Even at the best of times allergies can prove to be a huge hindrance. An allergic reaction has the potential to ruin well laid plans and cause complications with your work or school life, not to mention the considerable amount of discomfort they can bring on.
Whilst preventing an attack is obviously the more desirable solution, it’s not always possible. There are elements to the environments in which you’ll find yourself over which you’ll have zero control.
When outdoors you’ll have minimal control on the reduction of allergens, a task made even more difficult through the changing of seasons.
When you’re unable to combat the spread of natural allergens, your only recourse is to be suitably prepared to treat the problem.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Generally speaking, seasonal allergies tend to strike in the warmer seasons of Spring, Summer and Autumn. Each season gives rise to a new source of allergens which makes it all the more difficult for you to effectively combat this variety of triggers.
Spring Allergens – In spring the primary cause of allergens is in fact tree pollen. As soon as the weather starts to turn trees will be releasing their pollen which can cause a reaction. The biggest offenders include Elm, Oak and Maple Trees.
Summer Allergens – The biggest offender for producing summer allergens is grass. The pollen count from grass is highest in late spring and early summer. Mowing the lawn will force the pollens to become airborne, however, those who are sensitive to grass allergens can also have a reaction to their skin contacting the grass.
Autumn Allergens – In the autumn months the main cause of pollen is typically from various kinds of weeds. The most common weeds causing this issue are ragweed, nettle, cocklebur and sorrel.
How to Treat Seasonal Allergies
With so many airborne allergens there’s no sure fire way to prevent their effect unless you’re willing to create a fully controlled environment in which to spend all of your time. To be fully prepared you’re going to have to know the best ways to treat any potential reactions that you or a loved one may experience. Below you’ll find some preventions and cures for the symptoms you can experience when suffering from seasonal allergies.
Allergy Medication – If there’s a predicted high pollen count take allergy medication before any symptoms start to show. By following the guidelines on the box you should be able to time your pills to avoid any symptoms from flaring up. You’d also be wise to stay away from garden chores and others mowing their lawns.
Yogurt – Studies have proved that people who eat a single serving of yogurt every day show a reduced sensitivity to seasonal allergens. It’s believed the probiotics help to relieve congestion caused by various pollen types.
Other foods that have shown to help relieve symptoms are ginger, lemon, honey, berries and salmon.
Aerobic Exercise – It’s believed that moderate aerobic exercise is able to help relieve nasal congestion. The inflammation in the nasal cavities is thought to be reduced as the body has to better regulate blood flow during exercise. On top of this, exercise helps reduce stress and regulate the immune system.
Nasal Sprays – Unsurprisingly nasal sprays can be very effective at treating congestion caused by seasonal allergies. By applying the medicine directly to the effected area, nasal sprays cause a noticeable effect far quicker than their oral pill counterparts whilst also having fewer side effects. If you suffer from allergy related nasal issues, this should be top of your list.
Acupuncture – Whilst you can’t really administer this method without a trained professional, acupuncture is still worthy of note. Many studies have been conducted to measure the effect of acupuncture on seasonal allergies, nearly all of which have seen a positive result from those who received this treatment.
So there we have it, a little bit of info and some tips and tricks on how to treat seasonal allergies. If you know of any other treatments or have any question let us all know in the comments below!
Image – Heather