Spring Allergies: Tips to prevent symptoms

While many people are looking forward the winter’s end, those who suffer from pollen fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis are not as enthusiastic about it, since the spring can bring various symptoms and discomforts. However, following a series of tips can help reduce or prevent these symptoms.

Spring and pollen

Spring is in the air, and not just figuratively: Pollen, spores and other allergens accompany this season with winds being their most common vehicle. That is why during the spring, people who suffer from hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis will experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, an itching and runny or bleeding nose and headaches, among others.

To avoid these symptoms, it is important to identify which allergen is the cause. It is usually pollen or dust particles, and based on this knowledge we should take care not to expose ourselves to these factors. There are many types of allergens, and these may vary depending on the area in which we find ourselves.

The weather can promote or worsen allergic rhinitis, for example, during rainy, cloudy or windless days, the condition improves, as more regularly than not, on these days there is not so much pollen in the air.

What are you allergic to?

There are many agents that can trigger an allergic reaction, so identifying the agent to which a person is sensitive is essential to prevent future allergic reactions. The test performed on the skin is a fast and accurate way to know what someone has allergy to, for example a pollen or particular type of plant. It is advisable to consult a specialist to have this test done.

Prevention and special care

The best way to prevent symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis is avoiding exposure to allergens. To do this, consider the following tips:

Learn all about pollen: It is perhaps one of the best strategies, learn about the times when there is more pollen in the air, investigate the areas in which you're more in touch with these allergens to avoid them. Stay indoors when pollen levels are highest. Avoid outdoor activities during the times of 5:00  – 10:00am which are the times when flowers usually release more pollen.

Remember when leaving home: After working or playing outdoors, try to take a shower, wash your hair and change your outfit. Try to avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves, but if you do these activities, use a mask.

Use air conditioning: Air conditioning is one of the best forms of reducing exposure to allergens, and regularly catches the pollen. The core systems are the most recommended, but remember to clean the filter at least once every month.

Take care when drying your clothes: Do not dry clothing or linens outdoors, as they can collect pollen.

Consider vaccines as an option: They consist of allergens entering the body in a controlled manner to develop a tolerance. These vaccines help reduce allergy symptoms and prevent the development of new allergies.

Moving is not always the solution: Although some people report improvement in symptoms in some regions, changing of address does not always mean we get rid of allergic rhinitis as it is possible to find new allergy triggers.

Consult your doctor: Medicines may be used to combat the symptoms and prevent allergies, so it is important to consult your doctor to know which drugs may be helpful, and also when it is convenient to consume them.

Natural remedies for allergy symptoms

Most symptoms can be very annoying. Fortunately, some natural remedies can help fight them.

Against general discomfort: Drink two to three cups of nettle infusion, which is useful against allergies.

Itchy eyes: Apply cold compresses of hazel diluted in boiled water to relieve itching.

For excess mucus: You can use eyebright tea, consuming it in small sips.

For the irritation of the nose: Drink a cup of herbal infusion with lavender, marjoram, thyme and hyssop.

General recommendations when you already have symptoms

Finally, the following recommendations can be equally useful to prevent the symptoms from becoming more pronounced.

Avoid alcoholic beverages because in some people, alcohol can worsen symptoms. It is therefore best to avoid drinking alcohol if there are allergy symptoms.

Do not practice diving or swimming under water when symptoms occur. One of the most common symptoms is usually ear inflammation, and these activities may aggravate this condition.

Do not cut the grass during the season when there is more pollen in the air, and try to avoid  any lawns that have been mowed recently.

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