Jeff Flowers on March 17, 2016 0 Comments Changes in season often bring upon seasonal allergies. Although people tend to most readily associate the chilly winter weather with illness, each season in fact has something to watch out for, and springtime is no exception. Although you may be looking forward to the increase in sunshine and the bright colors of spring flowers, keep in mind that while the countryside is blooming around you, you might also become more susceptible to allergic reactions. Springtime allergies are often mild, yet they can nevertheless be quite irritating. Fortunately, by staying informed, linking triggers to symptoms, and taking appropriate preventive measures, you can minimize your chances of suffering from these annoying bouts of sneezing and sniffling. 1. Be Informed What Are Allergies? What Am I Allergic to? Allergies are hypersensitivities to certain substances that are otherwise harmless. For reasons unknown, the body treats these substances as hazardous invaders and mounts an immune reaction against them. Some people have severe allergic reactions to certain food products that could result in their death, while other people only have mild reactions to certain pollen’s in the air. Some people have no known allergies, although it is typical for people to experience some sort of mild pollen-related allergy during springtime. It is important to know the common allergens in your area and to ascertain which ones are causing you issues. Keep a journal of when you have symptoms and where you are when they appear or worsen. This will help you pinpoint your triggers. 2. Avoid Triggers Tree Pollen Season Spring is primarily associated with allergies triggered by pollen and mold spores. In fact, tree pollen is the biggest culprit as the weather warms up. During the springtime, trees release abundant amounts of pollen, which is carried along by the wind and dispersed far and wide. These pollen grains tend to trigger allergic reactions in humans. There are eleven tree types that have been shown to cause the allergic reaction known as “hay fever” during the spring. They are: Maple Oak Poplar Western Red Cedar Hickory Walnut Birch Sycamore Elm Cypress Walnut If you live near any of these types of trees and you tend to experience itchiness around your ears, eyes and nose during the spring, then you probably have an allergy to a particular kind of tree pollen. Your symptoms will most likely be aggravated when the wind is blowing and mitigated when it’s rainy or cloudy outside. It’s Springtime for Mold, Too Mold, another allergen associated with springtime, is actually a problem year-round. However, the rainy conditions juxtaposed with warmer weather during the spring often leads to an increase in mold growth, making mold-related allergies more common. Mold releases spores – a type of seed – in a way that is similar to trees releasing pollen. The mold spores are then scattered all over by the wind. Mold can be a problem both inside the house and outdoors. As with tree pollen, mold-related allergies will be most severe when there is a breeze blowing outdoors. 3. Avoid Tracking in Allergens The great thing about allergies is that once you know what causes them, you’ve made one giant step towards getting rid of them. Knowledge is power, and that goes for knowledge about allergies as well. Your mysterious runny nose and itchy eyes do have a specific cause, after all! Now you can start to do something about it. Here are some steps to take in order to feel your best throughout the spring season: Keep Your Windows Closed: Now that spring is bringing upon beautiful weather, you may be tempted to open your windows and let the cool breeze in. While this may feel nice, you may be inadvertently allowing pollen to flow into your home. Instead, it may be best to use an air conditioner, such as a portable unit or window unit, to bring the temperature down to comfortable levels. Take Off Your Shoes & Coat In The Entryway: Your outerwear and shoes could have significant amounts of pollen on them, so it’s best to avoid bringing them into the main living spaces of your home. If you take these items off once you walk in the door, you minimize the potential spread of these allergens. Examine Your Home Thoroughly For Mold: Mold can crop up in the most difficult-to-find spots, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant to ensure that an overgrowth of these nasty particles does not cause you an allergic reaction. If you suspect you have mold, then it would be wise to consult with a professional and have it removed immediately. 4. Use a HEPA Air Purifier Inside Your Home A true HEPA air purifier is a great way to remove allergens from the air in your living spaces. It’s practically impossible to avoid letting in a single pollen particle, but if you have an air purifier at the ready, these tiny intruders will be less likely to cause you any grief. Spring should be a time for new beginnings, not a time of suffering. Find relief from your allergies by taking these easy steps toward prevention. Once you get your allergies under control, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the beauty of the sunny landscape and those pollen-producing trees!
