OPINION: Spring Allergies
JOBURG - Spring does not mean allergy sufferers should hide themselves indoors. Being aware of your environment, taking necessary precautions when outside and making sure you have medical treatment on hand will help make your spring days a little easier.
Spring tends to be a miserable time of the year for allergy sufferers.
As winter ends and blossoms appear, asthma, hay-fever, allergic conjunctivitis and even eczema begin to flare up. Allergies are particularly severe in spring due to the increased amount of pollen in the air.
Some of the symptoms of spring allergies include sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and watery, red or itchy eyes, headaches and coughing.
Since pollen grains are airborne, they are easily inhaled, and could also possibly land in the eyes. Unfortunately it is impossible to fully protect yourself against exposure to pollen. However, there are a few things that you can do to minimise exposure.
Mid-morning is when pollen levels in the air are at their highest. During this time make sure you stay away from densely planted areas. Also stay clear during hot humid weather, especially after thunderstorms. Staying indoors on windy days, keeping the car and bedroom windows closed, recycling car air whilst driving, and having a filter in your air-conditioning system will also help.
If you are going to work in the garden, you could wear a dust mask or wet handkerchief over your mouth and nose. Avoid hanging washing outdoors on windy days and refrain from keeping flowers indoors.
If you do experience symptoms associated with spring allergies, there is medical treatment available for relief.
Antihistamines and decongestants are the best treatments for spring allergy symptoms, but they will not cure your allergies. Antihistamines target a chemical called histamine, which your body makes when you have an allergic reaction.
Antihistamines are available in pill form and are useful for relieving sneezing and an itchy and runny nose. Topical corticosteroids in the form of a nasal spray are the most effective maintenance therapy for intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis. These should be started 2 weeks before the onset of the season and continued until it is over.
Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to anti-allergy eye drops but if the redness or irritation persists beyond 48 hours, it is best to seek medical attention.
Content provided by Northcliff-based NHC Health Centre.
