How to manage seasonal allergies during summer and prevent flare-ups

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Seasonal allergies: What are they and what causes them?

While the first spring bloom can make your heart sing, it can also make you sneeze, cough, and become highly allergic. Thousands of people suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms worldwide caused by airborne pollen, from spring through summer and again in the autumn. According to studies, the numbers will likely keep rising as a result of rapid climate change. Global warming has increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, speeding up the transfer of pollen.

Seasonal allergies can also be referred to as "hay fever." Histamine is released into the bloodstream as the immune systems identify the pollen as an allergen and take protective measures to ward it off. This leads to an allergic reaction. Seasonal allergies treatment target these allergy-inducing chemicals.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

The symptoms are similar to a "cold," but they happen around the same time every year. Seasonal allergies can induce a variety of symptoms that differ from person to person. Seasonal allergy symptoms frequently include:

• Sneezing:

Frequent sneezing. Especially when exposed to allergens like pollen or dust, you can sneeze repeatedly.

• Runny or Stuffy Nose:

Also called “allergic rhinitis,” another typical symptom of seasonal allergies is a runny or stuffy nose. You might have problems breathing through your nose or have a clear, watery nasal discharge.

• Watery or Itchy Eyes:

Seasonal allergies can result in watery, red, or itchy eyes. In medical terms, it is called “seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.” For some people, this symptom can be especially irritating.

• Cough:

Allergic reactions can irritate your throat, making it scratchy or painful and causing a cough.

• Headache:

Seasonal allergy sufferers occasionally feel headaches, especially when their symptoms are severe.

• Urticaria:

Commonly known as “hives,” these are large, reddish bumps on the skin that look like a typical skin rash. They can burn, itch, and look sore.

• Fatigue:

Seasonal allergies, especially in children, can result in exhaustion and lethargy.

Avoiding Allergens

Although it is a daunting task to avoid allergens that are floating around, there are a few ways and natural remedies for seasonal allergies that you can use to curb serious episodes. Here are a few tricks to prepare yourself for the upcoming summer:

• Wear a face mask when stepping outdoors: Make it a habit to filter what you breathe. Face masks with inbuilt filters are a great way to do that.

• Use Air Conditioning: Utilizing an air conditioner with a HEPA filter in place of a fan will help remove pollen and other allergies from the air in your home.

• Use Protective Clothing: Consider donning a hat and some sunglasses to shield your face and eyes.

• Shower: Washing your hair and taking a shower will help eliminate pollen and other allergies from your body and stop them from getting inside.

• Avoid certain meals: Certain foods can worsen your symptoms or cause seasonal allergies to flare up. Avoiding foods known to be common allergens, such as nuts, and shellfish, is a smart idea if you are prone to seasonal allergies.

• Keep Windows Closed: Keeping windows closed in your home and car can help stop pollen and other allergens from entering your space.

Managing Allergy Symptoms

Managing a seasonal allergy is based on the symptoms that you have. Treat only the affected body part. Let’s learn to manage each allergy woe in detail:

• Sneezing:

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine can help reduce sneezing. Saline nasal drops can also moisturize the nostrils preventing a sneeze.

• Runny nose:

Saline nasal sprays or washes come in handy. Over-the-counter antihistamine sprays such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, which can control nasal fluids.

• Stuffy nose:

Use a humidifier to keep the air moist in your room, which can help reduce nasal irritation. You can also use OTC decongestants or nasal corticosteroid sprays such as fluticasone to help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.

• Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis:

Artificial tears or other eyewash drops may help calm itchy eyes. Eye drops with antihistamines cause the blood vessels of the eyes to constrict and are frequently helpful. If symptoms are extremely severe, corticosteroid eye drops may be used; these are available with a prescription.

• Throat irritation or seasonal cough:

Warm saline gargles are the best solution to this itch in the throat. Dextromethorphan or other OTC cough suppressants might be helpful. Consuming warm drinks like herbal teas or chicken soup can ease your throat.

• Skin rashes:

Antihistamine lotions and odour-free, paraben-free moisturizers help reduce skin irritation. Anti-histamine tablets can also be taken to reduce symptoms faster. Sunscreen lotions should be a vital part of your skincare regimen to reduce skin irritation.

• Fatigue and lethargy:

Try getting adequate rest and staying hydrated to manage your weariness. Antihistamines can also be used to treat symptoms and enhance sleep.

When to Call a Doctor

See a doctor if your cough and throat irritation cause you to wheeze and feel out of breath, if your eyes look bloodshot, or if you have skin rashes that are angry-red and sore. Your doctor might advise allergy injections if the symptoms are severe. This is a type of immunotherapy that can desensitize the immune system and prepare you for the pollen season. People stay in the doctor's office for at least 30 minutes following the first immunization injection because even small quantities can trigger serious allergic reactions. They can take subsequent dosages at home if they don't react to the initial one.

Conclusion

Some of us have come to terms with living with allergies. Avoiding the triggers is the best seasonal allergies treatment. Natural remedies for seasonal allergies can control the symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and make them less dependent on medications. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to talk to your doctor about other treatment options.