Allergies

March brings with it spring, longer, warmer days for outdoor activities; With the blooming of flowers this season it can cause discomfort due to spring allergies.

Pollen from trees and grass is the main allergen of spring.

Allergies appear when a person’s immune system considers certain proteins, called allergens, as germs or foreign bodies. Developing an allergy and then experiencing an allergy attack is a two-part process. The initial step occurs when the body encounters the allergen for the first time and creates antibodies that attach to specific types of cells. This process, called sensitization, prepares the body for an allergy attack the next time it experiences the allergen. When this happens, cells release histamines, chemicals that cause unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes.

As prevention, pay attention to the weather; Dry, windy days cause an increase in pollen in the air, while rainy days help reduce that amount. Avoid outdoor activities early in the morning and after spending time outdoors, wash your clothes and shower to remove pollen from your hair and skin.

Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry, maintain your heating and air conditioning systems regularly. Make sure your HVAC system uses HEPA filters.

Talk to your doctor to see if an oral antihistamine can help you. A decongestant can help reduce congestion in the short term, but its use for a long period of time is not recommended.

By understanding the causes and recognizing the signs of spring allergies, as well as arming yourself with helpful tools to manage your symptoms, you can enjoy spring activities indoors and outdoors.