Allergy season has begun: how to alleviate negative symptoms

We love spring because of the warm weather, sunshine, and the blooming of nature around us. However, many people are affected by pollen during this season, which provokes hay fever and allergies.

Up to 20% of the world's population suffers from seasonal allergies. Among adults aged 18-40, such manifestations are more common than in children and other age groups.

The most common airborne allergen that causes unpleasant symptoms in many people is pollen. It is dispersed from plants, trees, grass, and weeds and is usually present in higher concentrations during the warmer months of the year. The type and amount of pollen in the air depends on the plants in the area and the environment in which you live.

REACTIONS TO POLLEN

The most common reaction to pollen is allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. It occurs when the immune system reacts to pollen ingestion by releasing protective chemicals that cause symptoms such as a runny nose and stuffy nose. It can also be allergic conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes that causes the redness, watery eyes, and itching we associate with allergy season.

People with asthma are also at increased risk of worsening symptoms due to exposure to pollen, which triggers asthma attacks in tandem with other common reactions.

SYMPTOMS OF POLLEN ALLERGY

The most common symptoms include a runny nose (allergic rhinitis, rhinorrhea), stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, red, watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis).

In asthma, exposure to pollen can worsen symptoms. This is called allergic asthma. If your asthma symptoms worsen or develop due to environmental exposure, you should consult a doctor.

TIPS FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS

Unfortunately, we can't prevent the plants around us from producing pollen or tell the immune system to stop overreacting to pollen. However, there are things that people who are sensitive to seasonal changes can do to protect themselves.

Check the pollen forecast. Just like the weather forecast, there is a pollen forecast. It will help you plan your day in a way that reduces the likelihood of allergies. For example, when pollen levels are high, you should spend less time outside.

Have allergy and asthma medications on hand. Purchase medications to relieve symptoms for your home medicine cabinet. Allergy or asthma medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.

Keep your home clean. When you go outdoors, you can collect pollen particles on yourself. Do not touch your eyes with your hands outside, and when you return indoors, rinse them. It is also better to take a shower after being outside to remove pollen from your skin and hair and change your clothes.

Close the windows. During the allergy season, closed windows will help you avoid irritants in your home, as pollen will not get inside.

Use filters. Using high-efficiency filters will help maintain comfortable conditions at home. Use an air conditioner or air purifier with a HEPA filter to filter out allergens.

MYTHS ABOUT ALLERGY TREATMENT

When people feel pain or discomfort, they naturally want to find the fastest way to eliminate it. That's why they sometimes resort to various home remedies that don't work but are spread as useful tips.

Here are some myths about allergy "cures":

Eating honey. Some people believe that regular consumption of local honey helps to absorb the residual pollen that bees collect to make honey, which will strengthen the immune system. However, the pollen that bees collect does not usually cause allergies. Honey can help with a sore throat, but it will not cure allergies.

Apple cider vinegar. There is no scientific evidence that consuming vinegar will improve allergy symptoms.

Visiting a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is often touted as a solution to many health conditions, even seasonal allergies. However, there is no scientific evidence that chiropractic care can improve or prevent allergy symptoms.

Taking over-the-counter medications only. Some people consider seasonal allergies to be not "serious" enough to go to the doctor for prescription medication. However, a doctor can prescribe a drug that is much more effective in treating allergies and has fewer side effects.

Avoiding flowers. Flowers tend to produce pollen that sticks to them, attracting pollinating insects. The allergen for humans is usually grass and tree pollen, which is more easily carried in the air.

Many people believe that allergies – seasonal, pet, food, or other – can only develop in childhood. A new allergy can appear at any time in life. There is no need to ignore new symptoms just because contact with a certain substance has not caused allergies in the past.