Ways to Avoid Seasonal Allergies
Five Hints To Stop Spring Suffering
All over the Northern hemisphere, the advent of Spring brings blue skies, bird song, sunshine, fresh flowers, green leaves – and hay fever.
But with a bit of planning and forethought, allergy misery can be avoided or at least minimised, according to Saint Louis University allergist, Dr Mark Dykewicz.
Dr Dykewicz is professor of internal medicine and chief of allergy and clinical immunology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, Missouri.
His fact sheet on five tips for defeating allergens was quoted in the St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper.
Pollens the Main Allergy Culprits
Generally, seasonal allergies are caused by airborne pollens – very fine powder released by trees, grasses and weeds as they pollinate and fertilize other plants of the same kind.
"Molds in outdoor air can also contribute to seasonal allergies," Dr Dykewicz said.
Although in warmer regions outdoor allergens can be present year-round, allergy season generally begins in late winter or early spring and runs through late summer or early fall.
As the season progresses, different types of pollens are present to trigger allergic reactions
Trees are generally the first to pollinate, in late winter and spring, although some varieties can pollinate later in the season, depending on the region.
The pollination of various grasses follows in late spring and summer. Weeds can pollinate at different times of the growing season, although, he said, the notorious ragweed – prevalent in many areas east of the Rockies – pollinates in late summer and early fall.
Outdoor molds generally reach their highest levels in late summer or fall, though some warmer regions can have significant outdoor mold counts throughout the year.
Five Ways to Avoid Allergens
“There are a number of simple steps you can take to help relieve symptoms and minimize your suffering when allergy season kicks into high gear,” Dr Dykewicz said.
- Use Over-The-Counter Antihistamines
For some people, these drugs are very effective at reducing the classic symptoms of seasonal allergies, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and, occasionally, scratchy throat. Some of the older-generation antihistamines can reduce concentration and make you drowsy, so ask more recent formulations that, cause little or no drowsiness
- Keep Your Doors and Windows Closed
You can’t completely seal off your home from the outside, but keeping doors and windows closed can help prevent pollens and outdoor molds from entering. When the weather turns nice and you’re tempted to open windows to let in “fresh” air, it may be better to keep them closed and turn on your air conditioner.
- Limit Outdoor Activity
Avoid being outdoors – especially to exercise – when pollen counts are high, or on windy days when pollen and molds are being blown about. In general, Dr Dykewicz said, pollen counts are highest in the morning, usually from about 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Keep the Car Windows Up
Closing your car windows when travelling helps keep out pollens, dust and mold.
- Take a Shower and Change Clothes
"Pollen can collect on your clothes and in your hair," Dr Dykewicz said. So when you’ve been outside for any significant amount of time, shower and change into fresh clothes as soon as you get home.
If All Else Fails
If you’ve followed all these steps and allergies are still making you miserable, it’s time to see a doctor. "There are prescription medications that can help reduce or block seasonal allergy symptoms, including other oral antihistamines and nasal sprays, " Dr Dykewicz said.
Nasal sprays tend to be the most effective at relieving symptoms by helping reduce inflammation and counteracting the allergic response.
Spring blossom - not to be sneezed at!
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