Your Guide in Thriving Allergy Season

Allergies are very common and are often misunderstood health issues which affect millions of people worldwide on a daily basis. Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances called allergens. Common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions include pollen, pet dander, and bee venom.

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People also have allergies to certain foods and medications. Certain allergies can strike at any time of year. Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, occur at times of the year when certain types of outdoor allergens are predominant.

Common Allergens

• Pollen: the pollen particles from the tree, grasses, and weeds can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also known as hay fever.
• Dust mites: they are the tiny organisms which cause allergic reactions in pet owners.
• Pet dander: these are the proteins found in the pet skin flakes, urine, and saliva which can lead to allergic reaction in the pet owners.
• Food: this one of the most common allergies as many of the people are allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
• Insect stings: getting allergic to bee stings and other insect bites can be very serious as they can be life- threatening in many cases.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergy

Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergens.

Allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hay fever), for instance, is associated with the following symptoms :

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
• Tearing eyes

An Allergic Food Reaction may share some of the above symptoms, but it can also cause :

• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Hives, eczema, or itchy skin
• Anaphylaxis, in which a narrowing of the airways makes it difficult or even impossible to breathe.

A Skin Allergy or Insect Bite can cause the following symptoms :

• Redness
• Swelling
• Hives
• Pain
• Itching

The symptoms of a Drug Allergy may include :

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Light-headedness
• Vomiting
• Swelling of the face or throat

Causes and Risk Factors of Allergy

Finding out the exact cause of getting allergies is very complex and can involve both surrounding factors and also genetic factors. There are many common factors which and be the reason of you getting affected by the allergies like:-

• Genetics: If one of the parents or both of them have allergies then it is more likely that you also suffer with the same and get hold of it in your childhood itself. 
• Environmental Exposure: If you are exposed to allergens or some type of environmental pollution that in that case the risk of you developing the allergies get very high, Because on a daily basis or for a long time you are in contact with those allergens.
• Immune system Imbalance: A dysregulated immune system can also be one of the reasons which can make you more prone in reacting towards harmless substances as if they are harmful invaders.

You are at higher risk of developing these Allergies if you :

• Have asthma
• Are younger than 18 
• Children sometimes outgrow allergies as they get older. It’s also not uncommon for allergies to go away and then return years later.You may also have more than one allergy. Children with food allergies, for instance, are as much as four times more likely to have other allergic conditions, including asthma, than those without food allergies.

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal Allergies are most often triggered by outdoor molds and pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, such as ragweed. The allergic reaction occurs mostly during the time when the plant pollinates and are in the process of reproducing

Allergy triggers may vary depending on geographic location and climate, but moving out from that place to avoid those seasonal allergies generally doesn’t help. As Pollen and mold spores travel great distances, and people with allergies often tend to develop sensitivity to other allergens that are more prominent in that particular location.

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Environmental factors, such as pollution and climate change associated with rising temperatures, may be contributing to a rise in allergies. Changes in the duration and intensity of pollen and mold seasons mean more people are exposed to allergens for longer amounts of time. 

How to manage these Allergies?

Though there is no cure for allergies as such, we can adopt some strategies which can help the individuals in managing their symptoms in an effective manner.

Here are some suggestions by which you can manage Allergy:

• Avoidance- The most common and easy approach which we can adopt is by avoiding allergens. For example if you have a pollen allergy, then try staying indoors during high pollen days and also keep your windows and doors shut. You can also use a mask to cover up your nose and mouth while going out so that it doesn’t affect you much. if you are someone who is allergic to some food items then avoid taking them in your diet and also read the ingredient list on the back of the products that you buy so that you don’t get affected by it later on.

• Medication- If your allergies are severe enough to significantly interfere with your quality of life, it’s a good idea to see a doctor in order to identify what you’re allergic to and gain access to the full range of prescription options.If your allergies are less severe or merely annoying, you may be able to find an effective over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. A pharmacist may be able to help you choose the best option based on your symptoms. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) which can be recommended to you if you are dealing with severe allergies.

• Allergen-specific measures-  Using allergen-proof covers and mattresses can reduce the exposure to dust mites. These covers make a barrier which prevents any allergen from infiltrating your bedding, and significantly reduces the contact with allergens during a good night’s sleep. Also keep in mind that regular cleaning and dehumidifying can also help in controlling mold allergies. Make sure that there are no damp clothes or walls which are exposed to the environment for too long, as dust and mold tend to accumulate in your home particularly in these areas.

• Vacuum your home regularly with a HEPA filter to trap all the tiny little particles which are freely moving all over your place.
• Maintain proper ventilation so that the humidity level in the house is low, which will discourage the growth of mold.
• Fix the water leaks which are damaging the walls of your house or the whole property.
• Make sure that you wear dry clothes and not the wet ones. And also try to try on your clothes and bedsheets and pillow every now and then under the sun.

• Emergency plan- For people who are dealing with severe cases of allergies having an emergency plan is very important and crucial. Anaphylaxis is a very severe case of allergic reaction which can also be life threatening. It is commonly triggered due to insect bites, bee stings, certain foods, and medication.

• Consult an allergist- If you are feeling that these allergies are continuously interfering with your daily life and routine then it is very much advisable to get checked with the doctor. He will be able to provide you with better guidance and understanding of your allergies. He can give you a personalized treatment plan which can provide you with relief and better life.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, allergies are a common health concern that can significantly affect your daily life. However, by implementing allergen-specific measures, being prepared for emergencies, and seeking guidance from allergists, you can effectively manage your allergies and lead a fulfilling and healthy life.

It’s important to remember that allergies vary from person to person, and what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. Stay informed about the specific allergens that affect you, take necessary precautions, and collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to create a personalized allergy management plan. With the right strategies in place, you can reduce the impact of allergies and enjoy a better quality of life.

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