Allergies caused by allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds are known as seasonal allergies and go by the names hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. When the symptoms of these allergies are accompanied by sneezing, itching, nasal congestion or fatigue, you may not be too thrilled to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Although you cannot remove them from your environment completely, there are many good ways to avoid (or to manage if they are unavoidable) seasonal allergies. In this article we will look at some practical tips to reduce your exposure to allergens and to ease symptoms.
Seasonal allergies: What are they?
Seasonal allergies are when the immune system overreacts to specific environmental allergens at specific seasons or times of year. Common triggers include:
- Tree Pollen: Spring is a common time to become allergic, often slightly irritants from trees like oak, birch, and many cedars.
- Grass Pollen: That usually strikes in late spring and early summer, and grasses like Bermuda, Timothy, are especially prone to it.
- Weed Pollen: Ragweed is commonly found in mid and late summer and fall with there being multiple substances found in the pollen that are allergenic.
To get rid of allergies talk to your ENT specialist in Lahore.
Prevention Of Seasonal Allergies
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Monitor Pollen Counts
Check your local weather reports or go to an online allergy forecast to find the daily pollen count. When pollen levels are high, spend time outside only when pollen counts are less of an issue — in the morning or after rain.
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Limit Outdoor Exposure
During peak pollen seasons, spend as little time outdoors as possible, especially when the winds are strong; when pollen is airborne. If you need to be outside, get out in shaded areas and do not take part in activities like mowing the lawn or gardening which can limit your exposure to allergens.
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Keep Windows Closed
Avoid letting indoor air recirculate during high pollen seasons by keeping windows closed. Air conditioning with a clean filter can help keep your indoor temperature comfortable while trapping those allergens.
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Use HEPA Filters
Buy HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters for your home and on your home vacuum. Filters used in these can capture small pollen particles and other allergens in order to improve air quality indoors.
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Take Showers And Change Clothing
When you’re in the yard or spending a lot of time outside, have a shower to rinse off pollen and put on clean clothes, which has the added benefit of reducing the amount of allergens you bring into your home and on to your bed. Doing this helps minimize your exposure and keep your immediate living environment relatively clean.
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Create an Allergy-Free Zone
Fix allergy free zones in various rooms of the house, mostly the bedroom. Dust mites and other allergens can be eliminated with use of allergy proof covers on pillows and mattresses and washing bedding regularly in hot water.
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Practice Good Hygiene
Handwashing can help remove allergens from your skin and can also help cut down on respiratory infections. Also, try not to rub your eyes, or nose, as it’ll make the allergies worse.
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Consider Medication
Allergy symptoms, such as itchy watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, or nasal congestion, can be alleviated with over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants or nasal corticosteroids. Before starting any medication, consult a healthcare professional to see what’s best for you.
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Use Saline Nasal Rinses
And you can wash away pollen and mucus in your nasal passages with a saline nasal rinse or spray. During peak pollen seasons using a neti pot or saline spray can be especially effective.
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Seek Professional Help
Consult an ENT specialist in Islamabad who can perform testing and give you treatment options specific for your situation if you or your child has severe or uncontrollable allergies. Long term relief may be achieved with allergy shots (zmmunotherapy).
Conclusion
Preventing seasonal allergies requires a proactive approach whereby you not only know what you’re dealing with, but you take steps to prevent symptoms as much as possible, and actively manage symptoms when they do occur. Pollen counts can be monitored, outdoor exposure should be limited, and you should be sure your indoor environment is as clean as possible in order to reduce as much as you can the chances of symptoms setting in. If you still experience issues with seasonal allergies with these measures, don’t hesitate to be referred out to a professional to get treatment catered to you. If you approach things the right way, you can take advantage of varying seasons without all the consequences they bring to your allergies.
