Are Your Allergies Ruining Your Life?
It is always wonderful when Spring and Summer arrive…unless you have hay fever. Hay fever, or seasonal allergies, are quite common and can be uncomfortable. While it’s not always easy to tell a cold from allergies, it’s more likely to be allergies if you have symptoms that include watery and itchy eyes, if there’s lots of sneezing…and if it lasts longer than a few days.
But first, let us find out what causes seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system identifies an airborne substance that is usually harmless. It responds to that substance, or allergen, by releasing histamines and other chemicals into your bloodstream. Those chemicals produce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The good news is that there are some simple things that you can do to make yourself, your child or anyone else in the house that has allergies — feel better.
Tips for Surviving Allergy Season
The best way to avoid allergy season is to stay away from allergens that trigger symptoms for you. How so?
- Stay alert of your local weather network for pollen forecasts
- Wash up and change when you get home
- Keep your windows shut
- Limit your time outdoors
- Consider wearing a dust mask when you’re outside
- Avoid cigarette smoke
- Use medication the right way — and talk to your doctor if it’s not working.
If you follow the above suggestions, chances are your allergy-sufferer will feel better — and when kids feel better, parents do too.
When to see a Doctor
When you can’t avoid your allergens, it’s time to call up your doctor to go over other treatments available. Your doctor can assist in providing one of the following:
- 1. Over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines
- 2. Prescription medications, such as nasal sprays
- 3. In severe cases, allergy shots
Questions about seasonal allergies?