As soon as the days start to get warmer after the end of winter, flowers begin to bloom and allergens start to spread rapidly. If you are someone who suffers from moderate seasonal allergies, you may notice that during the spring, you experience sinus congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and plugged ears. Seasonal allergies, also referred to as hay fever, happens when pollen allergens enter into your body. If you are allergic, you may start to experience sneezing and runny nose as your body works to clear the allergens. A more moderate reaction by the immune system will begin to produce histamine to counteract the allergen which causes inflammation.
A severe reaction may have you asking when to go to an emergency room. If you are experiencing chest tightness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the tongue or lips, these are severe symptoms which require medical attention and a sudden onset of any of these symptoms are when to go to an emergency room for immediate treatment.
Although mild to moderate seasonal allergies can be frustrating and uncomfortable, they usually can be dealt with and treated at home. Here are some tips on how to deal with allergy symptoms this spring.
- Over the counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines help to fight histamine that your body produces during an allergic reaction and also reduces inflammation. Decongestants can help to clear your airways and reduce sinus congestion. Eye drops are also useful when it comes to dry, itchy eyes.
- Limit time outdoors on dry, windy days. These weather conditions are the worst for pollen distribution and can cause severe allergy symptoms if outside for extended periods of time.
- Check the internet for local pollen counts to know when days will be especially bad for allergies during the week. You can check on arinow.gov or pollen.com. If you know which days will be troubling for your allergies, you can avoid going outside as much as possible or prepare accordingly with medication.
- Take small measures indoors to reduce your reactions while inside. As soon as you get inside, change your clothes and take a shower if possible. Close all doors and windows to keep pollen out of the house. You can also turn on the air conditioning to filter the air inside, or use a portable air filter. Try using an oil diffuser with eucalyptus or lavender oil. Eucalyptus is a natural expectorant and lavender oil acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
Although seasonal allergies can be annoying and uncomfortable, using any of the tips and tricks above will help to effectively deal with allergy symptoms and make your days during spring more enjoyable. If you experince severe problem, consult an expert for allergy treatment columbus GA.