to be open, an antihistamine or decongestant can be taken—but only under the advice of a physician," Dr. Weber says.

Click here to learn more about allergies to pollen.