Seasonal Allergy Relief And You
29th June 2009 by Bronchitis No CommentsDo your allergies completely take over your life during the spring? Do they bother you in the fall too? This article will explain seasonal allergens and how to find seasonal allergy relief.
Spring is the worst season for allergies. Because all the plants, grasses, and trees are beginning to pollinate during this time, the pollen spore counts are extremely high. This is the main root of problems in the mild months. Pollen is lightweight and can be carried by the wind for hundreds of miles. So, you can still be affected even if you don’t live where it is more highly concentrated.
Fall can be just as bad for many people. Pollen is still the main problem causer here, but it is ragweed in particular. At least three quarters of all that are bothered by spring pollens are just as irritated by ragweed. Mold is also an issue during this time of year. It grows in the wet leaves that gather in yards. Also, dust mites can gather in your house so be aware when you first start your furnace.
Allergies show themselves in many different ways. The standard is sneezing and watery or itching eyes. Your throat may also burn or itch. You could feel be congested and have trouble breathing through your nose. Headaches are common due to congestion. Skin rashes or generally itchy skin can occur. If you have asthma, it may be aggravated by the allergens and worsened.
No cure exists for this annoying condition, but your symptoms can be alleviated and controlled through medicines. Antihistimines can cause drowsiness but conquer the histamines that the allergens cause. Decongestants relieve the congestion caused by the allergy. They can increase blood pressure and insomnia. Medicines that combine these two drugs are also on the market. All are found in form of pills, nose sprays, and eye drops. You could also get weekly allergy shots to increase your resistances.
Some natural courses of treatment can be used as well. Nose spray called saline is just salt and water. It helps wash out stuff from your sinuses and can break up mucous so it drains. Butterbur is an herb that acts as a natural antihistamine only it won’t make you drowsy. If you have many different allergies at once, acupuncture can improve your situation. It calms the immune system that is so over-stimulated.
Obviously prevention is the best thing you can do to improve allergic problems. Try to keep your air filters clean and your windows closed to keep pollen out. Dust, vacuum, and clean thoroughly and often, but wear a mask when you do it. Keep your pets clean so they don’t bring many spores in. Stay inside when counts are high. When you cut grass or work on leaves, wear a mask. Get a shower and fresh clothes when you are done.
There is no question that allergies are inconvenient, irritating, and sometimes just miserable. There are ways to help prevent them from occurring much at all. However, when they do show up, there are multiple varieties of seasonal allergy relief.
