The start of Spring got you sneezing? It’s that time of year again – along with the sunnier days and warmer weather, for many of us it’s also when our allergies come out of hibernation. While people suffer from many different types of allergies related to particular foods, medicines or other substances, spring allergies arise specifically from the increased pollen levels in the air.
In the case of people who are allergic to pollen, their bodies mistake these irritants as bacteria or parasites and mount an immune response in the form of a release of chemicals called histamines. These histamines trigger symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, palate, ears and throat and sneezing.
If you’re among those who have an allergic reaction to pollen, how can you keep your allergies in check this spring? Like most things to do with health, the most effective solution usually involves several different measures applied consistently over time. Here are five steps to dealing with spring allergies:
Find out exactly what you’re allergic to
Before you look into treatment, it’s a good idea to find out exactly what it is you’re allergic to, so you can rule out any other factors. A GP or allergy specialist will perform this test by pricking the surface of your skin with a tiny amount of allergen to see what causes a reaction. If you’re allergic, a small red bump will form, and if you’re not, your skin will remain normal. While the odd sneeze probably doesn’t warrant undergoing these allergy tests, it is a good idea if you (or your child), is experiencing more severe symptoms – but your GP will be able to advise.
Take practical measures for prevention
Air filters and purifiers can help to catch particles including pollen that may be in the air inside your home, while humidifiers can help relieve inflammation or irritation in your sinuses. Also make sure you do a regular clean of places in your home where pollen can collect, such as bookshelves, windowsills or air vents. Wash your hair often and keep your pets clean – pollen can also collect on their fur! Also take your shoes off when you’re inside your house, as these can also be unsuspecting pollen collectors.
Watch your diet
Certain foods are now being shown to have a positive effect on reducing or even eliminating allergic reactions in your body. Some examples of this include foods that are natural anti-inflammatories, such as turmeric, local honey and ginger. The London Allergy Clinic advises that foods high in Vitamin C can also help stave off allergic reactions, so foods like grapefruit, peppers, strawberries and citrus fruits are also good options to try.
Consult your doctor about medication
A doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which medication is best to help you keep your allergies under control. Medication could include things like antihistamines, nasal steroids and decongestants and you may even consider starting medication before spring arrives to make sure you have a build-up of defences before the pollen count starts increasing. Being proactive about managing your allergies is one way of keeping your health in a good state, which can have a positive impact on your medical cover such as with Fedhealth.
Consider non-pharmaceutical remedies
In addition to (or instead of) medication, you could try non-pharmacological measures to help control your allergies, such as a saline nasal rinse or spray that helps to get rid of pollen grains from your nasal passages. The Allergy Clinic in South Africa advises that vaseline applied to your nostrils can also help with irritation and relieve dryness, while wearing wraparound sunglasses or even a face mask could reduce the amount of pollen entering your system.
While the signs of Spring certainly lift the spirits, you don’t want to spend this time sniffing and scratching your eyes out, so try some of these allergy management tips to see if they help.
