The arrival of spring in late March usually brings warmer temperatures, opportunities for outdoor activity, and beloved holidays like Easter. But spring isn’t just full of bright colors and sunshine for everyone. For more than 50 million Americans, the arrival of spring also signifies the arrival of dreaded seasonal allergies. Like other types of allergies, seasonal allergies are triggered when the body’s immune system reacts unfavorably to changes in environment and temperature. Also known as hay fever, spring allergies usually occur in the spring months of March, April, and May, and are characterized by a reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and dust mines. In the following 4-minute article, we outline 10 easy ways to prevent and mitigate seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies often develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to environmental changes. Most seasonal allergies flare up the most during spring because it is the time of year when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air. This pollen triggers the immune systems of those with allergies, causing them to treat the pollen as invaders. Once the pollen is identified as a foreign substance, the immune system releases chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream. It is the release of these chemicals which causes seasonal allergic reactions.
Allergy season is believed to be in autumn/fall. In the late summer and fall, common weeds and plants release pollen which can trigger allergies.
Seasonal allergies occur around the same time of the year and usually last for 2-3 weeks, although they may last for much longer for certain individuals.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, seasonal allergies do not produce fevers. If you are experiencing a fever during allergy season, it is very likely not the result of seasonal allergies.
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to refrain from interacting with the substance which triggers the reaction in the first place. Unfortunately, there aren’t any long term, permanent treatments for those with seasonal allergies, short of staying inside for three months straight. However, there are a number of ways through which one can decrease the frequency and severity of their allergic reactions. These include improving your diet, wearing a mask, and taking probiotic supplements and prescription medications. The following ten suggestions have been shown to mitigate and potentially prevent those pesky seasonal allergies from flaring up.
Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet has been shown to boost the immune system by supplying it with antioxidants and vitamins. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help ward off disease and lessen allergic reactions. A well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy carbs helps the body function as intended and efficiently fight off disease.
From maximizing physical and mental performance, to improving skin and organ health, drinking more water comes with a myriad of health benefits. Water and other healthy beverages can also thin mucus in the nasal passage and clear up the sinuses. Looking to drink more water and improve your health? Here are our top 12 tips for staying hydrated.
Probiotics are live microorganisms administered with the intention of improving health. Multiple studies have demonstrated the viability of probiotics in curbing symptoms of seasonal allergies. A recent study conducted by the University of Florida showed that consistently taking probiotics can effectively reduce seasonal allergies. Participants who took the administered probiotic reported improvements in quality of life, including significantly fewer allergy symptoms during allergy season.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to help prevent disease and significantly boost the immune system. When taken during allergy season, vitamin C can slow down reactions to environmental triggers like pollen by inhibiting the body’s histamine production.
Seasonal allergies are most likely to flare up when the air contains a pollen count of over 90. In general, when the pollen count is high, those suffering from hay fever will most likely experience symptoms when outdoors or exposed to outdoor air. Closing windows in your house can help keep pollen-laden air from entering your rooms and immune system.
When you go outside during allergy season, pollen can fall onto your close, hands, and face. It then enters your immune system when you touch your face and mouth. Most experts advise that you remove your outer layers and shoes upon entering your home. Once inside, wash your hands, face, and hair to remove pollen from your body.
Donning a disposable or reusable mask over your nose and mouth can effectively prevent pollen from entering your immune system. Basic masks available at drugstores and supermarkets have been shown to prevent as much as 95% of foreign substances from entering the mouth and nose.
Many allergens enter your home after they attach to a person or animal. They can then stick to common surfaces such as tables, chairs, sofas and beds. Vacuuming and dusting your home weekly can help you catch allergens before they reach your nose and mouth. It is important to make sure your vacuum is equipped with a high duty HEPA filter as some allergens are too small to be caught by a regular filter.
Sinus rinsing can remove pollen, dust, and other common causes of allergic reaction. During allergy season, many people also find that their nostrils get clogged with thick mucus. Running cold water through your nostrils can relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu.
There are several kinds of medications, both prescription and over the counter, available to help ease irritating symptoms of seasonal allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids are the three most popular types of medication used to alleviate allergic reactions. For more severe reactions, your healthcare professional may suggest immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots and pills.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever and allergic rhinitis, can make spring a difficult season for as many as 50 million Americans every year. Most seasonal allergies are triggered by an increase in pollen in the air.
There are a number of ways through which one can decrease the frequency and severity of their allergic reactions. These include vitamin C and probiotic supplements, wearing a mask, washing up, and vacuuming and dusting more frequently.
