Tips for Relieving Pollen Allergies
Spring can be a difficult time if you have seasonal allergies. During this time of year, grass, weed and tree pollen levels increase, causing allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
If it affects you, it’s easy to find out. Symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy throat During this time, they may make you suspicious. Other lesser known symptoms include hoarseness, skin irritation, or fatigue. In some cases, allergies may cause asthmaa condition that causes difficulty breathing due to narrowing of the airways.
every time earlier
Pollen allergies usually occur in the spring and summer. The Ministry of Health estimates that it affects approximately 15% of the population, and among young people this percentage increases to 30%. It is more common in urban areas than in rural areas, probably because Pollution increases the allergenic effect of pollen..
Representatives of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) note that the majority of allergies in our country occur to herbs. followed by allergies to olives, arizonica, plantain, saltwort and parietaria.
The pollen that causes allergies varies depending on vegetation and climate. Trees predominate in winter and early spring. grass pollen spring and weeds in summer and autumn.
However, global temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels could extend and intensify these seasons. Some studies estimate this increase to 2 more months of allergies. Here, unusually high temperatures observed since late January have led to an earlier pollination peak this spring, SEAIC confirms. The greatest intensity will be observed in Madrid, Toledo, Badajoz, Caceres, Seville, Jaen.
How to relieve the effects of pollen
Allergies can occur at any time, both indoors and outdoors, causing symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening.
To minimize this, it is pertinent to know that pollen levels tend to reach their peak in the morning. They also tend to increase after rain or when the day is hot and windy.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAII), it is suitable for people with allergies. check pollen count. Knowing when they are high allows you to be more prepared. You can consult them at the Spanish Aerobiology Network.
Masks can help filter pollen and reduce allergy symptoms. The ACAII advises using an N95 filter when working outdoors, taking appropriate medications if necessary beforehand. – It’s normal, huh antihistamine, a drug that reduces the effects of allergies by blocking histamine, a chemical released in the body during allergic reactions.
In this regard, a small 2021 study found that wearing masks helps allergy sufferers avoid symptoms in both nose and eyes. If that doesn’t convince you, opt for a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to limit pollen getting into your eyes.
It may be wise to avoid activities that recirculate pollen into the air, such as mowing the lawn or raking leaves. Inside keep windows and doors closed as much as possible during allergy season.
After spending time outside, take a shower. Pollen tends to accumulate on hair and skin. ends up on the pillowwhich can worsen symptoms long after infection, Yale Health warns.
If you can resort to it, air conditioner or air purifier They will help keep the environment free of allergens inside.
After being outside, you can rinse your eyes with saline drops to remove pollen, the university advises. Also rinse your nose with saline solution. relieve problems with sinusitis or rhinitis by removing pollen from the nasal passages and sinuses.