As the climate changes to Spring, many people are looking to take advantage of the lovely weather and engage in numerous outdoor activities. However, some of this beautiful weather comes at a cost for others. Many experts believe Spring, especially this year's Spring, brings a wide range of allergies when compared to the past years.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology accounts that more than 40 million Americans suffer from a wide range of allergies every year, with Spring accounting for the highest reported case. This article explains the rising spring allergies in the United States and how to tackle them effectively.
Factors that determine Spring Allergies in the US
Spring is the season that favors plant germination as trees, grass, weed, and flowers spread their pollen for cross-germination. As air, water, and other agents spread this pollen to the targeted location, they can get into your body and cause an allergy. Compared to other years, this year's allergy persists due to global warming and greenhouse emissions. The incessant expulsion of Carbon monoxide into the environment and warm temperature causes plants to produce more pollen grains.
The severity of spring allergies differs from year to year and depends on several factors:
Presence and absence of vegetation: The presence of vegetation around your environment can determine the severity. Hence, the presence of more vegetation – the higher the pollen count – the more severe the allergies.
Location: Some states in the United States have prevalent allergies compared to others. This is due to their climate and topography. States like Utah, Nevada, and Arizona suffer more from allergies.
Weather: People that live in places that are dry and windy will have worse allergies as the environment favors the swift travel of pollen. Humid places tend to suffer less rain and can stop the travel of pollen by air.
Expectations, Symptoms, and Treatments
Seasonal allergies or hay fever happens when the immune system reacts negatively to the presence of pollen, mold spores, or dust in the body. The following reactions are some symptoms of seasonal allergies one may experience:
- Runny nose
- Itchy throat, eyes, ears, and nose
- Difficulty in breathing
- Constant sneezing
- Feeling sick
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Swollen mucous membrane
- Increased asthmatic symptoms
Preventing, Treating, and Managing allergies
If you experience one or more of the above-listed symptoms, it is a tell-tale you might be suffering from seasonal allergies. Luckily, there are Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that can help relieve your allergy symptoms. They include Antihistamines and decongestants.
Preventing and managing seasonal allergies
Here are common ways to prevent seasonal allergies in your home:
Reduce your outdoor activities: Pollen grains are transported outside of your home, especially in the morning, evening, or after a windy day. Staying indoors prevents you from inhaling them, preventing your allergies from worsening.
Invest in air purifiers if you use air conditioners or any HVAC system: Air conditioners are common household appliances that supply cold air. These appliances trap dirt in the atmosphere and blow them back to you. To prevent this, invest in air purifiers that entrap these air contaminants, ensuring you enjoy fresh, cool air.
Wash your hands and face regularly to get rid of pollen: Minute particles of pollen still find their way to your skin, especially your hands. Regardless of their size, they are still strong enough to cause an allergy. Ensure you practice regular hand and fash washing to get rid of them.
Avoid spreading your clothes outside: Air drying is a recommended way to dry out your clothes. Avoid air drying for a while as they can collect pollen grains that can cause allergies.
Allergic symptoms can range from mild to severe. If your symptoms are severe and seem life-threatening, that is, they impede your way of living, you should visit a medical practitioner immediately for more evaluation and administered treatment. The treatment provided by an urgent health care center can range from OTC medications, prescribed medications, or allergy injections.
