Can't Stop Coughing... Could "Winter Bedding" Be the Cause? Surprising Allergy Solutions

1. Reasons for "Sudden Cough After Taking Out Winter Bedding"

Winter duvets and blankets are

• thick and heavy

• stored away in closets or wardrobes from autumn to summer

These conditions make them prone to accumulating dust mites, mold, and dust.Starter Kit

1-1. Increase in Dust Mites → Fragments and Feces as "Allergy Triggers"

More than the mites themselves,

• fragments of their carcasses

• feces

• eggshells

become fine dust (house dust) and float in the air. When inhaled into the nose or trachea, people with allergies may experience

• persistent dry cough

• scratchy throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• itchy eyes

These symptoms are more likely to occur.Starter Kit+1

1-2. Coughing When Getting Into Bed/Only at Night

Coughs caused by dust mites and house dust

• tend to be strong right after getting into bed

• and worsen at night or early morning

• but surprisingly okay during the day outside

are often clearly related to "time and place."For doctor-supervised medical information and hospital search, visit Your Doctor+1

On the other hand, colds tend to cause coughing and fatigue during the day, often accompanied by fever and sore throat, which is a distinguishing factor.

2. Cold or Allergy? Three Points to Differentiate

2-1. Presence of Fever and General Symptoms

• Fever around 38°C

• Fatigue and joint pain

• Severe sore throat

If these symptoms are present, it is more likely to be an infection caused by a virus or other pathogens.

On the other hand, coughs caused by allergies

• usually do not have fever or only mild fever

• "Feeling fine but can't stop coughing"

is a common pattern.For doctor-supervised medical information and hospital search, visit Your Doctor+1

2-2. "Environment" and "Timing"

If you find yourself in the following situations, it may be worth suspecting the influence of bedding or the bedroom.

• Cough and runny nose started after taking out winter bedding or blankets

• Coughing starts immediately upon getting into bed/worsens at night to early morning

• Cough increases right after cleaning or airing out the beddingTerasu Clinic Hikifune (Sumida Ward, Hikifune)

2-3. Is There Wheezing or Whistling?

• Wheezing or whistling sounds with each breath

• Appearing breathless, breathing with shoulders

• Particularly severe after running or at night

If these symptoms are present, there may be a possibility of asthma related to dust mites, and early consultation is important.hakatamichi.com+1

3. Be Cautious with These "Winter Bedding" Checklist

Check how many of the following items apply to you.

• Stored in a closet without a bag from spring to autumn

• Stored in a humid room or a room on the north side

• Used without changing the cover

• Used after being vigorously beaten with a "futon beater"

• Surrounded by many stuffed animals and cushions

• Layered with multiple thick blankets or duvets

• Carpets, rugs, or upholstered sofas in the bedroom

The more items that apply, the more likely it is that your environment is prone to accumulating house dust and dust mites.

4. "Winter Bedding" Allergy Prevention Steps You Can Start Today

Here, we explain easy-to-implement measures in a step-by-step format.

4-1. "Initial Cleaning" Before Immediate Use

Do not use winter bedding taken out of storage immediately; follow these steps first.

1. Check the washing instructions

2. If washable, wash in a washing machine or laundromat

3. Thoroughly dry using a futon dryer or drying function

Dust mites are said to die when exposed to heat above 50°C for more than 20 minutes, making proper use of dryers or futon dryers efficient.Seims

Even if the bedding is not washable,

• heat with a futon dryer

• then slowly vacuum the surface with a vacuum cleaner designed for bedding

to reduce dust mite carcasses and feces.Earth+1

4-2. Avoid Beating the Bedding; Use a Vacuum

The traditional method of "beating" the bedding

• causes dust mite carcasses, feces, and dust to scatter into the air

• damages the fabric, making it easier for mites to enter

and is not recommended from an allergy perspective.Starter Kit+1

After airing out,

• slowly vacuum the surface

• spending about 20-30 seconds on each area

is important to "suck up" with a vacuum cleaner.

4-3. Use "Anti-Mite" Covers, Sheets, and Pillowcases

• Covers made of high-density fabric that are difficult for mites to penetrate

• Sheets with anti-mite treatment

can help block mites from entering the bedding to some extent.Starter Kit+1

Wash them once a week and dry thoroughly using a dryer or sunlight.

4-4. Maintain Humidity Below 60%

Dust mites

• thrive at room temperatures around 25°C

• and humidity levels above 60%

are known to multiply rapidly.Starter Kit+1

In winter, many households use humidifiers for "dryness prevention," but

• aim for indoor humidity of about 50-60% and avoid over-humidifying

• Regularly clean the humidifier filter to prevent mold

to balance dust mite prevention and throat moisture.