Seasonal Allergy Survival Tips

With the seasons changing, it is now Spring’s chance to make an appearance. Instead of enjoying the warmer weather and extended hours of sunshine, many of us may be suffering from congestion, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing. If you are, then you have what is called Spring allergies and this can be caused by a number of things in the environment.

The number one element that causes Spring allergies is pollen. These are grains that are released by grass, weeds and trees into the air. When we inhale these different pollens, our body mistakenly considers them as “invaders”. For those who are allergic to pollen, their immune system goes into attack mode and they usually start to have runny nose, coughing, itchy eyes and other similar symptoms. Surprisingly, pollen isn’t the only thing that can make this type of seasonal allergy worse. Spicy food and alcohol are known to increase swelling and stuffiness of the nasal passages. Additionally, raw fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, zucchini and cucumber have proteins that are similar to those in pollen an can cause an allergic reaction if it is not cooked properly. 

Staying inside with this good weather may not be an option nor a possibility for most you, so what can you do to reduce your allergy attacks?

• Check the pollen count before going outside so that you are prepared. There are several apps that you can download that can give you quick information about the pollen count in your area.

• Apps to your smart phone:

1. iPhone users – AllergyAlert byPollen.com & AllergyCast by Zyrtec
2.  Android users - AllergyAlert byPollen.com 

• Can’t download the app- no problem! Here some websites that give useful tips on how to manage your allergies

1. http://symptoms.webmd.com/seasonal-allergy-map-tool/default.htm
2. http://www.aaaai.org/global/nab-pollen-counts.aspx

• Sunglasses! Wrap around sunglasses are the best option to keep the pollen out of your eyes.

• If possible, use an air conditioner both at home and in the car during pollen season. Having the windows down or using a window or ceiling fan can attract unwanted pollen.

• Eat healthy! 

1. Fish like salmon and tuna are examples of great sources of Omega – 3 fatty acids that can help to lower the risk of getting allergies.
2. Yogurt is the home for “good” bacteria- probiotics. This helps with runny nose and congestion of the nasal passages.

• Nasal sprays, strips and eye drops
  

• Salt water rinse that can help get rid of excess mucous and pollen in your system.

• Exercise indoor. Since pollens are flowing in the air, exercising outdoor may trigger your symptoms and make them even worse. 

• Time. The pollen count is usually high in the morning (5:00a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) and early evening.
  

1. Pollen count levels are usually at their lowest between mid to late afternoon

• Weather. Warm, dry, breezy weather favors pollens and the concentration is higher.
  

1. Chilly weather is usually the best time when the pollen count is low

• If you can, try to stay away from parks that have a lot of trees and grass. Also freshly mowed lawns may cause your symptoms to start.
  

If you are having allergies attack, don’t let the pollen get the best of you. Prepare yourself and go out enjoy the most that this beautiful weather has to offer you.

References:

1. http://symptoms.webmd.com/seasonal-allergy-map-tool/eat-to-ease-allergies
2. http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/allergies-and-pollen-how-exercise-outdoors-during-allergy-season?page=4)%202.
3. http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/spring-allergies
   
4. http://symptoms.webmd.com/seasonal-allergy-map-tool/pollen-allergies-   symptoms-triggers-treatments
   
5. http://symptoms.webmd.com/seasonal-allergy-map-tool/eat-to-ease-allergies

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