Spring Allergies
Spring is the time of year that we normally think of when it comes to seasonal allergies. As the trees start to bloom and the pollen gets airborne, allergy sufferers begin their annual ritual of sniffling and sneezing.
Spring is in the air, and so are billions of tiny pollens that trigger allergy symptoms in millions of people. This condition is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever. Hay fever can affect your quality of life. It can lead to sinus infections, can disrupt your sleep and affect your ability to learn at school or be productive at work.
Symptoms include: Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose (congestion), runny nose, tearing eyes, dark circles under the eyes.
Depending on where you live, there are generally three pollen seasons. The start and end dates of these seasons, as well as the specific plants, vary based on the climate.
• Trees generally pollinate in the spring. Birch, cedar, cottonwood and pine are big allergy triggers.
• Grass releases its pollen in the summer. Timothy and Johnson, and Rye grasses are examples of allergens in this category.
• Weeds cause hay fever in the fall. Ragweed is the biggest offender as it can grow in nearly every environment.
Avoiding your allergy triggers is the best way to reduce symptoms:
• Limit outdoor activities during days with high pollen counts.
• Keep windows closed (at home or in the car) to keep pollens out.
• Take a shower after coming indoors. Otherwise, pollen in your hair may bother you all night.
Treat Allergies Early
Spring pollen season starts much earlier than many people think.
This means that if you take medications to control your seasonal allergies, the time to start them is mid- to late-February, not late March. Allergies create an inflammatory response that is like a smoldering fire. If you can keep it smoldering rather than flaring, you'll do a lot better.
Allergies have a strong genetic component -- if your parents had allergies, you're far more likely to have them yourself. "Most allergies develop in childhood, but in some people, they develop later after exposure to environmental factors 'flips the switch.' For example, we know that diesel particulate exposure can trigger allergies. The end result is a runaway response in the immune system."
Take care of yourself – enjoy the spring colours and drink your medicines.