Allergies Under Control

As spring begins, trees start to bloom and grass starts to grow; and more than 9 million Canadians will have allergies that begin to flare up. Some of the most common allergens, particularly pollen from grass, trees, and weeds, are prevalent in the spring and summer. divine.ca has the lowdown on springtime allergies, as well as tips on how to keep your symptoms under control.

What causes allergies?
Some people have a genetic predisposition to certain allergies, but one’s environment plays a role, as well. While many are diagnosed with an allergy at an early age, some may not react to an allergen until adulthood!

In the spring, pollen is released from trees, grass and weeds, and the tiny airborne particles make their way into your nose. Hay fever is another term for your body’s response to seasonal allergens in the air.

The most common allergy symptoms include watery and itchy eyes, runny and itchy nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, hives, dark circles under the eyes, cough, headache, sore throat, ear fullness and popping, and pressure in the nose and cheeks.

How can you control your symptoms?

•    Avoid being outdoors between 5 am and 10 am, as pollen levels are at their highest in the morning;

•    Avoid being outdoors on dry, windy days;

•    When staying indoors, ensure all windows and doors are shut;

•    If you must do outdoor work (like gardening or mowing your lawn), be sure to wear a protective mask;

•    Always vacuum your home, and invest in a good air purifier to keep your indoor air clean;

•    At night, be sure to shower, so that you wash off all pollen and allergens that may have gotten onto your hair and skin. And toss that day’s outfit in the hamper, as pollen sticks to clothes, as well.

Allergy treatments
Antihistamines and decongestants are common methods of treating allergy symptoms. The former helps stop itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose that are caused by histamine, a chemical released by your body. The latter reduces nasal congestion by minimizing the swelling of the mucus membrane inside your nasal passages.

Allergen immunotherapy is a more long-term treatment to allergies. These shots of allergens, injected weekly in higher increments over a span of a few months, allow you to gradually reach immunity. Immunization shots are ideal for people with asthma and year-long allergies, and not those with seasonal allergies; do talk with your doctor, however, to find out if allergen immunotherapy is best for you.