The season of spring is usually favourite time of many people. This is because of the cheerful weather that comes around this time of the season. Additionally, the season is associated with the growth of trees, plants and also the blooming of flower buds. However, even as the season arrives quite a number of people will be preparing to battle with an annually recurring problem. This problem is a seasonal allergy, which brings lot of inconveniences. Though, there are ways of making the symptoms less harsh.
Seasonal allergies
Also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, it is simply an inflammatory reaction to an external compound. These compounds are fungi, tree molds, grass, and flower pollen. The allergies cause symptoms, such as running nose, sneezing frequently, the sinus begins to swell and also sniffling. Consequently, one wakes up feeling very tired every day until the allergy is treated. Since most allergies contain a genetic component, it can easily be passed on from parents to kids.
Only when one is exposed to the external compounds, frequently do these allergies develop fully. Seasonal allergies develop throughout one’s lifetime. People develop allergies when their bodies’ immune system produces antibodies to fight allergens. Once your body deems the allergen to be dangerous, the body produces immunoglobulin IgE, E which attach themselves to mast cells in abundance. Later on, when the body comes into contact with the allergen, the body reacts by producing more antibodies.
The antibody released ( immunoglobin IgE) latches onto the allergen inducing the mast cells in the nose to release tryptase and histamine which come to battle the allergen. However, as they battle the allergen they trigger itchiness, sore throat, running nose among other symptoms. The good news about these allergies is that there are both preventive and curative measures. Before taking any significant action, it is safe to visit a physician. You need to determine whether you has an allergy or not.
How to minimize the symptoms
Once you are diagnosed and found with these allergies, it is time to take precautions. Some of these precautions one takes are used to reduce exposure to substances that trigger allergic reactions. It is advisable to remove clothes and have a shower once you get into the house, so as to wash off the pollen. Additionally, it is advisable not to hang laundry outside. During dry and windy days it is not safe to go outside, as pollen is still in the air.
While doing house chores, it is important to put on a pollen mask. Moreover, duties, such as gardening, mowing and weeding, one should delegate to someone else. Additionally, during spring season pollen levels are usually very high. To reduce the risk of exposure, it is important for one to be checking the newspapers, internet, and local TV for pollen forecasts. In the event pollen levels are high, you should avoid outdoor activities, especially in the morning. Always close the doors and windows, until the pollen levels are down.
Last but not least, one should take medications before the symptoms begin to show. The house should be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
Effective ways of treating seasonal allergies
Other than the above measures one may decide to try some of these over the counter drugs. You can take hese drugs before the season starts or before going outside the house. These drugs are:
Decongestants
These drugs work by reducing the amount of fluid that moves from the nose. Some of these drugs are pseudoephedrine. Although the nasal sprays are advisable for fast relief, they are not safe to take in the long run.
Antihistamines
The drugs are good to prevent the production of histamines in the body. They help to treat itchiness and running nose among others. You should not take a drug alone. Thus, it is mostly taken with decongestants.
Nasal sprays
Sprays such as cromolyn sodium have been found out to be more effective in treating allergic reactions and blocking inflammation. These drugs don’t bring in quick improvements. Moreover, may have some side effects such as irritation.
Natural remedies
Other than the drugs, there are natural ways to treat seasonal allergies.
One may consider a change of a diet. Steps, such as avoiding fruits that have the same allergens as tree pollens can be useful. Additionally, one may try shrub butterbur and spirulina extracts or the acupuncture which are also quite effective.
One can also opt to use saline drops to rinse the sinuses. For this to be effective one should use a bottle with an angled tip.Then a saline solution or salt water is squirted into the nose. This helps to rid off residual pollen and flushing out mucus. Moreover, it acts as a decongestant. If the symptom persists it is important to seek medical attention.
If these home remedies are not sufficient enough to treat your seasonal allergies, see a physician. The doctor will do some tests and recommend suitable treatments for you. Some doctors may recommend allergy shots or tablets that are put under the tongue.
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