In some particular years, allergy seasons tend to be unusually bad. For instance, last April was the worst month as of yet for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Often at times, allergy seasons hit hard due to several weather conditions such as rainy winters resulting in abundant grass and tree pollen. Then, a sudden shift into a warm season releases the pollen. That combined with wind makes these particles suspended in the air, from where they enter our eyes, throats, nose, and mouth. Among people with a pollen allergy, this will result in a range of nasty symptoms that will require the attention of an allergist doctor.
In case the pollen count is high in the air, it may even set off allergies in those who never experienced such symptoms before. Apart from intense weather conditions, there are possibly many other reasons why allergy symptoms are increasing in severity among people. However, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is still trying to figure out why there is an ever-increasing rise in allergic rhinitis.
Some tips to stay safe during bad allergy seasons
While the experts do their work, we want you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during bad allergy seasons. In this regard, we have compiled several tips that you can use as allergy prevention precautions. These include:
First, determine what is causing your symptoms
Sometimes when the weather quickly shifts from hot to cold and vice versa, it is difficult to say that it is a cold/virus of an allergic reaction. This is typically true for those people who do not normally experience an allergic reaction.
According to allergy doctors, if your congestion stays for two+ weeks an if your mouth, nose, and eyes itch, then chances are that you may have an allergic reaction. At the same time, if you feel like your symptoms are particularly bad when you are exposed to a trigger, visit an allergy center as soon as possible.
Use salt water
Allergy medicines can often make one feel foggy and tired. Alternatively, allergy patients can also use a saline nasal rinse via a spray or a neti-pot. These ointments help to clear off pollen and other allergens from the nasal membranes. As a result of this, the allergy symptoms get toned down significantly.
Furthermore, gargling with salt water can also soothe a scratchy or sore throat. To ease the congestion down, it is recommended at least two times a day.
Start working out indoors
Make sure that you spend most of your time indoors especially when there is a high pollen count outside. Usually, pollen is highest during the late and mid-afternoon. So make sure that you do not have any errands to run later in the day. This will help you in protecting yourself from having another allergic reaction.
However, do note that there are a number of allergy types. So, it is important for you to know what your triggers are.
Wear a mask outdoors
Using a surgical mask outdoors, especially in the yard/garden can help a lot. Make sure that your surgical mask is marked N95. This means that they meet the required standards. Essentially, it means that 95% of the particles will get filtered out. Hence, your chances of catching pollen will be reduced significantly.
Ending note
In case your symptoms begin going out of hand, visit an allergy physician right away. We suggest you take help as soon as you begin experiencing the first symptom of an allergy (especially if the allergy season is going on). This will help you in taking control of your allergy symptoms before they get blown out of the way.