Seasonal Allergies: 7 Pro Tips For Coping

By Author: Lynn Kiara
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Introduction

In India, around 20-30% of people deal with allergic rhinitis or hay fever, and about 15% end up with asthma. These are common allergic conditions that occur during seasonal changes. As the seasons shift, so do the allergens in the air, often causing allergy flare ups. The transition from winter to spring, for example, brings a surge in pollen from blooming plants, triggering symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. Feeling the effects of seasonal allergies can be tough, but there are ways to manage them and enjoy life to the fullest. Here's a guide to coping with seasonal allergies, offering practical tips to help you breathe easier and feel more comfortable during the allergy season.

Common Allergy Symptoms

When you have allergies, your body's defence system reacts to certain substances, called allergens. It produces antibodies that detect these allergens, leading to irritation and the release of histamine, a chemical in the body. Seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, happen when your body reacts to pollen from plants which act as allergens. Pollen is a fine powder ...
... found in the flowers of trees, grasses, and weeds and is carried by insects or the wind. Other inhalants that vary with seasonal changes such as moulds, dust and pollutants can also elicit allergic reactions. Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

Coughing

Sneezing

A runny or stuffy nose

Itching in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat

These symptoms can be highly discomforting and can lead to severe life threatening reactions if they worsen. So, if you suspect having seasonal allergies, you must take steps to protect yourself during allergy seasons. Here’s what you can do to help manage seasonal allergies and their symptoms.

Identify Your Triggers

To handle seasonal allergies better, figure out which time of year affects you the most. Be mindful of the changing seasons, especially look out during spring when trees like oak release pollen, or in the fall when ragweed is a big issue. If your allergy flares up during humid conditions, your trigger could be the growing mould spores in the air. Hence, be mindful about time of the year your allergy worsens to prevent severe reactions.

Keep an Eye on Pollen Levels

Think of the pollen count as a measure of how much pollen is floating in the air around you. When the count is high, it means there's a lot of pollen, and that can make allergies worse for those who are sensitive. Pollen levels change throughout the day, usually peaking in the early evening when it's warm and sunny. Weather plays a big role in how much pollen is in the air. Wind, rain, and sunshine all influence pollen levels. That's why if you’re affected by seasonal allergies watch daily forecasts that predict whether pollen levels will be low, moderate, or high to be prepared accordingly.

Minimize Outdoor Exposure

During periods of high pollen levels, try to avoid going outdoors as much as you can. Keep doors and windows closed at home to reduce exposure, particularly in the afternoons and evenings when pollen concentrations tend to peak. If you do go out, take a shower and change into fresh clothes as soon as you are back to stop allergens from coming inside with you.

Use surgical masks

Consider using a surgical mask for better protection when out in high allergen seasons, as they are more effective at filtering particles and can be disposed off after each use. If using cloth masks, ensure you have enough to wash after every use and avoid touching the mask's surface to prevent transferring allergens to other surfaces.

Make Your Home ‘Allergy-Proof’

Keep your home clean and tidy to fight indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander. Dispose of garbage properly to maintain cleanliness. Use air filters in your home to remove indoor pollutants like pollen, animal allergens, and mould spores, improving indoor air quality and providing relief for allergy sufferers. However, be cautious and avoid using humidifiers or swamp coolers, as they can increase your allergy symptoms.

Boost Your Immunity Through Nutrition

Some foods may help alleviate allergy symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Consider incorporating ginger, turmeric, vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers and broccoli, tomatoes, probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir, quercetin-containing foods such as onions and berries, salmon, and spicy foods into your diet. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have other medical conditions.

Start Preparing Early for Your Allergies

You can gear up against seasonal allergies when the weather is about to change. Consulting with your doctor well in advance about your allergies can help initiate preventive measures in time. Consider practising nasal saline irrigation, also known as nasal wash. It helps in providing relief from allergies by flushing out your nose with salt water. But remember, if you have a history of certain conditions like ear infections or completely blocked nostrils, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before starting nasal irrigation. To prevent your allergies, you doctor may recommend that you start with your allergy medications or get an allergy shot just before the season changes, and avoid flare-ups.

Conclusion

To conclude, make sure you don’t let your seasonal allergies hold you back. Whether it’s seasonal triggers or indoor allergens, there are ways to manage symptoms effectively. By identifying triggers, monitoring pollen levels, limiting your exposure and keeping your home allergen-free, you can find relief from allergic symptoms. Additionally, you can consult your doctor and start allergy medications as the season changes and also consider allergy shots. For advanced care, consider undergoing allergy testing for a better understanding of your specific triggers and appropriate management. Take charge of your allergies and live freely!