Spring means allergy season for many
Published 7:55 am, Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Now that spring is in the air, so is the pollen! If you are a seasonal allergy sufferer you are likely already aware of the effects pollen and outdoor mold are having on your health.
If you are a year-round allergy sufferer these outdoor triggers are only adding to your watery eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and itching. Pollen generally enters the body through the eyes, nose, or lungs. When these allergic “triggers” enter the body of people with allergies, the immune system overreacts.
The body then produces antibodies, which work to fight the trigger. Antibodies attach to the allergy cells, which release chemicals (called histamine) when they come in contact with allergic triggers. It’s histamine that irritates the body, most commonly causing itching, swelling, and tearing.
Limiting your exposure to pollen is key to preventing or minimizing allergic reactions. Here are a few tips that you may find helpful:
• Check the pollen count. Local weather stations will give you an idea whether the pollen count is high or low for a given day. Nonetheless, higher levels of pollen are usually found on warm, dry, and windy days and are highest during midday and afternoon.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses to block airborne pollens and molds from entering your eyes or landing on your face.
• Start early with allergy treatment. Medications are usually more effective if you start them before symptoms begin. This goes for nasal antihistamines/steroids, oral antihistamines, and eye drops.
• Try a natural nasal spray or even one with chili or cayenne pepper to relieve nasal symptoms.
• Before entering your bedroom try changing your clothes to reduce the amount of pollens you bring in.
• Shower and shampoo hair at night before bed to rinse the pollens from your skin and hair.
• Keep your windows closed and air conditioner on or in “re-circulate” mode when driving and at home.
• Clean air filters in air conditioners frequently during pollen season to get the best efficiency.
• Avoid fans that suck in outdoor pollens into your work or living space.
Keep in mind that triggers can change over time. If you are not certain of your allergy triggers, you can ask your doctor for an allergy test.
There are two kinds of tests — skin prick test and the antibody blood test.
These tests will help your doctor pinpoint your triggers, prescribe the best medications, and help you avoid the substances that spark your symptoms.
Some people find it helpful to keep a symptom journal. They note any changes (better or worse) both prior to and during the spring allergy season.
They keep track of all the ways allergies impact their life, including their concentration, mood, sleep, and energy levels. You may also want to live an allergy-soothing lifestyle.
This means eating a nutritious diet, exercising daily, getting plenty of sleep, and using regular stress management techniques. It’s possible not to let seasonal allergies control your life.
Take charge, get tested, and work with your doctor to find the best medication to help you prevent or manage your symptoms.