Dr Ashish Arora consultant, Internal Medicine & Critical Care Paras Biss, Panchkula
Spring is associated with burst of colours and blooms. They signify the end of dark winter days that are riddled with numerous health ailments. But when you spend your spring days sneezing and coughing around, the spring doesn’t remain that pleasant or beautiful. little do people know that spring allergies are as common as winter allergies.
This is due to the abundant presence of pollens from the surrounding flora that embraces us all. It is important to look out for the signs of spring allergy-runny or itchy nose, shortness of breath, hay fever, watery eyes and repeated sneezing. How do we prep ourselves for being protected against allergiesIJ
Be Prepared: Getting timely flu shots is necessary. This is also true for the elderly and not just children. Allergies exist in different forms like food allergy, skin allergy, dust allergy, drug allergy and seasonal allergy. Spring is an important time for allergies. Spring starts from February and last until the early summer. As lots of pollens are released by plants many people will get itchy eyes, running or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing. There is no cure for these allergies but there are methods to prevent allergies and methods to provide symptom relief. Allergens are responsible for increased immune response leading to symptoms.
There are various types of trees which release pollens in the air which are responsible for allergic symptoms. Molds and grass can also cause similar allergies. Every year more adults and children are diagnosed with these spring allergies. lingering cold during the spring season could be an allergy. A natural way to decongest your nose is available as a home remedy through taking a steam from the boiled water while mixing baking soda in it.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Drinking lemon water detoxifies the body and strengthens immunity. The intake of citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables could naturally control the occurrence of symptoms. Usage of essential oils such as eucalyptus oil. But if the body does not respond efficiently to these treatments, consulting a physician would be of utmost importance.
Preventive Measures: The usage of nasal sprays to decongest the nose can be considered. Keep your doors and windows closed. Use allergy filters on your air conditioning unit. Wash your clothes after pollen and mold exposure. Take shower after you have been exposed to pollens and mold spores.
Avoid doing activities outdoors on days when pollen counts are high. Wear a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing other chores outdoors and take appropriate medicines beforehand. If there is a history of prior seasonal problem start medications to prevent allergy two weeks prior to the season. Eat more fruits and vegetables because antioxidants found in them help to fight inflammation, a critical factor in controlling allergies.
If you have previous history of seasonal allergy try to reduce weight because obese people get more breathless if the has allergies. Check under and behind the toilets to make sure there is no mold growing. Clean the kitchen properly to prevent growth of molds. Wear sunglasses when outdoors. Minimise activities outdoors when pollen counts are at their peak (during midday and afternoon). Reduce stress because stress causes increase in cytokine levels thus increasing allergy symptoms. Take off your shoes and change your clothes after reaching home in the evening to avoid tracking pollen throughout your house. Don’t let your pets sleep in your bed as they can carry pollen in their fur. Take Vitamin C religiously to heal faster.