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Thursday was the first day of spring. As the weather becomes warmer, the days become longer and the beauty of spring becomes more evident, the seasonal allergies that plague millions of Americans are poised to strike.
The most common condition attributed to the high pollen counts found during early spring is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. The condition is characterized by sneezing, runny nose, red, itchy, watery eyes, inflamed or blocked sinuses and irritated throat due to post nasal drip. Hay fever occurs when pollen, dust or mold particles are inhaled, become trapped in the mucous layer of the nasal passages and form allergens. This causes the immune system to respond and produce the symptoms attributed to seasonal allergies.
Unlike many allergies, such as food allergies, seasonal allergies are difficult to prevent because the allergens causing hay fever to develop are airborne, and in many ways unavoidable. However, there are a few ways to reduce your symptoms.
One way to lessen the severity of seasonal allergies is to stay indoors when the pollen count is at its highest point during the day. Pollen counts are usually at their highest in the late morning and early afternoon, and it is best to avoid being outside on dry, hot or windy days when the air can be heavily laden with pollen and other allergens. If you have been outside during peak times for pollen, it might be a good idea to remove any clothing that might be carrying pollen and shower. Also, you might want to avoid line-drying your clothes outdoors because pollens and molds can stick to the laundry.
Also, keep car and home windows closed and use the air conditioner. Air conditioners filter the pollens and molds from the air. Often, using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom may reduce your exposure to allergens.
Thorough spring cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent springtime allergies. You might consider purchasing allergy covers for pillows and mattresses, which prevent exposure to dust mites. Throughout the spring, vacuuming carpet and washing sheets and bedding weekly in water heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit will help reduce your pollen and dust exposure at home. Once symptoms are evident, they can be relieved with medicines such as antihistamines, decongestants or corticosteroids. Antihistamines reduce the symptoms of sneezing, and a watery, itchy nose. Decongestants improve the nasal congestion allowing increased air flow. Intranasal corticosteroids (nasal sprays) can reduce nasal blockages, sneezing, itching and nasal discharge. Each year, more than 35 million Americans experience the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Although hay fever and other allergy conditions are very common, many people are unaware of ways to prevent and treat the symptoms and often are unprepared for the severity of the allergy season. For additional information on the symptoms and treatments for seasonal allergies, please contact your physician.
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